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ASBURY FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH1050 East AvenueRochester, NY 14607

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a welcoming outreach ministry of the Asbury First United Method-ist Church that nourishes the bodies, minds, and souls of our sisters and brothers in the Rochester community. Through our ministries of meals, hospi-tality and supportive assistance, we re-flect God’s love and work to transform our lives and the lives of our guests.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Asbury Dining & Caring Center1010 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14607www.asburydiningandcaringcenter.org

Mailing Address:1050 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14607

Phone: (585) 461-0285

Michele Cooley, DirectorPhone: (585) 271-0692Email: mcooley@asburyfirst.org

2016 BOARD MEMBERS

Andy Dutcher, ChairpersonEd Ristau, SecretaryGary Brown, TreasurerCarol TroutCathy Bracht Jeff EdwardsAmy LibensonBob PetersonPhilip GigliottiAnn StandishLen DavidowKathy Thiel, Pastor LiaisonRand Warner, Emeritus Board MemberBill Lisi, Emeritus Board Member

The Dining & Caring Center kitchen has recently been refur-

bished with a brand shiny new kitchen floor and freshly painted walls! All the kitchen appliances, sinks, and work surfaces had to be moved out of the kitchen in order to re-do the floor – huge task in itself. The old, cracked floor had to then be com-pletely removed prior to laying new subflooring and then the actual floor tiles. The walls were painted, and then everything had to be moved back into place. We are thrilled with the results, knowing our meals will continue to be made in a healthy and safe environ-ment. It is a morale booster for all who work and volunteer at the Dining & Caring Center to be able to work in a bright and beautiful kitchen.

We want to thank Asbury First for their financial commitment and un-derwriting of this project and their

CENTERPEACENews from the Asbury Dining & Caring Center • Spring 2016

New Floor Boosts Moral

NON-PROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDROCHESTER, NY

PERMIT NO. 1932

Donor Option No. 2202When you contrib-ute to the United Way of Greater Rochester, please consider designating AD&CC. Thank you!

Burt (right) with Terry Elkins, who works at

the Dining and Caring Center.

Remembering Burt RossThose of you who have been volunteer-ing at the Dining and Caring Center for many years will fondly remember Bur-ton “Burt “ Ross, who was a dedicated volunteer here until he lost his coura-geous battle with stage 4 colon cancer this past summer. Burt was an example of optimism and grace through his three years of treatments. He remained cheerful, always concerned and interest-ed in others as he endured years of pain.

He was never critical, and he loved every-one. It didn’t matter who you were, how you looked, or what your social status or economic status was, you always had a friend in Burt. Dining and Caring Center director Michele Cooley fondly remem-bers, “I can still hear his laughter, which was robust and frequent.”

Burt made an impact on all. Before his death he asked that any memorial con-tributions be sent to the Dining Center, thinking of the DCC to the end.

Burt had a brother, Barry, who lives in a lifetime assistance residence. Michele was touched to receive the following e-mail – a sweet legacy to Burt’s memory.

“Hello. I am writing to you for Barry Ross. Barry’s brother Burt thought very highly of the Dining and Caring Center and often talked about his service there. Since Burt passed away we have been trying to think of a way that Barry could honor Burt and the selfless life that he lived.

“Recently Barry realized a dream of his. He made a CD of six original songs that he had the opportunity to record. We decided to host a CD release party for Barry where he collected donations. Barry chose to donate all proceeds of his CD release to the Dining and Caring Center. Barry collected $120.00 from his party.

“We were all so blessed to know Burt, and proud that Barry is choosing to do this in honor of his brother. – Jennifer Yarrison, Acting Residence Manager, Lifetime Assistance.”

Giving can be realized in so many ways. Burt’s legacy continues at the Asbury Dining and Caring Center. Michele reflects, “I never really knew Barry, but his generosity confirms that he has just as big a heart as Burt did.”

This newsletter was printed at no charge to the AD&CC by

continued support of this ministry of hot meals, hope, and hospitality. Spe-cial thanks to Ken Carr, Property Care Manager, for overseeing the project, church sextons Lonnie Day & James Flack, our cook, Charles McManus, and volunteers Aaron and Chuck. Job well done!

Save the DateTenth Annual

Dinner Among FriendsSeptember 24, 2016.

