the gadsden - Bishop Gadsden
Transcription
the gadsden - Bishop Gadsden
THE GADSDEN April 2009 GAB Volume 231 President’s Message 2 Birthdays/Community News 4 Activities & Festivities The Chaplain’s Corner 6-7 11 2009 Piccolo Spoleto at Bishop Gadsden Barbara Tuck Our beautiful chapel will be the venue for three Piccolo Spoleto events, and Palm Court will be the backdrop for another. Charlestonians for the most part, the performers are active in churches & choirs here in the Holy City, three play with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, one sings for the CSO and another teaches at C of C. What they all have in common is a great deal of talent. Bob Gant & Friends will be here Tues, May th 26 at 4 pm in the Chapel, will include solo organ pieces by Robert Gant, a solo cello piece by Damien Kremer, a solo by tenor Walter Boyce & ensemble pieces by sopranos Janet Talley, Suzanne Fleming-Atwood & Don’t Loretta Haskell. Both core Forget members of the CSO, Damien and his wife, violinist Asako ASPCA Day Kremer, will accompany the April 10th sopranos. Max Reger, Johann Sebastian Bach, Benjamin Britten, Sergei Rachmaninoff & Faure are on the program. Easter Robert Gant has a docApril 12th torate in organ performance from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. A church Earth Day musician here, Gant recently April 22nd played a recital at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. A native of Tokyo, Asako Kremer received a Master's degree from the Mannes College of Music in NYC. Damien Kremerwas previously a member of the Symphony of Lisbon, Portugal. The couple plays in Tokyo every summer. Soprano Janet Talley has a degree in piano from Indiana U. She sings in the choir at First Baptist Church on Church St. Suzanne Fleming-Atwood is an Adjunct Professor of Voice at C of C. She performs with the CSO and Chamber Music Charleston and also sings at Stella Maris Church on Sullivan's Island. Loretta Haskell teaches children at her voice studio and is chapel organist at Franke at Seaside. Tenor Walter Boyce, now retired in NC, taught voice at Tufts University, the Longy School of Music and Boston Conservatory. From 2:00 to 5:00 pm on Saturday, May 30th, Palm Court will be filled with the sound of the five-piece YeeHaw Junction Bluegrass Band. Since their first gig ten years ago, this band has played throughout the Lowcountry and around the globe. Husband and wife team Jeff and Kristen Meierer play the mandolin and stand-up acoustic bass for YeeHaw Junction. Raised in Charleston, Jeff did solo gigs on guitar and harmonica until he met Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass music. Ever since, he’s been playing the mandolin. Kristen played the guitar when she met Jeff at Clemson and married him. With their wedding money, Kristen bought her first upright Continued on Pg. 5 View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf President’s Message Bill Trawick Over the past several weeks we have had a series of marketing events which we have called ―Lunch & Learn.‖ It has been so long since I have been involved in this type of activity that I had forgotten just how much fun it can be. It was like being with long-time friends, most of whom are on our ―Futures List‖ and some who have been involved and supportive of us for many years. In addition, I always enjoy an opportunity to tell the ―Bishop Gadsden Story.‖ It was with pride that we were able to show them some of the great things that are happening here and our beautiful new look. As we spoke about our life and why choosing Bishop Gadsden is such a good decision, even those of us who are so close to the subject felt reaffirmed in the quality of the plan we have to offer. In addition to the beauty of our living environment and the quality of our amenities and services, I asked the attendees to remember three main advantages that BG offers its residents. First, is our not-for-profit tax-exempt status which results from our mission-based religious affiliation. Although Bishop Gadsden is affiliated with the Episcopal Church, I genuinely believe that a community which is affiliated with any religious denomination aspires to a higher calling of ethics and service than one that is not. The taxexempt status translates into direct benefits to residents in more funds available for a higher quality of programs and services. In addition, as you walk around Bishop Gadsden, it becomes evident that this community would not be what it is today without the gifts of many generous donors who have been willing to share to make this community better for us all. Second is our accreditation. We have voluntarily laid open every aspect of this community’s finances & operations to third parties to assure ourselves, our current residents and perspective residents that we are fiscally sound and following best practices in the industry. For a second time, the accreditation commission granted Bishop Gadsden the highest accreditation it awards. Of the more than 1800 retirement communities registered in the country, Bishop Gadsden is one of only 350 that is accredited— confirming that we are the ―best of the best.