Jerry Campbell, Executive Director

Letter from the Executive Director

It must be close to spring since I've heard that planning for the Mosaic golf tournament and Home Day are in the works. The 14th annual Mosaic golf tournament will be held on May 11, 2012, at the Wymore Golf Club. Proceeds will help us purchase adaptive equipment, as well as vacations for individuals that do not have the funds necessary to spend on something fun. If you're in the area, please join us. You are, of course, also welcome to donate to the cause even if you're not a golfer. Home Day, as always, is the first Friday in June, which happens to be June 1 this year. The theme this year is Mardi Gras. If you only come to Mosaic in Beatrice once or twice per year, please consider one of those times being Home Day. It is a full day of fun and games for all ages. Please see more information about both the golf tournament and Home Day in this issue of our Newsette.

Other exciting news includes some much-needed remodeling. Two bathrooms at Hickory Home have received complete facelifts, including walk-in tubs. These will be great for individuals who have difficulty entering a traditional bathtub. We would also like to announce that this year's Edna Mack estate donation is being used to completely remodel the bathrooms near the seniors' area and to finish some remodeling in the Life Transitions area that was started last year. If you were not aware of it, we are lucky and thankful to receive money annually from the Edna Mack estate which is used to fund some significant projects on campus. This has been extremely beneficial in recent times, as we continue to do the best we can with maintaining a 57-year-old building.

And, lastly, three training rooms at the physical development center received upgrades in terms of paint, lights, carpet and more efficient climate control systems. If you come to Home Day, we'll be happy to show off our new enhancements. And lastly, I'd like to once again ask you to consider becoming a Mosaic Allied Voices (MAV) Volunteer. This is a way to become an advocate for Mosaic and more importantly, for people with disabilities. It only takes a couple of minutes to register and you will only hear from us about important issues that we need your support on. We will notify you by email of issues that arise that impact people with disabilities, and ask you to contact your local representative. It is very simple to register, very easy to send the notes, takes little time and makes a big impact. The more people we have who are willing to sign up to participate in this endeavor, the better. Please help us out. Thank you very much!

	Tyson Chaplain shows off his sporty black Ford Escape.

That's my truck

by Lori Nickels, Direct Support Manager

Dane and Tyson recently enjoyed a trip to the Toyota dealership to have a repair done on a van. When the mechanic at the shop told us we had 45 minutes to an hour to wait, we wondered what we could find to do. Not to worry, Dane and Tyson decided we should use this time as an opportunity to do some serious vehicle shopping.

Dane spotted his truck immediately. He ran across the parking lot to a beautiful orange truck with flames and skulls painted on the hood and down the sides. He happily posed for a photo of "his truck." When we returned to the shop, Dane made sure to tell the salesman that it was his truck. He said, "It is? Now that's a cool truck." He was smiling from ear to ear to have his choice affirmed as being such a good one.

Not to be outdone, Tyson was very excited to pick out his dream vehicle also. He liked some of the sporty little cars with loud engines but he chose a gorgeous black Ford Escape. Tyson was fairly certain his choice would be much faster than Dane's fire-breathing truck. He loved posing with his pick of the lot also.

Choosing cars was the game of the day. When either man saw a nice car or truck, they would call out, "that's my truck." On the flip side, the staff got the junk. If they saw an old rust bucket, they would call out, "Annette, this one is yours," or "Lori, you can have that one." It made for such a fun and entertaining day, the time flew by.

Who will ever again say that going to the car dealership and waiting on repairs is boring! Not when you have Dane and Tyson in the group.

• Dane Pendell laying claim to his chosen truck.

	Kenny shares his cross with the Zion Lutheran Church congregation.

A special cross

The March 22, 2012, Wednesday evening Lenten Service at Zion Lutheran Church was a special one for Kenny Busboom. Kenny, who lives on the Mosaic campus in Beatrice is a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Pickrell. As part of the Lenten theme, "Whose Cross Is It?", Pastor Dave Smith gave Zion members the opportunity to bring a personal cross to church and share with the congregation why their cross was special to them. Mosaic staff member Adeline Cornelius, with the assistance of her supervisor, Cliff McConnell, accompanied Kenny to church that evening. Kenny's brother, Duane Busboom, and his sister, Kathy Otto, greeted him at the door. At the appropriate moment, Kenny introduced himself and shared that the wooden cross he held was special to him because it "lives" at Mosaic where residents take turns carrying it each Sunday as Chapel begins. It was a touching moment for Kenny, as well as for everyone attending church that evening!

