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24 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | May 2019 | "With each sunrise we are given a chance for a new beginning!" A message from Team Sunshine Co-chair, Brenda Beers: "I had no idea Team Sunshine would help me with this." We have heard this comment several times over the last few weeks and have come to realize that many in our community have no idea what we do. So, what does Team Sunshine do? Our mission statement is: Team Sunshine is an all-volunteer service group whose purpose is to reach out to Four Seasons residents in their time of need, to provide education, and to spread goodwill. For this article, I would like to focus on the part about reaching out to our residents in their time of need. The first way we do this is by sending get well, sympathy and thinking of you cards when we hear that a resident could use a bit of cheer or comforting thoughts. Our calling team also tries to follow with a phone call in order to make a one-on-one contact and see if there is something more needed. Please if you have a Four Seasons friend or neighbor who could use a card or call, let us know. Secondly Team Sunshine has quite an inventory of donated mobility and personal care equipment and makes them available on loan to Four Seasons residents. We even deliver and pick-up. Often times there is a several day delay between when someone is released from the hospital and when Medicare or Insurance will clear the necessary paperwork to approve and provide these items and Sunshine is able to help bridge that gap. Or, sometimes the use of a walker or a wheelchair would make life easier while recuperating. Probably the most important help we offer is to assist families in planning a Celebration of Life when a Four Seasons resident passes. Often the death is unexpected, and the family has not given any thought to these arrangements. Team Sunshine can assist with reserving a room at The Lodge, working with the Bistro Committee to order food and our members will provide cookies for dessert. We will set-up the room, provide table linens and centerpieces and help serve the food and beverages. Sunshine will also help if the family prefers to hold the memorial in the Four Seasons home or provide cookies at either the church or funeral home. The most important thing to remember is at this time of such great need and when it is the most difficult to focus on all these tasks, stop by the desk at The Lodge and ask for Team Sunshine's Caring Connection Card. This card has contact information for Team Sunshine Co-Chair Margie Culton and myself. Or, the next time you're in The Lodge pick up a card and tell family members to keep this information for a time when it may be needed. Kindness Recognition: Please be reminded of the "Kindness" recognition. Kindness is one of the most important gestures we can extend to one another. We are hoping that we will all take time to think before we act. You can pick up a "Kindness" card at the front desk. If you observe someone who has put forth a special effort to be kind, helping, or caring, simply obtain a card from the front desk. Please include the person's name and a comment why you are recommending this individual for kindness recognition. Celebrations of Life/Memorials: There are no words that sufficiently comfort the family and friends of Four Seasons residents in the loss of a family member. Our deepest sympathies go out to each. We are not always aware of losses in the Four Seasons community, but we express our condolences to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. Team Sunshine "Needs" Information: Please fill out a *NEEDS* Form at The Lodge Front Desk if you know of someone who has recently lost a loved one. This form can also be used for various kinds of needs assistance. In case you prefer not to call but would like us to know of a need, this form will record your concern and will be passed on to the appropriate Team Sunshiner. Medical Equipment: We do have donated/used medical equipment that we deliver and pick up from residents. Residents who request medical equipment are required to sign a waiver form. Return of medical equipment is requested by contacting Jeanne Lincoln (765- 7112). We have enlarged the medical equipment team to include: Rose Harvey, Donna Morrell and Patty Jones. In Team Sunshine, no one "gets the job done alone". Our Prayer Warriors: Marietta Ruppaner conducts a prayer circle once a month to pray for our residents in need. All are welcome to attend the prayer circle. Just give Marietta a call and she'll give you the date, time and place. Also, if you have a prayer request, get in touch with Marietta or place your prayer request in the Prayer Box in the MPR. We are thankful for the service they give to our community. Closing Thoughts: "I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter." ~ Walt Disney Team Sunshine

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