‖ Last and probably most important, is the ―life care benefit.‖ All residents of Bishop Gadsden have the security of knowing that, should they ever need it, they have access to the highest quality long-term health care right here on campus. Those who have qualified for the ―life care benefit‖ also have an insurance policy which protects them from the spiraling, and often catastrophic, costs associated with such care—something no other community in our area offers. Residents here have a secure plan for their future. As we came away from these ―Lunch and Learn‖ events, we were all more convinced than ever that Bishop Gadsden has always been a great choice, but even more so in these uncertain times—and what a blessing it is to truly believe in what we do. Suite Opportunity! In August, Bishop Gadsden will have a much-needed new guest suite. The space will be in addition to the already much-utilized Campbell Suite. Along with the construction of the new suite, the Campbell Suite will be updated and refurbished, reflecting the beautiful changes to our interiors. Many of you may know that the Campbell Suite was named in memory of Frank and Mary Campbell by their daughter, BG Resident Tish Sansbury. Now, as Bishop Gadsden adds a second suite, there is an opportunity for you to honor an individual or individuals who have been special in your life. If this is something you would like to discuss further, please contact Kimberly Farfone at 843.406.6334 or Kimberly.farfone@bishopgadsden.org. Your gift can be in your name, or in honor or memory of a loved one, and will always be referred to by such name. I would say that is pretty “suite!” By Kimberly Farfone, Director of Development & Public Relations 2 View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf By Nancy Wise Recently, Curtis and I returned from a 21 day trip to South America and Antarctica where Curtis got a chance to record and photograph everything we saw. Having previously been to the Arctic Circle, he described the trip by saying it was as far south as the ship could go. See photos at ( http://web.me.com/wisewc ). The ship offered daily lectures on the history, flora and fauna of the area and also discussions with the University of Wisconsin Department of Geology, which operates a research station in Antarctica. The lectures were wonderfully informational, but when a woman rose to her feet to ask if ―there would be shopping opportunities,‖ it was clear that the information must have sailed right over the heads of some of the passengers. Ice Pilots safely steered the big ship close to glaciers, icebergs and ice floes, one of which was as big as Connecticut. This particular trip went further south than any other large ship has been able to go, taking two full days to sail from Cape Horn to Antarctica. Curtis saw and photographed several varieties of penguins—from truly huge Emperor penguins to the smallest Adelie penguins. At one point, he went ashore to photograph colonies of Rock Hopper penguins at work and play. Rock Hoppers build their nests totally out of rocks, arguing over whose rock belongs to whom. At one point, a young female Rock Hopper mistook Curtis for a male penguin and presented him with a nice smooth stone for his nest. That was equal to asking him out for a date. He thanked her profusely and then set the rock down where it was instantly snatched by another penguin. Sometimes things just don’t It’s a Small World After All… Young Rock Hopper who mistook Curtis for a male penguin. Taki Andriadis Consider this: Four girls meet and form a High School, they all went in different direcclose-knit group at Memminger Girls High School. tions: Angie and MaryAnn followed nursing caThey spend four years together, graduate and, reers and later got married and so did Caroline after getting married and raising their families, and Lillian. They now have a total of 11 children meet at BG after almost half a century. (five boys and six girls). We are referring to the How do they like living picture to the right of Angie Zerat Bishop Gadsden? They love vos, Lillian McGougan, Maryit! They still have their old close Ann Chitwood and Caroline -knit group and stick together as Meyer (not pictured). To this much as their life permits. They strange coincidence, we should also have families