A Historic Move!

For those who are not aware of it, Shepherd house has some very good news! We will be moving from our home in the convent on South Lake Drive, to our new home in the main building on Morgan Avenue. Our new house will be in what has been known as the Therapy Treatment Clinic. Our clients will have easier access to the swimming pool, art program, hair and nail salon, therapy department, and many other activities that take place at the main center. Many people are sacrificing their time and space to make this happen. And the therapy department is graciously adjusting their treatment space so that this move is possible. Our buildings and grounds department has been working very hard on getting the new addition for this area of the center remodeled and completed. Our move took place in the middle of December since the new construction went very well. Caregivers and transit companies have been informed about all these changes too. Suddenly, the new chapter in the history of Shepherd House–one that we looked forward to for so long–has become a reality!

– Marcia L. Hochstetter, Vice President of Shepherd House

 

This article is reprinted from the St. Ann Center Agency 'Seasons of Life' Newsletter.

Kelly

The following is a poem/ song is written by one of our clients, Darold W.



Kelly
Have you ever met the most beautiful girl I know?
I love to look into her eyes…
Drink in her bright smile and sing with her beautiful laugh.

When I’m down she cheers me up
I need help she’s always there
Kelley, you’re my only love.

Have you ever met the most beautiful girl I know?
I love to look into her eyes…
Drink in her bright smile and sing with her beautiful laugh.

We have fun and do the town
Go to restaurants and have some fun
Kelley, you’re my only love.

Have you ever met the most beautiful girl I know?
I love to look into her eyes…
Drink in her bright smile and sing with her beautiful laugh.
Sing with her beautiful laugh.

A Sign of Peace or a Wink of Peace?

Extending PEACE happens at St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care in a special way at Mass.  Traditionally a sign of peace is a hand shake or a hug.  At St. Ann Center it is the famous "wink of peace".  Participants are quite happy to extend this happy sign to one another.

The famous "wink of peace" was introduced by Fr. Byron Haaland, a Sacred Heart priest, during the flu season to avoid spreading germs. The desire was present to acknowledge and extend peace to the each other gathered at Mass, but he wanted to avoid the traditional hand shake.

The "wink" is an affectionate, caring gesture that warms the room and makes everyone feel special as they extend peace to one another.  Mass is held twice weekly at St. Ann Center.

National Philanthropy Day® Official Website - AFP

National Philanthropy Day® Official Website - AFP

"What's the matter? Isn't your hearing aid working?"

I recently attended a networking fair where I met someone from the Center for Communication, Hearing and Deafness.  I asked some generic questions about the center and their services and then we ended up talking about the older clients at St. Ann Center, many who are hearing impaired.  Some people believe that if you just talk louder someone with a hearing loss will hear.  Or, if they wear hearing aids they will be able to hear but there is more to it than needing hearing aids.

In an article I recieved from the center titled, The hearing aid myth, it stated, "many people believe that hearing aids function like eyeglasses.  Most eyeglass wearers achieve 20-20 vision or something close to it with corrected lenses and have their day-to-day visual problems largely eliminated.  Hearing aids, while very helpful for most people who are hard of hearing, do not eliminate hearing problems.  Unlike glasses, the benefits of hearing aids are situation-specific, that is, they are very helpful in some situations, but not in others, such as, in noisy environments."

I also have a son who is hard of hearing and wears hearing aids so I understood this jist of this article but, it made me realize that many people who work with individuals who are hearing impaired don't.  Just because a person is wearing a hearing aid it doesn't mean that they can hear everything.  My son has permanent loss as do most people who wear hearing aids.  This permanent loss affects certain levels of sound and no hearing aid is going to make him hear that sound.

It is very important to remeber that when working or living with someone who is hearing impaired, there are  many different communication tools and strategies to aid and foster understanding and clarity.  The Center for Communication, Hearing and Deafness can help.

Halloween 2010

Click on the picture to be directed to our halloween photo album!

Halloween 2010

What is the Buddy Program?

The Buddy Program is a community service of St. Ann Center that reaches out to central city youth between the ages of 12 and 16, aiming to teach them valuable life lessons.

“Youth gain job training, budget training, and have an opportunity to work on social skills,” Tony Phillips, Buddy Program Coordinator, said.

