Kemmerer Voices
Published by Kemmerer Village
101st Year of Ministry — A Presbyterian Child Care Agency
941 N. 2500 East Road • Assumption, IL 62510
Phone: 217-226-4451
KemmererVillage.org
August 2016
St. Louis – Zoo and the Muny
On Monday, June 13th the Therapeutic Recreation Department had the
pleasure of taking several youth off campus to the St. Louis Zoo, and to see
The Wizard of Oz at The Muny Theatre in St. Louis.
Several of our youth
enjoyed a trip to St.
Louis, visiting Forest
Park and the Muny.
The Wizard of Oz
was a favorite
for everyone.
The first stop of our outing was the St. Louis Zoo. The Zoo
was a new experience for most of the residents and they
thoroughly enjoyed it. It required a lot of walking in the hot
sun but we managed to cool ourselves in the penguin and
sea lion exhibits. Since we were going to see the Wizard
of Oz we thought it would be nice to find some lions
and tigers and bears. The bear exhibit was under major
construction but we managed to see a couple cooling
themselves in the water. The lion seemed to be enjoying
a cat nap in the sun after lunch. Unfortunately we were
unable to locate a tiger but that did not deter us.
Next stop was Oz and the beautiful Muny Theatre in Forest
Park. It was at The Muny where we were able to fill our bellies
with delicious pizza and sandwiches. During our dinner we
experienced some rain showers, which did put a damper on most
of the outdoor entertainment. Unfortunately the rain pushed back
the start time but we were able to occupy ourselves by exploring
the perimeter of the theatre. Once the rain stopped and the
stage was dried the play was able to get started. All of the actors
and sets were amazing. It was a surreal experience to see such a
fantastic production of The Wizard of Oz in an open air auditorium.
I believe that everyone that had the pleasure of attending had a
wonderful time and an experience that they will not soon forget.
The Therapeutic Recreation Department would like to thank all of
the Administrative Staff, Supervisors, Counselors, Residents, and
The Community Outreach Program for making such a fun and
educational experience possible.
Labels for Education
Labels for Education has declined as a result, Campbell has
decided to end the program August 1, 2016. Thank you all who
provided for Kemmerer Village in this way. We are still accepting
General Mills Box Tops to support our school programming.
Page 2
August 2016
Kemmerer Voices
Michael A. Havera ..................................... .Editor
Publication No 292-240
Kemmerer Village is a Mission Agency of the
Synod of Lincoln Trails, Presbyterian Church
(USA)
Administrative Staff
Ron Little. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Director
Schales Nagle. . . . . . . . Asst. Executive Director
Michael A. Havera ... . Director of Development
and Fundraising
W. Larry Enzor. . . . Assoc. Director of Bus. Affairs
Financial
Development Staff
Michael A Havera..... . Director of Development
and Fundraising
Alice Christenberry ............... .Associate Director
of Development
Autumn Warren. . . . . . . Financial Development
and Fundraising
Jessica Webb ........................... Office Manager
Board of Directors
Jim Bugg................................................. President
Robert McNabb ........................... Vice President
John Bury............................................... Secretary
Douglas Crew............................. . Asst. Secretary
Mike Hunzeker....................................... .Treasurer
Cindy Bean
Mary “Lynne” Cleverdon
Naomi Duvendack
Stephen Gritten
Katharine Jones
Senator Andy Manar
Brian Miller
Tony Nelson
Robert Thorn
Foundation Board
Marty Sumner, President
Anne Hostetler, Vice President
Pat Oien, Secretary/Treasurer
Cindy Neff
Sue Scaife
From the
Director’s Desk
As you receive this Kemmerer Voices, we are
in the midst of a busy summer on a number
of different levels. Throughout the months of
July and August, the youth in our Residential
campus are experiencing a broad range of
activities via the Summer Enrichment program.
Our staff plan and design a “curriculum” of fun and educational
activities each year for this program.