2 CENTERPEACE 3SPRING 2016

What an evening is was! October 3rd was the night of the ninth annual Din-ner Among Friends fundraiser for the Dining & Caring Center. Participants gathered at Asbury First to taste a vari-ety of delicious appetizers prior to set-tling in for a lovely dinner at the home of one of our generous hosts. The event raised almost $22,500 for this ministry of hope, hospitality, and hot meals. Our thanks go to Paula Kuempel and the Appetizer Group for the hard work they put in to make this event a success. 100 percent of the money raised will go to-ward this ministry that feeds the hungry and homeless in our community.

A very special thanks for the first ever “Dinner Among Kids,” featuring Paula Dugan and Meredith Pixley helping the kids to make and eat pocket pizzas while viewing Veggie Tale movies in Fellow-ship Hall while the youngster’s parents were attending the appetizer portion of the evening at the Gathering Center of Asbury First.

The Dining & Caring Center is grateful for the generosity of so many to help keep this ministry a vibrant presence in the lives of those who have so little and need so much. We look forward to see-ing you at this wonderful event in 2016!

Dinner Among Friends: Another One for the Records “I Need to Get Back to Asbury”Many of you know Ron Wilson, a former member of the Asbury First property/maintenance team. He enjoyed keeping the Dining and Caring Center clean and tidy for staff, volunteers, and guests. He also offered a cheerful word of welcome and a smile that said: “I’m so happy to be here, and I’m happy to see you here.”

In 2013 Ron suffered a stroke and, later, a heart attack. The double-whammy put him in the Rochester General ICU in critical condition. He pulled through and spent considerably more time at the hospital. Some of us believe that Ron had a strong will to live, primarily because he was thinking: “I need to get back to Asbury.” Staff and volunteers would visit him and see him wearing an Asbury cap and tee shirt. He would always ask about church and Dining Center people - often by his well-chosen nicknames.

to walk. He was given the okay to pro-ceed to independent living and in Sep-tember he moved to Southview Towers.

Many people helped Ron with the move, providing furniture, cooking needs, and a supply of food. He visited the Storehouse and got clothes. A nurse and a social worker visit him regularly. A supply of food is delivered each week. People are working with him to get legal assistance and making sure all is as it should be regarding Social Security, rent, child sup-port, etc. For all that he has been provid-ed Ron is very grateful and he is finding inspiration by reading the Psalms.

Steps are being taken to help Ron ulti-mately move to University Towers, closer to church. Ron would like to work at the Dining Center, perhaps as a greeter, when he can again say: “I’m so happy to see you here.” What a blessing!!

Heartfelt gratitude to this year’s hosts:

John & Angie Burch

Sandra & David Holloway

Drs. Timothy Johnson & Robert Miller

Christie & Tony Karpovich

Laurie & David Kennedy

Rick & Paula Krempin & Mary Lynn

Vickers

Jeffrey Lamica & Katie O’Hern

Rev. Stuart & Martha Mitchell

Laura & Al Swett

Carol Trout & Dawn Riedy

Mary & Mike Walker

Elizabeth & Rick Church & Bruce &

Cheryl Thompson

Teddi Urriola

Adelaide & Jerry Svoboda

Jeanne & Ed Ristau

Bonnie & Dan Matthiades

John & Henrietta Foster

Lani & PR Anderson

Amy Libenson & Brett Shulman

Edith & Doug Newcomb

Joanne & Brian White

Supporting Sponsors ($1,000-$1,499)Dutcher & Zatkowsky

Federated Clover InvestmentsQuality Vision International, Inc.

Contributing Sponsors ($500-$999)Howe & Rusling

Canandaigua National BankO’Connell Electric

M&T Bank

Participating Sponsors ($250-$499)Crawford Funeral Home

Loria ElectricHammer Packaging

Nolands Party SupplyLeo J. Roth

Clover NurseryCaldwell Construction

Participating Sponsors ($100-$249)WP Tallie Services, Inc.

Doyle SecurityMytee Auto

Recognitions Experts

In-Kind Donations & Other SupportWegmans

Home DepotElegant Gent

Gel SalonThe Distillery

Pellegrino’s Deli Café

Also thanks to those who made the appetizer reception possible:

Kittleberger Florist & Gifts Jines RestaurantSaha Med Grill

Voula’s Greek SweetsSticky Lips BBQ

Tasteful Connections

Ron moved to Blossom Nursing Home where he resided for over a year, getting physical therapy daily. Even though he sustained paralysis on his left side that affected his mobility, he gained the ability

ADCC Director, Michele Cooley was recently presented the Lena M. Gantt Distinguished Community Service Award from Action for a Better Commu-nity, Inc. at their 12th annual signature luncheon. The award is presented to “honor the one volunteer whose record of community service best reflects the life and work of Lena M. Gantt,” who worked tirelessly for more than 30 years to improve the lives of those in need.

