​A Heart to Serve
Matthew Lysobey
Director of Community Integration, Rockport Healthcare Services
 
Are we seeing the disability or the potential? Would you believe that residents with diseases such as Alzheimer's, stroke, Parkinson's, MS, or vision impairment are preparing meals and feed the homeless throughout California?
 
Having been a nursing home administrator for almost 20 years, I have seen firsthand the depression and apathy so prevalent in our communities. We have all been struggling to find the "magic pill" that will solve these problems. The truth is, there is no one magic pill.  But I believe there are some holes we have yet to find and fill. One of them is the transformative power of selfless service.  
 
We have made tremendous strides in our abilities as caregivers and the level of care we provide. Resident-centered care and dramatic advances in our environments have made traditional nursing homes almost unrecognizable. However, in the end, if we have the world's best caregivers, provide unlimited choices, and state of the art or homelike accommodations, is it possible people could still feel useless for the rest of their lives? If you received the best of the best that long-term care has to offer, but no one needed you anymore, might you still feel like a burden? Although superior care, choices, and environment are the foundation of what we do, is that enough? Being a grateful "care receiver" does not necessarily give someone meaning and purpose in their life. Further, it does not provide a reason to get out of bed. 
 
At Rockport, we believe that life is more than receiving. Life is more than choice and entertainment. Life is being needed -- having purpose, having responsibility, being able to give, being able to serve. We are absolutely convinced that residents can give in a productive, meaningful way if given the opportunity. This belief led to the inception of a "A Heart to Serve." Currently 60 of our 75 communities are engaged in this great experiment.
 
At the foundation of this program is the belief that anyone with "a heart to serve," can serve. Residents with Alzheimer's Disease in long-term care have been helping with simple tasks for years. They fold napkins and towels, clean up after meals and always seem ready to lend a hand. If they can perform these tasks, and have this innate desire to help, they can serve people in need in their community. Rockport has developed a program that allows hundreds of people with Alzheimer's Disease to use plastic chef knives and other tools to safely prepare food. They chop vegetables to make a salad, slice fruit, and make chocolate chip cookies to feed men, women and children at local homeless shelters and soup kitchens.  And then these same residents go out to shelters and scoop the food onto the plates of grateful members of the community.
 
Dozens of stroke survivors that have left sided neglect are using their right arm to turn the handle of the cheese grater while another resident with right sided neglect feeds the cheese in and presses down -- teaming up to help their community. Others with Parkinson's Disease are chopping chicken and turkey for chef salads with safety knives. People who experience tremors are still capable of serving others. With adaptive equipment that supports their desire to do useful work, it is amazing to see what people can do.
 
Thinking differently about the value each person brings to our community often requires some shifts in our own habits. Sometimes, as caregivers, our need to help is so strong that we don't see the harm helping can do. I watched one of our residents with a CVA work for five minutes to cut a slice of cantaloupe. It came out looking more like the state of Texas than a traditional slice - but doubtless just as delicious! Watching her determination filled me up. She was focused and ready to start working on the next slice. A smile was dawning on her face. A well-meaning activity aide came over to her and said, "Oh look at that - let me help" and quickly sliced off the rough edges. I could see the life drain right out of her.  She immediately started backing away from the table and struggled to roll her wheelchair out of the dining room -- probably with feelings of defeat and embarrassment. From joy back to depression in a flash.
 
Residents are the stars of "A Heart to Serve." Caregivers are the stagehands. The power behind the desire to help others should never be underestimated. Miraculous things happen while the residents are in charge and we are their assistants. We can do our part by repositioning a pan, finding a better scoop, adjusting the height of the table ... And then we can step back into the shadows and watch what we didn't think possible. This isn't about us. It's about people finding their way back to a valuable place in our society, back to being needed, back to self worth ... finding a reason to get out of bed. We are just beginning to understand the possibilities and the role of selfless service in the lives of people in long-term care -- and the potential in each of them to contribute to our world in a meaningful way.

​Mary E. Orth, 90, Fairbury, died at 6:45 pm Monday, February 20, 2017 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
She was born Oct. 19, 1926, to Paul and Frances Speece Workman. She was educated in Mackinaw area schools. Because of a shortage of male students during World War II, she entered Illinois Wesleyan University following her junior year of high school. There she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and later her Master of Science degree.
She married William H. Orth of Fairbury on April 29, 1949, in Mackinaw. He preceded her in death on Sept. 17, 2010.
The Orths farmed in the Fairbury area. Through the years, Mrs. Orth taught girls’ physical education, history, geography, science, Illinois history, and health in junior high and high school in the Chenoa, Fairbury Township, Fairbury-Cropsey, and Prairie Central school systems. She also taught fourth grade for one year at Westview Grade School. She sponsored the Girls’ Athletic Association, cheerleaders, and Illinois History Club. In 1984, Gov. James Thompson named her Illinois History Teacher of the Year and she received the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Illinois State Historical Society. She enjoyed helping students discover their potential, especially through project work.
Mrs. Orth was a past member of Kappa Delta sorority, Country Domestic Science Club, Order of the Eastern Star, Indian Creek Country club and various local bridge clubs. She was an avid golfer and football fan. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Fairbury where she sang in the choir and served on various committees.
She is survived by one daughter, Ann (Jay) Nussbaum of Bloomington, two grandchildren, William (Alexis) Nussbaum of Bloomington and Casey (Tyler)Zimmerman of Bloomington, and three great-grandchildren, Kayla and Seth Nussbaum, and Jaycee Zimmerman, at home.
According to her wishes, there will be no visitation and graveside services will be private. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of the arrangements.
The family thanks Dr. Sam Steffen, the staff of Fairview Haven in Fairbury, and OSF Home Care Services for their excellent care and suggests that memorials be directed to Fairview Haven Retirement Community or Dominy Memorial Library, both in Fairbury.

