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Megan Giblin Winner of Barbara Fleming Scholarship

Meagan Giblin, a Miller City High School senior, is the 2013 winner of the Barbara Fleming Memorial Scholarship sponsored by Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, Bluffton & Pandora (MHCO).  Meagan is the daughter of Michael and Becky Giblin. This annual award of $500 provides scholarship support to an individual pursuing a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse, a Registered Nurse or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  Barbara Fleming, in whose honor the scholarship is made possible, was a resident of Mennonite Memorial Home from 1997-2000, was trained as a nurse and throughout her life exhibited the caring nature that characterizes the profession of nursing. Meagan plans to attend The University of Cincinnati this fall.  The elders and staff of MHCO wish Meagan the best as she pursues her calling to serve others through the honorable profession of nursing.

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 

 

 

 

 

April's Visioneer Is Now Available For Viewing

 

For updates on Willow Ridge and the Mennonite Memorial Home renovation project, please click here:  April Visioneer

 

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Construction Begins For Maple Crest Duplex Program Expansion

Bluffton, OH – On April 10, 2013, Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) began a 6 month construction project at the Maple Crest campus’s Crimson Maple Court cul-de-sac.  The $850,000 project will create 4 new independent living duplex units.  Each unit has a different floor plan and range from 1,617- 1,820 square feet.  Floor plans vary between 2 and 3 bedroom floor plans, but all include cathedral ceilings in the great room, a utility room, kitchen (including all appliances), 2 baths and a 2 car garage.  Three of the 4 units under construction have been sold.   Following the completion of this project, there will be 14 units in the 7 acre Crimson Maple Court addition with only one lot remaining to construct one more building which will house 2 additional units. 

 

“Duplex living at Maple Crest is really a great fit for adults 55 and over who are looking to lessen the burdens of home ownership like maintenance in a great community setting.” says Daren Lee, Director of Maple Crest.  According to Lee, Maple Crest offers a comprehensive maintenance program to take care of lawn care, snow removal as well as general maintenance inside and outside of the duplexes.  “If your roof leaks, your refrigerator dies or your furnace stops running, you just call the office at Maple Crest and we take care of it from there – including the cost” added Lee.  The duplexes also offer amenities around the Maple Crest campus such as walking paths, fishing in the ponds, use of the fitness room and pool in the main building, use of the workshop/woodshop, weekly health clinics as well as a variety of social opportunities. 

Pandora Contracting, LLC of Pandora, OH is the general contractor for the project.  RD Neff & Associates of Bluffton is the architect for the project and New Leaf, of Ada will be landscaping the project. 


Contact Daren Lee at 419-358-1015, ext. 101 for information regarding the duplexes at Maple Crest or for more information on the available unit under construction. The remaining unit, 614 Crimson Maple Court, is a 1,617 square foot 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage unit with a covered porch.   For updated information regarding the construction project, please visit the “News” link at www.mhcoliving.org, or follow the progress at facebook.com/MHCOhio. 

 

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Renovation Begins at Mennonite Memorial Home

Bluffton, OH – On April 1, 2013, Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) began a 9 month renovation project at the Mennonite Memorial Home campus’s main building.  The $1 million project will create a state of the art Rehabilitation and Wellness Center focusing on patients with short-term needs.

MHCO will be using M&W Construction from Lima, OH as the general contractor for the project.  Don Burris, of Bluffton, will be the Project Manager and Nick Mathewson, also of Bluffton, will be serving as the Project Superintendent.  pH7 Architects of Columbus, OH are the architects of the renovation.

Once complete, the renovation will provide:

  • Twelve (12) semi-private rooms will be converted to private rooms for those who need a short-term rehabilitation stay
  • Ten (10) of the twelve (12) rooms will include private showers.
  • A whirlpool spa tub will be available
  • Two new dining and lounge areas
  • A newly created therapy room for Physical and Occupational Therapies
  • Aesthetic and lighting updates throughout both nursing care floors
  • A new 350 KW generator

For more information on ways to give toward this project, contact Doug Luginbill at 419-358-1015, ext 263 or at dluginbill@mmhliving.org or go to www.mhcoliving.org, “Charitable Giving”.

For updated information regarding the renovation project, please visit the “News” link at www.mhcoliving.org, or follow the progress at facebook.com/MHCOhio. 

 

 

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MHCO Debutes New Newsletter THE VINE

 

The Vine honors the wisdom of John 15:4.  “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me."  Our ministry is made possible by countless volunteers, donors, family and staff committed to serving in Christ’s name at Mennonite Memorial Home, Hilty Home, Willow Ridge and Maple Crest.   

 

To view a larger version of this exciting new addition, please click here.

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March's Visioneer Is Now Available For Viewing

 

For updates on the Green House homes in our new Willow Ridge community, please click here:  March Visioneer

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 

 

For New Willow Ridge Resident Christine Purves, "New" is Old Hat

 

On February 4, 2013 Christine Purves moved into her new home at 103 Willow Ridge Drive, or more affectionately known as Frieda House.  Christine is one of 12 elders who are the first to call Willow Ridge “home.”  Willow Ridge is the newest community of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) and provides licensed nursing care for 20 elders in two Green House homes. 

 

Rhonda Wolpert, Green House Guide and Administrator for Mennonite Memorial Home, can hardly contain her excitement about this new opportunity.  “THE GREEN HOUSE® homes at Willow Ridge transform nursing home care!  There will be 24 hour care and Willow Ridge will accept Medicaid and Medicare payment.  But there is nothing institutional about living at Willow Ridge,” states Wolpert with conviction and a smile.  Rhonda expects Christine to thrive in this new environment.

