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Eye on Evergreen
Conversations with your friends and neighbors
Vol. 3 No. 14 May/June 2020 Was this in my
1
job description?!
3
2
1: Rich - Transportation
7 2: Jill - Housing Coordinator
3: Sherri & Edie - Life Enrichment
4
4: Amy - Campus Health Nurse
5: Caitlyn - Life Enrichment
6: Vicki - Foundation, Emma - EAH,
Erik - Transportation
7: Perla - Life Enrichment
5
6
The New Normal
By the time you read this, hopefully we will be back to some semblance of the “old” normal,
but if not, the following are a few verses in regard to the present situation.
It would be wonderful just to get a kiss and a hug,
Instead of doing social distancing so we don’t get the “Bug”!
You don’t say “hello” to someone, and they take you to task.
But it’s hard to even know your closest friends when they’re wearing a mask!
Who is this person in the mirror with the long bushy hair?
Desperately need someone with knowhow to snip here and there!
Would be lovely to go out anywhere and dine as we wish,
Rather than having piles of takeout boxes that may smell of fish!
We do jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and read books by the score.
Then sit and watch TV and movies until our posteriors are sore!
At least with better weather, we can enjoy being outside,
And if we’re really adventurous, perhaps even go for a ride.
Computers and iPads, it’s their time to shine.
Folks working from home, and students learning online.
Thank heaven for all the heroes and angels we find all around,
Helping to keep us all healthy and able to stay above ground!
They say hope springs eternal, and when this pandemic comes to an end,
That there’ll be much brighter tomorrows for us all just ‘round the bend.
Yes, this, too, shall pass, and hopefully we’ll have little to fear.
Then we’ll look back and remark, wasn’t 2020 a definitely unforgettable year?
- Maurene C.
An Extra Special Thank You
To all of our mask makers, thank you!
The planning committee consisted of Ellie Buckley,
Barbi McPhee, Luetta Sazama and Juliete Sterkens.
They, along with 26 other volunteers spent 911
hours making 584 masks. If you see any of them,
please give them a figurative pat on the back!
Ray Arnett Susan Hedgedus John Roesch
Grace Beam Marilyn Kraus Leanore Rommelfanger
Grant Beckfield Marge Leffin Milda Steinbreaker
Carolyn Blassingame Al Loehndorf Dorothy Tedlie
Evelyn Bowerman Vicki Moss Evelyn Waters
Gail Bullard Jan Nash Judy Weber
Sandy Challoner Marion Nofkee Mary Weddig
Pat Flegler Ellen Pellegrin Carol Staszkiewicz
Lois Hedge Celia Roesch
The masks have become quite a fashion item. Evergreen sewers started it with pretty fabrics
and as more masks were available color and style became as important as the scarf you wore. Men
were not too keen on the floral numbers. Whatever one you pick out, the important thing is
WEAR IT !!!
A little cowboy language has developed also. “Stick ‘em up !” and “Where’s Tonto?” to name a few
of the better ones. - June C.
Protect Your Friends and Neighbors
Wear your Masks and Keep Your Distance
We’re living in historic times
I And though it isn’t fun
ved
Survi Someday we’ll wear a tee shirt
That says “Survived-Well Done”.
Did You Know?
One of the rules of showing respect for the flag is: Never let it touch the ground.
The story of William Harvey Carney is an inspiration. He was born in
Norfolk, Virginia in 1840, educated at a school for blacks conducted secretly by a
local minister. When the Civil War broke out, Carney made his way to
Massachusetts to join the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. By 1863 the
regiment advanced to capture Fort Wagner, South Carolina. Marching into a
hail of minnie balls he was hit twice but continued on; then he spied the flag.
Carney saw the flag bearer receive a direct hit and as he slumped to the ground, Carney made a dive for the
flag before it touched the ground. Somehow, throughout the remainder of the battle he held the flag aloft,
made his way to his commanding officer and presented him with the Stars and Stripes. “The flag never
touched the ground” Carney whispered before he fell unconscious from loss of blood. Sargent Carney
recovered from his wounds and later was in popular demand as a speaker at patriotic events as the hero of
the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. He was the first African American soldier in the history of our country to
receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.
(From “Shocking Secrets of American History” by Bill Coats)
Many songs have been written about our flag and one you seldom hear
anymore was written in the late 30’s by George M. Cohan, featured in his
Broadway production of “Yankee Doodle Dandy”. Early in his career, he wrote the
patriotic song “Over There” in 1917. It is remembered as a rallying call for
America’s entry into WWI. - B. W.
