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Mile Bluff shines the volunteer
spotlight on Fred Schweiger
by Katie Mead
Mile Bluff Medical Center has
named Fred Schweiger as September’s volunteer of the month.
For the last eight years, Fred
has been volunteering at Mile Bluff - Crest View Nursing Home in New
Lisbon. Every Wednesday, Fred can be found either playing cards and
cribbage, or chatting with the residents of Crest View.
“I enjoy talking with the
residents, and they enjoy having the company. I’ve learned a lot from
them, especially about farming and their lives.”
Fred isn’t new to the world of
volunteering. Before moving to New Lisbon he donated his time at the VA
Hospital in Chicago. While working there, Fred developed a passion for
volunteering.
“At the VA, I was dealing with
residents and patients that didn’t want to be there,” explains Fred. “Many
of them were lost men who didn’t have any family or friends. They were
often bitter and depressed. Many times I would go into their rooms and at
first they would tell me to get out and leave them alone. It was a
challenge for me to build the confidence of these men so they could talk
with me. I’ve gained a lot of friendships from doing this.”
To Fred, Crest View is a
top-notch nursing home. “The people, staff and facility are all so nice,”
stated Fred. “I told my wife this is where I want to go if I ever need to
go into a nursing home.” He continued, “When people retire they do things
they enjoy and benefit from. I think I find more enjoyment and benefits
from the people here than they do from me.”
Before moving to the New
Lisbon area, Fred and his family lived in Northbrook, Illinois for 42
years. After being a youth hockey coach and a highway and transportation
engineer, Fred and his wife decided to move up north.
“My wife and I love Wisconsin,” explains
Fred. “We’ve traveled to every corner of the state.” Fred also has a
daughter living in this area. Sue Fabian, Mile Bluff’s Health Promotion
Director, is one of six children in the Schweiger household.
When Fred isn’t volunteering
or spending time with his 14 grandchildren, he enjoys sailing, doing yard
work, walking, biking and traveling.
There are many great opportunities
available for people, such as Fred, to help others at Mile Bluff. If
interested in becoming a volunteer at Mile Bluff - Crest View Nursing
Home, please call Lorraine Anderson at 608-562-3667. If you would like
to donate time at Mile Bluff - Fair View Nursing Home, call Jill Finley at
608-847-1290. For opportunities at Mile Bluff Medical Center, contact
Reverend Fairchild at 608-847-1285.
Caption:
Fred Schweiger is recognized for his
volunteer efforts at Mile Bluff - Crest View Nursing Home. He can be
found visiting and playing cribbage with the residents. |
