AUTUMN 2009
Halloween Treat for
Connections
Von Bora Place
On Friday, October 16th Brownie Troop #20730 brought a
bit of Halloween to Von Bora Place, an affordable housing
property for seniors that Lutheran Service Society
manages in Titusville, Pa. The group originally intended to
paint several large boulders that line the driveway of the
property, but due to inclement weather, the group joined
the tenants in the building’s community room to make
festive paper decorations instead. The group and residents
Place as a family. To help facilitate additional fellowship
among the residents, he installed a fire pit in the back
yard and started a
gardening club for
them to join.
Past and future
projects include
planting flower
bulbs (over 900)
on the property
and Valentine’s Day
projects. Holidays have
been a wonderful
opportunity for groups
to spend time with
the residents and
Some of the homemade treats shared at the
decorating activity on October 16
complete projects.
The next activity will
be planned after snowfall, to include an outdoor fire
and sled party, as well as making snow people.
th
played games together and enjoyed pizza and homemade
treats. This was not the first visit from the troop; they have
been very involved with the residents of Von Bora Place,
completing a project at the property almost every season.
Bruce Ritchie, property manager of Von Bora Place, plans
projects like this with the scout troop leaders. Ritchie tries
to ensure that any project he develops will first benefit
the residents of Von Bora Place and second, will serve
as a fun time and learning experience for the volunteer
groups. Managing a relatively small property with 17
apartments, Ritchie describes the residents of Von Bora
“Everybody is
welcome to come
and participate
in these events;
you don’t have
to be a resident,”
says Ritchie. “This
is good, clean
family fun.”
Please contact
Bruce Ritchie
at (814) 8279060 for more
Children work on their Halloween decorations
information
as residents and parents look on.
about upcoming
events or for information regarding volunteer
opportunities at Von Bora Place.
Message From The President
When you open this newsletter to the center pages, notice
the many names of those who have contributed financial
resources to Lutheran Service Society last year, helping us to
care for people in need. Often this critical part of providing
ministry – funding – is overlooked, but the fact is that even
in the best of times, care cannot be provided without the
willingness of many to share their time and treasure. And
these are not the best of economic times.
Marc Bloomingdale
President & CEO
I write this message on what marks the 100th day Pennsylvania
has gone without a signed state budget. The budget impasse
has been devastating for many nonprofits. Because the
state cannot release funding to these nonprofits without a
signed budget in place, agencies have gone without funding
for essential operations. This has resulted in services being
reduced or completely eliminated. Lutheran Service Society
has not been unaffected, of course, but we have been able
to manage the crisis better than many similar organizations.
To date, there has not been any reduction of services in our
agency. This is largely because of the investment you and
those recognized in the pages that follow have made in the
agency to assure that people in need get help.
As you read this newsletter, I urge you to think about ways
in which you can continue to support the organization –
financially and/or through other efforts – so that we can
ensure that our ministry to those young and old continues
well beyond this budget impasse and through all the good
and tough times that lie ahead.
For all that you have done and will do to help the people
served through Lutheran Service Society, I cannot thank you
enough. You are a tremendous blessing to thousands in need.
God’s Peace,
2
VOLUNTEER NEWS
SEASON YEAR
G-20 Presented New
Volunteer Opportunity
When Pittsburgh welcomed the world for the G-20
Summit on September 24 and 25, employees of
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield were unable to get
to their downtown offices. However, when given the
opportunity to volunteer with Lutheran Service Society’s
Meals On Wheels program on those days, more than
70 people signed up to participate with almost 30
program locations. All together, they contributed more
than 200 volunteer hours in just two days.
for Businesses
within the home. The volunteers provide warmth and
companionship that is desperately needed.
Because our Meals On Wheels locations operate during
the day, the program presents a perfect opportunity
for corporate volunteerism. Lutheran Service Society
has established an employee work-release program
“This was a great opportunity for our employees to get
involved in the communities they live in,” said Randy
Detweiler of Highmark. “Since they were unable to get
into our downtown offices during the G-20 summit,
this challenge was turned into something very positive,
where our staff members could take time to help their
neighbors in need.”
Anne Allen (l.) and Gary Suley (r.) of Highmark helped out at Millvale
Meals On Wheels, where Mayor Vince Cinski (c.) volunteers regularly.
with many local companies to allow and encourage
employees to occasionally volunteer during the work
day. Not only is this helpful to the community and the
agency, which is always in need of more volunteers,
employee release programs have also been proven to
increase employee morale and retention.
Highmark employee Ashley Ewing makes her deliveries.
Meals On Wheels volunteers are the only link to the
outside world for Meals On Wheels clients – the
clients are home-bound and often have no family or
friends nearby who can visit with them. Meals On
Wheels volunteers not only deliver much-needed
nutritious meals to the consumers, they are trained
to check on their well-being and ensure their safety
“We are pleased that Highmark employees were able
to gain some insight into the lives of our consumers,
as well as the lives our dedicated volunteers who do
this work every day,” said Leslie Montgomery, director
of volunteer services for Lutheran Service Society. “We
look forward to bringing this worthwhile opportunity
to more companies on a regular basis through
establishing employee-release programs with them.”
If your business is interested in starting an employeerelease volunteer program, please contact Lutheran
Service Society’s volunteer services department at
(412) 366-9490 or information@LSSWPA.org.