This year’s slate of activities included: Culinary Arts classes
teaching cooking techniques, good nutrition and budget grocery
shopping; Science & Nature classes which include a number of
fun experiments and nature hikes to identify various plants and
insects; a Recycling projects class which includes making items
from recycled materials; and various Arts & Crafts projects. Our
youth are also enjoying traditional summer time fun activities such
as fishing, swimming, day trips to Amusement/Water parks and
attending a St. Louis Cardinal’s baseball game.
The summer is traditionally a busy time as we prepare for and
undergo annual reviews and recertification on various aspects
of our programs. Each July we go through a three day, onsite review of our documentation, policies and procedures for
providing Medicaid services to the children placed with us by the
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). In early
August we will undergo a three day, on-site review by the Council
on Accreditation, which is a national organization. This occurs
every four years and requires a tremendous amount of work by our
staff in preparation for the visit. Finally, in late August we’ll undergo
our on-site, annual licensing renewal by DCFS.
In between all of the summer activities for our youth and preparations
for all of the program reviews, on July 18th we held the Third Annual
Kemmerer Village 5K Race. Preparations are also underway for
the 23rd Annual Kemmerer Village Charity Golf Tournament on
September 9th.
Amid the hustle and bustle of all this activity, it reaffirms to me that
we are providing a safe, caring and learning environment for each
child entrusted to our care. On behalf of the children and staff,
thank you for your friendship and interest in our mission as it allows
us to provide these enriching experiences to the youth we serve.
Sincerely,
Ron Little
August 2016
Page 3
Connie Roegge Retires From The Kemmerer Village
Board of Directors After 23 Years of Loyal Service.
During the May 2016 Kemmerer Village Board of Directors meeting
Connie Roegge announced her retirement from the board. Connie
has been a dedicated member of the board for 23 years. During
those years Connie was part of a capital campaign to construct
the Margaret J. Dick Campus Center as well as a campus wide
renovation. Connie was also instrumental in helping to guide the
construction of two new cottages, Allemang and Carnahan that
enabled us to provide individual bedrooms for all Kemmerer Village
youth. It was during 2010, with the help of a generous bequest a new
indoor riding arena was built to house the Equine Assisted Therapy
Program. Each of these projects would not have been possible with
out the dedication of our Kemmerer Village Board of Directors and
the generosity of those who believe in our mission. Thank you Connie
for your long time dedication to the children and staff at Kemmerer
Village. We wish you well.
In Memory of Our Good Friend and Board Member
Ada Marie Volentine McNabb
We are saddened at the recent passing of a dear friend Marie McNabb.
Marie and her husband Bob have been dedicated advocates for decades
to the children of Kemmerer Village. Marie served twenty years on the
Kemmerer Village Board of Directors, beginning in l996 till present. She held
the office of President of the Board in 2008 and 2009. She also served several
years as Chair of the Financial Development Committee as well as other
committees during her time on the board of directors. As an officer of the
board Marie generously shared her passion and commitment to make a
difference in the lives of the children and families Kemmerer Village serves.
Marie served on the Kemmerer Village Board of Directors during a time
of major and much needed infrastructure construction and improvements
that serves Kemmerer Village children and families. The construction of the
Margaret J. Dick Campus Center, two new cottages and the Franchois
Indoor Riding Arena helped prepare a place for current programs as well as
for the future. Marie and Bob also shared their commitment to Kemmerer by
establishing the Marie and Robert McNabb Endowment Fund which provides
financial assistance in the form of a scholarship to Kemmerer Village children
interested in furthering their education beyond high school. Many young people will benefit from their caring
and generosity.
Over the years Marie was very active in her home church, First Presbyterian Church of Monticello as well
as the Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois where she served as Stated Clerk from l992 – 2006.