in Charleston add that their Home Economics with whom they keep close teacher from Memminger High contact. Now, isn’t this another School, Elise Scarborough, is also story of how small the world of a resident of BG. Bishop Gadsden is! After graduating from View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf 3 From the Finance Office April Birthdays! Susan Legare Hattie Goodbody 1 Marjorie Whitener 2 Marcelle Furchgott 5 Thomas Lockhart 5 Frankie Emerson 6 Elizabeth Hostutler 11 Tish Sansbury 12 Jim Finne 15 John Mettler 16 Leslie Jervey 18 Joseph Richardson 19 Peg Master 19 Edwin Mueller 20 Martha Roberts John Bretherton Floyd Finch Nancy Cobb Nelloise Disney Polly Martschink Fred Kelsey Elise Scarborough CoraLee DuPont John Ball Bud Klauser Richard Robinson Sheila Christie 27 Caroline Danowitz 28 Ralph Taggart 30 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 25 25 26 26 26 elcome Myers Hall Debby Coleman 1029 Read Cloister Russ Runals 108 Arcadia Close Sue Howard 12 Henry Wolfe 6 4 795-4972 406-6412 406-2422 So, what went wrong and how did it happen? Was everyone asleep at the switch? These questions, and many others, were addressed at an investment conference that a group of us attended in Florida at the beginning of March. The conference, or forum, was hosted by Commonfund, an investment advisory firm which manages funds solely for nonprofit organizations. Here are some of the ideas, floated at the conference, on the causes for the spiraling financial markets. First, there is no one, right answer for what went wrong. As one panelist said, ―It was the Perfect Storm—a global credit crisis resulted in the inability to access credit which led to lower liquidity.‖ Alan Greenspan’s goal was to avoid the inflationary period experienced by Japan in the 1990’s (and one from which it is just now recovering). However, he overestimated the ability of the investment firms to regulate themselves and underestimated the potential downside of nonregulation of derivatives (financial instruments whose value is derived from the value of something else). Another problem was that of transparency, or lack of it. Not many people really understood what derivatives were, much less the risks inherent in them when used as hedges. The situation went on for years, as exemplified by Bernie Madoff. Ultimately greed turned to fear, and panic set in with consumer confidence at an all-time low. How does trust return? It returns when transparency is instituted, and measurable, verifiable information is communicated clearly and timely. These days, the United States’ economy is like a patient in the emergency room. First, stabilizing the patient is the top priority. Secondly, doctors don’t want to rush too quickly for answers—they need to study the causes of the economic malaise and decide on the treatment. And lastly, we know it’s short-term! View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf Cover story continued from Page 1 bass! David Brown plays fiddle and sings bariUnited Church. tone vocals for the band. He also plays piano, Soprano Sophia Christina Zimmerman is a trumpet, guitar, classical violin, and he enjoys graduate of Colorado State University and The singing in his church choir. Born in Asheville, NC, Hartt Conservatory of Music. She was a five-year he now lives in Alvin, SC. member of the Light Opera Company of SalisShayne Floyd plays guitar & sings lead bury, CT. She’s currently a staff vocalist at The vocals. He also travels around the country with Church of the Holy Cross. non-profits on technology projects. Born in Our last Piccolo event of this season, on Florence, SC, Shayne now lives on Wednesday, June 3rd at 5:00 in our James Island. Playing banjo for the Chapel, will pair principal cellist for band is Col. George Del Porto who is the CSO Louise Dubin with our also a practicing physician. friend and award-winning pianist A program of ethnic-inspired Andrew Armstrong. The two will chamber music, composed by Susan perform works by Brahms, Bruch, Conant and performed by Susan & Saint-Saens, Bach and others. Friends, will be ours to enjoy on SunNow in her second season as day, May 31st at 4:00 pm. A classical Principal Cellist for the CSO, Louise and traditional flute player, Susan will Dubin earned a degree in English play C flute, alto flute, Irish whistle from Columbia College while studyand Native American flute. Susan coming the cello at Juilliard with Aldo bines ethnic melodies with classical Parisot. She went on to study cello and jazz harmony. Joining her will Louise Dubin, in her with Janos Starker at Indiana Univerbe pianist Lin Raymond and soprano second year as principal sity where she received the Eva Jancellist of the Charles- zer scholarship and is a candidate for Sophia Zimmerman. The program will include SC ton Symphony Orches- a doctoral degree. premiers for Susan’s compositions: tra, will join brilliant Previously, Louise played cello ―The Tide‖ for voice, C flute, alto flute pianist Andrew Arm- for the NJ & Baltimore Symphonies & piano, based on the poetry of Long- strong on Wednesday & String Orchestra of NYC. She was fellow & Sandburg; ―Fantasy for Flute Principal Cellist of the Auckland PhilJune 3rd at 5:00 PM. and Piano‖ written in an impressionharmonia, NZ, & guest co-principal istic style and ―Suite for Flute Alone.