Youth qualify for the program based on their attendance at the Academy of Learning and Leadership, Central City Cyber School, and Fernwood Montessori. Even though the program collaborates with these schools, the program is open to youth throughout Milwaukee. Transportation is a challenge in getting the youth to and from St. Ann’s. “Currently, we only have one 7 passenger van,” Phillips said. The gift will help support transportation.

Through the program, youth spend time at St. Ann Center, learning while interacting with St. Ann clients. “Youths spend two hours a week with St. Ann Center clients, sharing life experiences, playing various games, and helping transport clients to their vans at the end of the day.”

The program is effective in teaching the young people to show respect to all, no matter their age or what kind of challenges they’re facing. Buddy Program participant Cassidie said, “I have learned not to judge someone because of how they look or talk.”
The program is mutually beneficial to the young people and St. Ann’s clients, who benefit from having the youth around because of the assistance and company they provide. “Clients get an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others despite their own challenges.” Phillips said.

Written By: Brandon Lemke and Bianca Constanzo

A Visit to the Respite Center

There are so many different units and services here at St. Ann Center that if you were walking in for the first time, you probably wouldn’t know where to begin. One of the, the respite center, is a place where people can bring their loved ones, usually frail from age or challenged with a disability, when they need someone to care for them for a while. Stays are no longer than 20 days. The respite area has 9 rooms, each with distinctive décor and cultural theme. Guests may stay in the Irish room or the Polish room, for example. Guests are invited to "feel at home" during their stay, and are treated like family. A departing guest recently remarked, "I loved my stay and can't wait to return!"

Marian, one of the respite staff, said “St Ann's is a wonderful place to work. This job is a blessing to have, for more reasons than one. I was able to bring my daughter to work when she could not be in childcare. When my car was snowed in and they were able to come get me. The spirit is wonderful here.”

Now, if you can name a place where not only the service is excellent, but the people providing that service genuinely enjoy being there, then I'll be happy to say that I was wrong when I thought “there's no community in the world like St. Ann Center!”

Written by St. Ann Center staff

Shriver Report Gives a Face to Alzheimer's

Halloween Harvest Carnival

Bring the whole family for a night of fun and maybe a little bit of fright. Take your pick and walk down one of two “haunted” hallways, one with a little bit of fright for the older goblins and one with a little more fun for the younger kids.

There will be fun for the whole family; including an exciting hayride (weather permitting), six different craft tables and six different carnival games with prizes for everyone. Kids can take part in the special costume contest with prizes for the best and most creative costume then mini corndogs, applesauce, chips and cheese, and refreshments.

The annual event takes place on Saturday, October 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Ann Center 2801 East Morgan Avenue. The cost is $7.00 for advanced purchase tickets or $8.00 at the door. Children 1 and under are FREE! Call Delma at 414-977-5000 to purchase your tickets in advance.

The mission of St. Ann Center to to provide community based health and wellness services for children and frail adults, and to serve as a resource for caregivers and the community. St. Ann Center, at 2801 E. Morgan Ave., is a not-for-profit day services facility sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. It is open to persons of all religious faiths and all abilities. St. Ann Center is a handicapped accessible facility.

Wellness with a Smile

Roy is a decorated World War II veteran who was a pilot in service to our country. After the war he kept flying as his job and also for fun. But now he is coping with dementia and has found help at Shepherd House, a special program at St. Ann Center for all ages. His wife, who has been his primary caregiver, was trying to balance his needs with her own struggle with recurrent cancer. So Shepherd House is a great relief for her and a secure, loving daycare for her husband.

Roy requires almost full care from the staff for his basic needs, but he continues to enjoy cowboy movies, loves music and has joined the music group at the center. As part of the wellness program offered at the center he also receives whirlpool baths and takes advantage of the new dental hygiene program. At St. Ann Center its service and being served with a big, healthy smile!

The Season of Autumn is...

Creation fully alive with its brightest of colors.

Autumn is:
Little children playing and laughing in the fallen leafs;
Drivers stopping off by the roadside to take in its beauty - perhaps shaking off the stress of the day.