Marie’s generous spirit and dedicated efforts all throughout her life touched the lives of many children
and families. The Kemmerer Village staff and youth send our sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Page 4
August 16
“Onward and Upward”
It is summer in central Illinois and our beautiful seventy-acre campus is full of
activities. Most afternoons you can find several groups involved in an activity
on the soccer field. Yesterday, several of our youth were involved in a water
balloon tossing contest. This week, I saw that fishing rods were being gathered
and prepared for what could be a first day of fishing for many of our youth.
The Equine Program is another busy area where you can see Jaydon (age 17)
working with Prophet - an Arabian - in the arena or Nick (age 16) brushing Snow
Raven. Snow Raven is a filly who enjoys taking a roll in a muddy pasture from
time to time.
Our Summer Enrichment Program has also began. While participating in this
Mike Havera, Director of
program,
our youth will experience numerous activities, as well as learning life
Financial Development
skills that will help them prepare for their future. In this program, they may visit a
and Fundraising
bank and learn how to open an account, tour a local grain bin manufacturer or learn to check the fluids
and conduct basic maintenance on a vehicle.
Most of our youth are with us an average of twelve months. Kemmerer Village programs are developed
to address a broad range of problems facing today’s troubled teens. Adolescence is a very crucial phase
for a child’s self development. At Kemmerer Village, each young person’s treatment plan is developed
for that specific child. The end goal for the vast majority of our young people is to help them become
successful in their home, school and community.
Kemmerer Village is in its 102nd year of helping children and families. Thousands of young people have
found their way and received the help they needed to have a fulfilling adult life. It is our hope each child
entering Kemmerer Village becomes a productive member of society. A former resident recently shared
the following thoughts related to Mother’s Day. I would to like to share those thoughts with you:
“Every year at this time I find it difficult to forget my earliest memories of childhood. As we celebrate
motherhood, of which has been the greatest joy of my life? I always ask myself the question, why? Recently
I learned her life was somewhat parallel to mine and my siblings. My heart aches for her inner child as
much as it does for my own, my siblings, and countless other children who share similar stories. The other
day I posted a quote that starts, “you get bitter, or you get better” and I realized that I learned many
lessons from these days. I learned to be strong, resilient, and hardest for me, to not be ashamed; to hold
my head high, and know that I have broken the cycle, blessed with the precious lives of several children
and grandchildren. To forgive. To at least try to be kind, for all of us have trials in this life, whether we know
about them or not.” Please know that we appreciate all that you do for the children at Kemmerer Village.
I too want each and every one of our staff, friends, donors and volunteers to also realize none of the
above would be possible without your support.
Thank you and God Bless,
Michael A. Havera
Director of Financial Development and Fundraising
You Can Help Continue the Kemmerer Legacy
After 102 years serving those in need, the Kemmerer Village ripple effect is immeasurable. Although,
none of us can live forever the magnitude of what we do on earth can! By remembering Kemmerer
Village in your will you can ensure that another century of good will be done in this world. Your legacy
will continue to reach a plethora of children who need you. We could not accomplish any of what we
do without the wonderful support of our friends. Thank you for supporting Kemmerer Village.
How you can help:
Matching Gift through your employer
Make a charitable gift from your IRA
Establish a Charitable Gift Annuity
Give through a bequest in a will
Provide a gift through your Donor Advised Fund
We suggest that you consult your own tax and legal advisors regarding the applicability to your
particular situation.
Please contact Autumn Warren for more information at (217) 226-2131.
August 2016
Page 5
Community Volunteers
Helping Kemmerer Village Make a Difference
Kemmerer Village is very fortunate to have a great group of volunteers from local communities who
give of their time, knowledge and experience. This group of dedicated individuals has made it possible
for Kemmerer to host the United Cerebral Palsy Association’s Saddle Up Program. Saddle Up is a youth
program which gives children with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic,
educational, and recreational activities with horses. There is a growing body of research in the equine field
showing that equine facilitated therapy has significant benefits for kids with autism and other challenges.