Over There
You’re a Grand Old Flag Over there, over there
You’re a grand old flag Send the word, send the word over there
You’re a high flying flag That the Yanks are coming
And forever in peace may you wave The Yanks are coming
The home of the free and the brave The drums rum-tumming
Every heart beats true Everywhere
Under the red, white and blue So prepare, say a prayer
Where there’s never a boast or brag Send the word, send the word to beware
But should old acquaintance be forgot We'll be over, we're coming over
Keep your eye on the grand old flag And we won't come back till it's over
Over there
June Chionchio, Manor North Resident Bev Wintheiser, Courtyard Resident
Donna Lord, Courtyard Resident Marilyn Voeltner, Village Resident
Maurene Christenen, Courtyard Resident
Caitlyn Scott, Edie Norenberg & Linda Greene, Staff Liaisons
History Snips
May is the month to celebrate the profession of nursing in our country. In Britain
on May 12 this year they celebrated the 200 th birthday of Florence Nightingale
during a two day conference on nursing and global health. Romanticized as the ‘Lady
with the Lamp’ in the past, historians today debate the accomplishments of her life.
Born into wealth, she defied convention at age 16 by choosing nursing as a
career, regarded then as suitable only for lower class women. Educated at the
Kaisersworth Nursing School in Germany, she rose to superintendent of a hospital for
governesses in London and cared for prostitutes in the cholera epidemic of 1853. The
following year, with British troops fighting in the Crimean War, Sidney Herbert, Secretary of War,
dispatched Nightingale to care for thousands of sick and wounded packed in squalid camps in
Constantinople, suffering from wounds, cholera, gangrene and dysentery. During her first winter
there 4,077 died. In her letters home she repeatedly criticized military doctors and administrators for
their “Murderous errors” in sending cholera patients to overcrowded wards and delays in having
hospitals drained and ventilated. A military sanitation commission confirmed her suspicions
between the link of filth to disease.
Nightingale’s zeal became a thorn in the side of her superiors, often going around them to
procure meat and other staples to improve patients diets. The Chief Army Medical Officer wrote
angrily to his superior in London after she went over his head to order supplies from his store.
“There is not an official who would not burn me like Joan of Arc if he could”, she wrote from the
Crimea, “but they know that the War Office cannot turn me out because the country is with me”.
The British Press had celebrated her accomplishments and on her return to England in 1856, she was
as popular as Queen Victoria, something she shunned, preferring to remain pursuing her own agenda.
She discovered sanitary conditions in hospitals, workhouses and poor, crowded districts, no better
than the Crimea. In 1860 she founded the first nurses training school in London. She changed the
Poor Laws that didn’t separate the indigent from the contagious, insisted that wounded soldiers be
considered “neutral” and be given equal medical care on the battlefield; an ethic that became central
to the National Committee of the Red Cross in 1863. Her efforts swayed Parliament to vote to
finance the first comprehensive sewage system in London. Few of the general public were aware of
her reforms that changed the face of British society, for she preferred to work behind the scenes to
reach her goals. In 1907, Nightingale became the first woman to receive the Order of Merit, a highly
prestigious award instituted by Edward VII. The ceremony renewed interest in the nearly forgotten
nurse and reformer. She died three years later at the age of 90.
Whatever historians make of her life, her accomplishments speak for themselves. Her lamp lit the
way for changes that improved life in her time and beyond.
- B.W.
First Ladies
The next several months will be filled with the political scene leading up to the Presidential election
in November. The prospective First Lady is always an important part of the campaign. Test your
knowledge regarding these two former First Ladies:
1. What First Lady’s son wrote a series of books in which his mother was the sleuth who
solved various murders, while still acting as First Lady?
2. What First Lady’s daughter was the author of more than 20 mysteries, most of which are set
in D.C. and the surrounding area? Answers on the following page.
Answers to First Ladies
1. Eleanor Roosevelt. Her son Elliot Roosevelt’s first book in the extensive series was
entitled “Murder and the First Lady” and was published in 1984. Interestingly enough, he was
most candid in mentioning his parents’ relationships (sometimes contentious) with the Cabinet,
Congress, various other politicians of the day and the White House staff.
2. Bess Truman. Her daughter, Margaret Truman, wrote more than twenty mysteries. The
first book in the series “Murder in the White House” was published in 1980.
Both authors provide good reads with these mysteries, and in each instance, their series were con-
tinued after their deaths by authors who had collaborated with them during their lifetimes. If you
are seeking new authors to add to your reading list, you might consider these. - Maurene C.
John Krueger retired on June 12, 2020 after
Evergreen Trivia &
31 1/2 years of service at Evergreen.
Answers # 16
Enjoy retirement John!
Do you remember the day a mermaid
visited Evergreen? What was the
occasion?
(Hint – It had nothing to do with the
Evergreen Aquatic Center. And no, a
mermaid did not swim up to the pontoon
boat on Sawyer Creek!)
Answer: Thursday, September 21, 2000
was a pay day that fell during Evergreen’s
participation in the annual Oshkosh Area
United Way Campaign. As a promo of the
campaign, John Krueger, a member of the
Director’s Team at that time, and current
Vice President Finances and Information
Technology (and an overall good sport!),
dressed in a two-piece mermaid’s costume
while handing out paychecks to staff. For
sure a day to never forget!
Throughout time, it
has been proven that
Evergreen staff like
to have fun!
Christmas Box Angel of Hope
At Evergreen we are blessed to have angels in our midst – staff, volunteers, and residents. Except
for residents, our angels leave at the end of their day or night.
However, we have a very special angel who lives at Evergreen day and night. She is our Christmas
Box Angel of Hope. Have you seen her? She is located in our little park along Sawyer Creek.
She came to Evergreen with quite a story. Actually, she came into being as the result of a story. “The
Christmas Box” was written by Richard Paul Evans in 1993 as a Christmas gift to his
daughter. The story is mostly fiction and tells of a woman who at the base of an angel monument
mourns the loss of her child. The book gives a description of the statue, which is of a childlike angel
with upturned palms and outstretched wings.
An Angel of Hope statue was commissioned by Evans in response to reports that brokenhearted
parents were looking for the angel as a place to grieve and heal. This statue was dedicated in Salt
Lake City, Utah on December 6, 1994, the date of the child’s death in the book.
Thanks to research by Carol Staszkiewicz, Vice President of Foundation Advancement here at
Evergreen, our story unfolds.
A young woman, Alyssa, died in 2003 at age 20. Her mother, Sharon, dreamed of erecting an Angel of
Hope statue in her memory. Sharon died in 2005; her husband, Jesse
(a member of the Compassionate Friends of Oshkosh) promised to
fulfill her dream. Funds were raised through the Oshkosh Area
Community Foundation and the Compassionate Friends of Oshkosh.
A search began to find an appropriate location for the angel statue.
The Oshkosh City Council voted to approve placement in Menominee
Park. That decision led to heated discussions about placing a
“religious” statue on public grounds.
Evergreen came to rescue the angel and, in agreement with the
Compassionate Friends of Oshkosh and the Oshkosh Area
Community Foundation, our statue was dedicated on Evergreen
grounds on Sunday, June l, 2008, with more than 200 people in
attendance to celebrate!
The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation recently donated to Evergreen the remaining Angel of
Hope Statue Fund for continued maintenance of the statue. These funds helped make possible the
lighting of the statue grounds, a request made with seed money donated several years ago.
If you are looking for a peaceful place to sit and reflect, you will find our Christmas Box Angel of
Hope along the creek. She is noted on the walking map of the Evergreen campus, behind the raised
garden boxes. Or, do as I do, when driving in from Westfield Street, count the speed bumps – look to
your right at number four and you will see our own special angel. We are blessed.
- Donna L. (See where the angel is on the map on the following page)
Just for Fun: Can you find the
“Eye” on Evergreen?
Thought for the Day
In each issue of “Eye On
Evergreen,” an eye is hidden “All that I am or ever hope to be,
somewhere. Can you find it? I owe to my angel mother.”
Happy Hunting! - Abraham Lincoln
Walking Paths at Evergreen
Angel of
Hope Statue
Sawyer Creek Pier -
Check it out!
This and That
Now is a perfect time to get outside and enjoy
the weather, the gardens and all the beautiful
things growing just outside our doors. Visiting they have so willingly done so much more.
our family and friends is so much more Remember the demanding year we are living
pleasant outside and seems to bring a bit of through when you make your contributions.