Autumn is:
The smell of burning leaves;
Friends sitting around roasting marshmallows;
The perfect rhythm of the blowing trees.

Autumn is:
Leaves falling, some pretty, some little, some big and some not so nice.

Autumn is:
A gifted season for each of us to take time to notice. Perhaps a leaf just made for you will come your way. Take the time to notice what you are feeling in your heart and mind. Each day is for you and me. So take the time, it is all yours as a personal gift from our Creator, God.

Written by Sr. Clara Styger

International Day of Peace – Peace Walk

On a beautiful, sunny autumn day, about 50 members of the community gathered outside St. Francis Convent on Milwaukee’s south side to celebrate the 28th Annual International Day of Peace.

The United Nations established the day of peace in 1981 which is observed every year on September 21. More than 175 nations celebrate Peace Day. (Wect.com, 2010)

In the opening prayer we were reminded that we are all part of one global human family living together in a world that remains broken and divided. Everyone joined in prayer in hopes that the universal desire for peace may be realized. The participants gathered, walked and prayed for peace.

Everyone gathered around the “peace pole” located on the grounds of the St. Francis convent. The pole is inscribed with the words “May peace prevail on earth” written in serveral different languages.

The event ended with a prayer recited by one of St. Ann Center’s clients. As a Franciscan community we are reminded of the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace!”

SOCIAL SECURITY: Keeping The Promise To All Generations

http://www.gu.org/socialsecurity.asp

About | Richard Taylor Ph.D. | My Story: Alzheimer's From the Inside Out

About Richard Taylor Ph.D. My Story: Alzheimer's From the Inside Out

This is an excellent website about a man who is living with the diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's.

A plastic bottle, newspaper and masking tape!

“A plastic bottle, newspaper and masking tape!” said Derek, a summer program participant. “Looks like an airplane to me” said another little boy. “All it needs is some paint” said another. The children in the St. Ann Center summer program are having a fun time being creative and they are also learning a special lesson about recycling.

Stacy Vittal, Adaptive Arts Director & Art Therapist at St. Ann Center had the enterprising idea of creating an art project that would teach the children the power of recycling as well as environmental sustainability. She hoped they would learn how easy and accessible it is to recycle.

When asked about the benefits of the project Stacy said, “The children are learning how to make independent decisions, improve their social skills, build self-esteem and improve interpersonal skills. The also have a chance to improve fine motor skills through art. The benefits are endless.”

Latin & Native American Cultural Celebration

On Wednesday, August 25, 2010 members of the Latin Tempo Dance Studio entertained clients, staff and friends of St. Ann Center with an amazing musical and dancing spectacle.

Carlos Avila along with his wife Sonya and Latin Tempo dance members Angel, Sabrina and Melissa Lombarto presented authentic Aztec dances that both thrilled and amazed the crowd. Carlos shared stories and interesting facts about Native American culture and dance. They wore traditional "ethnic" Azetc Native American headdress and clothing, adorned with feathers, beads and shells. Please check out the St. Ann Center photo album for fantastic pictures and video of this event.

Leslie Henry, music therapist at St. Ann Center started the festivities off with an exhilarating drum circle. The children, adults, clients and staff pounded and clapped and were amazed by the drums, dancing and celebration. Part of the morning celebration included a demonstration of Latin American style Salsa dancing.

The event was followed by a scrumptious Latin & Native American feast! It was a fun-filled day!

I Scream! You Scream! We All Scream for Ice Cream!

On Monday, August 16 the St. Ann Center Smoothie Bar Crew (pictured left) decided to have a “Ice Cream Party” offering amazing ice cream cones for the low price of only $1.00.

Maggie Cary dedicated volunteer at St. Ann Center runs the smoothie bar with the help of a few of the clients. Maggie said, “It really helps to make the clients feel usual and give them a sense of accomplishment! It is so fun to see how excited they get to serve others!”

Being able to offer the ice cream cones for only $1.00 makes it easy for the clients to buy a cone and enjoy the snack. It’s a perfect summer day treat. Many of the clients, children and staff enjoyed the large ice cream cones. Thanks Maggie and crew!

The St. Ann Center Smoothie Bar is open daily. Everyone can enjoy ice cream cones and delicious smoothies as well as coffee, cappuccino and lattes.

