A publication of Palm Village Retirement Community

July, 2013 | www.palmvillage.com

Page 4:

Food! Friendships!Spiritual Life!

Page 6/7:Living Legacy andMemorial Donors

Page 8:This Issue’s BookRecommendation

Celebratingthe 4th! Page 3

Meet Robert Aguirre, New Assistant Chaplain Page 5

Wednesday Speakersand Upcoming EventsJuly 3 Pastor Don Enns - PDC Board of Home Missions10 Pastor Ed Ezaki - Senior Pastor Kingsburg Community Church17 Pastor Bob Kroeker - Chaplain Palm Village+ Communion24 Pastor Eugene Gerbrandt - Ret. MB Pastor; Resident P.V.31 Pastor Jim Holm - Pastor at Butler MB Faith Community

August 7 Chaplain Robert Aguirre - Assistant Chaplain at Palm Village14 Pastor Arlee Johnson - Chaplain Sierra View Homes21 Pastor Lynn Kauffman - Ret. Pastor; currently Hospice Chaplain28 Pastor Robert Radtke - Ret. Pastor

September 5 Brenda Wall - Vocalist11 Pastor Ray O’Neil - Ret. Pastor RMBC & Methodist18 Pastor Chuck Buller - Ret. Pastor, Palm Village; Currently with Tabor College. 25 Bruce Smith - Director Campus Life Tulare/Kings Co.

October5 Fall Jamboree Our annual celebration, with fun, food and of course, a few great games of Corn Toss!

Table of Contents

A Celebration of Our Nation’s Birthday! ...........................3

Fireworks, fellowship and fun as Palm Village salutes America!

Food! Friendships! Spiritual Life! ...........4

Find out what is really important to Palm Village residents

New Assistant Chaplain at PVRC ............5

Palm Village welcomes Robert Aguirre Donors and Memorial Gifts................. 6/7

Our Living Legacy Covenant was strength-ened over the last few months by these generous donors.

Our Quarterly Book Recommendation ...................................8

How Did I Become My Parent’s Parent? by Harriet Sarnoff Schiff Recommended by Benti Dueck

Palm Villager • July, 2013

The Palm Villager is a publication of Palm Village Retirement Community, a mission agency sponsored by the Bethany and Butler Mennonite churches in Fresno and by the Mennonite Brethren churches of Dinuba, Kingsburg and Reedley. (559) 638-6933 • www.palmvillage.com

President and CEO, David K. Reimer Director of Marketing, Jim Dueck

July, 2013 | www.palmvillage.com

COA 170 Lic. #100404809 Admissions, room assignments and services are provided without regard to race, color,national origin, disability or age.

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(Above) Marcella Jones ready to give herpresentation “I am The Flag” for the audience. (Below) Palm Village residents and friends enjoying an evening on the patio.

America!Happy Birthday

America!Happy Birthday

Palm VillageCelebrates

the 4th of July!

Palm VillageCelebrates

the 4th of July!

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Surveys. They have become so com-monplace in politics, education, reli-gion etc. and then someone quotes the results to offer proof that their opinion is airtight and the correct point of view. So we offer the results of a recent, non-scientific survey of residents at Palm Village. Before we tell you what the question is, please keep in mind we asked this

question of Palm Village Residents who live in Independent Living, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing. Their opinions about Palm Village matter to us because they represent the people we serve. One of the unique qualities of a retirement community is that unlike most non-profits, this organization is not just offering a service for its constituents. It is the home of the constituents. Non-profits such as churches, schools, and mission agen-cies have people committed to those causes but no one actually lives in them. And while the employees of other non-profits have a lot of com-mitment, it is most likely less than someone who relates to the organiza-tion as their actual home.

So, try to imagine that your favorite non-profit is actually the home you live in! How would that change your feelings, perceptions and attitudes?

Possibly, that will help you under-stand the weight of this question we asked. It is a simple question: For you personally, what are the three most

important things you like aboutPalm Village? And, the survey says…Well, we wish it were that simple. We must tell you that the answers are weighted a little to the level of care that people are in. In Independent Living and Assisted Living the most common answers were…

1. Food! Food! Food!

2. Activities, Friendships and Security.

3. Chapel & Spiritual Life.

In skilled nursing you can add a fourth, and that is health care and rehabilitation…which was from an admittedly very small sample group. See how quickly the top three answers become the top 8! People generally hate surveys where you can only give three answers…because it’s never that simple. Yet, those answers are so informative. And since we

have admitted this is not a scientific survey, if you like, you can toss out the results completely!

But, the answers were pretty consistent. People love to eat; people love to have fun and people, as they get older, care even more about their spiritual life. What’s the point of publishing the re-

sults? Simple. If you want to brighten a senior’s day, take them for a good tasting meal, participate in a fun activity with them and don’t forget to pray for them when you return them to their home.

