All Smiles for Everyone at Soup Supper! page 3

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1 All Smiles for Everyone at Soup Supper! page 3 A publication of Palm Village Retirement Community Cover story page 4 Palm Village CEO David Reimer Visits Lebanon March, Page 2: Upcoming Wednesday Chapel Speakers Page 6-7: PVRC Residents play Here and There Page 12: PVRC & IHS: A Special Relationship

2 In the Chapel Please join us for these Wednesday evening services. Public is welcome. March 26 Robert Aguirre Assoc. Pastor of Kingsburg Community Church The Advocate, John 15:26-16:15 April 2 Bob Kroeker Grief Turned to Joy, John 16: Ray O Neil The Lord s Longest Prayer, John Ray O Neil The Cross - We will receive Communion 23 Ray O Neil Luke 24 Easter, The First Day 30 Ron Penner Pastor, Kingsburg MB Church May 7 Bruce Hood Director, Feed My Sheep Ministries 14 Brian Wiebe & Ed Willems Bethany MB Church 21 Ruddy & Cristina Ancheta Missionaries, Dinuba MB Church 28 Mark Thompson TBA June 4 Ray O Neil Summer Psalms 11 TBA 18 Steve Snitchler SAT 7 Arabic 25 Eugene Gerbrandt TBA ** Please see our website events calendar for dates, time and information March, Table of Contents All smiles at Soup Supper PVRC s CEO visits Moadieh Center in Lebanon PVRC s residents play Here and There Student from Kazakhstan visits PVRC... 8 Memorial Contributors... 8 Celebrating 90th birthdays!... 9 Fresno Porcelain artists visit PVRC... 9 Living Legacy Donors PVRC & IHS: A special relationship...12 On our cover David Reimer, Palm Village s CEO, recently toured the ancient city of Byblos while in Lebanon to tour the Moadieh Center. Palm Villager March, 2014 The Palm Villager is a publication of Palm Village Retirement Community, a mission agency sponsored by the Bethany and Butler Mennonite churches in Fresno and by the Mennonite Brethren churches of Dinuba, Kingsburg and Reedley. (559) President and CEO, David K. Reimer Director of Marketing, Jim Dueck COA 170 Lic. # Admissions, room assignments and services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, disability or age. 2

3 Palm Village s Annual Soup Supper! Maybe it was the food, or just the camaraderie, but everywhere you looked at the 2014 Soup Supper, there were plenty of smiles on the faces of residents and their families. (top) Anne Friesen and her niece, Julie Heinrichs enjoyed the Soup Supper. (center) Four generations of Wanda Kennedy s family are (l to r) great-granddaughter Darah Hoff, Kim Hoff, Kennedy, great-granddaughter Malia Hoff and Carleen Kennedy (bottom) After choosing their soups, Don and Lydia Beckenhauer are ready to find their table and enjoy socializing with Palm Village residents and guests. Soup, desserts and friends! 3

4 Cover story Lebanon David Reimer visits the only Assisted Living community in In 2012, Joyce Eid of Beirut, Lebanon visited Palm Village Retirement Community for a month. Her goal was to learn how, as the future Manager of the Moadieh Evangelical Center in Lebanon, she could enhance the Assisted Living Community using the services and protocols of Palm Village as a model. The connection with Joyce was made through the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and plans for her visit were subsequently made through and Skype visits with Palm Village CEO, David Reimer. Recently, Reimer visited the Moadieh Center to enjoy the success Eid has had at the Beirut Center, as a result of what she learned from the staff and administration at Palm Village. After many hours of airline travel that involved a route that avoided flying over Syria, Reimer arrived in Lebanon, a country he describes as beautiful, a little smaller than Tulare County. Beirut is very urban, very much like New York, with lots of trees and a harbor similar to Monaco. Yet other areas feel like a third world slum, Reimer relates. Since Reimer has been the CEO of Palm Village for nearly 25 years, he and Eid had many conversations about marketing, orthopedic surgeons, board development, accounting, HR management and the activities of an Assisted Living Center. He discovered that the Moadieh Center residents understand that their attitude is the biggest factor in life satisfaction and they view aging as part of life. They love living at the Center as they have staff there to help them and to do things with them that are beneficial to their well-being. Of course one wonders how life is perceived in what we consider to be a dangerous environment. The people are happy, oblivious to danger as it is common and longstanding, Reimer comments. PVRC CEO David Reimer chats with Managers and residents of the Moadieh Center on his recent visit to Beirut, Lebanon. 4