Marjorie J. Kuntz, 89, a resident of Fairview Haven Retirement Community in Fairbury, IL formerly of Forrest, IL, passed away at 2:14 am on Saturday, February 18, 2017.
She was a member of the Forrest Apostolic Christian Church where funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 with ministers of the church officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:15 am on Wednesday, prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place following services at the South Apostolic Christian Cemetery in rural Fairbury, IL. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Forrest is handling arrangements for the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Haven Retirement Community in Fairbury.
Marjorie was born June 3, 1927 in rural Forrest, IL a daughter of Sam and Lydia (Sohn) Maier. She married Leland E. Kuntz on November 26, 1949 in Fairbury, IL. He passed away on January 29, 2011.
She is survived by one daughter, Carla (Curtis) Stoller of Gridley; one son, Kevin Kuntz of Forrest; three granddaughters, Carrie (Troy) Blunier of Oakbrook Terrace, IL; Christy Stoller of Croton on Hudson, NY, and Chelli Stoller of Princeton, IL; three great grandsons: Peter, Lincoln and Miles Blunier; her siblings: Thelma Maier of Forrest, IL and Vernon (Beth) Maier of Fairbury, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one infant granddaughter.
Marjorie was a homemaker as well as working at Forrest Savings and Loan until 1986 and being the Forrest Township Clerk for many many years.
She enjoyed seeing and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marjorie was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be greatly missed.

​Cleo “Oleta” Keeley, 85 of Fairbury, passed away at 3:35 am, Friday, February 10, 2017at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a graveside inurnment will be held at 11 am, Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Strawn Cemetery, Strawn. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Oleta was born August 29, 1931 in DeQueen, AR; the daughter of Alvis and Georgia (Emmerson) Scott. She married Thomas H. Keeley Sr. on September 24, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Memphis, TN. Her husband Tom survives in Fairbury.

Also surviving are two children, Tim (Deb) Keeley of Gibson City; and Barb (Roger Embry) Cook of Fairbury; eight grandchildren, Stacey (Brandon) Heldebrandt, Jason Clearwater, Shawn (Joanie) Clearwater, Justin (Maggie) Ziller, Scott Thomas (Brittany) Ziller, Katie (Scott Travis) Ziller, Anna Keeley, Leah (Justin) Quintana and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters and one son, Thomas Keeley Jr.

Cleo “Oleta” Keeley was the epitome of a southern bell. Sweet, sassy, loyal, and constant. You could always count on a kind word and a positive attitude. Her love of her family was obvious to any stranger. Her genuine love and smile will be missed by many, and the memories that her family and friends shared with her will continue to live on in our hearts forever. Fly high Cleo, we take comfort in knowing we have a beautiful angel watching over us.

REMINDER: Please join us for Fairview Haven's presentation of Our Journey in Dementia Care - community informational meeting about Serenity Villa. THIS MONDAY, Feb. 13 at 7 pm in the Fairbury Dominy Memorial Library Basement Meeting Room.

​Charles "Dick" Richard Atteberry
January 03, 1920 - February 09, 2017
 
Fairbury – Charles “Dick” Richard Atteberry, 97, of Fairbury, passed away at 1:05pm, February 9, 2017, at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
His funeral will be held at 10:00am, Monday, February 13, 2017, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Pastor Ann Champion will be officiating.
Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury.
Visitation will be held from 2-4:00pm, Sunday, February 12, 2017, also at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Fairbury.
Charles was born January 3, 1920, in Pontiac the son of Clifford O. and Margaret Lamie Atteberry.
He married Vivian M. Jessup on July 3, 1947 in Fairbury. She passed away April 12, 2002.
Surviving are his son, Dale R. (Colleen) Atteberry of West Chicago; daughter-in-law, Andra Atteberry of Bella Vista, AR; grandchildren, Rick (Jennifer) Atteberry, Parker Atteberry, Tim Atteberry, Alison (Kenny Krajkovic) Atteberry; great-grandchildren, Garrett, Tiernan, and Silas Atteberry; sister, Betty (Jim) Craig of OK.
He was preceded in death his parents, two brothers, three sisters, daughter-in-law, Sue Atteberry, and one son, Duane Atteberry.
From 1948-1975, Dick farmed in the Fairbury area. He then also worked at the Fairbury Post Office from 1968-1983. Last Dick owned and operated Ben Franklin, Fairbury.
Dick was a veteran of the United States Army serving during WWII receiving a Purple Heart.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fairbury, the Elks Club, Moose Club, Lions Club, Fairbury Fair Board, Fairbury American Legion, Disabled AM Vets, and Knoll Lodge.