3
PROGRAM NEWS
Ladies Share
Stories of
Wedded Bliss
at Annual Senior
Center Tea
PROGRAM NEWS
“Wedding bells are in the air!” announced the invitation to this year’s
Ladies Tea, and indeed they were as the women of Monaca Senior Center
welcomed granddaughters and other female relatives to their annual Ladies
Tea held at the center. This year’s theme was “A Bridal Tea.” All generations
were invited to share their stories and bridal paraphernalia with the others
in attendance.
About 75 ladies filled a room decorated with wedding bells and fresh
flowers. Beautiful linen napkins and table cloths lined the tables. Six
volunteers helped to prepare the food and served the ladies at their tables.
The ladies were treated to fresh fruits, tea sandwiches, and other
refreshments as they enjoyed a Prom and Bridal fashion show and a
performance by vocalist Patty Dawn. The fashion show included eight girls
from Monaca and Beaver High Schools who modeled their prom gowns. It
also featured a blushing bride, newlywed Ashley Battaglia, along with her
sister and flower girl, Bailie Rohr.
Women perused each other’s wedding albums and several gowns on
display, including a dress that was nearly 100 years old! Everyone in
attendance received a free drawing ticket for donated, wedding-themed
prizes. For dessert, the ladies were treated to nothing less than a beautiful
three-tiered wedding cake, complete with pink roses, compliments of
Joyce Groves.
Center manager Sharon Keller was thrilled with how the tea turned out.
“This event offered an opportunity for regular senior center attendees to
share their center with friends and family,” she said. “It was a great way to
celebrate families with multiple generations.”
A wedding gown and grooms vest displayed during
the Ladies Tea held at the Monaca Senior Center
Approximately 50 individuals attend Monaca Senior Center each
day. Participants, whose ages range from 60 to 92, enjoy the many
activities sponsored by the center each month. Regular activities include
SilverSneakers classes, ballroom dancing, and line dancing. One of the
special events in November is an evening card party, which is scheduled
for November 16, from 3 to 7 PM. For more information on these or other
activites, call the center at (724) 728-1422.
If you would like to learn more about Monaca Senior Center or any of
the other many senior centers managed by Lutheran Service Society, visit
www.LSSWPA.org or call (724) 283-9002.
Article Submitted by Theresa Schneider, Summer 2009 Intern for Lutheran Service Society.
4
St. Afterschool
Program Expands By
VOLUNTEER NEWS
Two New Sites
Lutheran Service Society is pleased to welcome two
locations that are now offering the St. Afterschool
program to local grade school children. One site was
added in Norvelt, Pa., near Latrobe in Westmoreland
County, and the other is in McCandless Township, in the
North Hills of Allegheny County.
“We are excited to start the program and are encouraged
to see how we can make a difference in the lives of
these children,” said Pastor David Greer of Norvelt Union
Church, which is the host site for the new Westmoreland
County location. “We are looking forward to a very
prosperous year.”
In addition to these two new locations, Lutheran Service
Society has St. Afterschool programs in Brighton Heights,
Etna, Millvale, New Kensington, Pittsburgh’s North Side,
North Versailles, and Penn Hills.
While the program was founded in a Lutheran church
and is often hosted in Lutheran churches, being Lutheran
is not among the criteria for a child to be enrolled in
St. Afterschool. The founding members of St. Afterschool
simply saw a need to reach out to the community
The Norvelt location opened its doors to the children on
September 14. In this location the program operates on
Monday afternoons from 3:30 – 6:00 PM. St. AfterschoolNorvelt is currently serving 17 children with the help of
5 volunteers.
St. John of Highland Lutheran Church in McCandless Township is one of
two new sites hosting Lutheran Service Society’s St. Afterschool program.
Children build cognitive skills at St. Afterschool with creative projects.
The doors to St. Afterschool-McCandless opened
in September as well. The location is now serving
approximately 15 children from 3:45 – 6:00 PM on
Wednesdays. With a local elementary school only seconds
away from this St. Afterschool program site, the number
of children participating is expected to grow as the
program becomes more established in the area.
and offer children a safe place to go after school. The
program offers homework assistance and educational
activities, and improves social skills. It is a welcome relief
to many parents who must work beyond the time that
their children finish with school. Many of the sites ask
only $1-2 in the form of a donation to help with the cost
of the meal or snack served at the site.
For more information on St. Afterschool, call Lutheran
Service Society’s Children and Family Services Office at
(724) 837-9385 or visit www.LSSWPA.org.
5
DONOR RECOGNITION
2008 Donors
The following list represents those who made a financial contribution to Lutheran Service Society
between January 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009. Every attempt has been made to ensure the
accuracy of this list; however, we apologize for any errors or omissions.
Mrs. Rita A. Aber
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Glenshaw
Christ’s Lutheran Church, Beaver Falls
Ms. Judy A. Adams
Mrs. Karen L. Church
Ms. Marilyn L. Adams
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Sunday School, Allentown
Mr. and Mrs. William Adams
IHO Adoption Services
Mr. Howard J. Birkenstock
Conrad J. Black IMO Mrs. Roberta Black
City of Pittsburgh
Mrs. Phyllis C. Adkins
Ms. Brenda C. Blackburn
Mr. Reid Agnew
Mrs. Patricia A. Blistan
Ms. Colleen A. Alexander
Mr. Marc Bloomingdale
Rev. and Mrs. E. Jerome Alexis
Mr. Paul W. Blum
Mr. Lawrence N. Allen
Lois F. Boehm IMO Mr. Kenneth Boehm
Wayne & Dolores Allison
Ms. Jeanne L. Boggs
Rev. Kevin E. Anderson
Mr. James A. Bolander, Jr.
