Monthly Archives: January 2018

Tips to Prepare for the Second Half of Winter

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The winter of 2017-18 has been a rollercoaster of extremes in Pennsylvania- drastic cold snaps, ice storms, flooding, snow and even more snow. With February 4th being the midpoint of winter, now is time to make sure you are prepared for the second half of the season.

“Searching for resources during a crisis can add extra stress and take valuable time,” said Julia Menzo, Liberty Lutheran’s director of community outreach. “Even if you didn’t take the time in late fall to prepare your home, car or family for winter, you can still be ready for whatever February and March bring.”

Stay warm this winter by dressing right with these tips from the National Weather Service.

Julia also serves as Coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response-Eastern PA (LDR-EPA).  Tasked with overseeing disaster preparedness and response for Lutherans in 19 counties of eastern Pennsylvania, Julia has culled resources to help you through the second half of this truly unpredictable winter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight how to prepare your home for winter

For more information, contact Julia Menzo, Coordinator, Lutheran Disaster Response-Eastern PA, at jmenzo@libertylutheran.org or call 215-430-1299.
Learn more about LDR-PA at Libertylutheran.org/disaster-recovery-philadelphia-pa

 

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Through Service at Paul’s Run

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As the nation remembers the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., here’s a special note from Luanne Fisher, Liberty Lutheran President and CEO:

The great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”. 

The Community Service Club at Liberty’s Paul’s Run senior living community admirably honors Dr. King’s vital call to action. “Our mission is to support ministries that provide food for those facing food insecurity,” says Julie Stumpf, Director of Spiritual Care.

 

The Community Service Club, which includes residents and staff, prepares 300-400 sandwiches each month for the Social Ministry of New Creation Lutheran Church. “The sandwiches are picked up by congregational members and taken to homeless individuals who live under bridges and along railroad tracks in the vicinity of North Philadelphia,” says Julie.

The monthly meal preparation continues as the Club prepares an additional 400 sandwiches for St. Francis Inn, a ministry that serves meals to some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in Philadelphia. Additionally, a group of Community Service members prepare 100 full-course dinners monthly for Jane Adamms Place, an emergency homeless shelter in Philadelphia for mothers and their children.

Julie says that it’s greatly rewarding for residents and staff to participate in efforts that help to strengthen and support vulnerable individuals and families. Moreover, both residents and staff members enjoy being part of a large community of caring people that encompasses not only Paul’s Run, but volunteers from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, New Creation Lutheran Church, St Francis Inn, and a wide variety of generous food donors that include the Core Group, Whole Foods, Outback Steakhouse, Starbucks, and Weiss Markets.

The initiative at Paul’s Run to support people who cope with food insecurity has been steadily growing over the last few years. The preparation of about 100 meals each month has now grown to 600-900 meals monthly. It’s amazing to witness how this tremendous effort has taken root and awakens a strong sense of purpose and meaning for so many who are involved.

Thank you to Julie and the Community Service Club for the truly impactful and meaningful way you honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Day of Service—on the actual day of this special observance, as well as many days throughout the year.

Click the following links to watch the Paul’s Run Community Service Club in action making hurricane school relief kits and casseroles for Jane Addams Place.

Update from the Village at Penn State

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Sally Wangness, a resident at The Village at Penn State, is the unofficial documentarian of construction of the community’s new connector hallway and community room. Since construction began in August 2017, she has been snapping photos to follow the progress. “The photos are mounted on an easel outside the main dining room with a description,” said Sally. “I love being able to keep everyone informed on the progress of these much anticipated additions.”

The brisk pace of construction on the hallway and community room means the exterior walls are complete and the interior is taking shape. Interior rooms- such as the kitchen area, restrooms, audio/visual space, and the stage- have been roughed out and wiring and plumbing are now being installed. Sally marvels at the pace of the construction. “Each time I come here with Ellen Corbin, executive director of the Village, there is something new to see. Ellen has been so gracious in letting me photograph the progress.”

With a raised stage and seating for up to 165 guests, the new community room will allow more residents to partake in the variety of activities offered at The Village. The new connector hallway will make it much easier to visit family and friends in the Atrium as it links the main residence with the personal care community.

Careful planning on account of the fickle State College weather has kept the progress on track according to Dave DeLuca, Liberty Lutheran’s director of real estate development. “The weather in late 2017 did make it a challenge,” said Dave, “To prepare for that, our team did its homework and we still expect to complete construction by early spring.”

New construction will also being soon on Palmer Park and six park-adjacent cottages. Palmer Park is a first-of-its kind fully landscaped park and gardens, featuring professionally contoured golf putting and practice areas, a village green and a multi-purpose area for many recreational activities. The luxurious cottages will include two bedrooms and two-full bathrooms, an open floor plan with 1,800 square feet of living space, vaulted ceilings, and dramatic windows that feature views of the beautiful Palmer Park.

In 2014, Sally also documented the construction of The Atrium, The Village’s personal care community.  When the groundbreaking on Palmer Park and the cottages occurs, Sally plans on being there to capture that progress as well.

You can learn more about the exciting new opportunities of growth at RetireatPennState.org.

A Golden Anniversary Gift

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This past November, Bob and Beverly Bortz celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Married on November 18, 1967, they saw a golden opportunity to give back. The Bortzes chose to use their celebration as a fundraiser for Liberty Lutheran.

“When you need for nothing materially, it is best to give to others,” said Bob.” We didn’t need another bottle of wine or a gift certificate. We suggested that, if guests wished to recognize our milestone in a tangible way, they make a donation to Liberty Lutheran Services.”

To date their friends and family have generously donated over $5,300. “The outpouring of support is overwhelming,” said Beverly. “I am so grateful to our friends and family for making these gifts. It’s just a neat feeling and it makes you feel so good to do something like this for an organization that both of us are honored to be a part of.”

The couple’s bond with Liberty runs deep. Beverly has served on Liberty’s Board of Directors for over five years. Meanwhile Bob has been the chairman of the Artman Golf Outing for three years.

Bob credits Beverly with the clever idea to share in their good fortunes. Married on November 18, 1967, The Bortzes returned to the historic William Penn Inn exactly 50 years later to celebrate their love and commitment to each other. Through their charitableness, they also showed their commitment to Liberty Lutheran’s family of services.

Milestones of 1967:
Average Cost of new house $14,250.00.
Average Income per year $7,300.00.
Average Monthly Rent $125.00.
Gas per Gallon 33 cents.
The Beatles release Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Rolling Stone Magazine’s first issue was printed.