Pines Village resident profile: Maxine Philips

“I have to feel like I’m contributing,” says the energetic septuagenarian whose families have contributed so much to the Valparaiso area.

Her great, great grandfather served in the American Revolution which spurred Maxine to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she is now serving as regent for the local Chapter.

While serving as president of the Porter County Council of Church Women, Maxine’s mother, Mary E. Bartz, helped found Whispering Pines Health Care Center.  Because the endeavor to create such a nursing care facility in Valparaiso was so important to her mother, Maxine today serves as treasurer for the Porter County Council of Church Women.

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Pines Village employee profile: Rita Duncan

Many Pines Village residents never see one of their community’s most important employees.

And for her part, when Rita Duncan sees residents, it’s often in a much different light from other staff members.

Rita works overnight, taking charge of a range of maintenance jobs and providing security for the Pines Village complex while residents sleep.  Because she is the first responder to problems or emergencies residents may face in the wee hours, she often encounters them without the make-up and clothing – even the wigs and dentures – they would normally wear during the day.

But even though she may not later recognize the residents she has helped with a concern, she feels a closeness to them that makes her ready to respond to any situation at a moment’s notice.

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Pines Village board of directors profile: Sharon Mortensen - Treasurer

Quick quiz: How is accounting like serving on the Pines Village Board of Directors?

For Sharon Mortensen, both came to her in roundabout ways and quickly became things she loves.

Sharon, a certified public accountant in Valparaiso, as well as Pines Village board treasurer, originally wanted to be an attorney.  But before ever getting to law school, she earned a degree in accounting at Valparaiso University and became hooked.

“I love what I do,” Sharon says. “I am one of the lucky people.”

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The Hazel Hannell Collection was unveiled at Pines Village on March 20, 2011. This permanent gallery of legendary Porter County artist Hazel Hannell is open to the public Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.