The Feast day of St. Clare

This Wednesday, August 11, the Catholic faithful celebrate the feast day of St. Clare of Assisi (Sta. Clara de Asis), the first Franciscan sister, and founder of the Order of Poor Clares, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition.

See the attached post

St. Clare, TV's patron

Meet Oma!

I would like to introduce you to Oma. I am so blessed that I get the opportunity to help Oma. A while ago Oma lost function on the left side of her body so on land she is dependent on a wheelchair. When Oma gets into the 88 degree water at St. Ann Center she is no longer relying on her wheelchair. It is amazing the effect the water has on her body. Oma has proved that even though she cannot use her left side out of the water, she can use her entire body (with some guidance) in the water.

Oma receives a type of physical therapy call Feldenkrais Therapy (not offered at St. Ann Center). This is not your typical therapy, “Feldenkrais is a supportive therapy that accentuates personal awareness of your body’s mobility patterns and its fixed purpose is the assist you to re-learn supplant old habits with more proficient ones”

Oma receives Feldenkrais therapy 3 times a week and we try to take what she learns and use it in the water. Oma would like to walk again some day and with the help of St. Ann Center, Oma’s goal might be achieved.

St. Ann’s Aquatic Center offers a variety of opportunities for all ages, from babies to the elderly. Private swim lessons and group lessons are available as well as water aerobics and open swim. Aquatic Therapy is offered through our Outpatient Rehabilitation department.

Written by Kristen Benetti

Donna's Blog: It's Not Either-Or

Donna's Blog: It's Not Either-Or

The Joy of Generations

Every now and then, day care encounters an individual who is anxious and upset that they are being left behind by their loved one for the day. A child will cry out and ask for their mother. A man will ask over and over again where his wife is and when he can go home. From childhood to adulthood, St. Ann's staff has found this to be a consistency throughout life's stages. Here at St. Ann's, the many generations find solace in each other.

A young girl repeatedly asking for her mother and crying during an intergenerational activity at St. Ann's Shepherd House, was placed on the lap of a client, suffering from dementia, who often grows upset by the absence of his wife. The two were instantly calmed. Together, they participated in activities with the other children and adults, without tears or nervous questioning.

A remarkable sight to see, but ever so common within the walls of St. Ann's, proving once again how the importance of intergenerational care is apparent as a successful therapy for a variety of generations.

Submitted by Stacy Ory

Donna's Blog: Inter-Generational Center Site Visit A Success!

Donna's Blog: Inter-Generational Center Site Visit A Success!

BEATITUDES for caregivers of people with Disabilities

Blessed are you who take the time to listen to difficult speech. If I persevere, I can be understood.

Blessed are you who never bid me to “hurry up” or take my tasks from me and do them for me. For I often need time, rather than help.

Blessed are you who stand beside me as I enter new and untried ventures….myself and you.

Blessed are you who ask for my help. For my greatest need is to be needed.

Blessed are you who, with a smile, encourage me to try once more.

Blessed are you who never remind me that today I ask the same question twice.

Blessed are you who respect me and love me just as I am.



Author Unknown

Our Clients Front and Center

The importance of client-centered care Shepherd House is very uniquely designed to specialize in dementia care and care for people with other memory problems. We emphasize the importance of maintaining independence and memory function through keeping active. Since everyone can be active in various ways, the staff at St. Ann's Center prefers client-centered care which is planning activities according to what our clients prefer to do. Each person has their choice, whether it be quilting, fishing, cards, building birdhouses, caring for plants, playing music, or just relaxing and conversing about the good ol' days.

Shepherd House incorporates three different types of activities per day: physical, mental, and social. Physical activities involve parachute games, silver sneakers fitness classes, and Wii sports/ Wii fitness games to bring back the sport and competition that many of our clients used to enjoy in their leisure time. Mental activities consist of trivia games, word puzzles, group discussions on historical events, and trips down memory lane, discussing a favorite toy as a child or a memory of the end of WWII. Social activities are incorporated into both physical and mental activities by keeping clients in small and personal groups to allow each one the chance at answers, questions, and introducing a variety of topics.

