Adoray Gala Committee

Interested in helping with the Adoray 2020 Gala that will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2020.

Please join us at our second committee planning meeting on
Thursday, March 26,
2:00 -3:00pm
At the Adoray Office 

Questions please contact Amber a.bettinger@adorayhomecare.org 

Volunteer Spotlight
Meet 
Shirley Rademaker
(Baldwin 1)

“The Thursday Ladies” have been a dedicated group since Treasures first opened in 1999. Shirley Rademaker joined this group one year later when her sister-in-law encouraged her to be a part of the team.

Buying their home in 1966, Shirley and her husband Bud have always lived in Woodville. They had one son, Bud. Shirley has 3 granddaughters and 6 great-grandchildren. “3 and 3” she said while flashing one of her sweet smiles. It isn’t a surprise when a little face appears in the doorway at Treasures looking for Grandma Shirley.

In 1950, Shirley started working at the First Bank of Baldwin as a Teller. She soon advanced to stenographer, then posting and kept “climbing the ladder” until she became a personal banker. “I planned on retiring from the bank when I turned 65; the bank decided we would begin handling loans and lending, so I retired at 64.”

Shirley began volunteering at Treasures and did the ironing. “I had a hot iron and ironing board. We put out lots of clothes. It was a big job but I enjoyed it.” When asked her favorite part about volunteering she said “The comradery. We laugh, tell stories and share recipes. I enjoy our coffee breaks. We bring treats and do the Jumble and seven-letter puzzles from the Sunday paper.” After 19 years of volunteering, she still looks forward to Thursdays.

Shirley is a member of the Women’s Axillary at Western Wisconsin Health, serves on the board at First Bank of Baldwin and is the friendly face greeting family and friends at O’Connell’s. In her younger years you could always find her and Bud square dancing. They were so smooth and fun to watch. They always had the prettiest matching outfits.

When asked what advice she would give to the younger generation, Shirley replied, “Work hard, it wont kill ya. Work hard and stay humble.”

Shirley has always lived her life by one simple motto: “Don’t ever forget the Lord.” Her generous heart, infectious smile and gentle demeanor prove this true.

We are grateful for all Shirley does for our organization and look forward to spending many more Thursdays with her.

Volunteer Spotlight
Meet 
Shirley Rademaker
(Baldwin 2)

Sharon Janski has been a resident of Baldwin since 1975, born in Wabasha, MN. She is the proud mother of 2 children and four beautiful grandchildren. Sharon's past history has always been focused on caring for others such as mother, homemaker, caregiver, and housekeeper for the elderly and disabled.

Sharon's favorite thing is spending time with family, dancing (of course, and she is quite the dancer) baking, traveling, and working at Adoray's Treasures II.

Sharon has volunteered for about 3-4 years . Sharon many weeks volunteers 3 days a week! Whenever we do estates sales or pop up store she is always one of the first to say "I want to help!"  Sharon loves organizing, helping Treasures II look nice, and loves working to help customers have a great experience! You can ask Sharon to do anything at the store, she is always willing. When you thank her for doing something, she always responds,  "No, thank you!"

Sharon's favorite memory of Treasures II is all the beloved friendships she has made here. "I will cherish those memories forever!"

When asked why would you recommend Treasures II a place to volunteer? Sharon says,  "It's fun, lots of laughing, and a great atmosphere! What are you all waiting for!? Come on down and join us!"

Volunteer Spotlight
Meet 
Suman Mehmood

Suman is a Junior studying Biotechnology and is attending UW-RF for the spring semester.  Her home is Kashmir Pakistan, a remote area located on the border of India and Pakistan.  This area of the world is under dispute between the two countries and life there is very different than in River Falls. Suman is one of 98 students that have come from Pakistan to America on scholarship to learn not only about their area of studies but also about America, and to share their experiences with us.  She will call River Falls home until mid-May.  Part of her cultural experience requires her to perform community service.  We are so pleased that she has chosen us in River Falls.

Suman stays in the dorms on campus and also has a host family that has opened their home to her.  She loves River Falls.  “Everyone has been so friendly,” she explained.  “The people are helpful and so kind.”  Her fellow students have accepted her, and we know why.  Her kind smile and beautiful eyes make you feel warm and you can’t help smiling back when you meet her.  “Even when I am old, I will remember all the people of River Falls,” Suman says.

The volunteers have taken her under their wings and share stories with her in the breakroom.  Recently, Marcia was handing out Valentines and Suman asked what Valentine’s Day was.  Marcia explained it was a day to express your love not only to your boyfriend or husband, but you can express your love to your parents, grandparents or friends.  Little things we take for granted are new again when seen through the eyes of a person from the other side of the world.

At first, you believe Suman is quiet and shy, but soon you realize she is very funny.  In her culture a younger person does not engage in eye contact with their elders or their teachers or bosses.  “When answering or asking questions you are to look down, but in America it is completely opposite”, she explained with a smile.  Another big difference is how safe she feels here in River Falls.  At home, a young woman can never walk alone.  They must be accompanied by their father or brother. Suman is enjoying walking to and from campus from the store despite all the winter weather.

Suman is discovering a new world.  She attends the University of Kotli AJK in Pakistan.  At home there are no musical studies.  She has found a love for Jazz music and is taking a History of Jazz class, and with help of one of her professors is taking guitar lessons.  She hopes to bring home a guitar and be able to play for her family and friends.  “They will freak out!” she exclaimed with a smile.

Suman has big aspirations.  After she receives her Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, she hopes to get a scholarship and come back to America and obtain her Masters and then PHD.  Her eyes are set on NASA and being an Astronaut. With all her determination and adventurous spirit, we know that someday she will be flying among the stars.