by Cynthia Germain
Merry Christmas from Do Good Door County!
As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to those who have helped make it possible. This season is not just about festivities but about the joy and warmth that community brings, and here at Do Good Door County, we have much to be thankful for.
First and foremost, we extend our deepest appreciation to Kris Ingram, our MatchUp Coordinator. Kris has been instrumental in getting the MatchUp program off the ground. In addition, her dedication and passion have also been vital in implementing the Vitality in Aging program, a cornerstone initiative in 2024.
A special thank you goes out to our Vitality in Aging team: Theresa Schmelzer, Susan Guthrie, and the newest addition, Cheryl Simon. We are grateful for Theresa’s leadership, key in bringing the program to life, and together, this team is making a significant impact on the well-being of older adults in Door County.
We are also proud to recognize the achievements of Senior Advocacy for Independent Living. Their board has worked diligently to expand the village model, empowering older adults in Sister Bay and Liberty Grove to live independently with the support they need. Similarly, Lake to Bay Neighbors has made tremendous strides this year, working towards building a village model that will support Door residents south of Sister Bay. The collaboration and dedication of these groups inspire us every day.
Our heartfelt thanks extend to the Aging Coalition of Door County and its members who share our vision of aging well. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all older adults in our community.
A big shout-out goes to Local Marketing for their creative support in bringing our programs to light. Special thanks to Jenna Kasten whose tireless work on our social media channels has amplified awareness of Do Good Door County. Jenna’s talents extend beyond marketing—she is also a gifted jewelry artist. You can explore her beautiful work at Little Rooster Studio.
And it goes without saying, we are immensely grateful to our board, our donors, our funders, and everyone who has supported Do Good Door County. Your belief in our mission fuels our drive to create an age-friendly community together.
On a personal note, I would like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout the year. I am especially grateful for my partner, Monica Ramirez, whose artistry and love enrich my life every day. You can view Monica’s incredible artwork at Mona Lucy Gallery.
As we step into the new year, we do so with gratitude and excitement for the future. May your holiday season be filled with joy, peace, and the company of those you love. Happy New Year from all of us at Do Good Door County!