“normal” back into our lives. ***
Evergreen has arranged for us to enjoy The Art Committee has a special exhibit
some live music out of doors . Seating hanging in the Main Hall near the dining room;
is arranged just enough to keep us safe. Watch three paintings, part of a collection donated by
for the notices. Bob and Gail Bullard. Every six months a new
Hope you didn’t miss the Classic exhibit will be hung in this place. The
Car Parade on June 11th. The old Committee wants to share their latest fine art
beauties drove past Evergreen on with you and our visitors.
N. Westfield Street.
***
We have all noticed that the staff that has
been so good to us in normal times are there for
us even more during these
difficult times of the virus.
***
They are everywhere, making
our lives easier and safer - The ducks are back! There is an even bigger
note the pictures on the front household than last year – mama and 10 ducks
plus two drakes that fly in and out. A resident
cover. What good caring
outdoorsman said that mama could be the same
friends they have become. We
one we had last year. She knew our Courtyard
can’t thank them enough!
was a good place to raise her brood. Board and
One way we can do room and safe, too.
something for them in return is to remember
Thank you to Tom & Bev Wintheiser
how their attentions help make our lives better
every day. We are given the opportunity to for this great picture of the ducks in
donate to the Employee Appreciation Fund, the Courtyard.
headed by Gene Winkler.
Funds are used for them all
year when needed, and
mainly for the Christmas
gifts. We always want
good things for our staff
friends but this year
Nurses & CNAs
May was National Nurse’s Month and as part of that wonderful tribute, we thought it might
be interesting to share a few facts with you regarding how Evergreen hires and retains these special
angels. According to Ashley Rehfeldt from Human Resources, “ When we hire employees we look for
them to show they align with our mission & values at Evergreen. We watch for them to interact well
with residents as we tour them through our campus. If they’re fortunate enough to be hired, we bring
them through an Orientation process where they meet Ken & he welcomes them to Evergreen.”
Ashley went on to explain that we currently have 31 nurses total over the whole
campus. We have 70 resident assistants that work in the Health Center that are
required to have their CNA certification. We also have staff in Assisted Living that do not
need their CNA certification, but do need to go through CBRF (Community Based
Residential Facility) classes, which we send them through. They are trained in standard precautions,
fire safety, first aid and medication administration. We have 41 resident assistants working in the
Garden Building and 23 Resident Assistants working at ShareHaven. That’s a lot of help and it takes
a village to train them all!
Evergreen runs two sponsored CNA (certified nursing assistant) classes per year. We
sponsor 12 students to take Fox Valley Technical College CNA classes with no
contract. Part of that sponsorship includes paying for them to take their first written &
skills state exam. If we hire them and they work for us for 6 months as a CNA, they
receive a $500.00 retention bonus. It’s our commitment to retaining employees and
showing them how grateful we are for their commitment to us. We all know how
significant these positions are and it’s important we acknowledge that and do everything we can to
ensure their proper training. After all, our residents are our most important asset and we want to do
all we can to ensure their well-being. That’s our job!
Thank You to Residents From Staff
The staff would like to say thank you to the residents for
providing us with lunch during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is incredibly thoughtful and we appreciate it!Be Part of the Latest “Village Dirt”
In case you hadn’t noticed, our 1010 N. Westfield
Village unit has benefitted from fellow Villager
Alan Rommelfanger’s expert woodworking skills!
Alan crafted a “new” compost bin out of wood
from an “old” fence. This fence was located near
Evergreen’s greenhouse on Eagle St. The garden staff
cleverly salvaged this weathered white cedar wood.
The compost bin is located just outside
the door that leads to the center courtyard of
the Village 1010 building.
You are invited to reduce your home waste
and help make some healthy “dirt”
for flowerbeds and vegetable gardens.
To make the best compost,
the following items are needed:
Fruit waste (including orange peels)
Raw Vegetable Waste and Peels
Eggshells and Nut shells
Old bread, Pasta and Grains
Teabags & Coffee grounds (incl. filters)
House Plants, Bulbs & Spent flowers
Technically, the food cartons from our Gardenside
Restaurant are compostable. But, we plan to add
the boxes we get from our weekly take-out meals
on a limited basis. That way we can see how
quickly they decompose before accepting more.
Questions about composting?
Call Juliëtte at 920-450-0148
juliette.sterkens@outlook.comThis virus is for the birds!!
Photograph by Leroy “Max” Maxfield
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Photograph by Leroy “Max” Maxfield
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