‖ cellist of the Swedish Chamber Orchestra. As a child, Susan was influenced by her Pianist Andrew Armstrong needs no intrograndmother, Lily Conant, a long-time steward duction at Bishop Gadsden where he’s been so of Pinewoods folk-dance-and-music camp in Plygenerous in sharing his talent. Andrew has permouth, MA. Susan’s summers were spent learnformed solo recitals and played with orchestras ing traditional dance and music from the British in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the US, inIsles and North America. She followed up with cluding performances at Alice Tully Hall, Carnestudy in flute performance with Claude Monteux gie Hall, the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conserat the New England Conservatory. Susan revatory, the Kennedy Center and Warsaw's Nacently relocated to Charleston from the Chicago tional Philharmonic. In chamber music, Andrew area where she performed with and directed has performed with Itzhak Perlman and others. classical and folk chamber ensembles. The recipient of more than 25 national and inA soloist and accompanist, Lin Raymond ternational First Prizes, Andrew is devoted to is Music Director at the Unitarian Church in outreach programs and donates a part of his Charleston. He is a winner of the National Barconcert schedule to playing for children. tok-Kabalevsky Competition. While Lin lived in We hope you’ll come to enjoy the exSanta Fe, he was pianist and organist for the St. traordinary talent of these artists. Francis Cathedral and Music Director for the View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf 5 Activities & Festivities: What’s happening around campus! Katie Jayne, Cynthia Marterre, Christy Smith & Kay Jenkins Carol and Joan Hazzard enjoying “Out to Lunch Bunch” at Boulevard Diner Everyone enjoyed a wonderful concert by Nick Niles, (Right). Hattie Goodbody’s son-in-law, in the Chapel. Pictured: Taki Andriadis, Charlie Luce, and Suzanne Mersereau (L), Jean Heistand & Nick Niles (R). Welcome Spring Social - March 21, 2009 1)Ann Zlatoper, Cynthia & Dottie Ewald 2) Betty Parker & daughter Beth Dixon 3) Marjorie Peale Elsie Meyer and Sue Gough (L) enjoy smoothies in the Market Café while Elizabeth Ferguson (R) is always happy when drinking tea. 4) Elizabeth Houston 5) Janette with Adela Stoney 6.) Carrie Stegall and Carol 7.) Nora Molinaroli 5 1 6 3 2 6 4 7 View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf Activities & Festivities: What’s happening around campus! Katie Jayne, Cynthia Marterre, Christy Smith & Kay Jenkins You Don’t Want to Miss This… Ms. O’Sheasy April 4, 10:30-1:00 PM raising her glass at Classic Car Show-Front Circle & Near Flag Pole the Leprechaun April 8, 4:00 PM Lunch! Michael Haga Series: The Pantheon: Imperial Propaganda-Blackmer April 9, 10:00 AM Porter Gaud Spring Concert-Blackmer April 11, 11:00 AM Grace Church Kids Egg Hunt-Courtyard across from Frederick April 17, 4:00 PM Speaker Ken Burger-Learn about his new book: “Swallow Savannah”-Blackmer April 18, 9:30 AM “Carrie Hooffstetter and Brigitte Miracle League Baseball Game-Meet at Front Lobby Muller prove that “it’s all things green” April 27, 4:00 PM on St. Patrick’s Day Young Artist Series Concert-Chapel y, rda u t Sa 4th l i r Ap M A 30 10: 0 PM 1:0 HOLY WEEK & EASTER SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Classic Car Show Come enjoy music by the Cruise-o-Matics ! Popcor n Park ing Flag lot by P Fron ole & t Cir cle s Soda PLEASE NOTE Arcadia Close Family Meeting April 14, 7:00 PM– Morse Activity Room (Read Cloister) Sat., April 4, 10 AM Make Palm Crosses, MH Activity Room with Kay & Bill Kitchens. Passion/Palm Sunday, April 5, 10:30 AM Liturgy of the Palms, Holy Eucharist with dramatic reading of the Passion Gospel. Holy Tuesday, April 7, 10:30 AM Holy Eucharist, Chapel. Maundy Thursday, April 9, 4:30 PM Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar, Chapel. Good Friday, April 10, 10:30 AM Good Friday Liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer, Chapel. 