Mr. Ronald B. Anderson
Ms. Janet L. Book
ANONYMOUS (90)
Mr. Gerald L. Bookwater
Anonymous IMO Anna Schmale
Albert J. Borelli IHO Meals On Wheels
Anonymous IMO Carl J. Rossow
Ms. Kathleen A. Borkowski
Anonymous IMO Loretta Foust
Anne E. Bowes
IHO MOW Drivers & Visitors
Anonymous
IMO Rev. Walter C. Koehler, Jr.
Mr. Gary D. Boyle
Anonymous IMO William Fincke
Ms. Jean K. Brannan
Mr. James R. Antoniono
Mr. and Mrs. J. Duane Brannon
Mr. Dann Appolonia
Mr. Benson F. Bratton, Jr.
Ms. Jean E. Arendosh
Mrs. Helen Braun IHO All Associates
of Lutheran Service Society
Ascension Lutheran Church
Jean E. Ask
IMO Flo Lewis Simmonds
Mrs. Mildred S. Astorino
Bette Jayne Astridge
Mr. Richard H. Braun III
Richard & Katherine Braun
IMO Jessica Peluso
Mr. William F. Brest
Rudy T. Cincala IMO Carolyn E. Cincala
Clara J. Knopf Charitable Trust
Mr. Edward J. Cleis
Charles E. Clinton, Jr. & Sue M. Clinton
Rev. John R. Cochran
Mrs. Anne Coiner
The Silberman Family Fund of
The Pittsburgh Foundation IMO
Ed Cooper
Marie Conway
IMO deceased family members
Marie Conway
IMO Paula K. Krestel Hackett
Mr. Jerome E. Costello
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W. Cota
Marjorie J. Couch IMO Robert Bradburn
of Robinson Township Meals On Wheels
Ms. Esther C. Croushore
Mr. John N. Curry
Lillian D. Dalla Piazza IMO Mom
Adam P. and Patricia D. Davidson
Mrs. Ruth E. Davis
Mrs. Donna L. Davis
Ms. Linnese R. Dawe
Mr. Bryan T. Dawson
Betsy M. DeGory
IMO Rev. Walter C. Koehler, Jr.
Barb & Gary Dzumela
IMO John Loadman
Eaton Community Involvement Team,
Eaton Corporation
Mr. Robert L. Eckbreth
Edward E. Rieck Charitable Trust
J.R. Lockwood & Sara L. Eggers
IMO Rev. Walter C. Koehler, Jr.
Ms. Mary C. Ehrlinger
Don & June Eichner
Ms. Cynthia M. Elliott
Ms. Jacqueline B. Elliott
Emanuel’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church, Bellevue
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Eastmont
Emmanuel Lutheran Church,
Murrysville/Export
Equitable Resources Foundation
Faith Lutheran Church, Venus
Faith Lutheran Church Women,
Laurel Gardens
Mr. Paul W. Faller, Sr.
Ms. Angela Grace Lynn Fasold
Ms. Mildred C. Fawcett
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Feathers
IHO Rev. Robert J. Marks
Ms. Jennifer Michelle Fellows
Dwayne C. Fielder
Mr. and Mrs. David T. Fife
IMO Mary & David Fife
Ms. Judy Baker
Ms. Joan H. Brewer
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Baker
IMO Harry Kloshen
Brighton Heights Lutheran Church
Mr. Richard B. Brush
Dr. Michael K. Ban
William F. Bryant IMO Ms. Vernell Bacon
Clayton D. & Wanda Buck
Margaret Jean Demor
IMO Vivian Lordan
Mr. Bernard E. Fischer
Mr. William Barkschat
Lisa D. Barney
Mr. Kenneth L. Burky
Mr. Adalbert Demuth
Mrs. Mary Ann G. Fitzgerald
Mr. and Mrs. Brooks Bartlett
IMO Parents & Other Loved Ones
Ms. Joan E. Burr
Mr. Christopher S. Denne
Ms. Jennifer Flanagan
Mr. Monte D. Bartley
Ms. Nancy L. Busch
Mr. Samuel A. Duerr, Jr.
Mr. Herbert A. Fleck
Ms. Cheryl Caffro
Mr. Raymond N. DeWald IMO Helen
Mrs. Iris R. Flinn
Ms. Diane Marie Canning
The DeWitt Family IMO Virginia Woods
Mr. Chester S. Fossee
Ms. Mildred D. Canyock
Mr. Paul R. DiFabio
Ms. Suzanne Theresa Foster
Matthew W. Caprro
Mrs. Betty M. Dillon
Ms. Lisa Fowler
Mr. Bruce A. Carlin
Ms. Joan L. Domanski
Mr. William H. Fox, Jr.