 

A friend of Christine’s, Phyllis Osborne, was one of the first two elders who moved to Frieda House on November 23, 2012.  The Ohio Department of Health conducted a survey for licensure on January 18 and MHCO was notified on February 1 that the Nursing Home License was granted retroactively to January 18, the day of the survey.  With license in hand, Christine was able to join Phyllis and others at Willow Ridge.

 

One of the primary concepts behind the Green House model of care is that each house is designed to be home for no more than ten elders.  Each Green House home provides private bedrooms with private bathrooms and showers.  A large kitchen opens to a beautiful hearth room complete with a fireplace and comfortable furniture.  A large dining room table is set for all to join in a meal.  When asked why such a large table, Wolpert responds, “In a Green House home, everyone has a place at the table!”  An outside patio with walkways connects the two homes so people living there can visit their neighbors next door.  “Guests ring a door bell and are greeted by a member of the household just like in our own homes,” remarked Wolpert.

 

In 1998, Christine and her late husband, Jack, were part of another “first” as they were part of the first wave of folks to move into duplexes at Red Maple Court located across the road from Willow Ridge.  Red Maple Court later became part of Maple Crest Senior Living Village which is another community of MHCO.  For over ten years Christine lived in her duplex before moving into an independent living apartment at Maple Crest in 2008.  Later she moved to an Assisted Living apartment at Maple Crest.

 

When asked what she is looking forward to in her new home, Christine mentions several things.  First, she likes the idea of being close to Maple Crest where many of her friends still live.  She also likes the fact that each home is built on one level and it will be easy for her to get around.  The name “Green House” also appeals to Christine as she likes the symbolism of the name.  She appreciates that, in a Green House home, elders continue to grow, thrive and live life to the fullest.  As a lover of God’s creation and the environment, she also likes the symbolism of “green.”   Christine is looking forward to the view she will have from her bedroom window.  “I have a great view and will be able to enjoy the open fields,” she says with a smile.   

 

While the location and the physical design of her new home is appealing, she also looks forward to the fellowship and friendships she will enjoy.  One of her housemates, Vera Grimm, grew up with her in the small community of Berne, IN.  Another housemate, LaVera Neufeld, has been a long-time friend through their mutual involvement at Bluffton University.  And a third housemate who has the room right next to hers is Phyllis Osborne.  Christine recalls that Phyllis’ step-sons, Tom and Mike, were in the same class as her daughter, Mary.  “It was reported that my Mary was the only person in class who could tackle Tom and Mike during recess!” Christine recalls with a chuckle.  Christine also knows some of the Shahbaz (caregivers) who will be working there.  Christine looks forward to renewing these relationships and making new friends as well. 

 

These friends, old and new, will no doubt hear some of Christine’s many stories about her love for music, memories of life in Berne, Indiana, and her experiences of living in Bluffton for the past 25 years.  And without a doubt, they will hear about the 10 years she and Jack spent in Botswana, “The best democracy in all of Africa,” she reports.  Another first—Christine was the first in her family to live outside of the United States!

 

Be sure to stop by Willow Ridge, ring the doorbell of Frieda House and visit Christine and all her friends living at101 Willow Ridge Drive.  By the way, she also likes the name “Frieda House.”  “If you change the “a” to and “e” you get “friede” which means “Peace” in German.  “I expect to be at peace living at Willow Ridge.”

 

To find out more about Willow Ridge or to schedule a tour, contact Brenda Reichenbach at 419-358-1015.  Wolpert says that a few rooms are still available.

 

-Doug Luginbill is Director of Resource Development and Church Relations for Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio

 

February 8, 2013

 

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Barbara Fleming Nursing Scholarship Applications Available

 

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio is accepting applications for the Barbara Fleming Memorial Nursing Scholarship.  The scholarship is meant to promote the career of nursing.  Therefore the scholarship money may be used toward a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse, a degree as a Registered Nurse, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  The scholarship is to be used to pay school related expenses toward any of these degrees.

The scholarship offers a minimum award of $500, and will be paid directly to the vocational school or college where the student is enrolled.

 

Barbara Fleming, in whose honor the scholarship is made possible, was a resident of Mennonite Memorial Home from 1997-2000, was trained as a nurse and throughout her life exhibited the caring nature that characterizes the profession of nursing.

 

Applications are available by contacting:

 

Mennonite Memorial Home

410 W. Elm St.

Bluffton, OH  45817

Application:
Click here to download a PDF of the application.

Questions:
Direct questions to Scholarship Committee coordinator; 419-358-1015, ext. 236.

 

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 

 

December's Visioneer Is Now Available For Viewing

 

For updates on the Green House homes in our new Willow Ridge community, please click here:  December Visioneer

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 

 

November's Visioneer Is Now Available For Viewing

 

For updates on the progress of Willow Ridge, please click here:  November Visioneer

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 

 

Maple Crest to Host Pie Baking Contest and Spaghetti Supper on November 9th

 

Maple Crest Senior Living Village, Bluffton, will hold a pie-baking contest on Friday, Nov. 9. The contest takes place at Maple Crest, 700 Maple Crest Court, just off Augsburger Road.

Pies to be judged must be delivered to Maple Crest by 2 p.m. on Nov. 9. Judging takes place at 3:30 p.m. in the Patio Room. All who enter must bring two pies of the same recipe. One pie is for judging, the second pie is for a silent auction.

