Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly

The FREEMAN FEBRUARY 2013 INSIDE Melting pot of faiths Q&A with Brookfield Central athletic director Todd Sobrilsky 7A Get to know the Sunset Playhouse executive director 2A Barbara Eash antiques appraisal column 6A Calendar of events 4A By Katherine Michalets Special to The Freeman BROOKFIELD – It may not be apparent to everyone, but Brookfield is a veritable melting pot of active faith communities. Looking a little deeper reveals a diverse representation, from Sikh to Christianity and Baha'i to Islam, in the area. The city of Brookfield has 33 churches and other religious places of worship, according to city records, that include Protestant, Catholic, Unitarian Universalist and non-denominational, Sikh, Baha'i, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon), Christian Science and soon a Muslim mosque. The Rev. John HornerIbler of Cross of Life Lutheran Church is the convener for the Brookfield-Elm Grove Interfaith Network and has firsthand knowledge of how leaders from different faiths can come together and support one another. "It really spans the spectrum of many Western and Eastern religions and I think that is somewhat unusual anywhere, but especially for an area perceived to be relatively homogenous," he said of Brookfield. BEGIN is a place for religious leaders to meet and develop personal relationships, especially for times of crisis, Horner-Ibler said. "We're aware of our many differences, but that we have a lot in common that we can respect, the importance of prayer and importance of spiritual life," he said. The group offered support following the shootings in Newtown, Conn., at the Sikh temple in Oak Creek and at Azana Salon & Spa in Brookfield. It also advocated for the mosque proposed by the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, which met some opposition from the community, but was ultimately approved by the city of Brookfield. "I think it's important to allow members to learn about different faith traditions and to demonstrate despite religious difference you can co-exist and work together," Horner-Ibler said. BEGIN's members include Sikhs, Christians, Baha'i people, Muslims and Jews. The Jewish members are from Congregation Emanuel of Waukesha. The individual religious organizations also are active, some with sizeable congregations and large mission projects. "I think most of our member communities are very active, thriving organizations," Horner-Ibler said. His church has about 450 households for a total of approximately 2,000 people. The Rev. Suzelle Lynch of Unitarian Universalist Church West said her church attracts diverse members, including atheists, earth-centered and liberal Christians and people who are Buddhist in practice. When Evelyn was in the hospital and diagnosed with health failures, it was her choice to return home to the place she lived and loved. Hospice recommended Comfort Keepers for livein supportive care. The staff at Comfort Keepers wondered if the 100-year-old senior would accept Tony, one of its male live-in caregivers. When Evelyn agreed to give it a try, Comfort Keepers co-owners Shannon and Gina Meller found Tony and Evelyn to be a great match. When Evelyn came home, she was not eating and life looked dim. But over time, Evelyn began to recover. Tony started by putting food out for himself; Evelyn would slowly eat off his plate. Before long, she was eating again, enjoying conversations and taking trips to church — a vital part of her life. Gina said it is Comfort Keepers' mission to improve quality of life for all seniors, and that it is a blessing to care for them during the end stages of their life — something Gina knows from experience, having cared for her own mother years ago. When asked how it feels to be 100 years old, Evelyn joked that she doesn't recommend it. "The body is falling apart with lots of aches and everyone makes a big deal out of it," she said, adding. "you just have to take one day at a time." Evelyn likes both her male and female caregivers; they do all her housekeeping, make her meals and play bridge with her. She even does some sewing and knitting. She especially likes Tony taking her to church and she says he is a great companion for her. "We are proud of Tony's dedication, and the dedication of all our caregivers who make a difference," Gina said. LOCAL COMFORT KEEPERES HAS A+ RATING WITH BBB Shannon's wife Gina, Human Resources administrator, is responsible to screen each employee (Motor vehicle, Criminal and Credit checks) so Comfort Keepers can bond and insure all of our caregivers, Gina said. "Our comprehensive hiring and training program assures peace of mind to our seniors as we enter their home and life." Shannon has been with Comfort Keepers from day one and explains "this extensive screening ensures clients that our caregivers have the same caring nature and love of our clients as we do." "All the owners feel it's important to meet each senior, and because of our great caregivers, we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau," explained Shannon, who is Marketing and Assessment Director. DAILY WORRIES AND FEARS Fear of falling, loss of physical strength, failing health and illness can be overwhelming. Gina Hello, Brookfield & Elm Grove! Brookfield & Elm Grove This Month is free and will arrive in your mail the first week of each month. In each month's edition we will take an in-depth look at an issue, person or other story in the community. We will also provide other important information such as community activities and updates on local stories. We encourage you to subscribe to the daily Freeman for coverage of Brookfield, Elm Grove and the rest of our area. To subscribe, to reach one of the editors with story ideas or for photo reprints, call 542-2500. We hope you enjoy this month's edition. – Freeman editors Charles Auer/Freeman Staff The iconic steeple of Brookfield's St. John Vianney Catholic See FAITH, PAGE 6A Church is seen recently. COMFORT KEEPERS PROVIDES HOME HOSPICE SUPPORT FOR 100-YEAR-OLD CLIENT Live-In Caregiver Tony gets Evelyn to her church service. said that seniors save money their entire lifetime and the fear of nursing home living or losing independence can lead to sadness, loneliness and depression. Comfort Keepers is the best step prior to leaving their home. "After saving (money) their whole lifetime, seniors are forced to sell their homes and use their money for costly assisted living or nursing homes, whereas we provide affordable nonmedical, in-home care," Shannon said. COMFORT KEEPERS RANKED IN THE TOP 2 IN THE NATION Comfort Keepers has more than 660 franchises worldwide. Locally, Comfort Keepers serves Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties, providing homemaking and personal care services – while specializing in legal live-in, Alzheimer's and respite care – with a minimum of three hours a week to 24 hours a day. Clients can choose how much care they need to remain safe and what they can afford for help with homemaking services such as transportation to medical appointments, errands, groceries, home-cooked meals, light housekeeping and laundry all available. Personal care services include incontinency, safety, mobility and transferring and bathing. In 2010, Franchise 500 ranked Comfort Keepers as one of the top two franchises in senior care. Comfort Keepers caregivers often become part of the client's family — brightening their day, replacing worry and loneliness with happiness and peace of mind for both the client and their family. Comfort Keepers serves Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties. Call 414-858-9400 for a FREE assessment www.comfortkeepers.com Ranked in the Top 2 Home Care Agencies in America 230130073 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WAUKESHA, WI PERMIT NO. 3 Brookfield is home to Christian, Sikh, Baha'i and Mormon places of worship 03 10 74 29 2 Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WaukeshaFreeman Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/WaukeshaFreeman

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