She Has A Gift
November 29, 2011
By Ralph Schwartz, GoSkagit.com
98-year-old named retirement home 'Resident of the Year'
A devout Christian, Mavis Luehrs spends her time giving to her neighbors: fellow residents at the retirement home where she lives, orphans in Africa, and a lot of people in between.
It would be presumptuous for someone who doesn't know her to assume she expects no reward in this life. But she's in a Bible class, so she undoubtedly knows that when the Bible says "you reap what you sow," it's talking about reaping in the next world, not this one.
Even so, Mavis, 98, was on the receiving end for a change. She was recognized at a party in her honor earlier this month for all the good she has done.
Mavis has been sowing - or more exactly, knitting - hats for friends and staff at her retirement home, Where The Heart Is, and for orphanages in North Dakota and Africa. She also gives them to the Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund, for children in need. A friend said the lifelong crafter knits on average one hat a day.
Mavis Luehrs (center) listens to kind words from friends Nov. 3 at a party celebrating her Resident of the Year honor at Where The Heart Is in Burlington. At left is her son, Darrel Homan of Sedro-Woolley. At right is Darrel's wife, Bernice Homan.
In recognition of her charitable spirit, and for all the little things she does to make her retirement home a more pleasant place to live, Mavis received Frontier Management's Resident of the Year Award on Nov. 3. Frontier runs Where The Heart Is and some 50 other retirement communities with a total of 4,000 residents.
"Mavis is real unique," Frontier President and CEO Greg Roderick said at the celebration. "The knitting really caught me."
With the honor comes a prize. Mavis wouldn't want something for herself, her friend Michele Power said, so the brass at Frontier had another idea. They gave $1,000 to her favorite local charity, the Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund, and $200 to her knitting group, which ultimately will go into making more hats.
"What a joy that was for her," Power said. "She was just so excited."
"I am speechless at the gift and so very thankful children will benefit from (my) receiving the award," Mavis said in a news release posted to Frontier's website.
"Mavis has a love for God and a natural ability to care for others. This gift is shared every day in her kind words and gentle touches to her fellow residents and the staff," the release said.
Guests at the party were encouraged to say a few words about Mavis. Burlington City Councilwoman Edie Edmundson recalled when Mavis would attend Edmundson's church. Edmundson knew that after the service, she could always count on a hug from Mavis.
"She gives the best hugs of anybody in the whole world," Edmundson said.
Mavis Luehrs Receives Frontier Management Resident of the Year Award
November 3, 2010
What began as a normal day for Where The Heart Is resident Mavis Luehrs on November 3rd quickly turned in to a grand celebration. Nothing seemed unusual when a friend came to pick her up for a hair appointment, but Mavis, being a bright and youthful 98 year old, soon felt that something special was happening when dear friends and family began arriving. In on the surprise, her family alluded to a surprise birthday celebration for a fellow resident. It was not until the focus turned to Mavis that she became fully aware that, in fact, the “commotion” was for her.
Mavis was being named Frontier Management Resident of the Year! The annual award was presented by Greg Roderick, President, and Matt Dunham, Executive Vice President, of Frontier Management along with Maria Swift, Executive Director for Where The Heart Is.
Mavis Luehrs (second from left) is congratulated by Greg Roderick, Frontier Management President & CEO; Maria Swift, Executive Director; and, Matt Dunham, Frontier Executive Vice President (L-R)
The recognition of Mavis was made special because her family and friends were by her side and by the attendance of local dignitaries - Bob LeRoy - CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Washington Central Chapter, Linda Fergusson - CEO Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Lynn Rabenstein - Hospice of the Northwest, Steve Sexton – Burlington Mayoral Candidate and Burlington City Councilman, Larry Otos – Mt. Vernon Mayoral Candidate, Edie Edmundson - Burlington City Councilman, Bryan Harrison –Burlington City Administrator, Katie Drewel - Office of Kristine Lytton, Chief Glen Staheli - Burlington Fire Department, Lisa Swanberg – Burlington Chamber of Commerce.
Mavis moved to Where The Heart Is in 2008 and often reflects on how she has enjoyed every moment at the community. She is quick to share how glad she is that she made the transition from living independently in her own home to what she fondly calls her “new home” at Where The Heart Is. Mavis has been a “crafter” most of her life and has merged this with her love for knitting by making hats she donates to many local charities and organizations such as The Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund, Children in Africa, and North Dakota Orphanages. She also enjoys sharing her caps with employees of the community. Taking her passion a step further, Mavis also knits hats that are for sale at Where The Heart Is with all proceeds being donated to the community Resident Activities Fund.
Mavis is a very caring person and her kindness stretches beyond her neighbors and friends, there is love woven into each hat she makes and each smile that is shared. Mavis has a love for God and a natural ability to care for others. This gift is shared every day in her kind words and gentle touches to her fellow residents and the staff at Where The Heart Is.
Knowing how important giving is to Mavis, Mr. Roderick presented her with a $1000 check to be donated in her honor to the Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund and an additional $200 toward the supplies needed for her knitting group. Mavis said, “I am speechless at the gift and so very thankful children will benefit from her receiving the award from Frontier Management.”
Frontier Management’s Resident of the Year Award seeks to recognize individual residents who have made an extraordinary contribution to the community as a whole over the previous year. This program recognizes the achievements of an individual resident for contributions that have positively influenced the quality of life of other residents or resident’s families; improved the quality of life of people surrounding town or city by their actions; or improved the quality of the working environment for Frontier’s employees or their families. Mavis was chosen Resident of the Year from over 4000 other possible residents.
Alzheimer’s Community Shows Its Colors at Walk
October 23, 2011
Friends, family and staff of the Frontier Management group of senior care facilities participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's, Sept. 24 in Mount Vernon. The walk started at the Skagit Transit Station.
The walk was organized by the state chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. As the official color of the association, a lot of purple was on display on flags, banners and bandannas. The purple bandannas were provided by Frontier Management, which operates HomePlace special care centers in Burlington and Oak Harbor, and Where The Heart Is, an assisted living and memory care facility in Burlington.
Alzheimer's is an incurable brain disorder characterized by memory loss, disorientation, impairment of judgment and personality change."Not only was (the walk) a fundraiser for the association, but it was also a celebration of life by family who have lost a loved one to the disease," a press release from Where The Heart Is Burlington said.
The Mount Vernon event raised more than $29,000 for the association, which provides services to those with the disease and funds research for a cure.
"Purple Power" - Participants in the Alzheimer's walk Sept. 24 sport purple bandannas at Skagit Transit Station, where the walk began. Purple is the official color of the Alzheimer's Association.
2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's
September 24, 2011
HomePlace Special Care of Burlington participated with a booth and a team at the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Mt. Vernon, WA on September 24, 2011. HomePlace Special Care of Oak Harbor was a Finish Line Sponsor.
The HomePlace Booth was near the balloon arch start/finish line. It was an unusually hot and humid morning, and the Frontier Management Bandanas were a welcome way to cool off and everyone was excited about receiving one. A collective team of wonderful staff and families was made up from Where The Heart Is, HomePlace Special Care of Oak Harbor and HomePlace Special Care of Burlington.
Hats for Africa
August. 2011
Just after the New Year began and Where the Heart is residents settled into winter, someone noticed hats being knitted by a few nimble fingers and an idea caught hold!
Remembering a childhood friend’s request at church, activities director Jan wondered if “The Heart Ladies” might be up to the task. Anacortes resident Joyce Panzero, Jan’s friend and Joyce's husband Ron were involved in a Chidren’s home in Africa. Their church sponsored Rehema ministries there and the Panzero’s travelled there often to help care for the children, numbering around 60.
Jan had heard Joyce say that it would be nice for each of the children to have a hat…and “click” Jan knew where to get the hats! So the fingers began to fly as a trip was planned to Sibonoa Kenya around Easter 2011.