Mary & Bob Carlson
IMO Virginia Woods
Mr. Frank Domenico
Ms. Diane A. Frampton
Mr. William P. Cathers
Ms. Ruthann M. Donnelly
Curtis Y. Frank
Mr. Jonathan P. Caulkins
Dorothy C. and Elmer A. Ortner
Memorial Fund
Ms. Linda A. Franz
Mr. Roberto P. Ceccarelli
Joan E. Dosey IMO William C. Dosey
CENTRIA
Ms. Regina M. Douglass
Ms. Linda S. Fredo
The Charles A. Brooks and
Anna Cloyde Brooks Foundation
through the PNC Charitable
Trust Grant Review Committee
Dr. Kenneth R. May Memorial
Endowment Fund
Ms. Linda E. Bartok
Ms. Carol A. Bateman
Robert & Bonnie Batina
Ms. Mildred E. Baughman &
Ms. Evelyn C. Baughman
Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Bauman
Mrs. Patricia L. Beall
Ms. Kim Bechak
Mr. Douglas E. Beck
D. M. Bell
Bertha A. Goetter Memorial Trust
Bethany Evangelical Lutheran
Church, Dormont
Bethany Lutheran Church Women,
Bethel Park
6
Chevron Humankind Matching
Gift Program
Alice E. Demmler
IMO Walter R. Demmler
Mr. Ronald P. Dreshman, Jr.
Mr. Matthew J. Dugan
Ms. Ruth E. Finkenbine
Mr. Leonard W. Finnell
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Fisher
Wayne & Janet Franzen
Mr. Donald L. Fritz
Martin & Mary Ellen Fritz
IMO Margaret J. Fritz
Bill & Elaine Fugate
Mr. Donald Duncan
Zion Lutheran Church Senior Adult
Sunday School Class, Coraopolis
Mr. John F. Duran
Ms. Karen R. Galehan
Mr. Rolf Hellested
Ms. Lindsay E. Kerr
Mr. Peter A. Maniglia
Mr. Kenneth Galley
Brian & Meg Helsel IHO Peggy Frye
Roy & Alda Kerschner
Ms. Anita T. Garbo
Mr. Ralph M. Hempel
Rev. Sandra J. Kessinger
Lois B. Manning
IMO Charles C. Manning, Jr.
Ms. Eleanor Gaudio
Bill and Joanne Henigman
Julie Kimbrell
Ms. Beverly Geary
Andrew & Doris Herceg
Ms. Sara A. Kistler
The Porter & Gilbert Family
Mr. Carl J. Heyne
Ms. Janet Kikta
Mr. William J. Giles
Ms. Kelly A. High
Mr. Harold B. Kivlan, Jr.
Ms. Leslie A. Glasl
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald F. Klammer
Mr. Richard A. Gloyer
Mr. Brian Hill
Mr. Ralph M. Klein, Jr.
Mrs. Donna A. Goldie
Ms. Karen Hilty
Mrs. Flora E. Klein
Ms. Diane L. Goldizen
Ms. Harriet Hinkel
Kay Klemens IMO Lillian Klemens
Mr. Howard R. McFarland, Jr.
Mr. John J. Golec
Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Hinkle
Mr. Jeffrey W. McGill
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,
Fox Chapel
Ms. Virginia May Hively
Joan E. Knefelkamp
IMO The Rev. Dr. & Mrs. O. H. Boening
Ms. Emma P. McIntosh
Ms. Mary J. Koerbel
Ms. Cheryl Ann McKee
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,
Monroeville
Ms. Lynn Hochrein
The Koska Family IMO Virginia Woods
Ms. Marjorie G. McKee
IMO Beulah McKee
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,
Bower Hill
Ms. Jayme Holloway
Raymond A. & Shirley A. Kramer
Margaret H. Hoover
IMO Ann Alison Hoover
Pat Krantz IMO Alan Krantz
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Krebs
Ms. Ruth V. Horgan
Mr. Paul D. Krepps
Mrs. Melissa M. Howell
Mr. Robert W. Kubit
Mr. Ernest Hrabovsky
Mr. and Mrs. John Kucaba
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Hrabovsky
Ms. Diane L. Kun
Ms. Margaret R. Hrabovsky
Ms. Mary Kundrat
Ms. Mary I. Hritz
Ms. Ruth Kuschmierz
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Hudnall
Mr. William R. Laatu
Mrs. Maureen E. Huff
Mr. Mario R. Lanna
Fred L. Hufnagel IMO Carolyn Mott
Mr. Robert V. Larson
C. Duane & Sara J. Hughes
Donna Laughlin
IHO The Rev. Bruce Pedersen
Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Graff
Dr. and Mrs. J. R. Graham
Ms. Linda Jean Graves
Mrs. Robin L. Gray
Carol A. Graziano
Rev. and Mrs. Donald B. Green
Ms. Patricia Green
Mr. David R. Gregory
Ms. Ruth T. Gronsky
Ms. AnnMaria Grossman
Ms. Melissa A. Guiliani
Mrs. Lorraine Gunter
Mr. Charles M. Guttendorf
IMO Ginny Guttendorf
Ms. Cynthia L. Haag
Ms. Michael R. Haas
Mr. Patrick B. Haggerty
IMO Dorothy Cramer
Ms. Esther H. Hales
Mr. Malcolm F. Hamilton
Ms. Marie M. Hamilton
Ms. E. Hammerschmitt
IMO Pastor John Pfahler
Ms. Denise L. Hampson
Mr. John W. Hanna
IMO Dorothy H. Cramer
Mrs. Ruth Hanna
IMO Dorothy H. Cramer
Mr. & Mrs. William G. Hansmann
IMO Matilda Reitz Hansmann
Mr. & Mrs. John Campbell Harmon
IMO The Rev. Paul Kokenda
Mr. Richard A. Hobbs
Ms. Karen Hollertz
Mr. David J. Hulsizer
Ms. Nancy J. McBurney
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. McCurdy
Keith and Edna McCutcheon
Ms. Patricia L. McKenty
Ms. Elizabeth McMullen
Meals On Wheels Association
of America
Mr. Thomas M. Medwig
Miss Catherine J. Meighen
Ms. Jane M. Mengel
Mr. Jahn H. Mentzer
Ms. Sherry Menz
Merck Partnership for Giving
Ms. Catherine E. Mervine
Mrs. Jane Frances Messmer
Reid Meyer
Ms. Rose M. Michael
Ms. Dorothy B. Mikus
Rev. Marjorie E. Lauver
Mr. Dale B. Mikus
Ms. Irene Leach
Mrs. Sandra J. Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Leech
Ms. Donna J. Miller
Ms. Joyce Ann Leister
Mr. F. T. Miner
Ms. Margaret A. Isengard
Ms. Hilda Lendl
Janet L. Misko IMO Louise K. Oltmann
Scott R. Jackson
IMO Rev. Walter C. Koehler, Jr.
