David’s United Church of Christ received the Diakonie Award, which is presented to congregations that have demonstrated faithfulness, generosity, compassion and encouragement in their support of the UCH mission and its communities. The church has partnered with Trinity Community for years.
Mary Tymeson and Ethel Lucile Phillips received the prestigious Ben M. Herbster Award. The award is presented to individuals who best exemplify the philosophy, leadership, philanthropic spirit and achievements of the late Dr. Ben M. Herbster.
Tymeson, a native of Marysville and a Miami University graduate, has been a Trinity donor for more than 10 years and has an endowment established at the Dayton Foundation in her name. The Tymeson Society of Stephen Fund distributes an annual check to Trinity.
Phillips has been a Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) volunteer and donor for several years. She said she enjoys working with Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) residents and staff.
“I feel I give them a small portion of myself each time I visit. I feel I owe a debt to those residents who are veterans of our armed services for their unselfish service and that I, in my own small way, let all the residents know they are not forgotten by their community.”
Frederick Feicht, a Trinity resident, and Roger L. Blakely, Jr. received the Spirit Award. The award is presented to individuals who exemplify volunteerism, advocacy, inspiration and spirit for the residents of the UCH communities and their families.
Feicht, of Dayton, has volunteered at Trinity for decades. He plays the organ at chapel, Sunday services, during the Christmas season and every Friday morning. He also volunteers to greet residents and visitors at Trinity and calls bingo games
Blakely is a retired chief warrant officer in the United States Army and currently works for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton. He has been volunteering at Trinity Community at Fairborn (formerly Patriot Ridge) since April 2015.
Crystal Swayne was honored with the President’s Award of Distinction, the highest honor for staff and board volunteers. Swayne will retire this year after nearly 35 years of service at Trinity. During her tenure, she provided daily values-driven work in her role as Activity Director, but also was personally responsible for relationships that led to $1.1 million in gifts to enhance Trinity.
Rev. Kenneth Daniel, president and CEO of United Church Homes, thanked Crystal for their service with this special award exclusively for individuals who have done something of such merit and impact that it creates transformative change.
“Your service allows us to continue our mission and create Abundant life,” Daniel said.
About United Church Homes: United Church Homes has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of older adults for more than a century. The nonprofit, faith-based organization has more than 1,500 dedicated staff serving 4,500 residents of all faiths in 70 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.
Contact: United Church Homes Communications Department, 740-382-4885.
About the Author: UCH Team
View all articles by:
