Still Waters Provides Much Needed Adult Day Care Services

Intergenerational activities are very important at Still Waters. The children from CUMNS kids (Castleton United Methodist Nursery School) visit each week for a variety of different activities. In this picture, the kids prepare for an Easter egg hunt that the guests prepared for them.

A never-before-seen demographic is emerging in the United States. We have, for the first time, multiple generations of seniors. One in four households today is, in some way, providing care for a senior. On top of that statistic, the first baby boomers just turned 65. And there are about 76 million of them, representing 25% of the total population.

Many boomers are starting to need varying types of medical care at the same time as their elderly parents. And with the state of the economy forcing people to work longer and retire later, there are also many families that cannot help parents who need supervised care during the workday. For those families who are caregivers, it’s exhausting work, both mentally and physically.

There are few choices for these “sandwiched” families. But Castleton United Methodist Church, located at 7160 Shadeland Station, is now offering an affordable, safe and enjoyable option. The church recently opened Still Waters Adult Day Center, offering families much needed support and respite from the stress and responsibilities of senior caregiving.

Castleton United Methodist Church made the commitment to establish Still Waters at the urging of a member of its congregation, Deb McCloud. Deb’s father had dementia and her mother struggled with the caregiving day after day at their family home near Elkhart, miles away from where Deb lived. Luckily, friends of her mother convinced her she needed help and there was an adult day services facility nearby. Deb’s father went to adult day services one or two days a week, allowing her mother to run errands, go to doctor appointments, get her hair done or just be at home for a few hours by herself.

Daily exercise is important and tailored to each guest’s capabilities.

“Oftentimes, the caregiver’s health declines because it’s a tough job, both mentally and physically,” Deb said. “God placed the idea in my heart of creating such a place here — a sort of pay-it-forward thing. I took the idea to our senior pastor, helped craft a business plan and took it through the church process. We had a wonderful building that was just being used primarily on Sundays and I thought we could maximize it by putting it to good use during the week. Still Waters was approved the summer of 2009, the space was remodeled and we opened our doors February 15 of this year.”

Deb said there are few options when it comes to providing care for adults, and most options are very costly. She said private duty in-home care can cost $18 an hour or more. And many seniors don’t like the idea of someone coming into their homes. Assisted living facilities can cost more than $120 per day, with nursing homes costing twice that much.

Still Waters offers full-day enrollment (up to nine hours) for $65 per day, and half-day enrollment (up to five hours) for $45 per day for up to five days per week. Hot noon meals and morning and afternoon snacks are included. Bathing/shower services are available for a small extra charge.

“At Still Waters, we provide our ‘guests’ with a safe environment where they can enjoy themselves, stay active and social and be accepted unconditionally for who they are regardless of what they can or cannot do,” said executive director Kathy Pellman.

A guest enjoying an activity with a CUMNS Kids in our butterfly garden.

The facility is housed in a fully accessible, newly remodeled building on the church’s campus. Restrooms include safe bathing areas for guests who need some level of supervision. All doors are equipped with chimes. There are even right- and left-oriented restrooms to aid guests who may have diminished capabilities on one side of their bodies due to a stroke or other injury. Restrooms are equipped with call buttons.

Rooms are large, comfortable and bright and have couches, recliners and other furniture that feels just like home. Guests can play cards, watch movies on a big-screen TV, challenge each other in air hockey or practice their putting. There’s also line dancing and lots of fun with Wii games. They can also sit in a secure outdoor area or stroll the grounds and gardens with supervision. Quiet and restful times are also built into the day.

Special activities include visits from and movie dates with the children enrolled in the church’s “other” day care, as well as pet therapy from very special canines and their owner handlers. Both bring huge smiles to everyone’s faces. In addition, guests sometimes help the church staff with clerical tasks or prepare for special events.

Kathy, a Geist resident who has a degree in gerontology, says Still Waters provides care for adults of any age who:

• Have cognitive issues, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease;
• Are frail, weak or have limited mobility;
• Have age-related illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes or arthritis;
• Feel isolated, depressed or lonely; or
• Have caregivers who sometimes need a break

She says many of these conditions cause the elderly to turn inward. They can become less social, less active, lose their desire to eat or even keep up their hygiene habits.

“We try to help families understand that adult day centers can be an acceptable option for their loved ones,” said Kathy. “It’s hard to accept the fact that someone you love has permanently changed. That person is not going to get better and be like they used to be. And it’s also hard to admit you need help caring for someone to whom you owe so much and love so dearly. Keeping mom or dad in their home is an admirable goal, but there must be quality of life, too. Sitting alone in front of a TV set day after day is not a good quality of life for anyone. Humans are social. We thrive on interacting with others, having our senses stimulated, and feeling connected and accepted. At Still Waters, we try to show families that getting help doesn’t diminish their caregiving role. It enhances it because when you are constantly task-oriented, it saps your energy and emotions and changes your focus. We provide that much needed balance.”

To learn more about Still Waters Adult Day Center or to arrange a tour, visit www.stillwatersadc.org or call Kathy Pellman at 317-284-0837.

IPS School #44 Receives Grant, New Shoes from Geist Half Marathon

Editor’s Note: This article is the fourth in a series spotlighting beneficiaries of the annual Geist Half Marathon. Four Geist Reservoir-area schools and one Indianapolis Public School location received donations from the 2010 “Race Around the Reservoir” proceeds. This article spotlights Indianapolis Public School Riverside Elementary #44.

Sixteen sixth-grade students from IPS #44 signed up for the "Riverside Running Club's" inaugural year.

IPS Riverside Elementary #44 recently received a grant from the 2010 “Race Around the Reservoir” and has already begun to put it to good use. The near west side IPS school asked for and received funds to start a Riverside Running Club and has recruited a 15-student team to run in the 2011 Geist 5K, scheduled for May 21. Training has begun, thanks to the Geist Half Marathon and a private Geist family foundation who has donated Saucony running shoes to the group.

“We are piloting a program with Saucony to apply for a ‘Run for Good’ grant,” said Tom Britt, president of the Geist Half Marathon. “Long term, we’d like to be able to provide good running shoes for children on the free or reduced lunch program in any school. We already waive these kids’ registration fees, but sometimes the entry fee isn’t the only thing keeping them from running.”

For Riverside Elementary sixth grade teacher Ellen Auten, the Riverside Running Club is a way for her to share her love of running.

Tom BonDurant, co-owner of the Runners Forum, set up a temporary shoe store in the school's library.

“I want my students to fall in love with running. I want us to bond as a team. I want us to complete the race, together. And I want them to notice for themselves how much better they feel when they exercise,” said Ellen. “I am grateful for this opportunity and thank the Geist Half Marathon for approving our grant request!”

Ellen Auten (left) is donating her time to start the Riverside Running Club as a way to share her love of running with her students.

Ellen is a Geist resident and wife of founding Geist Half Marathon board member Vince Auten. She is an avid runner and is pleased to be able to start the school’s running club and serve as its head coach. She also serves on the school’s Wellness Committee. Getting students involved in running was one of the goals of the committee.

“My students do love their physical education classes,” said Ellen. “They have it two times a week. But I think, as a whole, our kids need to go outside more and get away from the video games. This is a way to model good life choices for them. I feel my running does that for my own daughters. I can’t tell them exercise is important and then not do it myself. I am so excited to share my love of running with my special students.”

On February 28, Tom BonDurant and Mike Smith with Runners Forum pulled up in front of IPS School #44 with a van load of new Saucony shoes. Runners Forum has been the official shoe sponsor of the Geist Half Marathon since its inception four years ago. Sixteen Running Club members gathered in the school’s library where BonDurant and Smith set up a temporary shoe store, outfitting each child with their new shoes.

Mike Smith, co-ower of Runners Forum, fitted the girl athletes with their new Saucony shoes.

Training began the following day, with the grant money going toward water, Gatorade, healthy snacks, socks and other needed items. Ellen says she has also had individuals provide needed items such as team running shirts and other things. She said Riverside will be well represented on the race course and on the sidelines, with other students, parents and teachers cheering.

“I hope we can line the streets with fans cheering on our new team!”

Ellen uses the analogy of running in her classroom as well. She instructs them to “train” all week for things like tests and quizzes and she tells them to train all year long for the ISTEP marathon.

“Now I can talk to them about REALLY running in a real race. I know all will finish strong. My hope is that instead of holding my medal, they will be able to hold or wear their own! My goal is to share my love of running with them so that it continues with them even without me.”

“I wish we had more Ellen Autens out there,” added Britt. “After doing this for four years, I’ve seen first-hand the power of what one person can do to initiate change in kids’ lives. Seeing the smiles on those students’ faces as they tried on their brand new running shoes, hearing the excitement in their voices to go running, and knowing that our organization had something to do with that is a priceless feeling. Our Geist community should be very proud.”

Discovery Ball – A Worthy Cause

2011 Discovery Ball Co-Chairs, Lisa McKinney, left and Cindi Koplow, right

Tickets are now available for the second annual American Cancer Society’s Discovery Ball, scheduled for March 12, 2011, at the new JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. The name Discovery Ball represents discovery in all aspects of the disease — from a cancer patient’s first diagnosis through the course of treatment and finally to celebrating life as a survivor through the discovery of a cure.

The evening includes a VIP reception, elegant dinner, silent auction, distinctive entertainment and an additional late-night party complete with great desserts and dancing. Tickets for the main event, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., are $200 per person. The additional Late-Night Party, which is from 9:30 p.m. to midnight, is $50 per person. Event co-chairs Lisa McKinney and Cindi Koplow agree. “We won’t cure cancer overnight, but we’ll stay up late trying!” Honorary Co-Chairs for this year’s event are Mickey and Janie Maurer.

“Fall 2009 was the inaugural Indianapolis Discovery Ball,” says Karen Vandoski, media relations specialist. American Cancer Society, Indianapolis office. “The first event was a huge success, with all of the seats selling out and the night raising more than $150,000. Event organizers decided to move the event from the fall to the spring, so this is the second year for the Discovery Ball.”

The room is set for the inaugural Discovery Ball, waiting for the guests to arrive.

All monies raised from the event stay in Indianapolis, funding programs that have already aided more than 24,000 central Indiana patients this past year get transportation to their treatments, help with the purchase of wigs and other vital services for both patients and caregivers. More than 11 million Americans have survived cancer. But the fact remains that cancer continues to touch the lives of nearly everyone, in one way or another. On any given day in Indiana, more than 90 Hoosiers are newly diagnosed with cancer. The effects of this disease are life changing. The good news is that cancer research is being conducted aggressively nationwide and at four Indiana institutions.

“My interest in cancer research and the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Ball is a very personal one,” said Lisa, partner at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP. “Cancer has touched my family a couple of times. Most recently my mother lost her battle with cancer in October 2010. We lost an incredible role model and mother.”

Lisa added that this year’s gala promises to be one of the premier events this year in Indianapolis. “In addition to the importance of the mission, we will have show-stopping entertainment at one of the first events at the new JW Marriott. Entertainment includes both internationally acclaimed pianists and, at the late-night party, the return of DJ Reka, a South Beach-influenced DJ who has spun for celebrities such as Michael Jordan and Wyclef Jean.”

This year’s event will feature the “Forty Fingers of the American Pianists Association” (four skilled pianists), along with guest speaker Emil J. Friereich, an American Can Society-funded researcher. He played an integral role in increasing the survival rates for childhood cancer.

Cindi, an active civic volunteer, volunteered at the Little Red Door and worked on the auction committee for the inaugural Discovery Ball. “The money we raise March 12 will make a difference in the lives of those living with cancer and will help fund the research we need to make cancer a disease of the past,” she said. “The Discovery Ball is a lovely way to remember those we have lost along the way and to honor our survivors. I am looking toward tomorrow for the sake of my children.”

Tickets are available online at www.IndyDiscoveryBall.org or by calling 317-344-7826. Those interested in supporting the event but are unable to attend can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes or simply make a donation online.

Geist Boutique Expands Into Fishers, Carmel and Fashion Mall

Delaney's owner Mary Larson shares her story and style.

“Everybody always needs a gift,” her husband told her. Couple that thought with a high-energy businesswoman who knows how to “do right by people” and you get Delaney’s Shoppe … times four!

The Geist Delaney’s front door flew open at 8:10 a.m. and owner Mary Larson raced in, a cold caffeine drink in one hand and a hot caffeine drink in the other. They were both for her. She had been in the store until 3:00 a.m. decorating for Christmas. And now, five hours later, perfect make up and hair. Cute outfit. Huge smile. Talking a mile a minute – BEFORE the consumption of the double-fisted caffeine.

Mary started out by mentioning she named her stores after her daughter, Delaney, who is now 13 and attends St. Simon the Apostle. She repeated “My last name is Larson, not Delaney!” She and her husband Dan also have a son, Tommy, who’s at Indiana University, and a son Clayton, who attends Bishop Chatard.

While the three Delaney locations each have a somewhat different look and feel, they’re all a reflection of Mary – stylish, artistic and full of life. The Delaney’s at Geist is Mary’s original store, opened in 2002 and then expanded in 2004 when the neighboring alteration business left. She now has two other Delaney’s, one in Fishers at 8989 E. 116th Street, and one in Carmel at 14753 Hazel Dell Road. Most merchandise is similar, but each location has items specific to the desires of the neighboring community. Mary believes that’s all part of providing her customers what they need and want.

A family affair, (clockwise from top left) Delaney Larson, Mary and her mother Gladys Caulfield.

Mary describes the Geist location as “country French.” The Fishers store, with its exposed brick, is more “urban,” and the Carmel Delaney’s is more “contemporary,” with lots of glass and light blue and white décor. Mary does the buying for all three stores and while they carry many of the same things, she does find some items that are clearly right for one location or another.

All three locations have women’s clothing, including trendy tops and stylish jeans. There are loads of hip jewelry, along with candles, lotions and seasonal decorating items. And even though it is expensive and time consuming buying and offering something for just about everyone, it’s important to Mary that her customers find what they’re looking for.

“I’m certainly open to hearing from my customers what they’d like to see in my stores,” Mary said. “Whether it’s a particular lotion or different brand of jeans, I try to accommodate when I can. Some suppliers have a minimum order and that can be a problem. But if I can get it, I will!”

Mary says she doesn’t envision herself ever being permanently located in a mall, but Delaney’s will have a presence in the Fashion Mall during November and December. Her first love is really to be set in the community, and to her that means she stocks items for her specific clientele and has chosen locations that allow her customers easy parking and access, which saves them time.

“It’s funny. At the Geist store, I often hear women on their phones telling their husbands or kids that they would be home soon — they’re just at Marsh,” Mary laughs. “The Hazel Dell store is right by a Kroger — same thing over there.”

She never envisioned herself the owner of three women’s boutique shops. In fact, Mary had a very busy full-time job when she decided to concurrently open the Geist store. She had always been in sales — mostly medical sales — and juggled a hectic schedule with that of her husband and her three children. The money was good, the hours were many and the paperwork was mountainous. She loves sales. Hates paperwork. Then came a life changing event. She had a “nanny nightmare” and decided right then and there that she and Dan would work something out to trade off being home with the kids. She started the Geist store, then eventually left medical sales and worked part-time selling furniture at Kittle’s. It wasn’t long before the store was her full-time job … and love.

While it’s clear Mary’s success comes primarily from her “Irish Catholic work ethic,” she spreads the credit among her family members. Her mother, Gladys Caulfield, is an artist and paints many items found in the stores. She also paints custom ordered pieces, like special tiles and other decorative items and even once painted a special order toilet seat. One of her Christmas ornaments won a contest and was chosen for the White House Christmas tree during President George W. Bush’s administration. A staunch Democrat, Gladys allowed it anyway, Mary chuckles. The stores currently have many holiday ornaments painted by Gladys.

Her father, Tom Caulfield, sold construction equipment and Mary credits him with teaching her how to sell. Her parents and her upbringing in very cold Bismarck, North Dakota, made her a strong woman, she says. Both parents frequent the stores and help out.

Husband Dan is a contractor and is responsible for the build-outs of the three stores. Walls, flooring, ceilings — it’s all Dan. And Mary’s sister, Noreen, a retired nurse, co-manages the Carmel Delaney’s.

“I owe all of this to my family. They are all so supportive and hard working and have instilled in me how to take care of people and treat everyone the same because it’s the right thing to do,” Mary said. “My parents helped me understand that if you put your nose to the grindstone and help provide people with what they want and need, the sales will come. I have notes and letters from customers who tell me they can bring their grandmothers and their daughters to my stores and everyone finds something they want. I just love that. That’s why I’m here.”

A regular workweek for Mary is about 70 hours. During the holidays, it’s more like 90 hours, meaning six 15-hour days. She and her family have one thing they splurge on — the Indianapolis Colts. They try not to miss a game.