Contestants may enter as many different pie recipes as they wish. There are three categories: cream, fruit, and nut pies. The contest accepts pies from amateur and professional bakers (including restaurants, caterers, bakeries and grocery stores). Judging will be based on taste, appearance and texture. The judges will be professional bakers.

Cash prizes will be given in the different categories. The grand prize of $100 goes to the baker of the best pie overall. Cash prizes are awarded in the other categories.

Spaghetti supper


There will also be a spaghetti supper from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The cost is $7 for a spaghetti dinner with breadsticks, salad, dessert and a beverage. Persons attending may taste test pies as well as bid on them in the silent auction, which begins at 5 p.m. Each pie will have an $8 opening bid and bids will increase in $1 increments. All proceeds will benefit the Maple Crest Memory Garden Project.

Call Maple Crest by Wednesday, Nov. 7, to register a pie. Persons may enter as many different pies as they like. Call Corinne Lee at 419-358-1015 ext.100 to enter.

 

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Hilty Home of Pandora becomes an affiliate of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, Bluffton

 

BLUFFTON, Ohio – On October 15, Hilty Home, a retirement community and child care center in Pandora, officially became an affiliate member of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) in Bluffton.  Previously owned by the Missionary Church East Central District, Hilty Home has provided excellent nursing care services to older adults since 1979.

 

Hilty Home, begun by the Missionary Church in 1979, offers 61 long-term, skilled nursing beds, 26 assisted living units and four duplex units.   Hilty Home recently added a “Transition to Home” program which provides short-term, rehabilitation services with private rooms.   In addition, Hilty Home offers Child Care services to children of staff and the greater community. 

 

 “When we learned that the Missionary Church East Central District was looking for another organization to assume ownership of Hilty Home, we were excited to be invited to make an offer,” stated Laura Voth, CEO of MHCO.   “Hilty Home and Mennonite Home have been sister organizations for years, and the idea of working together in a formal fashion just makes sense.  We are both non-profit and faith based providers of services to the older adults in our communities, with similar missions, organizational cultures, and high standards for quality care and service,” Voth added. 

 

MHCO was started in 1955 as a “home for the aged.”  Since then it has grown to serve over 250 residents on its two campuses.  Mennonite Memorial Home, located at 410 W. Elm St., has 35 assisted living apartments, 18 duplex units and 92 long-term skilled nursing beds.  Maple Crest Senior Living Village, located at 700 Maple Crest Court, has 35 independent living apartments, 20 assisted living apartments and 26 duplex units.  Mennonite Home Health and Senior Services offers clinical as well as non-clinical services to elders in their own homes, averaging 50 clients per month.  In December of this year MHCO will open a third campus named Willow Ridge which will provide two Green House® homes.  Each home will provide licensed nursing care for 10 elders in private rooms surrounding a comfortable hearth room, open kitchen and plenty of outdoor space. 

“Welcoming Hilty Home to the MHCO family will make both organizations stronger and better able to carry out our missions.  We are convinced that the two organizations will form a solid partnership that will greatly benefit the Pandora-Bluffton community and will provide uninterrupted service to the residents of Hilty Home,” Voth stated.

 

Joy Reichenbach, Administrator of Hilty Home since 2002 stated, “Nearly 40 years ago, Margaret Hilty had a vision for a Christian home for those who could not care for themselves anymore. In response to that vision she left her entire estate to the Missionary Church East Central District (Missionary Church) for the establishment of a nursing home.  The Missionary Church fulfilled Margaret’s vision and the farm she donated has become the land upon which Hilty Home is built.  For over thirty years the Missionary Church provided good leadership as Hilty Home continued to grow and add services like the Child Care Center.  Margaret was a teacher and I believe she would be pleased that children are being loved, prepared for school and being taught about Jesus right on her farm.”  Reichenbach added, “This new relationship is a continuation of what has been established and a way to be able to provide the Christian loving care that Hilty has provided in the past.  It helps to ensure that Hilty Home and Child Care will be able to meet the expectations of the future.”

 

When asked how the new relationship will affect residents and staff, Voth responded, “Hilty Home has a great reputation of providing excellent care to its elders and children because of its committed and professional staff.  I am pleased that Joy Reichenbach will continue as Administrator and guide the ministry of Hilty Home.  There are no immediate plans to alter staffing structures or benefits.  The transition from a staffing perspective should be seamless and transparent,” she noted.  “The staff, residents and children will see little change,” she added.

 

Together, MHCO is able to serve over 400 individuals through its communities at Hilty Home, Maple Crest, Willow Ridge and Mennonite Memorial Home.

 

Hilty Home, Inc. will continue to operate as its own corporation with a local board of directors with some reserved powers retained by the MHCO board of directors.

 

The community is invited to celebrate this new relationship on Sunday, October 28th at 2:00 p.m. at Hilty Home.  A ceremony with the theme “Serving Together” will be followed by an open house and desserts.

