Residents@JV

Jacob's Village 2007 Christmas Party

Sunday afternoon, December 09, Jacob’s Village held their 2007 Christmas Party for the resident’s family, friends and volunteers at Zoar’s United Church of Christ. For the second year, two students from Reitz High School, Melissa Winternheimer & Courtney Schmitt organized the party for their Senior Project. This year’s Jacob’s Village Christmas Party was going to be a family affair in more ways than one because Jacob’s Villages own PRN, Becky Winternheimer, is Melissa’s mother. Melissa and Courtney made all arrangements for the party that was to begin at 2:00pm and end at 4:30pm. Jacob’s Village’s Executive Director, Cheryl Kuchna, welcomed everyone and introduced the Jacob’s Village residents of Debbie, Donna Kay, Wanda, Mike, Michael, Scott, Home Coordinators Barry Parker, Carol and Halleck Anderson. Then in turn, the residents introduced their family members and/or guests that were present. Debbie introduced her mother, Mary Roberts, Mike and Wanda introduced Jim & Barbara Mosby, and Scott introduced his parents, Charles and Sally Huck for their special guests. Karin Macke, Program Director for Jacob’s Village, introduced her husband Gary, and Tom Burmeister, Jacob’s Village Property Manager introduced his wife Sandy. There were a few more special VIP guests attending this year’s Christmas Party that presently volunteer at Jacob’s Village in some capacity. Don & Shirley Johann, who are members of Zoar’s UCC and was a part of their Women’s Club who hosted the residents for an activity and spaghetti supper back in November. Don also trades off with other individuals who share the opportunity to drive Scott to New Harmony where he volunteers and gives tours at the Rapp/Owen Granary once a week. Other volunteers present on this day were the Tim and Angie Klenck family. Angie and her four home schooled children, Alexi, Seth, Ben, and Sydney come out to Jacob’s Village usually one Monday evening a month to play Bingo with the residents and provide them with special snacks and prizes. Everyone thoroughly enjoys their company and good times they bring. Jim Mosby provides transportation for Mike and Wanda to and from St. Agnes Catholic Church every Sunday morning and for special Church functions. Also in attendance were Karla Ramsey and her two children Austin and Alexi, and Angela Goedde and her two children Rachel, and Michael. Karla has recently joined the staff at Jacob’s Village in helping out a couple days a week with Donna Kay. Sometimes, more on holidays, Karla stops by Jacob’s Village with Austin and Alexi to ‘Trick or Treat’ or just to say ‘Hi’ to the residents. Similar to what Angela does when her schedule allows, she is a frequent guest of Jacob’s Village. Angela is the Activities Director at the Woodbridge Health Care facility in Evansville where she has in the past, when able, invited Donna Kay to join her and the residents of Woodbridge in their activities. Angela is also a traveling Karoke Queen. She has all the portable equipment and many music selections to choose from usually taking it all with her on the road. The Jacob’s Village residents really get excited and have a good time when all the aforementioned children and guests stop by for a visit. Cheryl Kuchna did recognize Andy & Charmie Guagenti, Dan & Karen Grunow and their son Jacob. Jacob, a recent graduate of Boonville High School is the namesake for Jacob’s Village. Andy is one of the founders along with Dan who are responsible for initiating ‘The Dream’ of Jacob’s Village to provide a residential facility for handicapped individuals with developmental disabilities and dedicated to enriching disabled lives. It sure was a special and nice time to have everyone together sharing in the Christmas Spirit and enjoying the moment. Following the introductions, Tom Burmeister gave a warm blessing and the feast was about to begin on the main course of the day. Melissa and Courtney arranged for Shyler’s BBQ to prepare the meal and it was ready for the taking. Their menu on this day consisted of BBQ, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Slaw, White and Rye Bread, Onions, Pickles, and drinks of Water, Lemonade, Cola, Sprite, and Coffee. There were around 50 people in attendance and there was an abundance of food for all and some left over. So, that meant Jacob’s Village would be having this food a time or two again, No one objected to that; Shyler’s has good food. For dessert, assorted flavors of Ice-Cream were furnished by GD Ritzy’s and homemade cookies that were donated by the Deaconess Hospital Dietary Group where Courtney works. Soon after the BBQ meal, Jerry Lannan, with his guitar, provided the entertainment. Jerry is a performer from way back; he would on occasion share the same stage with Boots Randolph at the Blue Bar in Evansville. Here’s the rest of the story for the family affair. PRN Becky Winternheimer is Jerry’s daughter and Becky’s youngest daughter, Audrey, was there to sing backup for him. He played guitar and his entourage backed him up singing songs appropriate for the day. A good time was being had by all. After a few songs, Santa Claus (alias Emily Welsh, Becky’s niece) popped into the party to everyone’s delight with a large bag slung over his shoulder full of presents and good cheer for all the good boys and girls. The residents of Jacob’s Village must have really been good throughout the year because it seemed like they all hit the jack-pot. Their booty-goodies of gifts consisted of a sweat-suit type of material pajama top and bottom, a stocking full of candy, personal hygiene items of shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and a pair of socks. There was a Gift Card for Bob Evans Restaurant, a Kerasotes Stadium ‘16’ Movie pass and a box of chocolate covered peanut clusters. A good time of good eats, good gifts, and most of all…good fellowship was had by all at the 2007 Jacob’s Village Christmas Party. Melissa and Courtney organized a very nice party for their Senior Project, Thank You.

posted by J V Resident Blog @ 11:37 AM