Longtime Headwaters employee retires
 | James Berna, center, was honored at a recent retirement party at Headwaters, Inc., in Rhinelander. Commending him for his record-setting 35 years of service in the sheltered workshop are Mary Hardtke, director of Headwaters, and Don Sturm, rehabilitation services manager. (Submitted photo)
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Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent
RHINELANDER — James Berna holds a record, and he has a right to be proud of his accomplishment. At a recent retirement party in Rhinelander, he was honored by his many friends and Headwaters Inc. for having been involved in the sheltered workshop program for 35 years — longer than any other participant.
When James was in his early 20s, his parents, Dorothy and Norm Berna, looked for a place where he would be challenged to meet his full potential. They were grateful to find Headwaters, an agency of Catholic Charities which provides numerous services for people with disabilities.
“Headwaters kept him busy and gave him a chance to learn,” Dorothy said. “This is the kind of place that so many families need.”
“It was amazing how Headwaters was able to make such a difference in his daily living skills and his ability to function on his own,” said Linda Berna, James’ sister-in-law and guardian. Over the years, James has gone from living in a group home to now having his own apartment.
Looking back on his 35 years, James breaks out in a big grin when his contributions to some of his many work projects are mentioned. He has been involved in everything from auto detailing and shredding paper to doing woodworking and stuffing animal toys for a local pet supply company.
While the work opportunities have provided meaningful employment, perhaps even more important, according to his mother and sister-in-law, are the lasting friendships and socialization that James has found at Headwaters.
“He formed many long-term relationships here,” Linda said. “It was an event for him to come to work.
“There has been a dramatic change over the years in how people with disabilities are more normalized and active in the community,” she added. “That is very important so that they can grow and have a sense of self-worth and value.”
Although James, age 60, is retiring (one reason he gives is that his brother, Bob, retired), he still remains active and is interested in watching sports on television. His family also notes church-related television programs particularly hold his attention. James enjoys attending Mass at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, and until recently served as an usher.
Headwaters director Mary Hardtke reflected on the years she has known James. “This man has always been so polite, and anything you would ask him to do, he would do it. Everybody loves him; he has lots of friends.”
Even though James has officially retired, Hardke assured him that he is welcome to come back for a visit and lunch any time. “You are an honorary member of Headwaters,” she told him.
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