Christian Senior Services - Helping to make San Antonio a caring place to grow old.

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Christian Senior Services NewsThanksgiving Edition

Christian Senior Services NewsSolutions for Seniors and Their CaregiversSolutions for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Christian Senior Services’ annual fundraiser, Party in the Pasture held Sunday, September 30 at the Rio Cibolo Ranch was a great success thanks to everyone who attended and volunteered. The “Gulf Coast Playboys” entertained a crowd of 400 with a mix of country and Zydeco music. Guests dined on Cajun gumbo, Texas style Bar-B-Q, and all the fixin’s and children once again enjoyed carnival games set up just for them. Our silent auction raised just over $8,000 due to the generosity of individuals and companies who contributed 150 items. We thank Ben E. Keith, Oak Farms, Avila Produce, Sysco, and Pollock Paper for donating the food and supplies, and the Christopher family and the staff of Rio Cibolo Ranch for their wonderful hospitality.

If you attended, please visit our website at www.christianseniorservices.org, go the Party in the Pasture page and take a quick survey to help us improve next year.

The cool weather and turning leaves remind us that Thanksgiving is coming. The holiday most associated with a large family gathering around a bountiful table, Thanksgiving brings people together and reminds us to cherish those we love and who love us. Yet there are many seniors who won’t be surrounded by family on this special day. That is why Christian Senior Services has sponsored a volunteer delivery event on Thanksgiving to insure that every senior will be remembered with a personal visit and a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This year, the turkey dinner for 2,500 elderly and disabled people will be sponsored by James Melvin of 1st and 10 Entertainment. On that day, the Air Force Sergeant’s Association will be preparing and packaging meals and local Girl Scouts will be distributing hand made Thanksgiving cards. If you and your family want to start your

day by delivering meals the morning of Thanksgiving, please call 735-5115 or email susanr@christianseniorservices.org. Volunteers will be driving through our parking lot at Loop 410 and Babcock and will be provided meals and a list of seniors for delivery. It is important for everyone to RSVP in advance.

Sign Up Now for Thanksgiving

Many Thanks to Our Sponsors

Gold Nugget Sponsors WellMed • Rio Cibolo Ranch • Valero

Silver Spur Sponsors Alpha Building Corporation

Ben E. Keith Foods

Brass Buckle SponsorsAsher Resources • Auto Works • Central Park Lions Club

Clear Channel Communications • Frost BankGuaranty Insurance • HEB • Jefferson Bank • Tesoro

Tezel and Cotter • Tsakopulos, Brown, Schott, Anchors

Branding Iron SponsorsAT&T Pioneers • Catto & Catto LLPEichlitz, Dennis, Wray & Westheimer

Kinetic Concepts Inc. (KCI)Nestle Waters • San Antonio Federal Credit Union

United Health Group Ovations • Weston Centre

Party in the Pasture Nets Almost $40,000!

Congressman Charlie Gonzales provides hugs and encouragement to fellow

volunteers who helped with the 2006 Thanksgiving Day deliveries

New board member Matt Stone introduces his family to the

down home fun of Party in the Pasture

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Margo Spielermann, Meals on Wheels VolunteerTwenty years ago Margo was delivering Meals on Wheels with two small children by her side. She stopped delivering while her children were in school but a year and a half ago she decided it was time to start volunteering again. Her children are now in high

school and college but still accompany her delivering meals during the summers when they are out of school. Margo feels this early exposure to volunteering has taught her children the importance of giving back to the community. Teaching children has now become a profession for her. Margo writes historical fiction books about Texas to be used in fourth grade classrooms. She loves the flexibility this gives her to stay involved with volunteer organizations like Meals on Wheels. Margo says the smiles of the seniors when they open the door “makes her day.” We would like to thank Margo for a commitment to Meals on Wheels that spans the decades – we so appreciate you making us a part of your family.

