Gift-In-kind ContributionsSue JaimesRalph and Jane LorentzenSacred Heart Mission CircleSt. Rita’s ParishIn Honor of S. Karen FredricksonJeff and Debbie PuldaVince and Karen KostosIn Honor of S. Rosaire LucassenJeff and Debbie PuldaVince and Karen KostosIn Memory of Norman P. MillerAlice R. TarjanIn Memory of Rayburn Kaufman, Jr.Betty BeyerfIndividual DonationsKeith and Judy RuelleMarilyn FralichBarbara KroupaMonica PlyLeo Beyer

November 11, 2014 through Fevruary 28, 2015Donations Received

Senior Companion Program is a spon-sored ministry of the

Racine Dominicans.

Mary MarciniakRichard RoloffPhyllis ZelenskiArnie FroodeLori RadewanTim and Kira LaFondBonnie Lee and Richard HagopianS. Esther Szambelan, O.P.Concesa EiflerAmy and Dan DeMatthewMarjorie SteinmetzRuth KingMary Theresa MontalbanoSteven and Kyla MrazekBarbara and Warner WilliamsPenny MandliMark and Colleen KechterDan and Sue HortonBetty BoehmeJohn and Vicki AlbertDavid and Mary HietpasKathryn GarskiJohn and Maribeth Busey

Dave and Shari GeertsenRobert C. Letsch Ellie ReynoldsRay and Cecilia JohnsonJohn and Terri ClarkeDaniel and Mary WeissMatt and Rita AndisRosalie and Roland RheaumeMae KuiperS. Jean Anthony, O.P.Rita CurtyS. Evelyn Antoine, O.P.

Racine Community FoundationVonnie Jones and Maglona Jones Fund

Racine Dominicans

SC Johnson

Donald J. Costello Estate

US Navy SKC Robert W. Ply &

Mrs. Monica Rotkis Ply

Majorie L. Christiansen Foundation

Racine Community Foundation

Helen Bader Foundation

We are grateful to all who contribute and participate in the Senior Companion Program, Inc.

Spring - 2015

ForgivenessForgiveness can be one of the most difficult challenges we face throughout our lives. By practicing forgiveness, we not only maintain our own mental and physical health but create healthier relationships with those around us. It is hard for us to grasp, but one can forgive without excusing the act that hurt us. When we let go of the bitterness and ugliness, we open our hearts to feelings

of understanding and compassion for those who may have caused us the harm.Forgiveness brings peace, a peace that allows you to continue living your life. It reduces the anger, hurt, depression and stress that may have been allowed into your life. Thus, allowing one to embrace optimism, hope, compassion and self-confidence in oneself. In addition, forgiveness can lead to:

• Healthier relationships• Greater spiritual and psychological well-being• Less stress, anxiety and hostility• Lower blood pressure• Fewer symptoms of depression• Stronger immune system• Improved heart health• Higher self-esteem

As spring approaches and life seems anew, let us renew a heart filled will kindness and compassion. Let go of grudges that hold you back. Live and enjoy the present. Embrace forgiveness and you embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy.

by Sue Craanenby Sue Craanen

Our VisionWe recognize and respect the dignity and value of each human being.Our MissionThe Senior Companion Program, Inc. (SCP) enhances the quality of life for adults through socialization and information.Contact Information:scp@racinedominicans.org262.898.1941________________ 521 Sixth StreetRacine, WI 53403 racinedominicans.orgExecutive DirectorSue Craanenscraanen@racinedominicans.orgAssistant to the DirectorLaurie Radewanlradewan@racinedominicans.orgOffice AssistantJeanne Kochajkocha@racinedominicans.orgBoard of DirectorsPresident – Timothy CrawfordVice President – Jack LouksTreasurer – Sister Karen Vollmer, OPSecretary – Shelly BolesDorothy DziengelPatrick FogartyDave GeertsenJoyce HerringerSandra WahlMartha Washburn

Sisters of St. DominicSenior Companion Program5635 Erie St. Racine, WI 53402

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Racine, WI

Permit No. 1261

“The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created SPRING.”

~ Bernard Williams

“Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of SPRING?” ~ Neltje Blanchan

“I suppose the best kind of SPRING morning is the best weather God has to offer.” ~ Dodie Smith

Welcome Our Newest Volunteer by Laurie Radewan

The Senior Companion Program would like to welcome volunteer Kathy Zablotney to our program.She comes to us after a long career of teaching Spanish and French to students of

all grade levels. Kathy also taught English as a Second Language (ESL), and General Education Development (GED) to adults.I asked Kathy why she chose our program. She replied, “to honor my grandparents and parents.” She also added, “the older people of our community have so many stories to share and I’d love to hear them!”Kathy and her husband Dave have four grown children and three grandchildren. She has lived in the Racine area for 26 years. Her hobbies include: reading, swimming, traveling, sewing and crocheting, just to name a few.Recently I introduced Kathy to two seniors whom she will be visiting on a weekly basis. She is looking forward to establishing friendships with her visitees and being included in some of their activities such as learning how to play cribbage.We are very blessed to have Kathy join all of the other dedicated people who share their time and talents with us. We are grateful for each and every one of you! If you are interested in volunteering in the Senior Companion Program, please refer to our contact information located on the front page of this newsletter.

Save these dates!Volunteer/Visitee Appreciation Luncheon | April 18 This will be hosted by the Senior Companion Program and is made possible by a grant from the Racine Community Foundation.Invitations will be sent to SCP volunteers and visitees. We are very grateful and look forward to showing our appreciation to all who share their gifts in our program.

“Staying Fit During the Senior Years” | June 6 We will be hosting this interactive presentation at Siena Center, 5635 Erie St

in Racine. This event is sponsored by the Racine Community Foundation. If you are interested in learning more about fitness for seniors, please plan to attend this free presentation. More information to follow.

Energy AssistanceThe Senior Companion Program has limited funds to assist our program members with energy assistance. If you have been denied assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program, please submit to us a copy of the denial letter along with a copy of your most recent energy bill. You will be notified as to the amount that we will be able to assist you with. Payment will be made directly to WE Energies. Please submit your request to us no later than June 1, 2015.

The Senior Companion Program, Inc.would like to wish you and your loved ones

a blessed Easter and a wonderful spring! ~ Sue, Laurie and Jeanne

National Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 12-18, 2015.We would like to sincerely thank all of our past and present volunteers. Your dedication and generosity is what makes our program possible.

If you are interested in becoming a Senior Companion Volunteer or if you know someonewho would enjoy and benefit from having a Senior Companion, call 262.898.1941.