5 They learn to ignore the danger and get on with their lives. And adopting the same attitude, Reimer was able to visit many unique sites like the Jeita Grotto, which he describes as a huge, gorgeous cave filled with colorful and elaborate stalagmites and stalactites. I felt like I was walking through something the size of the Grand Canyon, not a small cave, he stated. He also visited the American University and Hospital. The medical School is linked to a University in New York and medical care in the Beirut area is very good. The Moadieh Center has 24-hour nursing care with strong donor funding but no support from the government or insurance. Reimer also visited Byblos, a port city on the Mediterranean that historians say dates back to 8800 and 7000 B.C. It is believed to be the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the world. Then there was the food. He discovered that meals are not about eating, they are about talking and tasting. Dinner starts at 8PM and ends at midnight. A Mediterranean diet prevails and he enjoyed Foool for breakfast of black beans, tomatoes, and olive oil and a second dish of greens and green onion. He met with the See of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Pope Aram 1, whose agenda is ecumenical endeavor. Reimer observed that the religious denominations are seamless in Lebanon, unlike the separations of the religions here in the United States. For example, at a funeral he attended, held in a Protestant church, Protestant, Catholic and Eastern Orthodox clergy participated in the service The Moadieh Evangelical Center is the first Assisted Living facility in Lebanon, a country of five million people and it has dedicated staff and a core of supporters. Palm Village is providing resources to help the dedicated Moadieh Center (MEC) staff and core of supporters serve the residents. With the limitations of what can be shared by phone and , MEC staff will benefit greatly from additional education and networking by attending conferences and collaborative functions. We are seeking your donations to help defray the cost of this education. Your tax deductible donation to the Palm Village Lebanon Fund will enable MEC staff to learn how to build a future for Lebanese seniors of all faiths and backgrounds. Checks should be made to Palm Village Lebanon Fund, Palm Village, P.O. Box 1028, Reedley California Or you may click the DONATION button online at and choose Lebanon Fund in the Gift Designation dropdown box. Your generosity in our mission to assist these seniors is greatly appreciated. (Above) Moadieh Center Manager Joyce Eid. (Below) Breakfast at the Moadieh Center for David Reimer consisted of an assortment of vegetables, Pita bread and a dish called foool made of black beans, tomatoes and olive oil. You have to imagine saying Foool with the Arabic pronunciation, said Reimer. 5

6 Palm Village s Seniors Play Here & There Residents enjoy great outings and campus activities! Road Trip to Getty Villa, Pacific Palisades, CA (Above) A large group made the trip to the Getty Villa. (Left) Bertha Pauls, Gladys Wiebe, Jeanette Byl and Rubena Ewell listen intently as one of the museum curators described the mythological story carved into one of the ornately decorated sarcophagi (aboveground burial boxes made of stone or marble) on display in the Getty Villa.

7 (Right) Dorothy Nickel plays one of the fun games in Palm Village s Minute to Win It event, a celebration of the Winter Olympics. Some of the other games included Snow Fort where players build a pyramid with plastic cups, and Snowball Catapult where players use a spoon as a catapult to launch marshmallows into a hole. (Below) Betsy Hofer, one of PVRC s Activities Assistants, plays Snowball Stash. Top three winners received Baskins-Robbins gift cards. Winter Olympics - Minute to Win it

8 Life in Kazakhstan Presented by Exchange Student (Right) Aynur Mardenova, a high school exchange student, visited Palm Village on February 17th, and gave a presentation about life in her country of Kazakhstan. She wore a traditional costume for her presentation which would have been worn for major life celebrations. She spoke about education, religion, and daily life for a typical Kazakh, then patiently answered a multitude of questions from her curious audience. Memorial Contributors October 19, 2013 to March 8, 2014 GIFTS RECEIVED IN MEMORY OF: 8 ALFRED BERG Dona Warkentin Dwayne Janzen Dennis and Connie Fast Herbert and Ella Penner Delbert and Marjorie Wiens Larry and Kathleen Martens Annie Tshimika MARY BRAUN Nancy Mae Ewert Wayne and Eleanor Brandt Jim Brandt Charles and JoAnn Brandt Lorraine Brandt John and Harriet Friesen Reinhold and Donna Buller Roger and Royetta Brandt Raymond and Bonnie O Neil Henry and Kathryn Rogalsky Reedley MB Church Chapter 4 Sunday School Class, Wayne and Sandra Skaret Donald and Judith Scrivner RICHARD CIMA Dean and Rebecca Brown Lee and Roberta Bailey Mike and Cheryl Jerkovich Leo and Margie McKinney BETTY DEMARINAS Dennis and Connie Fast FLORENCE DICK Robert and Annemarie Heinrichs Elvera Schmidt Loree Jost Grace Thiessen Barbara Friesen Gladys Wiebe GORDON L. HANSON Hilda and Lowell McFarlin Herbert and Laverne Richert Norma Quiring ESTHER LOEWEN Harold Voshage FRIEDA L. NEUFELD-WARKENTIN Ann Wiebe Robert and Annemarie Heinrichs Peter and Nancy Klassen Gordon and Karen Wiebe