Shepherd House also employs client-centered care when planning outings. Special trips to the Harley Davidson Museum for those who used to ride, the Milwaukee Art Museum for the former art enthusiast, and fishing on Scout Lake for the avid sports person. The list goes on.

Whatever their preferences, Shepherd House has an activity plan for each person! After all, why should people change their lives drastically just to accommodate an inflexible program? We are here for our guests and look forward to their favorite activity as much as they do!

Written by Stacy M. Ory
Shepherd House Staff

Drums for Everyone

An intergenerational music group led by our music therapist, Leslie Henry, was recently being conducted in the adult unit.

Drums were handed out to all adults and mallets to all of the children to play with their adult friends. The music therapist held the drum at an angle on the side of Mark, a man with cerebral palsy. With his fists clenched and arm outstretched he began extending his arm backwards to play while the other adults and children played.

Tommy from the Monarch room sat wide-eyed with his mouth open, studying how Mark hit the drum. He looked puzzled and amazed all the same time. Leslie gently took Tommy’s hand and helped him to begin tapping on the drum. Tommy hesitantly joined in on his own as he began to feel a little more comfortable with this new drummer friend. Together they shared some smiles, laughs, music, and greater understanding of each other.

Written by Leslie Henry, Music Therapist

‘M’ Is For the Many Things She Gave You

This Mother’s Day, Give the ‘M’ Back, with the Gift of Massage. The Wellness department is the one-stop shop for all your spring gift giving needs. St. Ann Center has four massage therapists on staff to meet your massage therapy needs. They would be happy to fit you into their schedule. Just give them a call 414-977-5056.

Gift certificates and gift baskets to order are available at all times. In addition to massage therapy, St. Ann Center offers manicures, pedicures and hair care in the full service beauty salon. All services offered by the Wellness department are available to individuals in the community by appointment.

For a complete listing of services offered, check out our website at www.stanncenter.org or stop by at the front desk to pick up our Wellness brochure.

Massage costs: 20 minute massages are $20.00, 30 minutes massages are $30.00 and 60 minute massages are $60.00

Think Spring! Think Mother’s Day!

Written by, Sandy Anderson, St. Ann Center Massage Therapist, 414-977-5056

St. Ann Center Charity Cash Raffle Winner

Mr. John Costa of New Berlin is the big winner of the St. Ann Center 2010 Charity Cash Raffle! Congratulations John! Pictured at left is John and Delma V. St. Ann Center's raffle coordinator. John came to visit St. Ann Center and pick up his winning check.

The public raffle drawing was held on Saturday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Ann Center. There was a crowd of about 100 people on hand to learn of the new winner!

St. Ann Center holds two yearly raffles, one in April and one in October. The proceeds from these cash raffles directly supports the young, elderly and disabled clients that come to St. Ann Center for services. With the support of the raffle, St. Ann Center is able to provide care for those most in need in our community. Thank you to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket.

Cutting Costs While Caring for Creation

In recent years, rising energy costs have increased the cost of operating our warm-water therapy pool, but we have found ways to reduce those costs by installing a solar hot water system with pool and spa covers.

St. Ann Center, which is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, is not only saving money through these measures, it is also fulfilling one of its Franciscan values, to care for creation, by eliminating the release of tons of greenhouse gases each year.

“The solar thermal system and the covers will enable us to redirect the money we save on energy to services for our clients,” according to Sr. Edna Lonergan, St. Ann Center president. “This helps us fulfill our mission to serve the community.”

Because the entire solar thermal project will be funded by grants, St. Ann Center will get an immediate return on investment through lower energy bills. We expect two-thirds of the $30,000 project will be paid by grants from Wisconsin Focus on Energy and We Energies, and the balance was already donated by a longtime friend of St. Ann Center.

Last year another St. Ann Center friend, paid for the pool and whirlpool spa covers, which have saved us hundreds of dollars of fuel costs each month since installation.

Full Spectrum Solar (Madison) is expected to complete the St. Ann Center solar thermal system in April. The pool and spa will still use a backup boiler that will operate at night or on cloudy days.

St. Ann Center is a handicapped accessible facility that offers aquatic programs, swimming lessons, physical therapy, and recreational swimming to adults and children enrolled in day care programs and the general public. For more information about St. Ann Center’s Aquatic Program, please contact Kristen Benetti at (414) 977-5015 or kbenetti@stanncenter.org.