Even during these uncertain economic times, Mary says all three Delaney’s locations are doing well. The Fishers location has the most traffic and Delaney’s sales overall are up double digits from this time last year. This, she says, is because of what Dan told her at the onset, “Everybody always needs a gift.” The stores see very quick turnover of inventory, especially clothes, and the offer to gift wrap purchases is a real plus, especially this time of year.

“We’re not a hard sell store culture,” Mary said. “We greet everyone but follow around no one. We won’t hover or pressure customers. It’s an atmosphere where we like it if you’re merely browsing. No one is on commission. We’ll say hi when you walk in the door and then we’ll leave you alone until you need us. We understand people today are busy. We pride ourselves in having trendy and cool things that aren’t price prohibitive. Snotty is not allowed in Delaney’s!”

Delaney’s Locations:
CARMEL
14753 Hazel Dell Rd
(317) 818-9250

FISHERS
8989 E 116th St
(317) 845-8700

GEIST
11715 Fox Rd
(317) 823-8910

FASHION MALL
coming for the holidays!

All That Glitters Is Not Gold!

Shakespeare knew back in 1596 that “all that glitters is not gold.” Geist resident Marnie Cole knows it too. What glitters for her is silver. Silpada sterling silver jewelry.

Ten years ago, Marnie was a new mom making the transition from the corporate life to the mommy life. Being a mom was rewarding, but she soon missed the paycheck and “talking with big people.” Then someone told her about a friend in another state who had started a great home-based business – selling Silpada jewelry. Marnie did her homework and the rest is history. Today, she has more than 670 sales associates working as part of her sales team and is one of only 14 national Silpada directors. She loves the jewelry, she loves the lifestyle her business has allowed her and her family to have, and she cherishes the “sisterhood” she has created along the way.

“The selling model for Silpada sterling silver jewelry is based on open house-style get-togethers,” Marnie said. “There is no presentation, no pressure to buy. Just a reason for women to get together. We display the jewelry, have refreshments and let women enjoy a night out. Maybe they will also get a beautiful piece of jewelry.”

There are more than 500 pieces in the Silpada line, with everything from rings, watches and bracelets to necklaces and earrings. Some pieces are all silver, while others are a combination of silver and beads or gemstones. Others are adorned with gorgeous woods, carved bone or maybe shells. Items ordered at the party are shipped directly to the purchaser, usually in about five days and have a lifetime warranty.

“There is truly something for everyone,” she said. “We have large pieces and small pieces and everything in between. And there are varying price points, so everyone can find an item that fits their taste and their budget.”

Marnie encourages people who like to entertain and gather their friends to host a Silpada jewelry party. The incentives for the hostess are generous. Oftentimes, someone will want to host a party because she has her eye on a particular piece of Silpada jewelry and can acquire it through the Hostess Rewards program. Hosting a party is a great way to become familiar with the jewelry line and to see, firsthand, how easy it is to sell. It could be a first step to becoming a Silpada sales representative, which takes an initial investment of only $700 to $1,000.

Marnie’s family has benefitted from her Silpada business, not only because of the flexibility of her schedule but also because of the sales incentives she has been awarded. Because of her success, she has won numerous trips, along with opportunities to travel the country teaching others what she has learned.
“At first, my husband wasn’t sure about my getting into selling Silpada. But guess what? I had him at my first commission check,” Marnie laughs. “He didn’t mind the trip to Aruba, either.”

While the business has proven lucrative for Marnie and many of her sales associates, she stresses the overriding value of empowering women to run a business on their own terms. She cherishes the lasting friendships she has made along the way, coupled with watching her sales associates grow their own businesses and their own personal capabilities.

Avon just purchased Silpada and, according to Marnie, the cosmetic giant plans to keep Silpada just the way it is. The benefits, however, of being part of a global company are many, including more dollars available for advertising and marketing. Silpada has about 30,000 sales reps in the U.S.; Avon has 5.8 million sales reps in 100 countries and annual revenues of about $10.7 billion.

“Avon was founded in 1886, and of course, was the first company to empower women in the business arena,” Marnie said. “So I think it’s going to be a great match that benefits all.”

For more information on Silpada sterling silver jewelry or becoming a sales representative, contact Marnie at 317-826-9852 or marnie.cole@comcast.net. Or you can view the entire jewelry collection at www.mysilpada.com/marnie.cole.