2:00 p.m. The Way of the Cross (stations), Chapel Easter Day, April 12 10:30 AM Festival Celebration of the Holy Eucharist View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf 7 Diabetes Check Up for America Emily Barrett, Registered Dietian Check Up on America is an initiative program that was set up by the American Diabetes Association to heighten awareness and to help people across the country lower their risks for developing diabetes and heart disease. Diabetes Alertness Day was honored on March 24th. While some risk factors that individuals may have can be modified such as high blood pressure, obesity and physical activity, others such as a person’s age, race, gender, and family history cannot be modified. This initiative was started due to the growing epidemic of pre-diabetes (approximately 57 million people in the U.S.) and the public’s unawareness of the importance that early reversal can help a person from developing diabetes. So, how can someone tell if they have prediabetes? Certainly, the risk factors above are an indicator but there are two different tests that your physician can order to determine if you have pre-diabetes or have a normal metabolism. The first test is the fasting blood glucose test which is simply a finger prick. If your blood sugar results are 100-126 mg/dl, then you have pre-diabetes while >126 mg/dl indicates probable Type II diabetes. The other test is an oral glucose tolerance test which is done at a laboratory. Results for pre-diabetes are between 140200 mg/dl for this test. Research has shown that when you take early action when diagnosed with pre-diabetes and manage your blood glucose, the onset of Type II diabetes can be delayed or prevented. People diagnosed with pre-diabetes benefit from the same nutrition recommendations and physical activity as those with Type II diabetes. Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day along with a 5-10% reduction in your body weight will produce a 58% reduction in potential development of diabetes. Look for more information to be provided at the Bishop Gadsden’s Wellness Week in May. Finger Stick Glucose Levels will be taken, but remember to fast or to wait at least 2 hours after eating for best results. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me. Emily Barrett, RD, LD Meet the Staff: Alicia Robinson Taki Andriadis Her full name is Alicia Maria Robinson Wittrell, but we know her simply as Alicia. Ever since she joined Bishop Gadsden, Alicia’s name has been closely identified with Security. If your car’s parking space is occupied by another car, you call Alicia. If alarm sirens sound off, you call Alicia. All BG residents feel safe knowing that Alicia is in charge of our security. Alicia joined the Charleston Institute of Cosmetology after graduating from Baptist Hill High School in 1997. Later, after her father’s death, she earned a position with the Kiawah Island Town Center Market. In 2001, Alicia joined BG and first worked 8 in Housekeeping. She was later promoted to Security Team Leader. Since then, Alicia is the face of all matters of security. Her presence is comforting to all BG residents, and her beautiful smile is a welcome sight. Alicia is married to Irvin Wittrell who works for the Diamond Detective Agency –an international agency with headquarters in Chicago. She has three stepchildren –Terrence, Malik and Jordan. Whenever you have a security problem, call Alicia. She is always there and ready to help. View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf Meet your Neighbor: Fran & Bud Brawner Taki Andriadis They met when she was a librarian at the General Motors Institute of Technology (now known as Kettering University), and he was a student. We are talking about H e n r y ( B u d ) & Fr a n Brawner. After attending the GM Institute of Technology, Bud was transferred to the Cadillac Motor Car Division in Detroit from which he retired after 43 years. He also attended Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Bud served in the Army, attended Officer Candidate School and retired from the Army as First Lieutenant. Bud and Fran got married in December 1942. After Bud’s retirement from GM, the Brawners moved to Florida. And when they visited their son in Charleston, they fell in love with Bishop Gadsden and moved here in 1999. The Brawners have two sons a daughter: Henry B. Jr. (known as Bud Jr.), a Purdue engineering graduate, is now owner and manager of a hydraulics manufacturing and service company in Charleston. Thomas, a Ph.D. Professor in Microbiology and lives in California. Margery lives in Michigan and has degrees from Purdue, Oakland and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Their two sons have a total of five children making Bud and Fran proud grandparents. There are now six great-grandchildren. Bud and