Ms. David Lendt
Mr. and Mrs. Roger A. Moline
Mrs. Howard G. Leonhard
Mr. John Molnar
Mrs. Joyce N. Janosik
Mrs. Claudia J. Lesko
Mrs. Leslie M. Montgomery
Jewish Healthcare Foundation
IHO Amber Conrad,Colleen Vrbin,
Betsy Milliron, Marsha Shisman, and
Karen Wolk Feinstein
John and Judy Lesnick
IMO Julie Lesnick Seibel
Albert J. Moorhead IMO Anna George
Ms. Andriana Lewandowski
Ms. Marlene Morrell
Ms. Dianne Hunter IHO Mrs. Melva Deitt
James & Janice Hutchison
Ms. Kathy D. Hyre
Mrs. Janet R. Inghram
Mr. and Mrs. Howard R. Ingold
Charles and Amelia Johns
Mr. Glen R. Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin R. Kacin
The Kaltwasser Family
Mr. Robert Kanczak
Mr. and Mrs. John Harper
James Kanell
Mr. Richard L. Harper
Donald and Jean Kauffman
Ms. Jacqueline M. Harris
The Kecks
Mr. Norman Hasbrouck
Donna K. Keefer
IHO James R. Antoniono
Ms. Linda S. Keefer
Ms. Suzanne L. Keitzer
Ms. Sharon L. Keller
Ms. Helen Hazuka
Ms. William L. Keller
Mr. Charles J. Heald
IMO Dorothy H. Cramer
Mrs. Kathleen Kempton
Ms. Denise A. Hegemann
Mr. Norman Mast
Mr. J. Richard Lauver
Mr. Chris B. Harold
Lorinda A. Hayes
IMO Roger Drake and Arlene Scotti
Ms. Joyce A. Marshall
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mielke
Ms. Joanne F. Kaminski
Ms. Lorinda A. Hayes
Ms. Sharon A. Marshall
Donna Laughlin
IMO Edward B. Laughlin, Jr.
Mrs. R. L. Hundstad
IHO Mr. and Mrs. Lee Mortimer
Mr. & Mrs. John Campbell Harmon
Rev. Robert C. and Mrs. Arleen C. Hawk
Ms. Susan L. Kossman
Grace Markovich IMO Leroy Markovich
Mr. Richard T. Kennedy
Ms. Eileen M. Kenzevich
Lillian Edwards Foundation
Mr. David M. Lipkin
Mr. David E. Littell & Ms. Marcella Littell
Mr. Russell M. Livingston
Richard and Jean Loehr
Ms. Linda L. Lohr
Mr. Kenneth E. Louis
Louis Waugaman VFW Post 3577
Mrs. Patricia A. Lowe
Ms. Rita B. Lucas
Mr. William M. Luft
Ms. Ethel M. Lunney
Mr. and Mrs. Larry A. Mikoleit
Mr. John T. Moroney
Ms. Shirley A. Mosticone
Ms. Carol J. Mueller
Mr. Paul B. Munko
Mr. William C. Myers
Ms. Carol Nakles
National City Bank, West Newton
Ms. Dorothy Neiley
Miss Kristen Neill
Ms. Cheryl A. Neish
Mrs. Mary Ellen Nelson
Ms. Kirsten Kjaer Nelson
Ms. Amy C. Luzader
Virginia H. Nestor
IMO Dorothy and Arthur Nestor
Ms. Mary Jane Magel
New Hope Lutheran Church, Freedom
Mrs. Betsylynn Majzlik
Mr. David E. Niedfeldt
Ms. Pamela M. Malachin
Ms. Debby Noakes
Ms. Lois Malehorn
Northmont United Presbyterian Church
Mr. and Mrs. W. Mamrose
Donor listing continued on page 8.
7
DONOR RECOGNITION
(cont.)