Research has shown that interactions between horses and individuals can improve social skills, increase
stress tolerance, help with coping skills and improve communication. Additionally, as Saddle Up serves
many children with physical challenges, there are a number of unique benefits including improved core
muscle strength and increased mobility. None of this would be possible without our community volunteers
who gladly return each spring and fall for a five to ten week session to help carry out Kemmerer Village’s
mission of helping today’s youth. In addition to the support that these volunteers give to riders, they
provide critical role modeling of what it looks like to be a member of a strong community to the Kemmerer
village residents who are selected by their treatment teams to assist with Saddle Up.
We would like to give them a big thank you for all they do. Several of our volunteers are in the photo
below; although, this is not our full team!
The indoor arena at Kemmerer Village Equine
Program, which was built through a bequest from
Harry and Dorothea Franchois of Springfield, IL in
2010, has made all of this possible. The new facilities
have enabled Kemmerer Village to become a
Premiere Accredited Therapeutic Riding program
with the Professional Association of Therapeutic
Horsemanship. Additional financial support for the
equine programs is given by donors who sponsor
horses as well as individuals who have set up unique
board/lease arrangements. In these situations they
retain ownership and financial responsibility for horses Gary Evans, Ivan Fry, Patty Rykhus, Sallie Brusveen, Kathryn Mentzer,
Carmon Wiseman, Brianna Wiseman, Sue Jeffers.
that they place at Kemmerer Village for use in the
therapy programs. Kemmerer Village is very thankful for all of this support.
While the Saddle Up program operates only in the spring and fall, Kemmerer Village offers services for
children in need throughout the year. The equine programs are only a part of the therapeutic environment
provided on our campus with structured programing for our forty-three youth from across the state of Illinois.
Building and Grilling
The Kemmerer Village kitchen staff enjoys doing cookouts for the kids and staff.
They were in need of a new grill, a nice heavy duty grill to handle their hungry
crowd. They received a donation to purchase a new grill in response to their
request in the Voices. Thank you very much to that generous individual. Also
during this time our Therapeutic Recreation program initiated a plan for interested
residents to work with Mr. Les Ray in projects
such as small carpentry, repairing floor tile
and staining rocking chairs to name a few.
Since Kemmerer Village exist on a flat prairie,
where the wind has a tendency to blow every
day, the new grill needed an enclosure to
stop the wind. So Mr. Ray and a few of our
students willingly and proudly built that enclosure with a great deal of
pride. We have since had several great meals on the grill and would
like thank all those involved in making it possible. Happy grilling to all
this summer.
Page 6
August 2016
In Memory and Honor of Those We Love
There are occasions of joy and sorrow in the lives of our family and friends that call for a response from us. A Memorial Gift or an
Honor Gift to Kemmerer Village is a way to express love and respect at appropriate times.
Your gift, large or small, is an investment in the lives of troubled children. These gifts help to provide for their day to day care: food,
clothing, medical care, educational needs, and Christian ministry.
The name of the deceased or honored is in bold type; the donor names are listed below in regular type.
Please notify us of any errors.
Honors
February 1, 2016 - June 30, 2016
Mrs. Dorothy M. Andersen
Ms. Janet R. Andersen
Mrs. Erika Frelander
Mrs. Cheryl Crays
Mrs. Betsy A. Hauser
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Costlow
Ms. Sue Ellen Fergusson
Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Havera
Mrs. Marilee Shore
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Van Bokkelen
Ms. Barbara B. Vincent
Reverend Drew Holloway
Mrs. Janis C. Hebert
Rev. Jimmy Hopper
Mrs. Marguerite S. Torrey
Dr. John Kay
Mrs. Carolyn J. Butler
Kemmerer Village Graduates
Mr. and Mrs. Robert McCracken
Kemmerer Village Staff
Robert Ermovick
Rev. Dorey Reigel
Mrs. Deborah Owen
Mrs. Audrey G. Sanner
Ms. Elizabeth Harris
Mrs. Carolyn Stone
Ms. Anna M. Schlicht
Ms. Becky Thompson
Mrs. Cheryl Crays
Memorials
February 1, 2016 - June 30, 2016
Mr. Carlan Best
Mrs. Marilyn Best
Mrs. Doris Bruns
Mr. Lester Bruns
Stanley and Helen Burns
Ms. Charleen Burns
Mr. Arnold Buse
Mr. Don Buse
Rev. David Casey
Mr. Charles R. Casey
Mr. R.B. Casey
Miss Patricia A. Casey
Mr. & Mrs. Lynn W. Clark
Mrs. Joan C. Bliler
Mr. James Cross
Dr. and Mrs. William M. Cross
Mr. Kenneth Detig
Mrs. Nancy Detig
Josephine C. Fencken
Ms. Phyllis C. McClatchie
Pearl & Cecil Foreman
Mrs. Betty Blackwell
Mr. Robert Fergusson Gibbons
Mrs. Betsy A. Hauser
Mrs. Dorothy Gniffke
Mr. Wayne L. Nelson
Ms. Jody L. Harmon
Anonymous
Mrs. Rosemary Harroun
Mr. Jack Harroun
Mr. Tilden Helmich
Mrs. Mary A. Helmich
Maureen Henning
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L.
Stonecipher
Robert L. Herrmann
Ms. Sharon K. Maddox
Ms. Julie I. Himes
Mr. Elmer Alexander
Mr. Joe Black
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Forehand
Ms. Ilean Himes
Mrs. Amy Houston
Ms. Ann Huber
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kelly
Mr. and Mrs. Arno McDowell
Ms. Jane Naab
Ms. Ethel Stewart
Mr. and Mrs. Chas Trexler
Mr. and Mrs. Kent Trexler
Ms. Ethel L. Wilson
Mrs. M. L. Hoffmeyer
Mrs. Betsy A. Hauser
Mrs. Marjorie Hopkins
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bollinger
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lee
Mrs. Margaret Hunter
Mr. Wayne L. Nelson
Mr. Larry Janes
Mrs. Barbara H. Janes
Mrs. Jean Johnston
Dr. D. H. Johnston
Madge & Gail Kemmerer
Mrs. Harriet C. Kweton
Paul & Jessie Kent
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Twardock
Mrs. Kathleen M. Kunzman
Mr. David F. Kunzman
Elmer J. Kweton
Mrs. Harriet C. Kweton
Ms. Anita K. Lake
Mrs. Janis C. Hebert
Ms. Marge Lamb Sullivan
Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Young
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond W. Lamkin
Mrs. Irene Lamkin
Rev. David MacDonna
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Rohrer
Ms. Roseanne M. Stone
Mr. Dean E. Madden
Mrs. Marilynn A. Madden
Mr. James Magnuson
Mrs. Alice J. Christenberry
Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Havera
Mrs. Nancy Magnuson
Mr. Ben Mazzola
Mrs. Marianne R. Mazzola
Ms. Dorothy McLaughlin
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Charnisky
Ms. Ava Morefied
Mr. and Mrs. Richard W.
Workman
Ms. Karen Sue Workman Mura
Mr. and Mrs. Richard W.