Fran were avid golfers. In addition to golf, Fran’s hobbies include cooking, crafts and sewing. Bud enjoys gardening, woodworking, model making and doing crossword puzzles. They have enjoyed their Woodlands cottage since 1999. New Residents: Bill & Ann Connellee Hattie Goodbody Bill and Ann Connellee moved from Kiawah to Cottage 27 in August. An energetic couple, they have already become a vital part of the community with never a dull or unproductive moment. Regular golfers and bridge players, they are weekly volunteers at the Aquarium and help raise funds for the Charleston Symphony. Bill is on the Board of Habitat. They bicycle and walk if and when they have a spare moment. The Connellees came to South Carolina from Houston, Texas where Bill managed a chemical plant. Born and educated in New Jersey, he joined the Navy during World War II and served in the Korean War and for some years afterward. Ann grew up near Rochester, New York. They met on a blind date in Washington, DC in 1947 and were married not too many months later. They have two daughters and a son. Their eldest is Gail who lives in Fairfield, Iowa. Gail devotes her life to practicing and teaching transcendental meditation, literally all over the world. Their son, William Jr., lives in Appleton, Wisconsin. He is a commercial architect. His wife is a CPA. They have two girls who will soon graduate from high school. Daughter Lynne lives near Austin, Texas where she works for an architectural firm. The Connellees are enthusiastic about living at Bishop Gadsden, an enthusiasm shared by their many new friends and neighbors. ATTENTION: The Temporary Village Shop will be closing its doors on April 9th. Stay tuned for our grand opening in the new location. View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf 9 New Residents: Marie & Blake Putney Dan McKnight Early on, the Putneys knew what they intended to do with their lives and how to accomplish their goals. A native of Farmville, VA, Blake prepared for his career by earning his BS in pharmacy at the Medical College of Virginia and his PHD at the University of Minnesota. His career field has always been in pharmacy, teaching at Rutgers and at the Medical University of SC. Marie, a native of Chicago, stayed there long enough to finish first grade and then grew up in New Jersey where she was a classmate of astronaut Wally Schirra. After earning a BS in biology at Skidmore, she earned a Masters in physiology at Vassar. The couple settled on James Island in 1967 and raised three children, one of whom is a Charleston physician. Seven grandchildren are a source of pride and joy. The Putneys stay busy (or at least pleasantly amused!) in retirement with hobbies of woodworking and gardening. Since BG offers very little opportunity for gardening to its thirdfloor residents, the only demonstration of Blake’s talent available for viewing is a very well-done piece of cabinetry. Marie works with the Tricounty Family Ministry, interviewing applicants for emergency help with food and clothing. She also volunteers at the MUSC Children’s Hospital playroom where she maintains the library. Marie was the first librarian at the James Island Branch Library. The Putneys are active members of Martin Lutheran Church on Harbor View Road. Photo by Goodie DiRaddo Update Meetings Apts/Cot: Wednesday, April 15th at 10 AM Myers Hall: Thursday, April 9th at 11 AM Live an extraordinary Life! All of our bikers gathered on a sunny day in Charleston. IN LOVING MEMORY Jack Henley October 26, 1934 ~ February 27, 2009 Helen “Nell” Ball March 3, 1925 ~ March 7, 2009 Luella Doscher January 29, 1922 ~ March 11, 2009 Rosabel Colman February 6, 1916 ~ March 18, 2009 10 Helen Shutt February 18, 1919 ~ March 21, 2009 Elizabeth Blackburn August 8, 1919 ~ March 21, 2009 Adelaide Middaugh May 30, 1921 ~ March 28, 2009 John “JR” Smith December 13, 1924 ~ March 30, 2009 View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf Faith & Finance: We are all in this Together! Father Frank Russ Everyone is feeling the effects of the economic hardships of recent months. Recently, I talked with a young hostess at a local restaurant where I was dining. She told me that she had finished high school last year, but when a new academic semester rolled around, she and her mother determined there was just no extra money to finance her college education. She has accepted the fact that she will have to work for a couple of years until she saves enough money to enter college. Her story was an inspiration to me. I realized that during difficult times we focus on our own needs and overlook others who are experiencing the same challenges we might be dealing with. I told her that I work in a retirement community where residents are feeling the financial crunch and are experiencing many of the anxieties she is. And then she made a very profound statement: ―I guess we are all in this together!