This is so well described by Richard Rohr, author of the book, Falling Upward, recommended in our most recent newsletter. “We move from the driver’s seat to being a happy passenger, one who is still allowed to make helpful suggestions to the Driver.”

We at Palm Village are just the driv-ers and we are listening to the sug-gestions!

Food!Friendships!

Spiritual Life!&

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Robert Aguirre has only worked at Palm Village Retirement Community as an Assistant Chaplain, since June 10th, however he has already realized that his prime focus is to value the residents and help to meet their spiritual needs. Each day, Aguirre becomes more comfortable with his role and min-istry at Palm Village, but growing up in Reedley in the 80’s and 90’s, he never imagined himself to be hired to this position.

Aguirre attended Reedley High School from 1994 to 1998 and was very involved in drama and video production. “I really wanted to be an actor or movie director”, he says. After graduation he spent several years at Reedley College and graduated with his Associate of Arts degree in General Educa-tion. He didn’t however, have enough income to attend a state college or university so he joined the Navy in 2002 and during his time in the Navy, his career path took a dramatic turn.

Aguirre noticed the work of the military chaplain and how they spiritually uplifted the Sailors and Marines around them. “I never saw myself as clergy, but I clearly felt the Holy Spirit calling me to min-ister,” Aguirre says. This motivated him to finish his degree with a B.A. in Organizational Behavior from National University and he spent his last three years in the service as a Navy Chaplain’s Assistant.

Upon discharge from the Navy in 2008, Aguirre im-mediately began attending the Mennonite Brethren Seminary in Fresno and earned his Master of Divin-ity degree in 2012. During his time at seminary, he interned as a college pastor at Reedley First South-ern Baptist Church and as a hospital chaplain at Fresno Community Regional Medical Center. After graduation he began interning at North Fresno MB Church and was a frequent guest speaker at several churches in the local area.

Aguirre’s first connection with Palm Village was as the Guest Speaker at the Wednesday Night Ser-vice. His enjoyable conversations with the residents after the service made him realize that he should pursue a position at Palm Village.

After several meetings with CEO David Reimer and Administrator Bill Scharbach, he was offered the job of Assistant Chaplain, which he graciously ac-cepted.

Aguirre is loving his work at Palm Village and he enjoys both the Wednesday and Sunday wor-ship programs and getting to know the residents through visitation and social gatherings throughout the week.

Additionally, Aguirre is happy to have found em-ployment back at his hometown of Reedley. “After graduation, many people travel out of state to find employment. I am blessed to be in Reedley close to family and friends,” he notes. Aguirre’s parents live in Reedley and an older brother lives in Fresno. He lives in Reedley with his wife, Roxanne and two children ages 7 years and 3 months.

Robert will be the featured guest speaker at Palm Village during the Wednesday evening service August 7th. He plans to speak about how the church is called to be biblically based withoutpromoting hate.

Palm Village WelcomesNew Assistant Chaplain

Robert Aguirre, left, with Bob Kroeker

Living Legacy Donors March 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013

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Living theLegacy

Karen BalsbaughCharles and Shirley BarberElizabeth BartelLouise BernsenEleanor Boettcher EstateKatherine BonhamHarry and Rosella BuhlerReed and Diane Decker

Wilfred and Sandra DerksenHenry and Erica DickDinuba Mennonite Brethren ChurchJohn and Lois DivelbissBernhard DoerksenFrank and Margaret DuerksenEverett and Nadine ElderMarlene Elliott

Kenneth and Priscilla ElrichEnns FoundationAnn EnnsVictor and Katherine EnnsRubena EwellDonald and Marie FaulLois FletcherJohn and Harriet Friesen

Bradley and Rachel GriffithGlen and Helen HarvinPaul Heier EstateCarole HirakawaEgon HoferSylvia HoferDallas and Betty KelleyMalinda KoopW. G. Loewen

Donald and Mary MacNeillJohn and Luella McCombsBarbara MillerEddie and Verona NeufeldLaura NickelLydia Peters EstateDan and Julie PimentelErma RatzlaffReedley Mennonite Brethren ChurchVernon and Joella ReimerWilliam and Grace ReimerVerna RichertDwight and Verna RobertsLois RosenfeldRae and Marj SaltzmanSaveMart SupermarketsElvera SchmidtNick and Jean SiemensGalen and Ruth SnellGloria ThiesenGrace ThiessenJacqueline TitsworthIrma ToewsJim and Aldene VogtLeonard and Joyce WarkentinMildred WarkentinGladys Wiebe

Memorial Contributors March 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013

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GIFTS RECEIVED IN MEMORY OF:

ROSALIE BALAKIANDon and Lydia BeckenhauerSam and Marvis BergenRichard and Rosie BinnsChuck and Barbara BullerMr. Reinhold BullerDan and Wanda DoerksenJim and Benti DueckDoug and Ruth FowlerMarlowe and Lila FruehFruit Patch, Inc.Bryan and Lori GoossenKevin and Pam GoossenRay and Mary June GoossenLynette GraumanRichard and Betsy HoferLoree JostThomas MarshallSharon MartinMoonlight Sales CorporationMountain View Fruit SalesBill and Carol PetersTom SegrueBryan TahmazianIrma ToewsCliff and Melody UnruhEmma WaltonWawona Moonlight Global LLCLee and Lily Willems

RUTH DECKERRodney AinsworthSam and Marvis BergenDale CowdreyLinda DeckerReed and Diane DeckerDelano GrossGary and Jennifer HigdonEgon HoferMr. Winnie HughesJames and Susan JostLoree JostHarold KleinsasserDavid and Beverly McDannaldTwyla MillerMrs. Grace ThiessenIrma ToewsJoyce Vance

JENNIE DUERKSENDon and Lydia BeckenhauerJohn and Harriet FriesenRobert and Annemarie HeinrichsJoel and Judith IsaakRobert JostDallas and Betty KelleyMr. and Mrs. Herbert A. PennerReedley MB Church - Chapter 4 Sunday School ClassKen and Carol ReimerJohn and Mary Lee SchlesselmanJim and Aldene Vogt

DORIS ERICKSONPeggy MatthewsLorraine K Suderman

MARVIN HEINRICHSACRES

WALDO HIEBERTElvera Schmidt

IRMA ISAAKCharles and JoAnn Brandt

JOHNNIE ISAAKSam and Marvis BergenHenry and Erica DickHelen IsaakPete and Betty IsaakW. IsaakMark and Linda LewisMartha NeufeldHenry and Adeline PaulsJohn and Frieda Regier

JAKE KLASSENEllen Janzen

NADINE KLIEWERElizabeth BartelRobert and Wanda Kroeker

MARGIE LEPPKERosalie CarterFrank and Margaret DuerksenEugene and Phyllis EnnsHarold and Pat EnnsBarbara FriesenEthel HarderGreg and Jane JantzenFranklin and Judith JanzenLoree JostHerk and Lu KlassenRobert and Wanda KroekerKen and Carol ReimerLydia ReimerMarvin and Becky WarkentinAnn Wiebe

ESTHER LOEWENJohn BakerBaker Manock & JensenCorporate Risk Solutions Inc.Henry and Erica DickMargaret GroeningMr. and Mrs. NeufeldHerbert and Laverne RichertR. L. SudermanGloria ThiesenHarvey and Louise Wall

PAUL LOWENGloria Thiesen

JONI PETERSRon and Tanya CochranGloria Thiesen

LYDIA PETERSKenneth Klassen

DEAN RASMUSSEN Designated to HCC Electric BedsJ. Cecile ByrneGirard KasparianCarolyn NelsonMarilyn NelsonMarjorie PackerEllen RasmussenSelma Aerodrome, Inc

SAL TENADesignated to HCC Electric BedsRay and Pamela GoertzenRobert and Jackie JohnsonDallas and Betty KelleyDonald and Mary MacNeillTena Family

WILLIE THIESSENMrs. Miyeko BabaSam and Marvis BergenMrs. Alice CampMrs. Frances DickLois M FletcherHenry and Marjorie GuichardRobert and Annemarie HeinrichsEgon HoferKaren JostDallas and Betty KelleyArthur and Beverly KlassenHerk and Lu KlassenHarold KleinsasserWalter and Helen KrauseMr. and Mrs. James LambertHarriet LeonardMr. and Mrs. Eddie NeufeldMartha NeufeldLaura NickelAbner and Olene PennerEdwin and Marjorie RatzlaffRuth RatzlaffDwight and Verna RobertsMr. Richard SawatzkyElvera SchmidtGloria ThiesenMrs. Grace ThiessenIrma ToewsMildred WarkentinAllen and Linda WiebeGladys WiebeHarry and Elvina Willems

JAKE VOTHVictor and Katherine Enns

P.O. Box 1028 Reedley, CA 93654

Book Recommendation By Benti Dueck

How Did I Become My Parent’s Parent? By Harriet Sarnoff Schiff More than ever before, families face the emotional and prac-tical challenges of caring for aged or disabled parents. This insightful book looks at this role reversal through the eyes of both parent and adult child, leading readers through the perti-nent questions and concerns that will arise. From the author of The Bereaved Parent, this essential guide is filled with poi-gnant real-life stories from the author’s own work with families.

Available online through Amazon: www.tinyurl.com/pv-july-book

Palm Village • In the Heart of LivingPalm Village • In the Heart of LivingGreat Friends • Great Activities • Great Food

COA 170 Lic. #100404809Admissions, room assignments and services areprovided without regard to race, color, national origin, disability or age.

One & two bedroom Patio Homes available immediately. Call Jim Dueck today:

(559) 638-6933

palmvillage.com