Do you have a special cross in your life? Kenny certainly does.

Happenings at Mosaic

Spring has sprung and we're all thankful for the relatively mild, short winter we have experienced. With the nice weather and summer months to come, we are looking forward to taking part in various outdoor activities. Many will grill out or go on picnics. Some will go fishing, while others like to just sit outside and enjoy the day or go for a leisurely walk. Community activities such as ball games, stock car races and fairs will all be well attended.

Some of our residents are planning trips to spend time with their families and also going on vacations. Philip is planning to go with his two brothers on a vacation to Cleveland, Ohio. While there, he plans to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Philip has enjoyed rock and roll music for several years and has an extensive collection of rock and roll CDs. He is eagerly waiting for his vacation time and counting down the days. Another individual, Steven, is looking forward to flying to Boston this summer, where he will be attending his cousin's wedding.

Over the last couple of months many individuals have maintained other types of family contact. Mark attended a get together with numerous family members in Silver Creek, Neb. He had not visited with them for several years and thoroughly enjoyed this special time spent with his extended family, especially the opportunity to see his mother. Spencer recently attended a "retirement" party for his uncle who has been in the U.S. military service for some time. Steven's family came to Mosaic for a reunion where they shared pizza, played cards and just had a great time. It was a special event for Steven to see everyone and be able to spend time with them. Clay and Fred kept up with their family contacts using Skype, which is an internet video conferencing program. Others were able to also make visits, write letters or use email to communicate back and forth with family and friends.

We recently welcomed Aleksander to Mosaic. He is enjoying his new home and we look forward to working with him. On a sad note, we mourned the passing of our special friend, Beverly. Beverly was an enjoyable individual and loved working at our workshop area. She will be sincerely missed.

Along with the approaching summer months comes our annual celebration of Home Day at Mosaic in Beatrice. This year's event is scheduled for Friday, June 1 and we would like to invite you to join us. Until then, have an enjoyable and safe spring and summer.

Greetings from the Residential Areas

by Alicia Buhr, Direct Support Coordinator

Hammers, nails, drywall, jack hammering, dust and destruction; all signs of new bathrooms in the Hickory home! Though it took everyone some time to adjust to all of the remodeling, the time and patience paid off. The residents of the Hickory home are enjoying their newly remodeled bathrooms equipped with state-of-the-art jacuzzi whirlpool tub/showers, along with a wheelchair-accessible sink, toilet and shower!

Doug said, "The whirlpool is pretty darn nice! It helps my body relax and helps my muscles feel good!" The bathrooms are much larger and provide individuals with more independence and privacy.

There was an additional bonus to all the construction. Not only did Doug and the rest of the residents get new bathrooms, but Doug made a new friend! Todd, who completed the majority of the work on the new bathrooms, enjoyed getting to know Doug. Doug had lots of questions for Todd during the process! Doug is now the proud owner of some of his own tools and tool belt given to him by his new friend, Todd.

Everyone at Mosaic is enjoying the early, warm spring weather. Several residents had the opportunity to be outside during this beautiful weather, attending the Beatrice Spring Nationals car races held recently. This annual event is always a favorite activity of the men who live in the Pine and Dogwood homes.

Beatrice had a lot to cheer about during the month of March, with both the Beatrice High School (BHS) varsity boys and girls basketball teams making it to the state tournaments in Lincoln. We had a number of individuals attend and some were shown on a Lincoln television station rooting on their hometown team. We are proud to say the girls placed as the state runner-up in class B and the boys team finished in third place! What an accomplishment. Congratulations BHS teams!

We look forward to seeing you at our annual Home Day celebration on June 1. It promises to be a day filled with good times and great fun. Until then, enjoy this wonderful spring weather.

	Kathy Otto (left) and Darlene Ever standing in front of a van load of tangible offerings donated to Mosaic in Beatrice by the Women of the ELCA.

Women of the ELCA support Mosaic

This St. Patrick's Day was a lucky one for Mosaic in Beatrice! On March 17 a tangible offering was gathered during the Southeast Conference Spring Gathering of the Nebraska Synodical Women's Organization, Women of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). Members traveled to the American Lutheran Church in Filley, Nebraska for this conference. They brought with them a total of over 650 items for Mosaic in Beatrice! These items, which came from the Mosaic in Beatrice wish list, included new bedding; new kitchen and bath towels; toothbrushes/toothpaste; clothing; board games/puzzles; music CD's; and classroom/art supplies. All of these items were needed and deeply appreciated by the people Mosaic in Beatrice serves. The items were distributed among the campus' nine homes as well as program areas. Many, many thanks go out to the Women of the ELCA from Mosaic in Beatrice!

