St. John’s United Church of Christ in Dayton received the 2018 Diakonie Award. St. John’s is proud of its involvement with Trinity Community. The church helped found Trinity years ago and takes an active role today. The church hosts a month of birthday parties, takes special offerings for Trinity and visits members and friends within the community.
The Diakonie Award is presented to congregations to honor those who have demonstrated faithfulness in their support of the mission of United Church Homes and its communities.
Robin Farinet was the recipient of the 2018 Spirit Award for Trinity Community. Farinet and her late husband, Jim, moved to Trinity in July 2012. Robin was instrumental in the start of the cottage activity planning group. She helped continue Christmas Tea with Gene Williams, planned gazebo picnics and other potluck events and strived to make the cottages a neighborhood.
Judy Baker received the 2018 Spirit Award for Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge). Baker started coming to Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) when her husband was a resident there. They had just gotten their dog, Rocky, from SISCA Pet Adoption Center, as an 8-month-old puppy, and Judy brought Rocky to visit residents of Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge). As Rocky went through a 10-week training program, he visited the community daily. Baker continues to bring Rocky to Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge).
The Spirit Award is presented to individuals who best exemplify the volunteerism, advocacy, inspiration and spirit for the residents and their families of United Church Homes communities.
The Trinity Community Auxiliary was the recipient of the 2018 Ben M. Herbster Award. The women’s auxiliary began in 1973 with a group of volunteers from the United Church of Christ Dayton Area Women’s Program District. The group has 45 years of service.
Raymond Rusnak was the recipient of the 2018 Ben M. Herbster Award for Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge). Ray retired when his beloved wife, Lois, had special caregiving needs. Years of health complications and difficult care transitions led them to Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) in 2014.
Rusnak says the people at Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) are extraordinary. The Rusnaks particularly loved participating in community life/activities programming. The staff helped the Rusnaks celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in the community life room at Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge). Sadly, Lois passed away the day before her 73rd birthday.
The Ben M. Herbster Award, named after the first president of the United Church of Christ, is presented to individuals who best exemplify the philosophy, leadership, philanthropic spirit and achievements of the late Ben M. Herbster.
For more information about United Church Homes, visit unitedchurchhomes.org.
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About United Church Homes: United Church Homes, headquartered in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of seniors for more than a century. The faith-inspired nonprofit organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving nearly 5,000 residents of all faiths in 74 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.
Media Contact: Alissa Paolella, Communications Coordinator, 740.382.4885 or [email protected]
About the Author: UCH Team
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