Mr. and Mrs. Ron AcostaAllstate Giving CampaignAnonymousMr. and Mrs. Douglas ArriagaMr. Hal O. AtkinsonMr. Mario Avila, Jr.Bacon Lee and AssociatesMr. and Mrs. Dave BakerBank of AmericaMr. and Mrs. Bill BakerMr. Joe BarfieldMr. and Mrs. Peter BaughmanMs. Marjorie E. BeakesMs. Marilyn BirminghamMr. Charles BlairCDS, Inc.Ms. Gloria Ann CanoMr. Jossh CarmenMrs. Celeste CarpenterMs. Alice CasillasMs. Gina CasillasMs. Lily CazaresMrs. Sarah CernosekMr. and Mrs. Henry ChristopherMr. and Mrs. William CrowCulligan Southwest, Inc.Pat CurrierMr. and Mrs. Dave DavisMr. Aarti DayalMr. and Mrs. David Van DelistMrs. Irene EngMr. and Mrs. Luis EspinozaMr. and Mrs. Joel EkelandMr. and Mrs. David EyestoneMr. Nelson FinchMr. and Mrs. John FinerghtyMr. and Mrs. Gary FisherFirst Baptist Church of HelotesLt. Col. Mary L. FiskMs. Rose FloresMs. Mary E. FogartyGAC Halff FoundationMr. Lon FryMr. Rolando A. GarzaMr. and Mrs. Mathias GengMr. and Mrs. Michael GentryMs. Elisa R. GonzalezGrace Lutheran ChurchMs. Sandy GrayMs. Judy L. GrothuesMr. and Mrs. David HalamudaMs. Rose M. HannaschMr. James F. HardenMs. Beth Bowman HarperMs. Marsha R. HendricksMr. and Mrs. Alfred HilgersMr. and Mrs. Dave HoffmanMr. Richard HuckinsJean and Kenneth R. Ladensohn Trust of the San Antonio Area FoundationMr. and Mrs. Alberto JimenezMr. and Mrs. Craig JohnsonMr. George H. JohnsonMs. Toni A. JohnsonMr. Richard JonesMr. John JosephMr. Laverle A. JuliusMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey KahneMs. Jane W. KeeneyMr. Jim KinzieMs. Theresa KlarMs. Debbie KoegelMrs. Bonnie Bowman KorbellMr. and Mrs. Stephen J. KramerRev. and Mrs. Ernest LantzMr. and Mrs. David Laro, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. William LemonsMs. Barbara C. LettunichMr. and Mrs. Robert Levesque, Jr.Mr. Bill LewisMs. Julie LittleMr. and Mrs. Louis K. LintonMr. Abner Pierre-LouisMr. and Mrs. Bernie LovejoyMs. Carol LozanoMr. Reuben LunaMC2 Srudios, Inc.Marcia and Otto Koehler FoundationMr. and Mrs. Enrique MartinezMs. Veronica V. MartinezMr. and Mrs. Gregory A. Mc ComishMr. and Mrs. Joe McNaul

