The 4th annual Greenwood Rotary Magic Show, which took place on Wed. Feb 13th at Greenwood Community High School, entertained hundreds of area residents and their children and helped feed the hungry. This year was the first in which the club partnered with the local nonprofit organization, Kids Against Hunger. The proceeds from the show by Las Vegas magician Garry Carson will provide more than 30,000 nutritious meals locally and abroad.

The event was conducted with support from Southland Community Church, Wilson St Pierre,

Franklin United Methodist Community, Greenwood Orthopedics and Capstone Investment Partners.

Franklin United Methodist Community serves more than 600 senior residents and Rehab guests each day who are provided a variety of nutrious meals from 15 different menus, according to their dietary needs. We know how important an adequate food supply and healthy diet is to one's quality of life.

At this time of year many of us enjoy the Christmas Carols, the decorations, and of course, the gifts.  I often hear someone say, "all I want for Christmas is . . ."

Our staff at Franklin United Methodist Community, might say all we want for Christmas is a better day, or a better afternoon, or a better hour, for the residents and rehab guests we are privileged to care for in this place.  It is our goal to help them have a good quality of life.

And so, as I read my report from the RN who is in charge of our Restorative Nursing Program at FUMC, it gave me a picture of those receiving their Christmas gift early.  Here's some of their success stories:

Mr. G. came to us through the rehab unit with severe COPD.  He had difficulty stabilizing and remains on O2 but attends exercise routinely.  He asked the staff to walk him to meals when he is up to it and we have been happy to comply.  Mr. F. transferred in from another facility where he had been in a geri-chair, immobile for some time.  Mr. K. now walks with staff, participates in his range of motion and waves to us when he sees us.  Mrs. L. moved to the health center for hospice care.  After observing other residents being walked, she requested the same.  She now attends exercise and walks daily.  Mrs. V. has a similar story.  She was non-ambulatory for some time, but after observing others being walked, asked for the same.  Not only did we begin a program but have steadily increased her distance.  Everyone has a story; these are some of the best.

We pray that these stories will inspire you and remind you of the Hope that we find in the one whose birth we celebrate and serve!

We are blessed at Franklin United Methodist Community to have outstanding employees who are committed to our residents, their families, and our Rehab and Respite guests.  It's easy to take your workers for granted, but the real strength of your ministry is in the people who serve, not how new or pretty the facility is or how big a population live in your community.

This year, our Executive Staff wanted to make sure our employees knew how much we truly appreciate all they do and the way they do it.  It was our privilege to surprise them with a beautiful Thanksgiving card and accompanying Kroger gift card to help with their holiday grocery shopping. 

It was just one more way that we could acknowledge that they are the "difference" in what we do.  The result?  The Executive Staff have been flooded with "thank yous" because of our "thank you!"  What great people!  Thanks for the privilege of serving together. . .

The 2012 LeadingAge Ziegler 100 report was just published, showing the nation's 100 largest not-for-profit senior living facilities.

Franklin United Methodist Community was ranked 7th largest in the United States as a single-campus senior living community.  FUMC also made the listing for the nation's largest not-for-profit senior living communities with one or more campuses, coming in again this year at #22.  Our ranking was the highest of any Indiana facility  in both categories-either single or multi-campus organizations.

Although we are proud to be identified amongst the largest 100 listing, our efforts are most concerned with the quality of care at affordable prices, for all our residents and their families.

We were pleased to participate in the annual Johnson Memorial Hospital Health Fair last Saturday.  A large crowd turned out for the popular time to learn about health and wellness. 

Our own Julie Mahan, Admissions Coordinator, (in the white blouse next to the machine) utilized our unique "Biodex" equipment to help persons understand therapy options for improving their balance.  She was assisted by one of our physical therapist and about 50 people wanted to experience the "test" to see how they can improve their own health. 

To learn more about our FUMC Rehabilitation Services, contact Julie at 317-736-1108.

Summer is often the time of family vacations and fun "getting away".  Have you ever taken a trip and enjoyed yourself immensely, but then commented upon your return "I'm sure glad to be home?"

Recently, one of our residents who resides in an apartment decided to leave our Community and move 1,000 miles away to be near her son.  We understand why a person would want to be close to their family and have this happen occasionally, and we support their move.

But after three months being gone from Franklin, the resident called and said, "I want to come home!  I miss everyone and should not have left."

Last night, after a long flight and with the help of her loving son, she arrived back on our campus.  After greeting her at my office doorway with a hug, she said, "When I walked through the front door I wanted to get down and kiss the ground...I was so thrilled to be back!"

Wow!  It nearly left me speechless.  That's why we do what we do in this place.  We want our Community to be a neighborhood of friends who love and care for each other.  And when they are away, they are missed and can't wait to return.