Mr. Marvin John Roth
St. John’s Lutheran Church, New Castle
United Way of Allegheny County
Ms. Eileen E. Rudat
St. John’s Lutheran Church,
Connoquenessing
United Way of Beaver County
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Brookline
UPMC Health Plan
John and Lora Novak
Mr. Heath Rupert
Ms. Erin O’Connell
Carl and Sally Ruppel
Ms. Margaret C. Olischar
Ms. Esther F. Russell
Richard O’Neil IHO Lois O’Neil,
Dorothy Kirkpatrick, Sharon O’Neil, and
Kathy & Charlie Renk
Ruthfred Lutheran Church
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Women
Mr. Gilbert Palmgren
Ms. Annetta Pappas
Mr. Christ Pappas
Mr. John P. Papuga
Ms. Lorene R. Patten
Mr. Frederick Patterson
Ms. Sally Jo Patton
Ms. LaRue Petrosky
Pfizer Foundation Matching
Gifts Program
Mrs. Nancy L. Pierce
Ms. Janet Pishok
James and Jean Pletcher
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene H. Plummer
Mr. Richard C. Polley
Post Properties, Inc.
IMO Rev. Walter C. Koehler, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Larry M. Potochnik
Chuck and Linda Potter
Ms. Marie Poulis
Rev. Edward & Christy Saling
IMO Rev. Walter C. Koehler, Jr.
Rev. E. Allen Scanlon
Janice A. Schade IMO John Hamm
Miss Janice A. Schade
Mr. John H. Schaeffer, Sr.
Jack F. Schattauer
Schellhaas Funeral Home
Rev. Philip Scherr
St. Paul’s Highfield Lutheran Church
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Canonsburg
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Scottdale
St. Paul’s of Darlington Lutheran
Church, Ligonier
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Evans City
Dr. Ann L. Steele
Mr. Brandon J. Stein
Mr. Kyle E. Steranka
Ms. Barbara J. Stevens
Ms. Debra Schill
William and Gladys Stewart
Mr. Mark Schinzel
Mr. Mark J. Valach
Ms. Linda J. Vietmeier
David J. Villella
Maria Von Mickwitz
IMO Pastor & Mrs. Carl J. Schindler
Mrs. Patricia A. Wadsworth
Mrs. Tammy J. Wagler
Mr. Michael S. Walker
Wal-Mart Foundation
Mr. Preston G. Walsh
Ms. Susannah Weaver
Ms. Sarah Weber
William & Edna Wegener
Mr. Dan Schmidt
Stewart Avenue Lutheran Church,
Carrick
Pauline & Raymond Schmitt
IMO Rev. Walter C. Koehler, Jr.
Stewart Avenue Lutheran Church
Women
Ms. Marion L. Schmude
Stewart Avenue Lutheran
Church Women IMO Florence Hizer
Mr. Richard S. Welsh
Edna Schofield IMO Parents
Mr. Thomas A. Schroeder
Ms. Sally A. Stodolsky
Ms. Margaret A. Schulz
Gary and Nancy Stoehr
West Virginia-Western Maryland
Synod, ELCA
Mr. Kenneth E. Schweikart
Merle and Dorothy Stough
Chuck and Ruth Scott
IMO Dorothy H. Cramer
Ms. Janet L. Strahosky
!
u
o
Y
k
n
Tha
Mr. Donald D. Scott
Rev. Donald B. Power
Seaman Memorial
Lutheran Church,
Zelienople
PPG Industries Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Sedory
Mr. James R. Pratt
Mr. Steven P. Shaver
Mr. Albert G. Prem IMO Virginia Prem
Ms. Karen Sheakley
Mr. Lester O. Prince
Miss Mary Ellen Shearer
Joan B. Rae
IMO Charles & Christina Opperman
Mr. Harry R. Sheppard III
Joan B. Rae IMO Frank Opperman
Dr. and Mrs. John G. Shively
Joan B. Rae IMO Robert G. Rae
Ms. Ann C. Shockey
Mr. Rodney Rager
Ms. Laurie A. Simpson-Gercak
Rev. and Mrs. Howard M. Ravenstahl
Ms. Iva Marilyn Slagle
Ms. Kaye Reese
Ms. Virginia B. Smeltzer
Mr. Ronald D. Reese
Mr. Harry H. Smith
Ms. Sally J. Reesman
Ms. Isabelle T. Smith
Ms. Ann Arend Remmers
Ms. Patricia A. Smith
Mr. George W. Reuning, Jr.
Ms. Kathleen A. Smith
The Richey Family IMO Virginia Woods
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Smith, Jr.
Mr. Mark D. Ringer
Ms. Marie F. Snider
Mr. Arthur William Ritter III
Debbie Powell
St. Matthias Lutheran Church,
Greensburg
United Way of Westmoreland County
Miriam Shirey
Mr. Alan P. Strom
Mrs. Laurel Stupka
The Stutz Family IMO Virginia Woods
Ms. Kathy Jo Suhadolnik
Ms. Jane Ann Suran
Mr. and Mrs. Sixten C. Swanberg
Mrs. Bonnie L. Taylor
Mr. Joseph Tedesco
The Evangelical Lutheran Church
of The Holy Trinity
Ms. Mary K. Thoma
Mr. John E. Thomas
Mr. George L. Thompson, Sr.
Dr. Mark E. Thompson
Mr. John W. Thompson
WELCA, St. John’s Lutheran Church,
McKeesport
Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Wellman
Mr. William R. West, Jr.