Michele too, has spent her life helping others. After graduating from Ithaca College and receiving her degree at the SUNY Albany Graduate School of So-cial Welfare & Criminal Justice, Michele has focused on those living in depriva-tion and distress. Whether it is serving as an adult employment coordinator, implementing a court appointed advo-

cacy program for abused children, lead-ing a crisis center (where she received a commendation from then S.C Governor Carroll Campbell for her work assist-ing those impacted by Hurricane Hugo), or working for the Salvation Army as a social worker and member of their Emergency Family Services Team, Mi-chele’s life had been dedicated to helping the least and the lost. We are fortunate that she shares her compassionate spirit and knowledge of those experiencing poverty with all who our guests at the Dining & Caring Center.

Upon receiving this award, Michele stated, “I thank you and I thank God for the experiences shared and the countless friendships I have made over the years. I look forward to the privilege of continu-

ing to serve the homeless, hungry, fragile, challenged, and sometimes forgotten members of our commu-nity. Let’s not cast out or throw away or disregard people in pain. Let’s love them instead.”

The Board, staff, volunteers, and guests of the Asbury Dining and Caring Center offer our congratulations and gratitude to Michele. Michele is the personification of what the Dining & Caring Center is all about: acceptance, hospitality, a hot meal, and hope.

Michele Cooley Wins Award

Hats off and a huge thank you to our corporate and in-kind sponsors:

Peter AbdellaTom AlaimoDavid AlbrightDavid & Amy AllenAlstom SignallingP.R. & Lani AndersonTimothy Ashely & Elizabeth Dodds-

AshleyEileen AtwellKenny & Jennifer BaileyMatt BainRachael BaldanzaJeffrey & Karen BarnerDavid Bassinger & Linda QuinlanDevin BeachDaniel BeerseJane BemishDavid Berg & Dawn RiedyMary BerkSam & Louise BishopNancy BoernerBrian & Melissa BohrerMolly BohananPeter BourneCatherine BrachtRalph BrennerTom & Judy BristowGary & Laura BrownKathleen BryantFrances BryniarskiJessica Burdick-GiordanoDeborah Bullock-SmithJanice BurchJohn & Angie BurchJulianne BurchReuben BurchWilliam Burtis Jr.Craig BurtonLila BushStephen Cady II & Emily CadySarah CallahanCharles Campbell Jr.Canandaigua National BankJeanette CanniotoRobert ComstockCardwell Construction Co.Christ Carter & Jennifer Jensen-CarterHarold & Elise CarterJames & Diana CarterRobert & Barb Castle

Thank You to Our Wonderful Donors Richard CavenCharles & Nancy ChristiansenRichard & Elizabeth ChurchIrene ChurukianRichard & Joyce ClementsThomas & Linda ClemowClover Lawn & LandscapeJudy CohenJames & Patricia ColemanJames & Cynthia ConnellLarry & Karen ConradFrancine ConwellMichele CooleyKay Cotton Crawford Funeral HomeCarolyn CurranRob Curry & Donna CarsonNancy & Len DavidowDennis & Marion DeLeoJohn & Janice DeMockerRichard & Diane DennisonMiriam DerivanBruce DidsburyThe DistilleryJudy & Hank DixonPeter & Stephanie DoernerJulie DoescherJulie M DoughteryDoyle SecurityDavid & Dorothy DuBoisJ. Ernest DuBoisDiane DudleyLarry & Paula Dugan Jeanetta DunlapAndy Dutcher Dutcher-ZatkowskiEdward JonesJeff & Barb EdwardsElegant GentCarol ElliottBarbara EltingeJohn & Bonnie ErwinFederated Clover Investment AdvisorsRoberta FeldmanScott & Donna FieldsMason & Ginn FitchLee FleckensteinFoodlinkJim & Cathy FordJohn & Henrietta FosterJohn & Iva FrancisJohn Frank