 

Contact Information:

Laura Voth, CEO of Mennonite Home Communities

419-358-1015   lvoth@mmhliving.org

 

Joy Reichenbach, Administrator of Hilty Memorial Home

419-384-3218   hiltyhm@fairpoint.net

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 


 

MHCO Hosts "A Home Blessing; Celebrating Life" Ceremony to Celebrate Opening of New Willow Ridge Community

 

October 15, 2012

Over 200 people attended the "A Home Blessing: Celebrating Life" ceremony on October 14, 2012 as Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) celebrated the opening of the Green House homes at the new Willow Ridge community across the road from Maple Crest Senior Living Village in Bluffton. The high winds and threat of rain did not cast a shadow on the crowd that gathered to join in the celebration that featured local and state officials, MHCO staff and special speakers Lisa Maxwell from The Green House Project and Dr. Bill Thomas, founder of The Green House Project.  Perhaps the most special time of the ceremony was when Phyllis Osborne, a current elder residing at MHCO that is looking forward to her move to Willow Ridge, shared her perspective along with her son and 2 staff members who will be working at Willow Ridge.  The ceremony was followed by an open house in each of the new Green House homes at Willow Ridge where community members got to see first hand how the flow and functionality of the homes themselves will transform how MHCO will provide skilled nursing care in this new setting.  The celebration continued through the afternoon as people were able to visit with and ask questions of Dr. Thomas.  The day's events wrapped up with some special entertainment as Dr. Thomas shared during a time of storytelling and folk music.  It was a light hearted end to a great milestone day for MHCO.

MHCO would like to thank all who have supported our mission to bring us to this point through gifts of prayer, volunteering, gifts-in-kind and financial support. Without you, this project would not have been possible. We ask for your continued support as we look toward the future of MHCO.  We are humbled to be able to offer such a setting to provide care to our elders in a special and unique way.

For more information on our Green House homes that will transform how we provide skilled nursing care, please contact us at 419-358-1015. 

Be sure to check out our pictures from yesterday's event in our photo album at facebook.com/MHCOhio.

Videos from the day can be viewed at our YouTube page at youtube.com/MHCOBluffton courtesy of the Bluffton Icon.

Pictured is Dr. Thomas during his time of story telling and folk music at Maple Crest.

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 


 

October's Visioneer Is Now Available For Viewing

 

For updates on the progress of our Green House homes at our new Willow Ridge campus, please click here:  October Visioneer

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 

 


 

9th Annual Bluffton Fall Festival on Saturday, September 29

Our 9th annual event will be underway tomorrow morning with most venues opening at 10 am.  To view a schedule of activities for tomorrow's events, please click here. We hope to see you here!

 

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Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio Announces Save the Date for Willow Ridge Opening

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO), Bluffton, will hold a “A Home Blessing; Celebrating Life” ceremony to commemorate the grand opening of its new campus, Willow Ridge. The event is at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 14, at Willow Ridge, directly across from Maple Crest on Augsburger Road, Bluffton. The event is open to the public.

“Willow Ridge will feature skilled nursing care provided in Green House homes. MHCO is proud to open the first Green House homes in the State of Ohio,” said Daren Lee, marketing coordinator for MHCO.

Dr. Bill Thomas, founder of The Green House Project, is the featured guest speaker.

To learn more about The Green House Project, visit www.thegreenhouseproject.org.

 

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September's Visioneer Is Now Available For Viewing

 

For updates on the progress of Willow Ridge, please click here:  September Visioneer

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 

 

 

Free "Concert on the Lawn" Being Hosted at Mennonite Home on Sunday, August 19 Featuring "Pantasia" Steel Drum Band

 

"Pantasia”, Findlay High School’s Steel Drum Band, is set to perform at Mennonite Memorial Home, 410 W. Elm St., Bluffton, this Sunday, August 19 at 6:30 pm.  The public is invited to join us for our annual community “Concert on the Lawn”. Come to our backyard and enjoy some great Caribbean music!  Be sure to bring a lawn chair and an appetite. While you are swaying in the breeze and tapping your toe to a happy tune at this free concert, you can also enjoy free ice cream sundaes and fellowship with family and friends. The staff and residents of Mennonite Memorial Home hope to see you there. For more information call 419-358-1015.

 

Since its inception in the spring of 1997, Pantasia has garnered an impressive reputation as an educational and entertaining instrumental music ensemble. They are always in high demand, averaging over 40 performances a year. Their island favorites, beach tunes, calypso, pop and reggae have been described as fun, festive and refreshing.  To learn more about Pantasia, visit their website at: http://www.pantasia.org/

 

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Maple Crest Hosts Annual Ice Cream Social with Neighbors in Riverbend

On August 10, residents from Riverbend and Maple Crest came together for their annual Ice Cream Social.  About 90 people got to enjoy the sweet treats during this time of community fellowship.  After some had their fill, they headed out for a time of fishing at the pond.  Riverbend and Maple Crest have had a design lifestyle relationship from the very beginning.  It was planned that way.  How did this all come about?    

Dr. Robert Kreider lived in Bluffton as a child and thenreturned to join the faculty of Bluffton College as Dean of Academic Affairs.  He became President and served from 1965 to 1972.  During his years in Bluffton he and his wife Lois purchased the land that is now Riverbend and Maple Crest.

 

As the years passed, he developed a dream for this land--that it become an intergenerational residential community whose residents would support and utilize the Bluffton University Nature Preserve, a community resource that was developed while he was President of Bluffton College.  Early in the 1990’s he offered to donate this land to Bluffton University if they would help make his dream come true.  The university fiduciary responsibility meant that if they accepted this gift of land, they had an obligation to try and make Kreider’s dream come true. 

 

The university soon decided that they needed to find a developer who would buy the land from the university and complete the dream as a private venture.  Landscape Architect Jim Bassett of Lima began shaping a plan.  From the very beginning the plan included pedestrian trails that linked to the nature preserve and ponds that would provide some natural habitats for wildlife.  The university knew that finding a developer who would “buy-in” to this plan would be a challenge.  After approaching 3 or 4 experienced developers with this concept, the university discovered that there were no buyers, so they approached Stan Clemens and asked if he might consider taking on this project.