Water challenge leads to a healthier lifestyle

In coordination and to support the "Water Challenge" promoted by Simply Well, the Associate Direct Support Managers at Mosaic in Beatrice recently stopped selling soda. The inspiration presented by the water challenge led us to promote a much healthier alternative to drinking soda for both residents and staff. As pointed out in the challenge, our bodies are made up of mostly water. In order to properly function, we need to keep re-hydrating ourselves. An additional benefit sometimes overlooked is the cost savings. The water is 25 cents while a can of soda was 50 cents. Think of the savings to the pocketbook of those who choose water!

We will continue to keep the water stocked in the same location as before, and will continue to offer this service to individuals, as we did with the sodas. For those still wanting their soda, the break room on campus still has it available for those who like to have their daily soda.

As the winter transitions into spring and then into the summer months, remember that water is a better alternative for all of us. Thanks to everyone who is participating and understands why the change has been made. One of our residents is already adjusting to the change and enjoying the water every morning. He is happy with the way he is feeling. Can we ask for anymore than this very positive benefit?

	Jerry Campbell receives the check from the 2011-2012 Guild President, Lyn Scheiding and Guild Treasurer, Alice Acker.

Children's Guild honored

Mosaic in Beatrice is deeply grateful for the support of the Children's Guild. This dedicated group of volunteers carry on an 88-year-old tradition of operating the Bargain Box thrift store at 117 S. 5th St. in Beatrice. Each of the nearly 50 Guild members volunteer a minimum of 50 hours per year, while contributing members volunteer at least 25 hours per year.

Selling a wide variety of gently used donated items such as clothing, shoes, toys and housewares, the store is open year-round on Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Proceeds from the store directly benefit Mosaic in Beatrice. The impressive quality, selection and arrangement of donated items have rightfully earned the store its nickname, the Bargain Box Boutique!

Mosaic in Beatrice would like to extend our deepest thanks for this year's annual donation from the Children's Guild, in the amount of $20,000. The check was presented to Executive Director Jerry Campbell during an annual appreciation luncheon held on Feb. 27, 2012.

Help us celebrate!

In 2013, Mosaic will celebrate our 100th Anniversary. To prepare, we're updating our history and displays. We would love your help. Thousands of people supported Bethphage and Martin Luther Homes with gifts or worked and volunteered at our home campuses in Axtell and Beatrice, Nebraska. Those ministries consolidated as Mosaic in 2003, carrying forth the history and heritage of service in love.

If you have photos, stories and memorabilia from our past that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. We understand they are your heritage, too, so we will treat the items with care. Photos can be scanned and returned, and we'll give you credit as the photo submitter.

To share a story or item, please contact our national office, toll free, at 1.877.366.7242 and ask for Brenda Solomon. You can also share stories online.

14th Annual Mosaic in Beatrice Golf Tournament

The annual charity golf tournament is scheduled to be held on Friday, May 11, 2012, at the Wymore Country Club in Wymore, Neb. Once again, Mosaic is fortunate to have had so many dedicated golfers sign up to complete the tournament roster. Funds generated from the event will be used to enhance the lives of those individuals we serve, purchase adaptive equipment and provide vacations for those residents who otherwise would not be able to schedule some rest and relaxation. Any monetary donations to the golf tournament would be greatly appreciated. For more information on the tournament or to get involved, please contact Ken Wellensiek at 402.223.4066.

Health update

by Jessica Cullison, RN, BSN

Wow, this weather is great. Break out the short-sleeve shirts ... and the sunscreen! Thinking about food? Did you know that if you practice eating a good "protein breakfast" everyday, you are more likely to make it through the day with more energy and eat fewer calories from fat. So pass on the doughnut and try some peanut butter with whole wheat toast.

Home Day 2012

The annual Home Day celebration at Mosaic in Beatrice will be Friday, June 1, 2012. The theme this year is Mardi Gras! It promises to be a fun event and is a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to get together and spend a special day with us. As usual, there will be delicious food, various activities and special music. We look forward to seeing you there!

Home Day Schedule

9:00 -- 11:00 a.m. Open House

10:30 -- 11:30 a.m. Parent's Meeting -- Chapel

11:00 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m. Lunch -- Outside

(weather permitting)

12:00 -- 2:00 p.m. Activities -- PE Building

2:00 -- 3:00 p.m. Entertainment

3:30 p.m. Chapel Services

Get involved with Mosaic

Mosaic is currently recruiting for Direct Support Associates. Openings include 2nd and 3rd shift full-time and on-call. For more information contact Kelcie deKoning at 402.223.4066.