Jefferson FraserJames & Karen FreebernBill & Linda FreedSharon FreemanDaniel & Helen FultzLorraine FusareLarry & Robyn GageMarty GarlandDarrell & Mary Anna GeibGel SalonMonica GilliganClaire GladwellAnne GlizterGlover-Crask FoundationThomas GomphGail GouldGreater Rochester Health FoundationKarl Greenhagle Edward GrissingJudith HalleyHammer PackagingChuck & Cara HanrahanCarol HardyLawrence Hargrave & Brenda LeeCarol HarringtonKenneth & Laurel HarringtonCharlotte Herrera Ida HickmanNorma Jean Hildreth Daniel & Joanne HinesHoward & Maureen HolcombDavid & Sandra HollowayHome DepotJohn HooverHowe & Rusling, Inc.Gary & Ruthellen Hoyle Robert & Merilyn IsraelCharles & Mary Kay JacksonKaren JamisonJane JeszenkaJines RestaurantGregory & Kathie JohnsonDaisy Marquis Jones FoundationTimothy JohnsonAnne JustusDallas KaiserKimberly KalishTony & Christie KarpovichDavid & Bonnie KayJeff KellDavid and Laurie Kennedy

Robert KilpatrickThomas KingKittlelberger FloristsNancy KlotzMarybeth KnowlesPaula KochRick & Paula KrempinRichard & Deborah KrenzerRick & Paula KuempelEllen LambJeffrey LamicaCraig & Susan LarsonSusan & Mark LeaderDouglas & Christine LeeSandra LeeLeo J Roth Corp.Amy Libenson & Brett ShulmanChristine Linsner-CartwrightLoria Electrical ServicesSandra LloydDavid LongDavid & Marian LubbaDiane LucasCarol LynchM&T BankRobert & Karen McGrawRoger & Deborah McLeanCarole MacMonagleCheryl MaginTimothy & Johanna MahanEmma MaherMake Waves SalonLinda MarchantRichard & Clara MarcheseWayne MartinDaniel & Bonnie MatthaidessMemorialsMessner FlooringJoann MiddletonRay & Susan MillerRobert MillerStuart & Martha MitchellPhil & Morna MonahanRichard & Sandy MoncriefAnn MorrisMaxine MorseKurt & Kelly MuellerMaureen MulleyMary S Mulligan Charitable TrustSandy MurrayMy-Tee Automotive ServiceJames & Barbara NelsonDouglas Newcomb & Edith GrannumNolan’s Rental

David & Janet NorthrupSusan NurseJohn NutterO’Connell Electric Co.Betsy O’ConnorKatie O’HernJames Ormsbee & Elisabeth Bischoff-

OrmsbeeRoger OskvigStephen & Carolyn ParkerMichael ParkesPaychexGlenn & Lynn PeckPelligrino’s Deli CafeIan PershingRobert & Penny PetersonDavid & Shirley PetherbridgeVincent PigulaGeorge & Meredith PixleyQuality Vision InternationalBetty RaginRecognition ExpertsEdith ReinhardChristopher RhodesEd & Jeanne RistauVirdell RobbinsRochester Female Charitable SocietyRochester Riverside Convention CenterLawrence and Joyce RootDennis & Carol RooteLeo J. Roth Corp.Jean RoweJennifer Rouke Saha Med GrillMary ScahillHelen SchmidtRobert & Michelle SchraderPatrick & Kathleen SchwarBruce & Donna SchwendyLynn & Sharon SelkeTimothy & Audrey ShaferJohn & Susan ShaferJohn & Susan ShaferPrabodh & Christine ShahRichard & Lauri ShevlinDavid & Karen ShuttleworthJohn SkuseJohn & Suzanne SmaltNancy SpechtRonald Stallworth & Carol KramerRichard & Ann StandishJoseph & Vickie StankaitisCynthia StantonDevore Steiner

Todd StevensonSticky Lips Pit BBQJames & Judith StinehourMartha StockRosemarie StrassnerDavid & Jeanne StrongJerry & Adelaide SvobodaMartha SweitzerLaura & Al SwettTasteful ConnectionsMatthew TaylorRuth TempletonKatherine ThielBruce & Cheryl ThompsonW.P. Taillie Service, Inc.Holly TemmingDavid & Maya TemperleyBharat ThazhathuKatherine ThielDan TroutRobert & Carol TroutTrue Insights ConsultingJeremy & Martha TukeDonald TurkWayne Turnblom & Kathy ShirerUniversity of RochesterJohn UrbanTeddi UrriolaDavid & Ruth VanderlindenMary Lynn VickersVoula’s Greek SweetsDavid & Patricia WaitMichael & Mary WalkerJanet WalshRay & Marilyn WaringRand & Marjorie WarnerGail WatersHenry WeberWegmansBarbara WelshCharles Wendel Joanne & Brian WhiteElsie WibergRichard & Marcia WilkeEllen WilliamsWillmott FoundationSally WoodDean & Beth WooleverMark WrightEdna YellamatyRodney Allen YoungPeter & Judith Zuris