December 2020 Newsletter
Dear Fontbonne Members,
As we move through the Holiday season, I wish all of you good health and happiness. As with our May and September General Membership meetings, we are unable to have our December Mingle, Jingle General Membership meeting. I know how much we all enjoyed gathering, shopping and sharing in the spirit of Christmas and I hope we will be able to do so again very soon. Our Board of Directors held the December Board Meeting and I am using this letter platform to keep you updated on Fontbonne happenings. I will begin with a lovely reflection, given by Sr. Betty, at our meeting.
Advent Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!” Amen
Before I begin my update, I would like to share with you the loss of Bettejean Ahee and her son John Ahee. Bettejean was a lifetime Fontbonne member whose generosity knew no bounds. Her son, John, also had a warm and generous heart. I can’t imagine the tremendous sorrow the Ahee family must be experiencing and I ask that you hold them in your Prayers.
To update you on our last Board Meeting:
Dr. Grady shared that Ascension St. John Hospital is doing well and is operating as a hospital not just a center for COVID. It is important that everyone feel comfortable seeking care in the emergency room. Dr. Grady expressed his appreciation for the support of the Fontbonne, Guild, and Community for the Associates at the hospital. The star is shining brightly on the front of the hospital and is a “Beacon of Light” for the hospital that will shine brighter at different times of the year and will always remain backlit. Kevin wished everyone and their families a safe, healthy and Happy Holiday.
Our Treasurer, Kim Plesco, reported that the Fontbonne Auxiliary is fiscally sound.
Fontbonne has a total of 363 members with 270 being Life members. Kathy McDonald and I have been working at updating addresses, birthdates and other information so that we have accurate mailing lists. Linda Schaden and Camille Cracchiolo, our Membership chairs recently sent out the Dues Renewal letters to Annual members and an update letter to our Lifetime members so we can assure accurate information in our data base. We are encouraging new membership so if you know of anyone who may be interested in joining our fantastic organization, I hope you will encourage them to join. New members bring new friendships.
As a result of COVID-19, not only have we cancelled the September General Membership Meeting, we have also cancelled Jingle, Mingle in December and the White Christmas Ball. These decisions were proactive decisions so that we can be part of the solution in helping to stop the spread of the virus and keeping everyone safe and healthy. Our decision was applauded by Dr. Grady.
Even though the ball has been cancelled, we will be supporting the hospital as we are doing a “Christmas Ball” mailing to raise funds. Phyllis DeMars, Chair of the event, has designed a beautiful donation/invitation and “Miracles Can Happen’ was born. This year the ball will support the “Get-Well-Network,” an interactive patient care system that works through an I-pad or in-room service television. Care teams use Get-Well-Network to empower patient and family participation and decision making through interactive education and medication teaching, while also providing an enjoyable experience. This system is used in many top-rated pediatric hospitals across the country and will be a fabulous addition to Ascension St. John Children’s Hospital. Our mailing went out in mid-November and we are hoping everyone will support our efforts even though we can not have an actual event. You may contact Kathy in the office if you would like to make a donation. The White Christmas Ball will return next year on December 3, 2021.
With COVID on the rise again we have been asked to support the Associates at the hospital. The Board voted to donate $2,000.00 to support meals for the staff in an effort to keep moral up during this trying time.
In October, Kathy McDonald and I spent the evening at “Pink Out” in the Village. The Fontbonne and The Guild donated baskets that were used in a raffle for the women who got their mammograms that evening in the mobile unit which was parked on site. To further promote breast cancer awareness and the Fontbonne, we donated a basket to the Liggett Breast Center and every woman that had a mammogram in October was eligible to win the basket. I am told that the woman that won was thrilled and so excited that it was an uplifting experience for the staff as well.
Looking to the future, we are hoping to have a February General Membership Meeting as well as the Spring Fashion Show. Camille Cracchiolo will be chairing the Fashion Show and we are planning on a “live” event but, as with everything that is planned, these events will be dependent on COVID-19 restrictions. I will continue to update you after our next virtual Board Meeting in February or sooner if I am able.
Our Nominating Committee, lead by Patty Stumb, met and, after much discussion, decided that with COVID and the changes in fundraising at this time they are recommending the current Officers and Board of Directors remain the same for the 2021-2023 term. This was presented at the meeting and there were no objections.
If you have a concern or oppose any of the information/actions in this letter, please indicate below, explain your concern/opposition and mail to The Fontbonne Auxiliary, 22201 Moross, PBII, Ste 450, Detroit, MI 48236 or call or email Kathy at 313-343-3675 or Kathleen.mcdonald1@ascension .org. If you do not have a concern or opposition, then you will be deemed to have approved the actions the Board has taken. Accordingly, if you do not return this letter at all, you will be deemed to have approved all of the Board’s actions.
Oppose____. I oppose the following action(s) of the Board_____________________________
Print Name____________________________Signature________________________________
In closing, I wish you all a safe, joyful and Blessed Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. May God Bless you and your families. I hold you all in my heart and in my prayers.
Lorna Zalenski,
President, Fontbonne Auxiliary