Written by Barbara Finley

Be A Believer!

It’s very hard to answer the question, “What is St. Ann Center?”

St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care is a HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMUNITY CENTER FOR ALL AGES. Yep, that’s right, a community center. A center where the community can gather for adult and child day care, respite care, aquatic center fun, outpatient rehabilitation needs, massage therapy, music therapy, ceramics and art programs! But it’s really just a big COMMUNITY CENTER.

How can one place be all these things?

It takes a lot of dedicated employees, hard working volunteers, and active community members, but it works!

St. Ann Center held its ‘Munch with the Easter Bunny’ this weekend and it turned out to be a wonderful COMMUNITY EVENT! There were games for the kids, a visit from the Easter Bunny, wonderful food and a fun filled egg hunt! St. Ann Center serves the community. Come on over and visit. The Center is open Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the public is welcome at anytime to stop in and visit, peruse our gift shop or jump in the pool!

This is a place you have to see to believe. Come over and be a believer!

St. Ann's Bed and Breakfast?

When Eleanor heard she would be spending a few days at St. Ann Center while her son and wife had to be away on a trip, she thought maybe she was going to a nursing home. Or she secretly wondered if this wasn't the first step in that direction. She was feeling very uneasy.

So, when she stepped into St. Ann Center's respite center, with its beautiful welcome sign stating this was a "European Village" she had one surprise after another–all of them more pleasant than the next.

She found out that this was going to be a home away from home during her stay. Like a "bed and breakfast" she would have a tastefully decorated room all to herself with elegant furniture and bathroom facilities. Her room was called the "Swiss Chalet" with colors and décor to match the theme.

She would take her meals in the dining room with the others at a sit down breakfast, lunch and dinner. The tables and chairs were beautiful oak and the dishes were china. The tasty food was prepared by the center's kitchen staff, according to her dietary needs.

There also was a beautiful dayroom with rockers, sofas and chairs, with a wide screen TV and a fireplace on one wall. If she wanted to take a bath during her stay, she could have a bubble bath in the whirlpool tub – and she did!

Eleanor stayed the week and had such a great time that when it was time to go home, she felt a little sad. She had met so many nice, caring people who already felt like friends. She was looking forward to the next time her son had to take another trip!

St. Ann's respite center is open 24-7 for adults who are experiencing life's challenges from age or disabilities. More information can be fund by visiting http://www.stanncenter.org/ or calling (414) 977-5000.

How do you make lunch time special? Put a little intergenerational "flavor" in it!

At St. Ann Center for All Ages we believe that our intergenerational aspect–bringing generations together–strengthens our community, helps people feel useful, fosters friendships and makes people happy.

Laura is a special volunteer who understands this quite well. Each Wednesday she helps Dennis, an older man who must use a wheelchair. He has a permanent cast on one arm and his range of motion is limited. When its time for lunch, Laura takes Dennis to visit the Dragonfly classroom for three-year old children, and arranges for two of the children to share lunch with them. Things didn't go smoothly right away because three-year olds can be cautious but curious.

When the youngsters first met Dennis mostly what they noticed was his big wheelchair, and quietly stood back. The children asked her “What’s wrong with him? Why is he in a wheelchair?” Laura would say, “Why don’t you ask Dennis?” They began to warm up and realize that Dennis was nice and friendly so they began to ask him questions.

Now Dennis visits the Dragonfly room regularly. This has made a big difference in the children's life and his too. He used to sit alone in one spot in the atrium, and he did not interact much. Now he feels more comfortable and talks with others. He really feels more welcome at the Center especially when his little friends shout “Dennis!” when he enters their classroom. If they happen to see him in the atrium or when they are out for a walk they all yell “Hi” and give a wave to Dennis their new friend!

It gives Dennis an emotional lift and warms the heart of anyone who sees this happen.

Jewelry Sales at St. Ann Center

St. Ann Center has become quite well known for its gently used and vintage jewelry sales. How did this happen? In the very beginning when Sr. Edna Lonergan, founder and president of St. Ann Center, conceived of the idea of adult day care the looming question arose, “How are you going to afford to do this?” Sr. Edna decided she would raise the money, even if it was by nickels and dimes. And so, it began with some donated rummage items and weekend rummage sales.