Mr. and Mrs. Dale H. MeyersMs. Eva MicklerMr. and Mrs. Brice MoczygembaMr. and Mrs. David MoussetteMs. Sheri MulanaxMs. Betty MuzioMs. Kristina NavarroMr. and Mrs. Valente M. NavarroMs. Diane V. NicholsMr. and Mrs. Igor Von NimitzMs. Margaret NoeOffice Resource CenterPG&E CorporationMr. Jack ParkerMr. Larry PatrickMr. and Mrs. Cecil PattersonMr. Michael H. PawelekMr. and Mrs. Glenn C. PedderMr. Carlos G. PenaMr. and Mrs. Gerald PerkinsMr. and Mrs. Norbert A. PhalenMr. James PingreeMr. and Mrs. Peter RayReba and Walter Viner Humanitarian AwardMr. and Mrs. James E. ReedMr. and Mrs. Manuel M. Reygadas, Jr.Mr. Tom RhodesMr. William Rieck, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. James R. RogersMs. Robin RossMr. and Mrs. Robert W. RossonMr. Raul RuizMs. Sally RuizMr. and Mrs. Christopher D. RyanMs. Frances SadlerMr. Joe SalazarMs. Sterling E. SaremMr. and Mrs. James Samsel, Sr.Mr. and Mrs. Steven SenftMr. and Mrs. John H. ShowersMr. Fred SinclairMr. Robert G. SlusserMr. James SmithSt. Andrew Lutheran ChurchMs. Rebecca M. StallingsMr. and Mrs. Hayden StewartMr. Matthew StoneMr. and Mrs. John Strong, IIILt. Col. and Mrs. Dwyer StringerMs. Sherry StuartMr. Marvin StrunkMs. Mary SwiftMr. Paul TezelMr. and Mrs. Ronald ToddMr. and Mrs. Charles ThompsonMr. and Mrs. Jim TsakopulosMr. and Mrs. Mike TurnerUnited Way of Capital Area, Inc.United Way of Greater Mercer CountyUnited Way of Greenville County, Inc.United Way of Southeastern PennsylvaniaMs. Patricia VanellaWashington Mutual, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Richard WeberMr. and Mrs. Mark WittigMr. and Mrs. Blake YeagerMs. Wilma Fairlee YeltonMs. Rosann Zwonetschek

Special GiftsIn Memory Of ...Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Beach Marilyn Garrett BakerMr. and Mrs. Jack Biros, Sr. Ruth L. MeyerMr. and Mrs. Jack Biros, Jr. Ruth L. MeyerMr. Donald P. Blinn Ms. Earline ByrdDr. and Mrs. Charles Brady Travis KruegerDr. and Mrs. Arthur H. Briggs Ms. Earline ByrdPat R. Brown Ms. Earline ByrdMr. and Mrs. M. A. Byrd Ms. Earline Byrd

Mr. and Mrs. Russell W. Byrd Ms. Earline ByrdMr. and Mrs. Rusty Center Ms. Earline ByrdMr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Clark Marie WintersMr. Jimmy L. Conner Ora CoussonsMr. and Mrs. Paul F. Dahlgren Frances M. AllenMs. Gilda Dieringer Abel P. ArteagaMr. and Mrs. Larry W. Earnest Bill PhillipsMr. Al Evans Ruth Downes EvansMr. and Mrs. W. C. Fisher Lyda QuiliciMs. Debbie Held Ruth L. MeyerMr. and Mrs. John Held Ruth L. MeyerMr. and Mrs. Steven Heitkamp Scott E. TudykMr. and Mrs. Steven Heitkamp Fritz C. HeitkampMr. and Mrs. Donald Hilkemeier Ms. Earline ByrdMr. and Mrs. Bobby D. Holder Annie Laurie MurphyMs. Barbara L. Johnson Neida May JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Newton, Jr. Ms. Earline ByrdMr. and Mrs. Feliciano Rodriguez Rosa RodriguezMr. Manuel M. Saro Dora E. A. SaroMr. and Mrs. Miguel Saucedo, Jr. Matilde P. FloresMs. Cindy Slater Ms. Earline ByrdDr. and Mrs. Gordon O. Stafford Pearl BurgDr. and Mrs. Gordon O. Stafford Robbie NicholsMs. Mary A. Tafolla John TafollaMs. Sheila E. Taylor Rita C. TaylorMr. and Mrs. Tom D. Wright Bill Phillips

Special GiftsIn Honor Of ...Ms. Diana Acevedo Susie CastanonMs. Cathy Adelman Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. AdelmanMs. Jean E. Clayborne Mrs. M. HoweltonMrs. Annamarie M. Hernandez Mom and DadCol. and Mrs. Silas W. Purvis, Jr. Mr. Royal ElmoreCol. and Mrs. Silas W. Purvis, Jr. Shirley ElmoreMs. Elizabeth Robbins Ms. Leonarda JimenezMs. JoAnn Steigerwald Ms. Donna A. BlockMr. and Mrs. J. Scott Taylor Mr. Joe TaylorMr. and Mrs. Charles L. Wedge Ms. Joan Kearl