 

As Stan studied the possibilities for how to make this challenging concept viable, he approached Mennonite Communities of Ohio showing them some sketches for a unique intergenerational community.  He offered, assuming that he was selected as the developer, to sell MHCO 18 acres including the highest ground and the largest stretch of road frontage, both important to the MHCO plan for a new independent living facility.  Within a month the board of MHCO said yes to Stan and Jim Bassett’s team began to develop an integrated design of single family homes for families in Riverbend, and independent living duplexes and apartments for senior citizens. 

 

And so the dream became a reality.  The pedestrian bridge between Maple Crest and Riverbend is important both symbolically and functionally.  It allows Maple Crest residents access to Riverbend walking trails and the University nature preserve, and it allows Riverbend residents access to Maple Crest for visits with family and friends living there.  The relationship between Maple Crest and Riverbend residents is an important one with each group having unique gifts to offer the other. We hope to continue the relationship for many years to come.

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Progress Continues With the Acquisition of Hilty Home by MHCO

July 23, 2012

July 19, 2012 brought with it a big moment in the life of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio! Pictured here is the signing of the Purchase Agreement with Hilty Home in Pandora. The signing solidifies the agreement between the Missionary Church East Central District and Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio to move into the next phase of the acquisition process as we look forward to Hilty Home becoming one of our communities. Closing is anticipated within 75 days.

 

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Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio to hold job fair on August 2 for STNA and Nurse positions in new Green House homes at Willow Ridge Campus.

Bluffton, OH

July 19, 2012

 

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO), a continuing care retirement community in Bluffton, Ohio is hosting a Job Fair for the positions of Shahbaz (Caregiver/STNA) and Nurse in the new Green House homes which will open in October or November of this year.  The Job Fair will be held at First Mennonite Church, 101 S. Jackson St., Bluffton, OH on Thursday, August 2. Interested individuals may arrive anytime between 12:30-4:00 p.m. and should allow 90 minutes for the process.

 

Green House homes create an environment where elders, Shahbaz (caregivers) and nurses thrive together.  Empowered to utilize their training, instincts and relationship with each elder they serve, the Shahbaz and nurse grow in dignity, confidence, and self-worth.  Green House home employees function as a self-managed work team to create a positive environment for both elders and employees.

 

A Green House home is a skilled nursing care home where ten elders enjoy private bedrooms and shared community space.  Elders who transitioned from traditional nursing care to Green House living have shown improvement in overall well-being.  Greater social interaction, increased mobility, lessened depression, and increased appetite are a few of the improvements replicated again and again.  Marked by individual choice in an engaging lifestyle, Green House living provides many opportunities to experience life at home.  In the Green House, each elder has more freedom to choose meals, schedules and activities that enhance purposeful living.

 

The Job Fair is an opportunity for individuals to learn more about this progressive nursing home environment, ask questions of leadership staff and apply for the positions of Shahbaz (Caregiver/STNA) and Nurse.  Extensive training will be provided to staff  who are chosen to work in the Green House homes. For more information regarding Green House homes, please visit:  http://thegreenhouseproject.org/

 

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Mennonite Home Health & Senior Services Offering The Perfect Mother's Day Gift

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your mother or special lady in your life this Mother’s Day season?   Mennonite Home Health & Senior Services is offering gift certificates for those 55 and over needing assistance with housekeeping, running errands, personal care, companionship, pet care, or  help with shopping!  Our home care assistants can provide a wide range of help to get you or your loved one.  CALL 419-358-7803 TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS.

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Maple Crest Senior Living Village         ranked #9 in the State

Ohio nursing home and assisted living residents are generally satisfied with the care they receive, according to the results of the  2011 Long-term Care Resident Satisfaction Survey, released by the Ohio Department of Aging and the Office of the State Long -Term Care Ombudsman.  Maple Crest Senior Living Village in Bluffton scored a 98.7%, which ranked them 9th overall in the State of Ohio out of over 500 assisted living facilities that participated. Mennonite Memorial Home’s assisted living received a 94.1% satisfaction rating.  The average for all facilities was 92.3%. 

 

Residents were asked to rate their satisfaction with the facility's environment, activities, administration, direct care/nursing assistants, laundry, meals and dining, social services, therapy, laundry and general satisfaction with the facility. One key question for residents to consider was:  "Would you recommend this facility to a family member or friend?"  Maple Crest Senior Living Village received a score of 100% satisfaction on this question.

 

This was the third time the state has conducted a resident satisfaction survey of residential care facilities, better known as assisted living facilities. Ohio's survey is the only statewide assisted living consumer satisfaction survey in the nation. Though results are not used in reimbursement formulas for residential care facilities, their availability on the Long-term Care Consumer Guide website helps the public make informed decisions.  In 2009 when the last satisfaction survey was completed, Maple Crest Senior Living Village was ranked 6th overall in the State of Ohio.


"Working together as staff, administrators, residents, families and advocates, we can and will achieve excellence in long-term care for all Ohioans," added Beverley Laubert, the state's Long-term Care Ombudsman. "Consumers and their families are engaging more and more with their care providers, and the providers are responding. That is a win-win for all Ohioans."


The survey was conducted between September, 2011 and January, 2012 by Vital Research, LLC. Staff from Vital Research, Scripps Gerontology Center of Miami University and the Margaret Blenkner Research Institute of Benjamin Rose in Cleveland, Ohio trained interviewers, who met face-to-face with a sample of residents at each facility to fill out the survey, which was developed by Scripps and the Blenkner Institute.


The full survey results are available on the Ohio Long-term Care Consumer Guide Web site (www.ltcohio.org).

