
Lindenwood
9601 S. Union Road, Donaldson; 574-935-1780; www.lindenwood.org
The Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center in Donaldson, Indiana, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with various events throughout the year. On March 23, 2006, there will be an Organ Recital and Vocal Performance at the Ancilla Domini Chapel in Donaldson from 7-8 PM. Dr. Herman Taylor will perform various selections on the beautiful pipe organ. Dr. Taylor holds the bachelor of music degree from Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University, and the master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Michigan. He also holds the AAGO certification from the American Guild of Organists. Dr. Taylor's wife, Vivian, will perform various vocal selections. Mrs. Taylor was a member of the New World Ensemble, the New Orleans Black Chorale, and the professional chorus, Jefferson Singers. Mrs. Taylor's selections will include "Sweet Little Jesus Boy," "Were You There," and other spirituals. Come join us for a delightful evening. Refreshments will be served following the performance.

State Farm - Laurie Sutter
509 Colonial Court, Plymouth; 574-936-3405
According to demographics on the Chamber's web site, the Hispanic population in Marshall County spiked 221 percent between 1990 and 2000, leaving some local businesses at a disadvantage due to the language barrier. Understanding that it can be a challenge for an English-speaking person to communicate effectively with an insurance agent to determine insurance needs and understand available options, State Farm agent Laurie Sutter fully realized the barrier for clients with little or no English language skills. She decided to do something about it. 'I saw a need for us to be able to communicate with the Hispanic population,' she says. 'I felt like some of our Spanish-speaking clients were not getting the service they deserved because we couldn't communicate.' To better serve these clients, Sutter added Anna Flores and Erica Ramirez to her office team in early February. 'They've only been with me a short time, but they're already contributing to the quality of our customer service to our Hispanic clients,' Sutter says. 'Anna and Erica are able to speak with existing clients and potential customers on the phone, and they translate questions from the clients to us. In turn, they work with our two other team members to obtain quotes and explain available options to the client.' Sutter states that State Farm has been providing its agents with Spanish-language brochures for years. 'The brochures are detailed and provide important data, but I really feel that having a person in the office who can speak with the customers makes a big difference,' she says. 'Also, both Anna and Erica are local residents. They've lived here all their lives and graduated from Plymouth High School making their knowledge of our community invaluable.' Sutter, born and raised in Logansport, has lived in Indiana most of her life. She has been a State Farm agent in her Plymouth office for a year now. Along with Anna and Erica, her team consists of Shari Schadek and Angela Wright. 'That's right, we're an all-girl office,' she says. 'Girl Power!'.

The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.
112 S. Center Street, Suite C, Plymouth; 574-935-4511; www.centerforhospice.org
Mark Murray, President/CEO of The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. has been elected to the board of directors of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Murray will be representing member hospice organizations from the Great Lakes Geographic Area, which includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The board of directors position carries a three year term, (renewable once for a maximum of six years). According to the Indiana Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in Indianapolis, no person from Indiana has ever served on the national hospice board. Founded in 1978, NHPCO is the largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States. With headquarters in Alexandria, VA., the organization advocates for the terminally ill and their families. It also develops public and professional educational programs and materials to enhance understanding and availability of hospice and palliative care; convenes frequent meetings and symposia on emerging issues; provides technical informational resources to its membership; conducts research; monitors Congressional and regulatory activities; and works closely with other organizations that share an interest in end of life care. Hospice is a premier not-for-profit, community-based agency providing comfort and support to all people facing the end-of-life through hospice, home health and bereavement services and educating the community on end-of-life issues. Through offices in South Bend, Plymouth and Elkhart, The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care serves St. Joseph, Marshall, Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, LaGrange, LaPorte and Starke Counties, and is Indiana's most chosen hospice program.

Heartland Artists
321 N. Water Street, Plymouth; 574-935-4987; www.heartlandartists.org
Solo shows presented by the Heartland Artists at the Life Enrichment Center, 1305 W. Harrison St., Plymouth for the months of:
March - Youth Art Month - Vickie Cook; April - Casey Gasway; May - Ed Pullen; June - Jayne Jacobson; July - Angela Leed; August - Kay Metsker (Photography); September - Vera Tiani; October - Randy-Lynne Wach; November - Carrolyne Babcock; December - Ron Zimmerman (Photography)
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