If there’s one thing the community loves to rally around, it’s the promise of a belly full of soul-comforting food. The staff members of Rittenhouse Village at Valparaiso and St. Agnes Adult Day Center promised such a meal when they began selling tickets to their Friday Fish Fry. In addition, they revealed a unique and special benefit with the purchase of such a ticket—one that definitely warmed the soul as much as the delicious food.
All proceeds from the event went to St. Agnes Adult Day Center, an affiliate of St. Paul’s Church which specializes in caring for those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
“We’re sort of like partners to one another,” said Barb Kubiszak, Director of St. Agnes, referring to Rittenhouse at Valparaiso. “We have a few people from Rittenhouse who come to us twice a week, and we’re always happy to direct people to Rittenhouse, [when they inquire about senior living facilities.]”
Kubiszak continued, gesturing around the crowd in amazement, “I just can’t believe how wonderful Rittenhouse has been with all of this! Can you believe this? And they won’t even let us lift a finger.”
The event turnout on the first Friday of March was even better than anticipated: Every single ticket was sold. Attendees enjoyed everything from the fried ocean perch, which steamed enticingly atop their plates, to a large bake sale, where every delectable treat costed only fifty cents. Hushpuppies were served, complementing the oceanic theme of the evening. And if one couldn’t stay for the event, a station offering to-go meals was at hand. Rittenhouse held no stops for their Fish Fry.
The proceeds St. Agnes collected are being directed toward a specific project: they are developing a "Serenity Garden" designed especially for those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s.
“It will be the first of its kind in the county,” Kubiszak said.
Michael Finley, the project manager working with St. Paul’s Church to design the garden, explained some of the qualities that will make it unique.
“We’ve got a putting green here with two or three holes that we’re making,” Finley said, referring to the displayed mock-up of the garden’s design. “And we have vegetable boxes where they can grow their own vegetables, and a gazebo for a nice sitting place.”
Also included in Finley’s plans are winding pathways, fast-growing red maples for shaded areas, chimes, birdhouses and feeders, a butterfly garden and a five-foot fence surrounding the garden to keep the visitors safe within the premises of St. Agnes.
Both Finley and Kubiszak seemed particularly excited for the garden’s acquisition of a clothing line and an old-fashioned, red telephone booth.
“These are things our visitors with dementia will be able to identify with and respond to,” Kubiszak stated.
Representatives from other Valparaiso senior living services volunteered for the event, further illustrating the sense of communion and purpose. First Light Home Care donated the beverages, Dunes Hospice ran the Bake Sale, and employees and volunteers alike served food and cleared away plates for guests. Walgreens on Calumet Avenue also donated half of the beverages served, as well.
“Look, volunteering is awesome because you’re giving back to my community,” said Walter Kowalczyk of Harbor Light Hospice, smiling as he collected empty plates from some guests.
“Tonight has been wonderful,” exclaimed Terri Dickus, Activity Director of St. Agnes. “The community has really rallied together!”
Both Kubiszak and Dickus have worked with St. Agnes since it opened 20 years ago, and both ladies expressed their love for their jobs.
“Doing this kind of work is more than just a job,” Kubiszak said. “It’s ministry.”
For more information on upcoming events at Rittenhouse Village at Valparaiso, visit their site at: https://www.rittenhousevillages.com/senior-living/in/valparaiso/rittenhouse-village-at-valparaiso/