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 

 


 

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio begins negotiations to accept ownership of Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora

By Fred Steiner | Mon, Apr 9, 2012

 

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO), a Bluffton retirement community that offers a continuum of care, has begun negotiations with the East Central District-Missionary Church with respect to the future operation, management and ownership of Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora. When completed, the proposed structure would welcome Hilty Memorial Home as an affiliate member of MHCO.

“We are humbled and excited to be chosen by the East Central District-Missionary Church, to carry on the excellent tradition of compassionate, faith-based elder care that Hilty Home has established throughout its 33 year history,” said Laura Voth, CEO of MHCO.

“While all the legal details are not yet complete, we look forward to Hilty Home becoming an affiliate organization under the MHCO umbrella,” she added.

“Hilty Home and Mennonite Home have been sister organizations for years, and the idea of working together in a formal fashion just makes sense. We are both non-profit and faith-based providers of service to the older adults in our communities, with similar missions, organizational cultures, and high standards for quality care and service,” she said.

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio

MHCO was started in 1955 as a “home for the aged.” Since then it has grown to serve over 250 residents on its two campuses. Mennonite Memorial Home, located at 410 W. Elm St., Bluffton, has 35 assisted living apartments, 18 duplex units and 92 long-term skilled nursing beds.

Maple Crest Senior Living Village, located at 700 Maple Crest Court, has 35 independent living apartments, 20 assisted living apartments and 24 duplex units.

Mennonite Home Health and Senior Services offers clinical as well as non-clinical services to elders in their own homes, averaging 40 clients per month. Later this year MHCO will open a third campus named Willow Ridge which will provide two Green House homes. Each home will provide skilled nursing care for 10 elders in private rooms surrounding a comfortable hearth room, open kitchen and plenty of outdoor space. Twenty residents from Mennonite Memorial Home will move into their new homes in December, 2012.

Hilty Memorial Home

Hilty Memorial Home, begun by the Missionary Church in 1979, offers 61 long-term, skilled nursing beds, 26 assisted living units and four duplex units.

Hilty Home recently added a “Transition to Home” program, which provides short-term, rehabilitation services with private rooms. In addition, Hilty Home offers Child Care services to children of staff and the greater community.

Dale Leinbach, District Superintendent of the Missionary Church, ECD explained that through a strategic planning process that took place about a year ago, the District Executive Board made a decision to narrow its focus.

Transitioning the ministry of the Hilty Home to an organization, which had this type of ministry at its core would allow the church to place greater emphasis on its stated purpose, which is “to establish Great Commission Churches that make more and better disciples.”

In announcing the Missionary Church’s decision to work with Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, Dale Leinbach said, "Mennonite Home Communities was chosen because they fit the tradition and values of the Missionary Church East Central District and Hilty Memorial Home. The primary intent of both parties is to be certain that the residents of Hilty Memorial Home continue to receive the top quality care that they have received in the past."

Joy Reichenbach, administrator of Hilty Memorial Home since 2002, said, “I am excited for Hilty Home to have an opportunity to join Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio. Hilty Home is dedicated to serving Christ by giving loving care to those who come to Hilty. I am pleased to be able to continue serving the community with the same mission Hilty Home has held for many years since MHCO shares these same Christian values.”

“Welcoming Hilty Home to the MHCO family will make both organizations stronger and better able to carry out our missions. We are convinced that the two organizations will form a solid partnership that will greatly benefit the Pandora-Bluffton community and will provide uninterrupted service to the residents of Hilty Home,” Voth said.

 

Click here to download a copy of our Fact Sheet.

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 

 


 

Easter Bake Sale at Mennonite Memorial Home

An Easter Bake Sale held by the Service Group is being held tomorrow at Mennonite Memorial Home in the main lobby from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will be cinnamon rolls, breads, cookies, pies, cakes, noodles and all kinds of other goodies. It is a great opportunity to pick up something for your upcoming Easter gathering! We hope to see you there.

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here
   
   

 

 


 

April Visioneer Now Available

Check out the new edition of The Visioneer to stay up to date on our Willow Ridge project and see the progress on the new Green House homes.  Please click the link below:

April 2012 Visioneer

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here

   
   

 

 


 

PROJECT LINUS AT MAPLE CREST

On Friday, March 2, Jane Ebersole, the coordinator of the Findlay Chapter of “Project Linus,” came to shareinformation about the project and to collect 13 crocheted/knitted baby blankets from Maple Crest.  Volunteer Kimberly Hansen beamed as the blankets were handed over to Ebersole, as Hansen has been the leader of the Maple Crest Crochet/Knit Circle, working hands-on with Maple Crest residents Annie Balmer, Betty Engle, and Mary Huffer on these blankets and other projects.  Community friends, Margie Marquart and Trudy Baber, were instrumental in finishing off partially completed blankets, and Margie was present for this special moment.

Ebersole explained that “Project Linus” began in 1995 when a woman named Karen Loucks-Baker was inspired by a news story of a little girl getting through her chemotherapy treatments with her security blanket.  Karen felt she could make a difference by making blankets for other children in need.  She christened the project for the blanket-toting character from the “Peanuts” comic strip, with permission from Charles Shultz.  Since then, the project has expanded to include blankets for children who are seriously ill or traumatized in various ways, both in the USA and overseas, and over 4 million have been distributed, with 4,633 blankets from the Findlay Chapter alone! 