‖ Everyone is affected: an hourly wage earner trying to put food on the table, a young professional hoping a layoff isn’t in the future, an aspiring college student having to wait a little longer, & a retiree watching the latest trends on Wall Street. This is redefining equality, that all people, regardless of socioeconomic status, are dealing with the realities of a struggling economy. We find comfort in knowing that no single one of us is alone; that we are, indeed, all in this together! In an effort to provide that sense of support, two sessions devoted to Faith and Finance were offered in our chapel in December. The objective of these gatherings was to provide a secure venue where individuals could share personal experiences and concerns about the economy, while identifying methods that help one to cope—particularly the resources of one’s faith. In the first gathering, Herb Scholz (resident & retired executive of GE), the Rev. Paul Gilbert (associate priest at Grace Church), and the Rev. Frank Russ (BG chaplain) participated in a panel discussion. Each told his story of dealing with the challenges of these days, while reflecting on similar situations of the past when they found the ability to cope. Then the attendees participated in a small group exercise that focused on the Gospel passage: [Jesus said,] ―Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven‖ (Matthew 6:19). Each person identified his or her most precious treasures, usually speaking of friends and family, and the memory of overcoming hardships in the past. The following week, Dr. Layton McCurdy (BG board member and dean of MUSC School of Medicine) opened the session with a presentation dealing with stress, depression and anxiety. Caroline Bailey (PA in the Putman Clinic) then assured residents that the clinic staff was available to help in dealing with depression, including the willingness to offer a listening ear to those needing to talk about the challenges they face. Those present then broke into small groups to offer encouragement and support to one another. A third session was held in early March, when Donald Bailey (financial consultant & husband of Caroline) addressed issues relating to investing and coping during times of uncertainty. He emphasized that there is so much we have to be thankful for and that we should often reflect on those blessings. He offered attendees some practical tips to ensure that they are taken care of financially in the near future. The small group exercise focused on the future of the Faith and Finance sessions. The consensus of the group was definitely to continue, to open the session with a brief presentation, to use the small group format to reflect on the day’s presentation and to offer mutual support. Continued on Pg. 12 View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf 11 Faith & Finance story continued from Page 11 With that in mind, a regular day and time each month have been scheduled for future sessions. The event will be on the fourth Thursday of each month at 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel. The next session will be on Thursday, April 23 at 3:30 p.m. The presenter for the day will be announced in the near future. Plan now to attend this opportunity to explore ways to cope with challenges we all are facing! Support the Hearing Aid Tax Credit Bill moving through Congress This bill would provide assistance to the millions of people in the US who need hearing instruments by providing a $500 tax credit per hearing aid for children and those age 55 or older. This important legislation Financial consultant, Donald Bailey, has a very good chance of passing this year, so opening the third please take a minute to contact your US Senasession of Faith and tors and Representative to help convince them that this should be a priority. An easy-form letter Finance. can be found at www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org. The Gadsden Gab is a monthly publication written by and for the residents of Bishop Gadsden. Submissions are welcomed from all residents and are used on a space-available basis. Committee members are: Barbara Tuck, Editor Kent Freeman Tommy Thorne Suzanne Mersereau Caroline Meyer Hattie Goodbody Dan McKnight Marilou Watts Goodie DiRaddo, Photographer Katie Jayne, Managing Editor Taki Andriadis http://www.bishopgadsden.org Permit #032 PAID Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage 12 View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf
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