Springtime...just add seeds, water, and a little youthful sunshine!
Let’s hear it for teens willing to give up a Saturday morning to make a difference in the lives of others in the community!
On Saturday, April 25th, local high school sophomores in The Chamber Foundation’s Youth Leadership Program brought smiling faces, warm conversation and helping hands to LCC. The Recreation Center provided the workspace for students and their mentors to assemble raised outdoor planters. Residents will use these for gardening as they are wheel chair accessible...just the right height for planting and pruning.
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At the same time, in the Living Room, residents and students used their creative talents mixing an array of paint colors to decorate flowerpots. The seedlings are on the way. Lively conversation flowed over topics that included sports teams, musical instruments, trending hairstyles, favorite books, and family history.
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Long-term resident, Virginia, is known for her word-of-the-day. She enjoyed sharing her Saturday word: erudite. Another resident appreciated the student’s assistance in mixing paints and providing inspiration. She commented, "I can’t wait to see our plants growing in these pots. This is fun and I suspect that if our blood pressure is checked now…I would be in good shape!” What was valued most were the friendly interactions.
Another resident, Carol, described her experience, “wonderful… the younger version of life! It’s amazing what they can do. We’re learning from these teens. They’re all perfect! And I love their different hairstyles.”
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Residents appreciated the respect, intentional conversation, and energy that these Leadership Students shared. According to LCC's Director of Recreation, Jeff Pryluck, "the value of youth interacting with our residents is immeasureable. It enhances the lives of everyone who participates. I am grateful for this partnership with The Chamber Foundation. "
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Pictured L to R: Mentors Matt Mauldin, Steven Nanni, Rianna Fiorito (Leadership Program Coordinator), Michelle Bissett (Director of Foundation Programming for The Chamber Foundation) and Staci Cussick.
Youth Leadership is an innovative leadership development program designed to develop the academic, social, and life skills of Dutchess County high school students. Students have opportunities for substantive interaction with their peers, community-based service organizations, institutions of higher education, and professionals from local industries.
To learn more about the program and apply, visit https://www.dcrcoc.org/the-chamber-foundation/youth-leadership/. Any questions about Youth Leadership can be directed to michelle@chamberfdn.org. Applications for Youth Leadership are due June 30th.
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Dedicated Priests, Faithful Following
LCC welcomes residents of all faith backgrounds. A significant percentage of our resident population is Catholic. Father Joseph McLafferty has been joined by Father Brian McWeeney and Father Tom D’Albro in leading weekly Mass at Lutheran Care Center (LCC). Thirty or so residents, sometimes accompanied by a family member, gather faithfully on Wednesday afternoons in the Chapel to welcome one of these volunteer clergy.
Spiritual practices, reconnecting with one’s faith, celebrating faith in community – these often develop a distinct significance in a person’s later life. Providing spiritual care has always been part of Lutheran Care Center’s mission. Holy Mass is one of several practices offered. Protestant services are on Fridays and Sundays, all are live-streamed to resident rooms for those unable to attend that day. Residents of various faith traditions are supported and encouraged to pratice their own cultural and holy day customs.
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Margaret, who goes by Peggy, attends Mass regularly. Asked about her experience, she shared, “It means a lot to me…it means everything.” She said the Mass is just like the one she attended growing up in Bronxville, NY. Another resident, Ellen, agreed, “it’s wonderful and I’m thrilled we have this service.”
LCC is grateful for these dedicated Catholic priests for providing this sacred opportunity.
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From L to R: Fr. Brian McWeeney, TLCN Board of Directors and former Director, Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at Archdiocese of New York, Father Joseph McLafferty of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church in Lagrangeville, and Father Tom D’Albro of St. Martin DePores in Poughkeepsie.
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Please join us!
Spring Chime Concert
Sunday, June 14th at 3pmThe Living Room
Our own resident chime choir, under the direction of Christina Tadin, will offer a variety of selections. It is always a treat when friends and family join the festivities. Don't be late...it's will be a short program. Do stay for refreshments.
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Have you considered volunteering? Now is a perfect time!
Volunteers of all ages are valued and needed to assist with many anspects of life at Lutheran Care Center. Make a difference in the lives of residents, assist our staff, learn a new skill or share one. Training is provided.
Please contact Jeff Pryluck, Director of Recreaton, for information and to sign up: jpryluck@tlcn.org or call: 845-235-8230.
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As a not-for-profit organization, Lutheran Care Center welcomes gifts - all of which will directly support our residents. Click here to donate online (you may designate your gift in honor or memory of someone) or mail it to: Megan Holton, Administrator, Lutheran Care Center, 965 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.
We are grateful!
Thrivent members may direct your Choice Dollars. After logging in, choose The Lutheran Care Network, Scarsdale, NY. Your gift will be credited to Lutheran Care Center, Poughkeepsie.
Non-Thrivent members may also donate here under "Make a personal donation". Thrivent will pay the processing fee so your entire donation goes to this cause.
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