Ebersole said that church women’s groups, knitting and sewing clubs, school groups, and individuals have responded to the need, and she is amazed by the outpouring of love through a constant supply of blankets.  “We’ve hardly ever been blanketless!” Ebersole stated.  She continued, “With no dues, deadlines or meetings, it’s a perfect project for busy women who still want to knit or sew in their free moments and make a difference in the world.”  Tears choked Ebersole’s words as she shared one real example of “making a difference” – blankets from Findlay were sent to an Afghan refugee camp where children were sleeping between plastic tarps with no other covering! 

To join the effort, please consult the web site for the “Project Linus” Chapter nearest you: www.projectlinus.org

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here

 

 
   
   

 


 

Check out the newest edition of The Visioneer

February 9, 2012

The Visioneer is Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio's newest publication designed to provide regular updates on the progress of the A New Vision: Transforming Elder Care campaign to our partners.  Please contact Doug Luginbill for any questions regarding this campaign, or for more information on other opportunities for charitable giving.

Click here to view the February 2012 edition.

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here

 

 
   
   

 


 

ONU Music Comes to Maple Crest

Monday, February 6, 2012

Over 20 men from the Ohio Northern University Mills Music Mission group of the Phi Mu Alpha fraternity performed for assisted living and independent living residents of Maple Crest.  With singing, trumpet, piano and even tuba, the group provided wonderful entertainment that 1 attender called "excellent".  The concert ended with some fun interaction between residents and students at the steel drums! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PANCAKES ARE GOING TO FLY AT MAPLE CREST!

On Saturday, February 11, 2012, Maple Crest Senior Living will host a pancake brunch that is open to the public with entertainment provided by Chris Cakes of Columbus, Ohio.  The delicious pancakes provided by Chris Cakes are part of an interactive experience that is fun for all ages.  Chris Cakes will toss the pancakes into the air for you to catch on your plate - but don't worry - if you (or they) miss, they will just toss you another one!  If you're not up for the challenge, you’re also welcome to have the pancakes put directly onto your plate.  The breakfast will feature all you can eat pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee, and orange juice.  The event is the fund raising kick off for the Memory Garden project at Maple Crest.  The Memory Garden will be situated by the main pond at Maple Crest and will include a dock, screen house, walkway and reflection area all surrounded by a beautifully planned garden of trees, shrubs, and perennials (Click here to view a plan for the Memory Garden).  Residents, family members, and community members will have the opportunity to partner with MHCO as we begin raising funds for this project.  All proceeds from this event will go toward the Memory Garden project and donations will also be accepted.  The cost of the event is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors 65 and older, and $5 for children 5 and under.  For more information, contact Maple Crest at 419-358-7654.  To find out more about Chris Cakes, go to chriscakesohio.com. 

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here

 

 
   
   

 


 

Mennonite Home Health

Receives Excellent State Survey Rating

January 24, 1012 

Mennonite Home Health & Senior Services has received a 0 (zero) deficiency survey from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).  The State requires that all home health agencies are reviewed every 12 to 36 months.  ODH completed their review of Mennonite Home Health and found no deficiencies or deficits.  The State surveyor accompanied the Home Health staff into the patient’s homes and found the highest quality of care was being given by our nursing staff and home care assistants.  Also reviewed by the state were all related Mennonite Home Health policies and procedures and ODH complimented on the fine organizational skills that met all state regulations.

 

This is the 16th year for the Home Health program and during that time it has always been found by the State surveyors, and clients alike, to be giving quality in-home care.   If you would like more information about the services Mennonite Home Health & Senior Services can provide, please call 419-358-1015, x300.

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here

 

 
   
   

 


 

2012 Barbara Fleming Nursing Scholarship Application Available

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio is accepting applications for the Barbara Fleming Memorial Nursing Scholarship.  The scholarship is meant to promote the career of nursing.  Therefore the scholarship money may be used toward a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse, a degree as a Registered Nurse, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  The scholarship is to be used to pay school related expenses toward any of these degrees.

The scholarship offers a minimum award of $500, and will be paid directly to the vocational school or college where the student is enrolled.

 

Barbara Fleming, in whose honor the scholarship is made possible, was a resident of Mennonite Memorial Home from 1997-2000, was trained as a nurse and throughout her life exhibited the caring nature that characterizes the profession of nursing.

 

Click here to open and print a copy of the scholarship application.

Applications are also available by contacting:

 

Mennonite Memorial Home

410 W. Elm St.

Bluffton, OH  45817

 

419-358-1015

 

A completed application must be postmarked no later than March 31st and returned to the above address.

 

Questions:

Direct questions to Scholarship Committee coordinator; 419-358-1015, x263.

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here

 

 
   
   

 


 

Maple Crest to Break Ground on New Duplex in March 2012

January 12, 2012

Maple Crest will begin construction of a new duplex, including 2 units, on the Crimson Maple Court cul-de-sac beginning in March 2012.  These units will be known as 611 and 612 Crimson Maple Court.  This new building will mark ten of the 16 planned units for the cul-de-sac.  612 Crimson Maple Court has already been sold, but 611 is currently available. If you are interested in a new construction unit, this is a great time to get involved to help customize your new home.  Custom options available to you include cabinets, counter tops, carpet, and more.

All duplexes feature a great room with cathedral ceilings, large kitchen, spacious dining room, utility room, and generous 2 car garage - in addition to a variety of services including lawn care, snow removal, and more that create a maintenance free lifestyle for you! There are 2 and 3 bedroom floor plans available for construction. These duplexes range from 1500 - 1800+ sq. ft. Other plans are available and can be built on any of the other available lots in the Crimson Maple Court addition.

For more information, contact Daren Lee today at 419-358-7654.

Click here to view the floor plan for the available 611 Crimson Maple Court unit floor plan.