9 Party Time for Palm Village s Wonderful 90-year-olds! PVRC s residents had a wonderful celebration of life for all residents who have reached the milestone of 90 or more years. There are around 50 residents in the Assisted and Independent levels who are over 90, and two of these are over 100! We introduced each resident along with any guests they brought with them, had a sing-along with some fun songs from years gone by, and enjoyed delicious birthday cake! Before the party, each resident was given the opportunity to share a significant story from his or her life, along with some words of wisdom that they would like to pass along to the next generation. These were all printed up and put into a booklet which was distributed at the party. PALM VILLAGE Porcelain Artists from Fresno Visit PVRC The Fresno Porcelain Artists Club enjoyed a small but very pleasant Christmas Party together at Palm Village Retirement Community, which is home to Jeanette Byl and her husband, Dirk. Just as in previous years, members who wished to do so brought a painted mug, tree ornament or other small item for a gift exchange. Members enjoyed a tasty potluck meal and played games presided over by Linda Taylor. 9

10 Living Legacy Donors Mr. Jacob Andres Howard and Penny Ayers David Baba Karen Balsbaugh Bank Of The Sierra Ken and Lucille Barnett Peter and Salome Bartel Eleanor Beck Don and Lydia Beckenhauer Kristi Bell John and Esther Berg Sam and Marvis Bergen Mrs. Louise Bernsen Charles and Jean Boldwyn Mrs. Katherine Bonham Charles and JoAnn Brandt Jim Brandt Joanne Brannan Bright Horizon Harry and Rosella Buhler Ginger Bull Harley Buller Dirk and Jeanette Byl Larry and Beverly Christman Ms. Charlene Corrin Reed and Diane Decker Wilfred and Sandra Derksen Mrs. Frances Dick Henry and Erica Dick Dinuba Mennonite Brethren Church John and Lois Divelbiss Anna Doerksen Bernhard Doerksen Jim and Benti Dueck Frank and Margaret Duerksen Leroy and Jean Ediger Thomas and Catherine Edwards Everett and Nadine Elder Marlene G. Elliott Calvin and Marjorie Elrich Ann Enns Art and Janet Enns Enns Foundation Jim Enns Kenneth Enns Mike and Teresa Enns Marlow and Rachel Ens Douglas and Jill Ensz Mary Entz Mrs. Rubena Ewell Glen and Frances Ewert Reva Fast Donald and Marie Faul Vernon and Doris Flaming Doris Fleishauer Lois M Fletcher Doug and Ruth Fowler Fresno Porcelain Artists Anne Friesen Barbara Friesen Mr. Elmer Friesen Mr. and Mrs. Glen Friesen John and Harriet Friesen Loren Friesen Timothy and Sharon Friesen Jim and Mary Gaede Donna Gates John and Lori George Geraldine Gerbrandt Johnnie and Adena Goertzen Ray and Pamela Goertzen Salvador Gomez Lynette Grauman Nadine Gretsch Alfred Guerra Henry and Marjorie Guichard Gordon and Yvonne Hanson Yvonne M. Hanson Menno and Jane Harms Suzanne and Dan Harrell Glen and Helen Harvin Dwight and Carol Heier Anna Heinrichs Julie Heinrichs Lyndon and Patti Heinrichs Robert and Annemarie Heinrichs Sonja Heinrichs Evelyn Hodel Barbara Hofer Mrs. Betsy Hofer Egon Hofer Jonas and Jennie Hofer Sylvia Hofer George and Lillian Isaak Joel and Judith Isaak Pete and Betty Isaak Franklin and Judith Janzen Waneta Janzen Marc and Penni Johnson Mike and Judy Johnson Robert and Jackie Johnson Herbert and Marcella Jones Larry and Karen Jost Loree Jost Ben and Agnes Kamada Dallas and Betty Kelley Irene Kevorkian Kingsburg Mennonite Brethren Church Mrs. Anne Klassen Arthur and Beverly Klassen Don and Sharon Klassen Ethel Klassen 10

