Department News

Celebrating With Others

SERVING LINE-UP. Left to right: Darby Nielsen at the take-out window, Colleen Davison on desserts, Betty Scholing on salad and buns, Director Attaleen Werner, Tracy Zwaneveld, closing the trays and placing in the bag, and Jenne Ebens, dishing up the main dish, mashed potatoes and gravy, and lentil loaf… a real feast.

How do you celebrate your birthday or your wedding anniversary?

Here is an example of creative thanksgiving offered at Red Deer Soup Kitchen recently. Rodney and Medi Caponpon celebrated their 60th birthday (September 28 and 29) and their 34th wedding anniversary (September 30). They chose to provide a complete meal for the downtown participants who come by our building on a regular basis for a meal each Thursday, Sabbath, and Sunday.

What a treat on this particular day! The meal consisted of deep-fried chicken strips or nuggets, a fresh bun, green salad, and cake with toppings for dessert.

Many hands make light work. About 150 people received the special celebration meal that day.

Praise the Lord! And thank you, Medi and Rod.

We want to give a shoutout to new volunteers who have come from various corners of central Alberta to lend a hand. Welcome and thank you to (right to left)Jeanne Ebens, Tracy Zwaneveld, Betty Scholing, Colleen Davison, and our Director, Attaleen Werner.

Thanks go out to all of our teams who consistently provide nutritious and delicious meals for the needy in our community. We are blessed. God is GOOD.

Please remember our ministry needs during the Christmas season. Your donations are greatly appreciated. —Submitted by Jane Holmes

CELEBRATION MEAL. Rodney and Medi Caponpon, celebrating their 60th birthday (1 day apart) and 34th wedding anniversary, are using this occasion to bless the crowd of hungry attendees.

FRESH BUNS TO START. Stephon, Afua Duodu, and Wanda Pelletier setting out fresh buns in each tray. COUNTING UP TO 150 MEALS TO HAND OUT Brooke, Brad, and Martha Boehner, a family effort in preparing take-out meals.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE MEAL - CHICKEN NUGGETS and STRIPS. Jane Holmes adding the meat to each dinner tray.

WAYS TO DONATE TO THE RED DEER SOUP KITCHEN

BY CHEQUE IN THE MAIL

Box 431 Red Deer, T4N 5E9 Cheques payable to Red Deer Soup Kitchen

BY CHURCH ENVELOPE

Designate to Red Deer Soup Kitchen

BY INTERNET Canadahelps.org

Select Red Deer Soup Kitchen from charities list

Sherwood Care: Stronger Together

Over 19 months into the pandemic and following a blistering summer heatwave, Sherwood Care staff and residents are as strong as ever, with much to be thankful.

Unprecedented is not a word that is used much in healthcare. Unexpected will be used from time to time, and even unusual gets an occasional mention, but rarely will you hear reference to unprecedented circumstances. From end-oflife experiences to seasonal influenza outbreaks to sudden challenges that call for quick, creative solutions, the staff at Sherwood Care have, as they say, “seen it all, heard it all, and done it all” before. And one of the key factors in their successful navigation of these experiences, they will tell you, is that they face them as a team.

In the early spring of 2020, this teamwork attitude was tested in genuinely unprecedented ways. "I'd be lying if I said we weren't worried," shares Sherwood Care CEO Kathy Fortunat of the reaction among staff as news of the global COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold. "There was certainly an awareness, as it progressed, of how severe it was and the challenges that we had as an organization." Stories of the devastation to long-term care centers coupled with ever-changing orders from medical authorities were at times overwhelming as care center leaders met daily in the early months of the pandemic. Their response: "We did what we always do," says Kathy; "we pulled together as a team, and we asked for God's direction and wisdom" along with prayer for protection for everyone connected with the care center, recognizing that Sherwood Care's team extended well beyond the building walls. "And then we started to do what we do," she continues, explaining that from the very beginning, families, as well as staff at all levels, were kept informed of the plans being put into action. More than just telling them what was going on and what to do, however, Sherwood Care's philosophy of leadership and partnership at all levels meant the staff was also directly involved in giving feedback and input as plans were implemented, changed, and changed again on a weekly, and at times daily basis. Besides strong communication, staff support was put in place. Additional staff hiring was done in all departments to relieve the increased workload around the pandemic and maintain complete, consistent shift coverage. Gave each staff increased access to mental health support through the chaplain, social worker, and external providers. "And food, lots of food," says Kathy with a smile, referring to the many donations of meals and treats from families and the community as tangible expressions of their appreciation for the care provided.

From the onset and throughout the successive waves of the pandemic, Sherwood Care has effectively prevented any spread of COVID-19 both within the building and among staff. While other facilities have faced complete lockdowns with the suspension of programs and the isolation of all residents, we have been able to maintain a relative sense of normalcy for our resident population. Acknowledging this phenomenal accomplishment, Kathy and her team are quick to tell everyone it is because of two things: first, the blessing and grace of God, and second, the dedicated, hardworking team of caregivers at all levels.

Even behind the masks, the group is smiling. We are all in this together.

Then, as if an ongoing global pandemic wasn’t enough, the team faced yet another unprecedented challenge with the heatwave in the early weeks of this past summer. As temperatures reached near and above forty degrees, the realities of living and working in a 52-year-old building became evident when the air conditioning in one area broke down. But as always, families and staff rallied and rose to the occasion. Extra fans were brought in and purchased for hallways and common areas. Cooling towels were provided to staff, along with daily supplies of cold bottled water throughout the building. Staff covered for each other to give time off the floor in air-conditioned spaces. And, once again, food, lots of food, in the form of frozen treats throughout the day. As the days stretched into weeks, when tempers could have flared with the temperatures, Sherwood Care staff worked extra hard day in and day out to stay cool and collected as they faithfully carried out their duties and provided extra care needed in these exceptional circumstances.

Not many generations can say they have been through an unprecedented event; fewer still will be able to say they have survived two. This is especially true if you work in healthcare. But in the face of two unprecedented, large-scale events, the team at Sherwood Care has come through as strong as ever, and stronger. And in the end, we can all say, "Been there… done that… got the T-shirt!"

#SherwoodCareStrong.

—Submitted by Adam Deibert - Chaplain, Sherwood Care

TEDDY BEAR LOVE

In October, some office staff challenged the Conference office to find extra happiness and focus on virtuous and fuzzy memories by celebrating National "Bring Your Teddy Bear To Work" Day on the 13th. We had fun telling stories about why our particular teddy bear, rabbit, or monkey (not everyone had a favorite teddy bear!) was significant to us. That day was great! It improved our mood, gave us hope, and lifted the spirits of all that arrived at the office and were able to see our "office family" of teddy bears. —Submitted by Mildred Weiss - Data Coordinator/ Education Support

The Alberta Conference Welcomes the Education Dept New Staff

We are delighted to welcome our new members.

Gail Wilton in Educational Leadership and Administration from Gail Wilton is the new LaSierra University in Riverside, Education Director/ California. Superintendent for the Alberta Conference. Gail grew up in She believes in the optimal Adventist education, from opportunity for education in Kindergarten through grade an environment that is safe 12, in St. John's, Newfoundland. and stimulating for all. It is After completing high school, her passion to support staff she moved to Lacombe, and students throughout their Alberta, to pursue her dream pursuit of success. She thrives of becoming an educator. She on being of service to others graduated from Canadian and is dedicated to being a University College, now lifelong learner. Burman University, with a Bachelor's degree in Having worked in the field Elementary Education. She of education for many years, also holds a Master's Degree Gail has received awards for Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Education for Outstanding Leadership.

In her spare time, Gail enjoys music, camping, and spending time with her family.

Brent van Rensburg

Brent van Rensburg was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, and currently resides in Lacombe, Alberta. After graduating in 2004 from Canadian University College and Union College, he taught in the Adventist Education system in Ontario before moving to Alberta to become the Associate Residence Dean at Burman University. For the last two years, he has served and continues to serve as the Alberta Conference Associate Director of Education. Other background training also includes Occupational Health and Safety and as a facilitator in training first responders for Alberta Sexual Assault Services. His goal is to inspire those he works with in education and make Adventist Education the number one choice for families in the church and surrounding communities. He also strives for excellence and a deep personal relationship with God. One of his favorite verses in the Bible comes from Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Glen Holly

Glen Holly has recently joined the Alberta Conference team fulltime as Health & Safety/ Education Support/IT or, in other words, a "Friend of Adventist Education."

