Last month’s fish fry was a success! Nearly 500 people purchased fish dinners, which raised around $2,700 for the parking lot resurfacing project. “Overall, the fundraiser went very well,” said Steve Wirgau, administrator at The Whitlock. “The feedback was all positive.” 

Wirgau said those who supported the fundraiser appreciated the drive-up service. People simply drove up to the front doors of The Whitlock, where they were greeted by volunteers who collected their tickets. The volunteers then stepped inside for a moment, then returned with the fresh fish dinners. 

“People really liked the drive-up service,” he said. They also liked the delicious fish, which was prepared by Tyner Odd Fellows #821. “They said they liked the fish, and the large portions in the meal,” he said. 

The Whitlock plans to make the fish fry an annual event. Not only did it raise much-needed funds for the facility, but it also provided another chance for community interaction. “The most important part of this fundraiser was reaching out to the community, so the community knows where the Whitlock is and what we have to offer.”

The park-like setting of The Whitlock includes opportunities for residents and community members to get their hands dirty!
​
Spring means time to start gardening! The raised boxes provided for the residents are ready for planting. One is available on each of the 3 patios.
 
Gardening at The Whitlock is not just for residents. Twelve plots are available in the community garden. The plots are 10’ x 12’. Call soon to reserve your plot!

​Part of life at The Whitlock is the community atmosphere. Creation of The Whitlock Songbook is a great example of community activity at The Whitlock.
 
The Whitlock produced a songbook with 99 of the residents’ favorite songs and hymns.  The printed songs are larger in size and are spiral bound making it easier to hold than the normal hymn book. Pastor Tom Dean and Pastor AnnMarie Kneebone, both members of the Whitlock Board, worked with the residents in developing the songbook. The cost of printing the 25 songbooks was covered by funds provided by the Bremen First United Church of Christ. The songbook is designed such that additional favorites can be added. The Whitlock Songbook will be used during the weekly Devotions service, which is another example of community-building activities available at The Whitlock. 
​

The Whitlock has an extensive network of donors and volunteers. The Whitlock Appreciation Open House was a way to give thanks.
 
On January 22, 2015, The Whitlock hosted an Open House to show appreciation for the people who donate time and money to make The Whitlock an amazing place. Administrator, Steve Wirgau, greeted people at the door with a personal thanks. Everyone gathered in the dining room to enjoy snacks and tea.
 
Have something to offer?
 
The Whitlock appreciates the support of the people and organizations of our community. If you have a service that you would like to donate, or you would like to volunteer, please give us a call.

On Sunday, August 17, 2014, The Whitlock hosted a community worship service and meal. It was a beautiful day!

The Whitlock Festival provided an opportunity for people from supporting churches, volunteers, residents and their family members, staff, and board members to meet one another and enjoy the park-like setting of The Whitlock.
​
Thank You!
Thank you to the pastors participating in the worship service: Rev. Dr. Carrie Call – Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Eva Buthy – St. Andrew’s UCC Mishawaka, Pastor Dale Speckman – Zion UCC Wakarusa, Pastor Tom Dean – First UCC Bremen, Pastor Jo An Schaetzle – St. John UCC Woodland, Pastor Wendy Brunner – Zion UCC South Bend. Thank you to Linda Roher, Trevor Mikel, Steve Wirgau, and the Festival Committee for all their contributions!

The Whitlock is under new management! The Board of Directors of The Whitlock is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Steve Wirgau as its new Administrator.  

Mr. Wirgau joined The Whitlock staff in January of 2010 as the Maintenance Supervisor. He brings with him a management and consulting background including management experience for a Fortune 500 company. He was made Administrator of The Whitlock in addition to the Maintenance Supervisor position in late 2013. The Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations and reports to The Whitlock Board of Directors, which is made up of representatives from the area UCC churches that support The Whitlock. 
​
His main goal as an administrator is to have operations at The Whitlock run as smoothly as possible in all areas. Mr. Wirgau enjoys working with the 55 and older community who live at The Whitlock and feels it is important to make all of the residents feel like The Whitlock is their home.