Soon she started asking the community to donate new or gently used and vintage jewelry for resale. And oh boy did the community respond. Each week the sisters would get donations of jewelry. They would sort the jewelry and number it and attach it to special jewelry cards. Before they knew it, they had thousands of donated jewelry items. The sales began to grow and St. Ann Center began outside jewelry sales, taking their goods to off-site venues. It has become very successful.

St. Ann Center holds two yearly on-site jewelry sales, its next used and vintage jewelry sale will be on Saturday, March 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This will be a very special “Soup’er BLOWOUT Jewelry Sale.” There will be literally thousands of items from rings to watches, from earrings to necklaces. There will also be home made soup for eat in or carry out. This is the sale you don’t want to miss.

Music! Music! Music!

He's played gigs in Las Vegas, and now the sounds of his voice and guitar hits the rafters, and gets fingers and toes tapping. Danny Crivello's repertoire of "oldies and goldies" is irresistible for guests and neighbors alike who gather to hear him perform, and yes, sing along every Friday at 10am. Things are rockin' at St. Ann Center for all ages!

The public is welcome to come in out of the weather, get a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or a soda, find a place to sit back in the indoor garden and enjoy some good music.

Music is a natural part of life, and that's true at St. Ann Center where Danny's concerts and music therapy with Leslie Henry, bring out the heart and soul, and get the body moving for better health all around. Some come and "get healthy" at St. Ann Center this Friday and have a ball!


St. Ann Center is a place "for all ages." That's what intergenerational means. Its unique social services blend day care and wellness programs under one roof for children, frail elderly and people with disabilities. Seeing is believing so contact the center for a tour and more information. Call (414) 977-5000.

St. Ann Center "for all ages" is located at 2801 E. Morgan Avenue.

Mud as Art

It is not unusual to find our clients and guests from the community "flinging mud" in a way that ends up in the most unusual and charming shapes. The art and ceramic classes at St. Ann Center for All Ages* are underway. People are signing up with enthusiasm for their chance to get their fingers and hands into the clay and make items that range from a salt and pepper shaker set to a magnificent angel or vase.

Under the guidance of Alice, the art instructor, students with a variety of abilities progress from their first attempts at art-making to accomplished pieces that make for justifiable pride. You can make wind chimes, a personal mug, or commemorative plate. To register for one of the art or ceramic classes go online at: www.stanncenter.org or call Alice at 977-5038. See you at class!

Children Don't Like Our Center... They Love It!

Today marks the zillionth time that a child has had fun and learned something new at St. Ann Center.

Brian, a 2-year old, was learning the ins-and-outs of the swimming pool in the aquatic center. He was laughing and learning how to kick his feet in the water, so it did not seem to bother him that I interrupted his lesson to ask how old he was.

Meanwhile, two other toddlers back in their classroom were on the computer playing puzzle games. If you tried asking them their names, chances are you might not find out because they were so into the game. You might feel like you got the cold shoulder!

It's amazing to watch the learning process take place with these little ones, yet its even more amazing that they do it all while also having fun. As a first-time visitor, I was surprised to see so much learning activity and so much fun.
Written by, Darrell Garrett (Cardinal Stritch Intern)

A Sea of Beautiful People

During a visit to St. Ann Center I came across a group of people watching a movie on a large-screen TV– Finding Nemo. As I looked away from the colorful schools of fish on screen I realized that I was in sea of people myself!

I saw not only children, but elderly people and people with disabilities. All of these different groups of people were sitting down in front of the TV like an extended family. I thought to myself: “You’re in St. Ann Center, a place like no other.”

Sights like this, as common as they are at St. Ann's, never cease to amaze me. Everyday you can see something unique that can easily be taken for granted. It makes me wonder, why do we live in ways that separate us from one another? Why doesn't everyone want to be like this? I know it’s not typical for every family to include elderly, children and people with disabilities, yet that's what is unique about St. Ann Center. It is inclusive-everyday.

Written by Darrell Garrett, Cardinal Stritch Student Intern