Glen has a passion for Seventh-day Adventist education that stems from the dedication of his parents, church members, and teachers and their sacrifices to ensure he had great opportunities in the Adventist School system. Always wanting to make a difference, the skills that Glen developed while attending Adventist schools from Grade 4 through University have been put to use in the past as CEO of Guardian Ambulance Ltd, where he was able to service many communities and uphold a Christian philosophy of "making a difference" for over 24 years. In his role with the Alberta Conference, Glen is excited to share his experience in business administration and strives to make a difference in helping others prepare for Jesus' soon coming!

Glen is thankful to God for two grown children, Gillian and Austin, a daughterin-law, Ashley, and now a beautiful granddaughter, Harper. Glen has been blessed with nearly 28 years of marriage to a beautiful wife and friend, Wendy. They live on a farm

Mildred Weiss

Mildred Weiss was born in Uruguay and grew up in Argentina. She was raised as an Adventist in a missionary family. She completed her elementary and high school studies in several Adventist institutions in Argentina. She finished a bachelor's degree in nutritional science from a public university and then worked as a Clinical Dietitian and Public Health Nutritionist. Once married to Adrian Schmidt, they decided to become self-sustained missionaries to the south of Argentina, where they had the privilege of founding a small Adventist group (now a small church) in the city of San Martin de los Andes. While there, Mildred became the proud mother of Egan (1999) and Aine (2001). In 2002, the small family accepted an invitation to serve at River Plate University, where she played a key role in the development, organization, and instruction of a new Nutrition program. Mildred near Benalto, Alberta, and are actively involved in church life. Glen happily served as a past member of the Board of Trustees for Burman University and currently serves as an elder at the Sylvan Lake Seventhday Adventist Church, as the treasurer for Sylvan Meadows Adventist School, and vice-chair for the school board of Parkview Adventist Academy.

and Adrian's missionary souls took the family to the Philippines as Volunteers at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS). While

working as staff in the AIIAS Library, Mildred got a postgraduate diploma in education. The family then immigrated to Canada in 2008, making Lacombe their home up to the present. In 2011, Mildred joined the Education department at the Alberta Conference of Seventh-day Adventists with the passion to help Adventist education grow in Alberta. Her desire for children to become citizens of heaven drives her goals and decisions. She wants our students to have the best tools and experiences in our schools to become productive citizens in this world and for eternity. One of her favorite verses from Scripture is Philippians 4:4; "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” She wants everyone around her to know that her love for Jesus is the reason for her happiness and joy. —Submitted by the Education Department

Highest-Ever Enrollment, Surge in CTS

Despite COVID obstacles, more students than ever before are enrolled at MANS:

• 10% increase in high school enrollment

• 33 off-reserve

Indigenous students

• Highest-ever overall enrollment for school: 232 students K-12

“We’re excited to see this growth,” says Principal Michael Willing, who assumed his position in August.

CTS/Industrial Arts classes also have record enrollment and are filled to capacity. Males dominate Welding this year, but Construction Technology is evenly split between male and female students.

Get the new principal’s take on the coming year in Principal’s Update video at mans1.ca and catch The Construction Tech Experience video too. "Taken from The Bridge Update Newsletter. More current news about MANS can be found at mans1.ca in the News & Newsletter sections."—By Lynn McDowell

Alberta

The IT Support one-stop-shop for Alberta Conference

The Alberta Conference is excited to announce its fi rst Help Desk. IT experts provide help for fast solutions to support our members on an add-on to pre-existing IT action.

Areas We Can Help

• Software & Subscription Licensing – Microsoft 365,

Microsoft Offi ce 365, Microsoft Dynamics, Azure,

Azure AD, Windows Virtual Desktop, Teams Voice,

Zoom, Adobe, Google, SAGE and more. • Troubleshooting – Microsoft, Google,

Adobe, Zoom, SAGE, and more. • New Users and New User Onboarding • Printing & Printing Troubleshoot • Internet • Economies of Scale Purchasing – Hardware, Software • Email • Training – Offi ce 365, Teams and other • Cybersecurity • Special Projects Whom Do We Help?

• Employees • Churches (including volunteer church offi cers who use

Offi ce 365, Teams, and Zoom) • Schools • ABC Bookstore • Camp • Admin Offi ce

Inquire for additional areas we may be able to help you. Contact us at helpdesk@albertaadventist.ca