If you are interested in services at Mosaic, please contact Sue Orwen at 402.223.4066.

Discover the Possibilities

By Connie Russell, Community Relations Manager

Mosaic is sharing our community's best kept secret ... how hundreds of lives are touched every day, right here in Beatrice! To date, over 60 people have attended the one-hour event we host called Discover the Possibilities. During the event, guests learn how Mosaic in Beatrice partners with people with intellectual disabilities to create a meaningful life in a caring community, giving a voice to their needs.

The program includes a virtual tour of Mosaic and our mission, personal stories of the people we serve, and letters Mosaic has received from grateful parents. After experiencing this powerful testimony, many guests have invited others to attend the program or have hosted a program for their club or organization.

If you would like to be a part of this exciting movement to ensure Mosaic will be here to serve the community for the next hundred years, please contact Connie Russell, Community Relations Manager at 402.223.4066, x351 or contact us.

Ron Niedfeldt serves up some popcorn.

Things are popping at Friends Learning Center

by Connie Russell, Community Relations Manager

The aroma of freshly-made popcorn is in the air at Friends Learning Center, thanks to the generosity of Harold and Joann Niedfeldt, parents of Ron Niedfeldt. Harold and Joann wanted memorial funds for Ron's grandmother, Ethel Krueger, to benefit Mosaic, specifically the Friends Learning Center. Ron utilizes the services of Friends Learning Center Monday through Friday before and after his work shift at Exmark Manufacturing. A popcorn popper is something that can be enjoyed by all who are served by the Friends Learning Center, especially during the occasional Friday movie matinee!

Many thanks go out to the Niedfeldt family for their generosity, and their continued support of Mosaic in Beatrice.

Your support of these businesses helps provide opportunities for those receiving Mosaic services

The Bargain Box

Located at 117 S. 5th Street in Beatrice, The Bargain Box offers a wide variety of reasonably priced items for sale. Check out the nice variety of shoes, jewelry, linens, bedding, housewares, and other miscellaneous items. The Bargain Box is open on Thursdays and Saturdays and also welcomes your donations of items. All Bargain Box proceeds are donated to Mosaic in Beatrice.

Screen Printing Services

Mosaic in Beatrice offers a complete line of screen printing services for any job you might have, large or small. Please call 402.223.4066 x317 for further information.

Friends Learning Center Crafts

A unique business conveniently located just off the highway at 29107 Hwy. 77 south of Beatrice, the Mosaic Friends Learning Center has handmade crafts and gift items galore. Holiday decorations, tied blankets, Nebraska Husker decor, children's rockers, table and chair sets, and banners are just a few of the items available. Remember, these items can also be customized to meet your needs.

Stop in during the week between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to take advantage of this special shopping experience.

Become a voice for people with disabilities

When decisions are being made about important issues like services, homes and health care, people with intellectual disabilities should have a right to express their opinions. Too often, they have no chance to speak. You can level the playing field.

Become a Mosaic Allied Voices volunteer. Sign up with your contact information online.

When issues that impact people with intellectual disabilities are identified, you will receive an email alert asking you to contact your elected official. We promise you will only be contacted when there are critical issues that need immediate attention.

You can be the voice of a person who would otherwise be silenced. Help them be heard.

Thrivent Members can support Mosaic through Choice Dollars

Through their Choice Dollars program Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members are able to choose Mosaic when they recommended how Thrivent distributes charitable grant funds. Instead of gift matching, eligible Thrivent members can now decide which qualifying organizations should receive their allocated Choice Dollars. Simply visit the Thrivent website and click Get Started or call Thrivent at 1.800.847.4836 to make Mosaic in Beatrice your choice!

Your gifts will support a life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities. Thank you!

Free resources for vacation bible school or Sunday school

Children's educational materials are available for free to churches from Mosaic. There is a four-week lesson plan along with a 20-Day Awareness activity guide that features Duncan the Duck and would be a great platform for children's programming. Materials include coloring books, coin banks, an animated story on DVD and Bible study lesson plans, all of which feature Mosaic's children's mascot, Duncan. To learn how you can receive these educational materials for free, please submit your request online.

You can also contact Mosaic when looking for temple talks, guest speakers or children's programs, as well as further information about admissions, volunteering and giving opportunities.