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here

 

 
   
   

 


 

MHCO's New Publication: The Visioneer

January 9, 2012

Introducing The Visioneer.  Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio's newest publication designed to provide regular updates on the progress of the A New Vision: Transforming Elder Care campaign to our partners.  Please contact Doug Luginbill for any questions regarding this campaign, or for more information on other opportunities for charitable giving.

Click here to view the January 2012 edition.

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here

 

 
   
   

 

 


 

Willow Ridge Construction in Full Swing

 

December 2, 2011

 

Willow Ridge, the new Green House home campus of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio celebrated it's official ground breaking on October 25, 2011.  In the time since then, there has been exciting progress made despite many days of inclement weather.  Click here to check on the construction progress by visiting photo albums on our Facebook page. 

For more information on Green House homes, please click here.

 

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Bluffton retirement community

launches $5.7 million building and renovation project

Photo to the right: From left, Laura Voth, CEO of MHCO, Dan Pardi, David Hoening, and Mike Healy of pH7 Architects of Columbus plant tulip bulbs at the October 14 Ground Blessing Celebration for two Green House Homes in Bluffton.

October 14, 2011

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO), Bluffton, Allen County’s largest senior health care provider, is focusing on “smallness.”

On October 14, MHCO launched a $3.9 million Green House ® building project that creates a small intentional community for a group of elders and staff. The project marks the first step in a long-range plan to bring 10 Green House homes and a community building to the 15 acre site of Willow Ridge, the name of MHCO’s new campus.

 

Nearly 175 persons attended the “ground blessing” event, which included planting of tulip bulbs as a symbolic beginning of the new lifestyle being offered elders through this model of care, and symbolic of the first project of this type in Ohio.

 

Laura Voth, chief executive officer of MHCO, said, “The Green House Project® is a radical departure from traditional skilled nursing homes and assisted living facilities.”

 

“Its primary purpose serves as a place where elders can receive assistance and support with activities of daily living and clinical care, without the assistance and care becoming the focus of their existence,” she said.

 

Willow Ridge will be constructed across the road from Maple Crest on Augsburger Road in Bluffton. The first two Green Houses should be ready for its 20 residents (10 in each House) by October, 2012. 

 

Voth said that the Green House model intends to de-institutionalize long-term care. It eliminates the large nursing facility and creates habilitative, social settings. Each elder has a private room or unit with a private bathroom. Rooms are situated around a hearth area, open kitchen and dining area.

 

The second phase of the current project will commence after 20 elders move from Mennonite Memorial Home (MMH) into the new Green House homes.  A $1.3 million Renovation of MMH, 410 W. Elm St., Bluffton, will include creation of a short-term rehab unit by converting 10 formerly semi-private rooms into private rooms, and one dining room into a therapy room.   

 

The Green House Project’s general contractor is Garlock Brothers Construction of Findlay, Ohio.  

 

A $2.1 million capital campaign for the Green House homes and renovation work has brought in more than $1.6 million in donations so far, said Doug Luginbill, Director of Resource Development and Church Relations for MHCO.  

 

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio serves a four-county area around Bluffton. It has over 250 employees and is one of the largest employers in Bluffton.

 

Story and photo by Fred Steiner

The Ground Blessing ceremony is available to view online:

Click here for Part 1

Click here for Part 2

 

For additional past and present news regarding Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, please click here

 

 
   
   

 

 
Frieda and Jim Basinger
Frieda and Jim Basinger

 

Basinger’s invest in hometown; $1 million estate to

Mennonite Home Communities and Bluffton University

February 9, 2010

James and Frieda Basinger of Bisbee, Ariz., kept up with the happenings in the Village of Bluffton, Ohio, but didn’t get back to their hometown often. But that didn’t matter. James and Frieda left their estate, estimated to be valued at $1 million, to Bluffton University, their alma mater, and Mennonite Home Communities. 

At a joint press conference held on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Mennonite Memorial Home, a property of Mennonite Home Communities, Harder made the formal announcement about the gift. 

“On behalf of the university and especially our students, I am grateful for the wonderful generosity of two Bluffton alumni and former residents of our local community.   We look forward to honoring the Basinger’s wish to provide enhanced support for student scholarships for current and future generations of Bluffton students.  This legacy gift will make a difference in the Bluffton community for many years to come.”

“We are extremely pleased to receive this generous gift from Jim and Frieda Basinger.  It is the largest gift that our organization has ever received—it is a true blessing,” said Laura Voth, chief executive office for Mennonite Home Communities.  “Our Fund Board will be meeting to finalize how this money will be used, but I’m sure we will use it to ‘make residents lives brighter’ as Frieda so often said.” 

James and Frieda were both raised in the Village of Bluffton, graduated from Bluffton public schools and were members of the Bluffton University class of 1940. James was always very interested in flying and transferred his senior year to Parks College (Illinois), a school specializing in aeronautics. He and Frieda were married in 1940 and he spent time overseas in the service. He taught at Purdue University and then worked in the aeronautics industry in design and research in Los Angeles, Calif. before returning to teaching at a community college in Douglas, Ariz., for 17 years.  James passed away in 2005. Frieda was a loving wife who enjoyed gardening and nature. She died Sept. 21, 2009.  

Voth shared about her 4-year written correspondence relationship with Frieda.  “In her written correspondence over the past four years, Frieda talked about how many of our residents she knew being a hometown girl,” said Voth. “During her life and even after her death, she wanted to do what she could to make the lives of her friends here at Mennonite Home Communities more joyous.” 

 


 

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