11 October 19, 2013 to March 8, 2014 Mrs. Orpha Klassen Peter and Nancy Klassen Harold Kleinsasser Herald and Phyllis Kliewer Ruth Kliewer David Koop Malinda Koop Walter and Helen Krause Robert and Wanda Kroeker Roberta Kroeker Mr. Henry Laemmlen Mr. and Mrs. James Lambert Dennis and Julia Langhofer Mary Jane Lepp Bob and Marilyn Lewis Malcolm Light Norma Loewen W. G. Loewen Richard Lucero, Jr Donald and Mary MacNeill Rosemary Manahan Mrs. Rosemary Manahan Stanley and Ann Martens Tillie Martens Peggy McAlister Davis Mrs. Luella McCombs Duane and Gayle McCutchan Betty McNulty Barbara Miller Michael Mock Betty Morris Mr. Grant Nakamura Cornelia Neale Kenneth Neufeld Rudy G. Neufeld Laura Nickel Orletha Obermann Raymond and Bonnie O Neil Helen Panttaja Albert and LaVerna Pauls Chet and Irene Pauls Melvin Pauls Vernon and Bertha Pauls Abner and Olene Penner Mr. and Mrs. Herbert A. Penner Peter and Jean Penner Gerry and Kim Peters Jonie and Sarah Peters Raymond and Grace Peters Professional Home Maintenance Irma Ratzlaff David and Sandy Reimer Ken and Carol Reimer Roland and Lois Reimer Ron and Betty Reimer Vernon A. Reimer William and Grace Reimer Anne Rempel Thelma Roach Dwight and Verna Roberts Lois Rosenfeld Rae and Marj Saltzman Laurinda Salvador SaveMart Supermarkets Sheryl Sawatsky Bill and Darla Scharbach John and Mary Lee Schlesselman Elvera Schmidt Michael and Cindy Schuil Donald and Carol Seeks Mark and Lana Snodgrass Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sorber, Sr. Leopoldo Soto Lonnie and Regina Stevens Jean Studts R L. Suderman Leroy and Vivian Swiney Dale Swinney Takeda Farms Kenny Takeda Jesus Tapia Jeanette Tena Terry Ranch Mrs. Grace Thiessen Irma Toews Maria Torres Gary Unruh Luella Unruh Bruce and Rachel Uyeda Stephen Vincent Jim and Aldene Vogt Kenneth and Marilyn Wall Leonard and Joyce Warkentin Marvin and Becky Warkentin Mildred Warkentin Walter Warkentin June and David Weber Debbie Weikle Allen and Linda Wiebe Gladys Wiebe Hilda Wiebe Wayne and Sheila Wiebe Mr. Edwin Wiens Edwin Willems Harry and Elvina Willems HCC Electric Beds October 19, 2013 to March 8, 2014 Loree Jost Donald and Mary MacNeill Amanda Stucky 11

12 P.O. Box 1028 Reedley, CA Palm Village Retirement Community (559) A Special Relationship By Evelyn Schlesselman PVRC Director of Community Resources There has always been a special connection between Palm Village Retirement Community and Immanuel Schools two ministries started by local Mennonite Brethren churches in the 1940s. Just a short one-half mile walk or drive up and down Hope Avenue separates the two. Faculty and staff have loved ones who reside at Palm Village and some Palm Village residents have grandchildren and great-grandchildren that attend the school. But everyone, regardless of their church membership or faith background, benefits from this intergenerational relationship. When Palm Village staff members are planning the annual Soup Supper or Fall Jamboree, they look to Immanuel students for help at the event. When Immanuel staff members are planning service projects, they look to Palm Village for opportunities for the students to serve. So when the Freshman Old Testament Bible Class is studying wisdom in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and their teacher is looking for a creative way to engage the students, what does he do? He asks for a group of Palm Village residents to come to the class and share their life experiences and understanding of wisdom. Over two days and three classes, eight residents answered students questions about their own lives, about how to obtain wisdom, how to get through difficult times, how (Above) A second period class at Immanuel High School enjoyed a visit from Palm Village residents and staff. to stay faithful, and other questions. Yes, there is definitely a special connection between these two 70-plus year ministries they need love and support from each other. And they definitely get it.