Candi Zuniga,CaseworkerThere are not many people who can claim the energy and enthusiasm of 60-year-old Meals on Wheels Caseworker Candi Zuniga! She also has the experience and wisdom that comes from working for CSS for 14 years. Despite two open heart surgeries and a

broken ankle, Candi keeps coming back to Meals on Wheels where she says that she especially enjoys the work environment made up of “beautiful co-workers and outstanding supervisors.” Candi loves working with the elderly and has many heart warming and heart breaking memories of her work over the years. She recalls a time when she went to do a home visit on a bedridden client only to have her literally die in her arms. It was an emotional moment but a blessing to be part of this woman’s end-of life care. Candi is committed to the program because she has seen the independence and comfort provided to Meals on Wheels recipients. The biggest change over the years has been computerization. Candi remembers the days when everything was written down in a big notebook that had to be constantly reviewed. Now it is much easier to keep track of the information about each client and since Meals on Wheels serves over 4,000 people a year, an absolute necessity. We are grateful to Candi for the genuine caring she brings to her work every day.

Donors from August 1-September 30, 2007

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Nelson Finch, Board MemberAfter more than four years on its Board of Directors, Nelson Finch has no doubt that Christian Senior Services provides the “most immediate and critical value” to people in need than any other organization with which he has

been affiliated. His favorite expression when describing Meals on Wheels, Grace Place, and the Senior Companion program is that the work of these programs is really where “the rubber meets the road.” It is no surprise that Nelson would use this analogy as he is an avid motorcycle rider who enjoys the fun and freedom of the open road. Nelson’s wife, Susan, says that Nelson never went through the “middle age crazy phase because he has always been that way!” A graduate of St. Mary’s University, Nelson served as a Captain in the Army Field Artillery in Viet Nam before following his father’s footsteps into the banking profession. He has been with Jefferson Bank for 11 years and now holds the position of Market President. Nelson served for two years as President of Christian Senior Services and also held the position of Treasurer. Nelson enjoys being part of the growth of the agency and is especially pleased with the positive evolution of the Board of Directors. His leadership and enthusiasm has made a significant impact on all of us.

Esperanza and Robert Lujan, CaregiverRobert’s life changed dramatically two years ago when he assumed the responsibility of caring for his mother Esperanza, who has Alzheimer’s disease. After this devastating diagnosis, Robert and his wife made the decision to give

up some of the activities they enjoyed such as traveling to care for Esperanza in their home. Robert worried all the time about what was happening to his mother when he was not there with her. He quickly concluded that his mother could not be left alone and brought her to Grace Place where she attends five days per week while Robert continues to work full time at the UT Health Science Center. This choice, he says, has offered him complete peace of mind. He is grateful for the opportunity to do something many sons cannot - care for his mother in her most vulnerable state. This experience allows him to honor his mother after the many years she devoted to her children. According to Robert, “I’ve gotten a lot closer to her and learned to respect her. I cherish her.”

Genevieve and Ward Orsinger, DonorsGenevieve McDavitt was known for her charm and grace. She was a dancer and dance instructor and later taught school in Missouri and in the San Antonio school system. She married Ward Orsinger in 1954 and together they traveled the

world. After serving in WWI, Mr. Orsinger came to San Antonio and founded the Orsinger Motor Company with his brother Gunther. One of the founders of the Texas Cavaliers, Mr. Orsinger helped design the signature uniforms and helped establish the River Parade. Both Genevieve and Ward Orsinger have made a lasting impact on the culture and spirit of San Antonio. Though they have passed away, their legacy and love for San Antonio continues though the foundation Mrs. Orsinger established in 1997. The Genevieve and Ward Orsinger Foundation reflects the philosophy of the Orsingers by making charitable donations to nonprofits who “give people tools to become educated, healthy, and self-reliant.” Both Grace Place Alzheimer’s Centers and the Senior Companion Program have benefited from the generosity and good will of the Orsingers.

