“People for Pine Crest” disbands, donates remaining funds for nursing home residents

The group People for Pine Crest has officially dissolved, directing its remaining funds for the benefit of residents at Pine Crest Health and Memory Care in Merrill before closing its books.
The grassroots group had pushed for Lincoln County Board of Supervisors to keep Pine Crest under County ownership, opposing a proposed sale to an out-of-state, for-profit corporation. After settling expenses from that effort, the group presented a check for $1,154.63 to Life Enrichment Director Brianna VandenHeuvel at Pine Crest Health and Memory Care — formerly known as Pine Crest Nursing Home — with the money earmarked for Christmas gifts for residents and future enrichment programming.
“Through our work, we realized the issues raised here in Lincoln County are being raised throughout Wisconsin,” said the Rev. Michael Southcombe, pastor at St. Stephens UCC in Merrill.
“Some of us in the group have united with others around the state and formed the Senior Empowerment Project, and we’ll be active in the many issues facing our senior citizens, especially in rural areas,” said Eileen Guthrie, a member of both groups.
“Senior citizens have more power than they realize, and when they gather and talk about the issues they are facing, they start to see opportunities and focus on solutions,” Southcombe said.
The Senior Empowerment Project will host an informational brunch at the Eagles Club in Merrill on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to noon. More information is available at actionnetwork.org/events/northwoods-senior-breakfast.