News Notes

De La Salle Christian Brothers * 7650 S. County Line Road * Burr Ridge, IL 60527 ______

May 2016

Brother Robert Schieler received honorary degree

Brother Robert Schieler, Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, received an honorary doctoral degree during the April 7th spring convocation at Lewis University. The degree was awarded for his accomplishments and leadership for Brothers, as well as for the global Lasallian Family. In his address Brother Robert discussed the Lasallian Legacy, the mission, priorities and the partnership of the International Association of Lasallian Universities, the International Association of Former Students (UMAEL) and the Signum Fidei (Sign of Faith) Movement. Brother Robert served for seven years as General Councilor for the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) in Washington, D.C., prior to his election as Superior General. He is the third American to serve as Superior General. In prior years, he served as Director of Education for the Christian Brothers’ United States-Toronto Region. A Philadelphia native, Brother Robert is a La Salle University alumnus and member of the Board of Trustees. His experience includes leadership as Executive Secretary of the Regional Education Board and the Lasallian Association of College and University Presidents. He was the Visitor for the Baltimore District for seven years. Earlier he served for eleven years in the Philippines in a variety of administrative positions.

Midwest District Days are scheduled

The Midwest District Days this year will include adding a day to the experience. The meetings will run from Friday morning July 22nd through Saturday evening July 23rd. Participants will be able to check in at Lewis University in the afternoon of Thursday, July 21st. A social and evening meal will be provided for those arriving on July 21st. The days will include District updates, discussions and interaction on the topics of the New Rule, immigration, transitions and accompaniment, and health services, as well as the celebration of Jubilees and First Vows. Brothers have the opportunity to attend the musical, “Big Fish,” at the Philip Lynch Theater on Friday evening at 8:00 pm or a gathering for District Legacy Storytelling on Friday evening. A WuFoo registration form has been sent to all potential attendees.

Midwest District novices will profess vows

The members of the Chapter of Admission that convened during the Triduum Retreat at Mundelein confirmed the requests of the three Midwest District novices to profess their first vows. Brothers Ryan Anderson, Johnathon Emanuelson, and Michael Phipps will make their vows for one year during the liturgy honoring the Midwest District jubilarians on July 23rd at Lewis University. For final vows each Brother must be at least 25 years old, have lived in community for at least three years, and have professed temporary vows for at least five years. International Council of Young Lasallians held annual meeting

The International Council of Young Lasallians (ICYL) held its annual meeting at the Generalate in Rome from March 20-26. The Council, whose members represent each Lasallian Region, worked together on planning the vision of the Young Lasallians movement towards the year 2021. This meeting was an opportunity for the ICYL to welcome its two newest members, one from the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) and one from the Lasallian Region of Latin America (RELAL). Sarah Laitinen, the RELAN representative, was appointed to the position in December 2015.

Brother Neil Kieffe honored at Lewis

On March 30th Lewis University dedicated and named its aviation facility the Brother Neil Kieffe, FSC, Aviation Building. Currently the Resource Developer at Bethlehem University, Brother Neil was among the first De La Salle Christian Brothers to be assigned to what was Lewis College in the early 1960s. He taught physics and aviation- related courses and took on a significant role in the expansion and enhancement of the Lewis Aviation program. He expanded the program and oversaw the construction of the building that now bears his name. Acting President of Lewis from August of 1976 through June of 1977, he also was a member of the Lewis Board of Trustees after his years of service. The dedication program was held in the hangar and included remarks by Brother James Gaffney, President; Dolores Pavletic, alumna and member of the Lewis Board of Trustees; Dr. Bonnie Bondavalli, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, and Brother Neil. A reception followed the ceremony.

Cathedral H.S. hosted first immersion experience

Cathedral High School in El Paso, TX hosted the first San Francisco New Orleans District El Otro Lado El Paso immersion experience the week of March 7-11. Participants in the inaugural event included Lasallians from Cathedral High and from Saint Mary’s College H.S. in Berkeley, CA. An extension of the original El Otro Lado begun ten years ago at San Miguel High School in Tucson, the 5-day program is intended to provide Young Lasallians with an opportunity to experience the realities of life in the borderland area of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. The two schools’ students and adults were able to come together to create a faith community and to extend their commitment to the Lasallian mission by answering the call to serve with the migrant community. Participants began each day with a session focused on Catholic social teaching. They then visited a number of sites to learn about the work being done at each of them. Locations included the Juárez Juvenile Center; Centro Catalina women’s cooperative; Centro Derechos Humanos; St. Pius’ Rico Ministry; Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center; Salesiano Oratorio outreach center; Annunciation House; Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services; and the U.S. Border Patrol agency. The El Otro Lado El Paso program will continue to offer immersion experiences in the 2016-2017 academic year with three sessions scheduled for the fall and three sessions scheduled for the spring.

Brother Jerome Rademacher was honored

The Minnesota Nordic Ski Association celebrated its 15th anniversary and honored twelve individuals with the Minnesota Nordic Skiing Lifetime Achievement Award during a ceremony on April 9th at the More Vasaloppet Nordic Center in Mora, MN. The award will be given annually to an individual who has contributed significantly to the advancement of Nordic skiing in Minnesota. Brother Jerome Rademacher was among those who received the award posthumously and who became an inaugural Legacy inductee. Brothers Invited to Attend the St. Mel banquet

The Brothers of the Midwest District are invited to attend the St. Mel Alumni banquet as guests of the alums. The St. Mel Banquet will be held at the White Eagle Restaurant in Niles, IL, on June 3rd. The banquet will start with a social at 6:00pm, followed by dinner at 7:00pm. Those who are interested in attending may contact Samantha VenHuizen at the Burr Ridge office for complimentary tickets – [email protected] or (630) 323-3725. Through a unanimous vote, the St. Mel Alumni Association has selected Brother Armand Alcazar as this year’s Mel Man of the Year!

New black shirts and collars are available

Brother Joe Juliano (DENA) [email protected] is handling new collars and black shirts that are available from CM Almy. There is a video available showing how to wear the Brothers’ shirt and collar. Apparently, it is a superior product to the one produced by Divinity. He is working with CM Almy and is interested to see what level of orders might exist for this product. The collar will run around $15, if there is volume demand. The shirt is already produced by Almy (or any company that sells neckband shirts). The neckband shirts come in all neck sizes and can be short or long sleeve. The pair of collar studs will run around $5 or $6. Brothers interested in seeing the video should email Brother Joseph Martin – [email protected] for the link.

Congratulations to

 Brother Thomas Johnson who received an honorary doctoral degree from Saint Mary’s College of California on April 13th during the annual De La Salle Week Convocation. Currently the Director of the Regional Novitiate in Chicago, he served as Vicar General for the Institute in Rome from 2007-2014. He began his service in the classroom and as an administrator before becoming Visitor of the legacy Chicago District, where he led the merging of three Districts into today’s Midwest District. After serving as Visitor of the Midwest District from 1995-2001, he served as Regional Coordinator at Christian Brothers Conference from 2002-2007 before being called to Rome.  Brother Raymond McManaman received the 2016 Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award during the Celebration of Service ceremony at Lewis University on April 20th. Presented since 1993, the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award honors a faculty or staff member who exemplifies the ideals of Saint John Baptist de La Salle in his or her work at the University to foster Gospel values in the lives of faculty, staff and students. This is one of the University’s most prestigious awards.  Brother Juan Antonio Ojeda (ARLEP) who was invited by the Congregation for Catholic Education of the Vatican to the offices of the Sacred congregation on April 7th to take part in editing and publishing a Directory for Catholic Education. Brother Juan is currently in the Community of Antequera, working at the University School of Teacher Training linked to the local church of María Inmaculada.  Brother Robert Schaefer (DENA) who was appointed by Brother Robert Schieler to join the Central Community at the Generalate in Rome in September and to join the team of the Secretariat of Formation. In addition to English, he speaks Spanish and was a Delegate from his District to the last General Chapter.  Brother Gustavo Ramirez Barba who received an honorary doctorate of pedagogy from Manhattan College on April 7th. He is the General Councilor for Lasallian Higher Education of the Institute. The degree was awarded n the occasion of the dedication of a collection of stained glass windows depicting the life and works of John Baptist de La Salle.  Brother Frank Carr who received the Student Athlete Champion Award on April 15th at SMUMN. He is a member of the Athletics Advisory Board and was honored for outstanding leadership and service.

Rest in Peace

 Paul D. Jones, 74, brother of Brother Philip, died in Maryville, MO, on April 15th. Other survivors include his wife Sandy, four children and fourteen grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Gregory Church in Maryville with interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Health Notes

What Our Nails Reveal About the State of Our Health

Did you know your nails can reveal clues to your overall health? Take a minute to inspect your fingers and toes. Many of us take the condition of our nails for granted. If you have a concern, always talk it over with your doctor or nurse practitioner. At one time I accompanied a Senior Brother to a first time appointment with an internist. The first question the doctor posed was to ask the Brother to take off his socks and shoes so she could inspect his feet. She explained that the condition of a person’s feet and toenails gave her a keen insight into the person’s overall health. Doctors who take care of people 65 and older should routinely inspect the feet of their patients. The following facts give some idea of overall nail health.

Pale Nails • Anemia • Congestive Heart Failure • Liver disease • Malnutrition White Nails • Liver problems (nails are mostly white with darker rims) Yellow Nails • Fungal infection • Thyroid disease • Lung disease • Diabetes Bluish Nails • Body not receiving enough oxygen Rippled Nails • Psoriasis • Inflammatory arthritis Discoloration of the nail is common; the skin under the nail can seem reddish-brown. Cracked or Split nails • Thyroid disease Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection. Dark Lines Beneath the Nail • Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Brothers need to make regular appointments with their podiatrist to maintain good foot and nail care. They should also have regular pedicures/manicures at a reputable salon, where meticulous attention is paid to the instruments used on the feet or hands. If a salon is unfamiliar, call and ask what procedures they use to prevent fungal infections. Ideally the nail technician should wear gloves. The instruments should be opened from a new, sealed package, never reused. A recommendation from a trusted friend is also a good idea.

Source: www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow

Sheila Cusack, RN, BSN Health Coordinator of the Midwest District