Walt and Arlene Wible IMO Parents
Mr. Harold Wilcox
William H. Bimber Trust
Alice B. Williams
IMO Robert A. Bradburn
Mr. David J. Williams
Olive C. Wilson
IMO Marie A. Cavanaugh
Mr. Donald L. Wise
Mr. John C. Wisniewski
Carolyn Woolaway
Mr. John Wozniak
Wright Engineering Service, LLC
Mr. Charles T. Wright
Ms. Patricia L. Wuenstel
IMO Louis and Johanna Vanzin
Ms. Patricia L. Wuenstel
IMO Mary Ann Rase and
Barbara Klements
John and Theresa Wyllie
Mrs. Cheryl Lynn Wynn
Ms. Amy L. Thomson
Mrs. Dolores H. Yeckel
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Foundation
Mrs. Walter F. Yeschke
Ms. Lulu K. Zimmerman
Mrs. Kathleen A. Zimmerman
Leslie W. Snyder
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans,
Allegheny County Chapter
Gayle C. Robb IMO James H. Johnston
Mr. John A. Snyder
Patricia A. Tickle
Ms. Patricia I. Southall
Mr. Craig A. Tillotson
Zion Lutheran Church, Brentwood
Mr. Timothy Robins
Anna Marie Roche
Ms. Kyna M. Timko
Mrs. Lisa Ann Rodenbeck
Southwestern Pennsylvania
Synod, ELCA
Mr. David A. Trautman
Zion Evangelical Lutheran
Church Women, Coraopolis
Ms. Jennifer Rohlfing
Mr. W. Paul Spencer
Ms. Sandra L. Rosenbauer
Mr. Ilario Spezialetti
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran
Church, Avalon
Emil S. and Dorothy T. Zippel
IMO Our Parents
Ms. Lynn Rubin Rosenthal
St. James Lutheran Church, Emsworth
Trinity Lutheran Church, Gibsonia
Ms. Kathleen Zrowka
Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Roth
St. John Lutheran Church, Mars
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sze-Kwong Tse
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Kittanning
Mr. Robert J. Tuchman
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Perrysville
Francine and John Tussey
IMO Virginia Woods
8
Wilma W. Zinkan IMO Victor Zinkan
Zion Lutheran Church, Penn Hills
*IMO = in memory of
*IHO = in honor of
Choose Lutheran Service Society
Do your normal online shopping
Watch donations grow
Don’t just shop online – GoodShop! Christmas
is just around the corner, and more and more
people each year are doing their holiday
shopping online!
click on the store where you want to shop. The
site will confirm that your purchases will benefit
Lutheran Service Society, and then will redirect you
to the store’s official website.
If you shop online – for Christmas gifts or for
anything else throughout the year – remember
that Lutheran Service Society can receive a
percentage of your purchase price at hundreds
of stores if you visit www.goodshop.com first!
With GoodShop, there is no difference in your
purchase price or your ability to use special deals
and coupons.
A percentage of your purchase price will be
calculated (the percentage varies by store) and
then donated to Lutheran Service Society. You can
keep track of how much money has been raised
for Lutheran Service Society through GoodShop by
clicking on the “Amount Raised” button on the
website.
Simply go to www.goodshop.com before you
start shopping, and designate Lutheran Service
Society as your charity of choice. Then find and
Check out the 1,000+ participating stores today,
and see how you could help Lutheran Service
Society just by doing your normal online shopping!
Lutheran Service Society’s New Website is Up-and-Running!
Lutheran Service Society’s new website has officially launched. Individuals may now:
• View current volunteer opportunities and apply to be a volunteer online
• Download agency materials
• View activities calendars and menus for all of our senior centers
• Get the latest news on the agency
• Find other great information!
Visit us online at www.LSSWPA.org today!
9
Unison Health Plan Team
Cooks Up Fundraiser
When employees at the AmeriChoice Unison Call Centers in
Pittsburgh decided to work on a cookbook together, they
didn’t realize that it would evolve into a project to benefit
Lutheran Service Society’s Meals On Wheels program.
With the leadership of Lynn Ciocco, Shannon Suba, and
Benjamen Slater, Call Center representatives submitted their
favorite recipes to be included in the book. The compilation
includes recipes for everything from appetizers - such as
Texas Caviar and Mini Reubens - to unique desserts - such as
Irish Potato Candy and Pistachio Pudding. Many employees
contributed to the printing and binding process of the
book, in addition to the content and layout.
Once the idea was in motion, the staff decided to take the
project a step further and use the cookbook to raise funds
for a worthy cause.
Benjamen Slater stated, “When we decided on a cookbook
fundraiser, Meals On Wheels seemed like a logical fit. It is
a great program that touches the lives of so many. While
researching the best way to make our donation, I contacted
Matt Levine at Meals On Wheels Association of America.
He suggested Lutheran Service Society. He told us that the
organization manages one of the largest, most efficient
programs in our area, and they would be able to make the
most of our donation.”
Through their internal sale, employees raised enough
money to give Lutheran Service Society over $300 towards
its Meals On Wheels program.
“Unison’s donation shows that you can have fun while
helping a great cause,” says Patty Davidson, chief
development officer for Lutheran Service Society. “We are
very appreciative of the time and effort the staff at Unison
took with this creative idea.”
If your organization would like to undertake a project to
raise funds for Lutheran Service Society, please call the
agency’s development department at (412) 366-9490 or
e-mail information@LSSWPA.org.
10
Lutheran Service Society President & CEO Marc Bloomingdale
accepts the donation from Benjamen Slater of Unison Health Plan.
Pictured from left are: Lynn Ciocco, Team Lead, Pennsylvania Call
Center; Shannon Suba, Manager, Call Center Administration;
Benjamen Slater, Supervisor, Call Center Administration; Marc
Bloomingdale, President & CEO, Lutheran Service Society; Patty
Davidson, Chief Development Officer, Lutheran Service Society.
Arlington Meals On
Wheels Receives
Excellence Award
Each year the Allegheny County Health Department’s Food Advisory Board
seeks to recognize members of the food service industry who illustrate a
strong commitment to food safety and sanitation in a food facility. This year,
the staff and volunteers of Lutheran Service Society’s Arlington Meals On
Wheels program site were among the few commended for excellence in food
protection by the Food Advisory Board.
The 18th annual awards presentation was held on September 17, 2009,
at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, Mt. Washington. Susan Collins (cook),
Nancy Wetter (site coordinator), Teresa Goodall (operations chair), Norm
Hochendoner (treasurer), and Marilyn Adams (program manager) attended on
behalf of the kitchen.
“It is no surprise that
Arlington Meals On
Wheels was selected
for this award,” says
Marc Bloomingdale,
president and CEO of
Lutheran Service Society. “The staff and volunteers at this location are always
looking for new ways to improve. These continuous efforts are a model for all
of our program sites in the region.”
Below is an excerpt from the application letter, which shows the extra
measures taken at this site to protect consumers from food-related harm:
We continue to utilize insulated bags and hot and cold packs to make
sure our meals are kept at the appropriate temperatures. Our Ice
Wand digital thermometer provided an added mechanism to monitor
temperature throughout the entire preparation process. We have
improvised as we have only a two-bowled sink, and have invested in
a large sanitizing pan for our dishes. Additionally, we have individual
cutting boards to insure no cross contamination occurs by using a
separate cutting board for raw meat, fish, chicken, and vegetables.
Lutheran Service Society
Office Locations
Lutheran Service Society operates
service sites throughout western
Pennsylvania. All programs are
managed through one or more of
Lutheran Service Society’s six primary
office locations:
Administrative Office
3171 Babcock Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15237-2737
412.366.9490
Allegheny County
440 Lincoln Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15202-3631
412.734.9330
Beaver County
1135 Walnut Street
Monaca, PA 15061-1548
724.774.5654
Center Clustered Services
Butler County
424 N. McKean Street
Butler, PA 16001-4437
724.283.9002
Center Clustered Services
Westmoreland County
McKenna Building, 2nd Floor
971 Old Salem Road
Greensburg, PA 15601-1352
724.837.4330
Children and Family Services
1011 Old Salem Road, Suite 107
Greensburg, PA 15601-1017
724.837.9385
Arlington Meals On Wheels is one of over 40 sites that are a part of Lutheran
Service Society’s Meals On Wheels program. Each of the program sites has
a strong corps of volunteers that show unwavering dedication and deep
concern for those in need. All of the volunteers’ efforts to keep consumers
safe and healthy are greatly appreciated.
Mission Statement
Many congratulations to Teresa Goodall, Susan Collins, and all of the staff
and volunteers at Arlington Meals On Wheels on a job well done and for
receiving this much-deserved award!
promote the dignity of those in need through
Responding to God’s love in Christ, Lutheran
Service Society brings people together in
ministries to enhance the quality of life and
congregational and community partnerships.
11
To report an error in name or change
of address, please call 412.366.9490
3171 Babcock Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15237-2737
Non-Profit Org
US Postage
PAID
Pittsburgh, PA
Permit No. 575
www.LSSWPA.org
Governance By:
Southwestern
Pennsylvania Synod
Affiliated
Organization
Lutheran Service Society
Board of Directors 2009-2010
Rev. Dr. Clifton J. Suehr
Chairman of the Board
Rev. Kevin E. Anderson
Ronald B. Anderson
James R. Antoniono
Kevin Bingle
George Friedline
Dr. J. Robert Graham
Arleen C. Hawk
Dr. Bea Herbeck-Belnap
Jessica D. Hrabovsky
Robert Jarvis
Rev. Sandra J. Kessinger
Patricia McKenty
Rev. Howard Ravenstahl
Rev. Philip Scherr
Member
Northwestern
Pennsylvania Synod
West Virginia-Western
Maryland Synod
Contributor
Choice #191
#33852
Celebrating over 100 years of service, Lutheran Service Society is a nonprofit,
faith-based provider of social services that enhances the quality of life and promotes
the dignity and independence of persons in need. To accomplish this, Lutheran Service
Society maintains senior activities and programs; adoption and permanency services;
food and nutritional programs; Meals On Wheels programs; after school programs;
affordable housing properties; senior centers; and senior support programs in western
Pennsylvania and the surrounding region. Lutheran Service Society also seeks to
develop programs to address unmet needs in the communities it serves and to expand
its services into underserved communities.
Contributions to Lutheran Service Society may be made with the
remittance envelope provided inside this newsletter, online at
www.LSSWPA.org, or through employee giving campaigns.
All donations are deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The official registration and financial information for Lutheran Service Society of
Western Pennsylvania may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of
State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does
not imply endorsement.