This area in Africa is 6500 feet above sea level, so it does get cold and hats are appreciated. Yarn was donated along with the aid of the “Mavis Circle”, a knitting group from the Allen United Methodist Church, 100 hats were ready for delivery. Jan coordinated the pick-up date at Where the Heart is and invited Joyce and her 4 year old daughter Joy, whose mother worked in ministry in Kenya.
It was a beautiful time watching Joy try on as many hats as she could while the residents sat proudly watching…their hearts warmed because you know this is Where the Heart is!
Former Councilwoman Turns 91
July 26, 2011
The Argus newspaper
Marjorie Westman's priorities still resonate in Burlington
Described upon her retirement from the Burlington City Council in 2003 as “outspoken, quick-witted and sharp as a tack,” Westman celebrated her 91st birthday recently at Where the Heart Is, the assisted living community where she lives.
Westman joined the city council at the young age of 74 and served for 8 years. While on the council she was instrumental in obtaining petition signatures to form the Jason Boerner Memorial Park, named in memory of a local child who was accidentally killed. It is now a quiet and reflective part filled with benches and trees, according to a city of Burlington newsletter from 2003. The park is just blocks from Where the Heat Is, which is found at 410 Norris Street.
Marjorie Westman poses for a photograph with sons David and Steven. (L-R)
Westman had a strong vision for Burlington. She wanted to improve the city’s downtown by making it more pedestrian friendly, with benches, trees and a public restroom, the newsletter said.
“Aesthetic vision is essential for the City Council to focus on” is a quote attributed to her by the newsletter. Westman’s priorities as a councilwoman are still relevant today.
She sought to protect farmland by constraining the city’s urban-growth boundaries. “As a young girl, Marjorie remembers the green paradise of the Kent Valley, and now it has turned into a paved wasteland. She does not want the future of Burlington to look like this,” the newsletter said.
Ironically and unfortunately, Westman’s decision to retire from the City Council was prompted by her failing vision. She was diagnosed in 2002 with macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness among older people, the newsletter said.
Westman was joined in her birthday celebration by friends, family and colleagues who have known and loved her for many years. At Where the Heart Is she is known as someone who continues to seek information, has a great sense of humor and loves to walk.
Westman has said that many years ago her doctor suggested that a 17-minute walk every day would lengthen her life. She continues to desire and enjoy this activity daily.
(This story includes material provided by Lyndall Mullin, Area Marketing Director for Where the Heart Is)
Berry Dairy Days Participation
June 25, 2011
Homeplace Burlington and Where the Heart is participated in the annual Berry Dairy Days celebration and parade Saturday - June 25, 2011, along with members of the Homeplace Fastpitch Softball team. Homeplace has sponsored a softball team through a local little league program for the past 3 years, Managed by Homeplace Executive Director Elena Roppel. The softball team was 11-1 this season and took first place overall in league and the district. During the parade the children and staff gave out popsicles to the locals who had come to support the Berry Dairy Days Parade.
Marcus and Margene Celebrate 28th Wedding Anniversary
June, 2011
Where the Heart is recently joined a resident and her husband in celebrating their 28th Wedding Anniversary. Marcus and Margene enjoyed their lunch on a beautiful day out on our patio being served a special Anniversary meal that they requested, complete with sparkling apple cider. Throughout the day they received many wishes of congratulations from our staff and residents. We were glad to be a part of such a lovely celebration of marriage.
Director Joins Panel for "The Savvy Caregiver"
April 2011
It was with gladness that Where The Heart Is Executive Director Maria Swift joined other experts from the area to answer questions and comments from caregivers following a presentation of The Savvy Caregiver. The class was one of four classes held at the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church throughout April.
Each Friday men and women came together with a common goal, to learn more about giving care to a family member needing memory care assistance. Maria offered the perspective of a community Executive Director, which was helpful for those who will one day may face placement of their loved one in memory care.
Vicki McCarty said, "The program was well received. Caregivers are always eager to learn more about memory care issues – and for them to have the benefit of someone who knows the story of placement was an important addition to their learning experience. We are extremely grateful for Maria's participation."
You can read about The Savvy Caregiver at their web site.