Loneta Williams and Winifred Starks, CompanionsProximity and need brought together two great people who have become the best of friends. The friendship started over 18 months ago when 84 year old

Loneta Williams needed the services of the Senior Companion Program. She was paired with Winifred Starks, a volunteer Senior Companion who happened to live in the same senior housing complex. Ms. Williams has lived at Country Village for over 20 years and during that time her mobility has slowly declined. An active member of Take Off the Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Ms. Williams has a wonderfully decorated sash on which she displays numerous awards and pins received. When she was more mobile, Ms. Williams attended their yearly meetings all over the southwest. Now she is overjoyed to have Ms. Starks as her Senior Companion. The two spend lots of time playing Scrabble and sharing meal times. Ms. Starks assists with anything Ms. Williams needs. She waters the plants, takes out the trash, fixes the bed, puts away collectables and even helps her reorganize her closet. After wrestling with a shower curtain installation for hours she told herself, “I will ask Winnie and I am sure she can put it up for me.” With Winnie’s help, the curtain went up very quickly. Sometimes it is the little things that mean the most in our daily lives.

e are truly thankful for all the generous and caring people who enrich our lives and make the programs of Christian Senior Services

possible. We deeply appreciate every single donor, volunteer, board member and staff member who supports our mission. We also appreciate the recipients of the services and their caregivers who open their homes and their lives to us. Thank you for your trust and confidence.

Non profit orgU.S. Postage

PAIDSan Antonio, TXPermit No. 222

The CSS News

Christian Senior Services4306 NW Loop 410San Antonio, TX 78229-5140

Solutions for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Christian Senior Services is a non-prof it , nonsectarian 501(c)(3) agency founded at St. John’s Lutheran and Grace Lutheran churches in 1977.

Our Mission To promote the dignity, self-worth, and

independence of those in need, primarily seniors, through the provision of nutritious meals,

companionship, and activity-oriented day care.

CSS Proudly Sponsors Meals on Wheels Senior Companion Program Grace Place Alzheimer’s Activity Centers

Board of DirectorsPresident, Henry Christopher, Johnson, Christopher, et al

Vice-President, Gene Weaver, CiticorpSecretary, Sarah Cernosek, Frost Bank

Past President, Nelson Finch, Jefferson Bank

Directors:Ron Acosta, Las Palapas Enterprises

Zora Bilicich, Valero CorporationBill Crow, San Antonio Water SystemMelody Escobar, Tesoro Petroleum

Abdu Kadri, M.D., PhysicianCarol Laumen, USAABill Lemons, Attorney

Adrianne Linton, Ph.D., UTHSC, School of NursingMichael Muskopf, AT&T

Jack Parker, Tapatio Springs ResortLarry Patrick, WSI Technology

Curt Pedder, Grace Lutheran ChurchThomas Robison, St. John’s Lutheran Church

Mimi Sutherland, LTC Case ManagementMathew Stone, Northeast Baptist Hospital

Paul Tezel, Tezel and CotterCharles Thompson, Prime Lending

Thanksgiving, 2007

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “thank you,” that would suffice.

~Meister Eckhart

Dear Friends,

Thank you. We deeply appreciate the support you have given to Christian Senior Services over the years. As we celebrate our 30 year anniversary we know that it is because of you that we are able to continue our work. Featured in this newsletter are photos and stories of the individuals who represent a much larger group of volunteers, donors, board members, staff, and recipients who are part of the Christian Senior Services family. Together, we are feeding hungry seniors through Meals on Wheels, providing care and companionship through the Senior Companion program, and providing respite to caregivers through Grace Place. More than 4,000 seniors are helped annually. Helping others who are hungry, lonely, or suffering from a debilitating illness or disability is the right thing to do. But we must never take for granted your decision to get involved. Despite our growth, we have not kept pace with the increasing needs of this frail population. All three of our programs have waiting lists. We need your volunteer assistance and your financial contributions now more than ever. If you are in a position to make a year end financial gift to Christian Senior Services, there is never a better time than today. Every dollar is needed; every gift is shared with those who need it most. Gratefully,

Sharon Baughman Executive Director