Workman
Barbara F. Pellman
Mr. and Mrs. Jerrold Wagner
Mrs. Mariett Reichard
Mr. Grant Reichard
Dr. David F. Rendleman
Mrs. Mary G. Rendleman
Mr. Henry M. Richardson
Ms. Margaret A. Richardson
Mrs. Jacquelyn Rychlik
Mrs. Betty L. McGhee
Ted & Mariam Schumacher
Mrs. Wilma Stocker
Robert & Vivian Shoaff
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen R. Shoaff
Mrs. Linda K. Slifer
Dr. Edward D. Slifer
Mrs. Marilyn J. Smith
Ms. Mary E. O’Connell
Mr. Robert Smith
Ms. Mary E. O’Connell
Alva Stephens
Mr. and Mrs. David Divine
Mr. Jim Stephens
Mr. and Mrs. David Divine
Mary E. Stephens
Mr. and Mrs. David Divine
Ms. Shirley Stevens
Ms. Sandra L. Stevens
The Tacketts of 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Kramer
Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Theobald
Mr. and Mrs. Roy W. Bass
Mr. William E. Thomas
Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Thomas
Mrs. Sue Tomlinson
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Porcelli
Mr. Sam Winick
Mrs. Betty E. Zeaman
Harold & Marilyn Wolfer
Mr. Tom Bottom
August 2016
Page 7
Growing Healthy Kids
Helping Them Make Healthy Choices Program needs
a greenhouse
In the on-going mission to teach Kemmerer kids useful life skills in an effort to
cultivate them for successful lives outside of the Village, we think it’s time to grow
again! Literally grow, as in fruits and vegetables. There are so many benefits to the
kids learning how to plant and produce.
Children develop new skills and learn about science and nature from growing their own food. Gardening
is educational and develops new skills including: Responsibility, Self-confidence, Cooperation, and Nutrition.
In order to make this a reality at Kemmerer Village we are working on getting a greenhouse. Most
greenhouses are glass, which doesn’t work on our campus. It’s too expensive to repair and replace and
causes a dangerous environment. We have decided on a Solar Gem greenhouse. It’s all fiberglass, super
strong and light weight and one piece, which means no seams to rust or panels to repair. We will begin
raising $5000 to have a sustainable greenhouse at Kemmerer Village again. If you would like to be a part in
this process or could donate anything to help the kids have this opportunity please contact Autumn Warren
in Development at (217) 226-4171 or designate a portion of your donation to get the kids growing. As always,
thank you for your support, donations and prayers.
23rd Annual Kemmerer Village
Charity Golf Classic Friday, September 9, 2016
Oak Terrace Golf Course – 8:00 a.m. Rt.51 South – Pana, IL
Call (217) 226-2130 for more details and entry.
Early Bird Registration by Aug. 12, 2016
18 holes and use of cart at Oak Terrace will be awarded to a lucky foursome whose name
will be drawn from our Early Bird entries. Top Teams-Will be awarded trophies and prize money.
Championship Flight 1st - $500 2nd $400 3rd $300
“A” Flight 1st $400 2nd $300 3rd $200
Longest Put – Longest Drive –Closest to pin and many more.
“The Shotmaker’s Mile” is a stretch of holes on the back nine through the woods
with water, dog-legs and risk reward holes. You’ll love to hate it, and hate to love it!
Join us for a day of fun and help support the much needed programs for today’s youth.
If you would like to participate as a sponsor, please contact Mike Havera (217) 226-2120
Follow us on our Facebook page- Kemmerer Village
Kemmerervillage.org
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Phone: 217-226-4451
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Please include all necessary
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You can view and print the
Kemmerer Voices from our website.
102 Years of Making a Difference
in the Lives of Children and Families!
A mission of the Presbyterian Church USA
Page 8
August 2016
Happy Birthday!
Our young people truly appreciate receiving cards
from all of you on their birthday. Thank you for thinking
of them. Please put the name of the church and/or
organization in the return address area of the envelope.
All mail to students is monitored. Thank you.
July
Brianna W.
Jenna W.
M
F
7/18/01
7/26/01
August
Amber P.
Angel R.
F
F
8/23/97
8/24/99
September
Toby S.
M
9/30/01
October
Angelina C.
Demetrius J.
Jasmine C.
Nissan B.
Gabrielle M.
Kyle P.
F
M
F
M
F
M
10/1/00
10/2/99
10/4/99
10/25/00
10/25/02
10/29/01
Let Us Tell You
All About It!
Would you like someone to
come and speak with your
congregation or organization
about all the good happening
at Kemmerer Village?
To schedule a meeting or
speaking engagement with
one of our Development Staff
please call (217) 226-2131 or send an email to
[email protected]