CHATTER Homewood at Frederick The Volume 16 Number 4 April 2015 At Homewood, March was the month of contrasts! Photo by Robert Broadrup Photo by Vernon Rippeon Photo by Vernon Rippeon Photo by Robert Broadrup Photo by Vernon Rippeon Photo by Robert Broadrup Nichols’ Notes Eric T. Nichols, Executive Director Spring is finally here at Homewood at Frederick. After the cold and snowy winter we had, I have heard many of you speak about wanting spring to arrive so you could begin to enjoy the sunshine and outdoor activities. By the time you read this, the last of our snow mountains on campus should be a fading memory. April is National Volunteer month and as always we have a big celebration planned for all of our wonderful volunteers. Here are a few statistics about our volunteer program here at Homewood at Frederick for the 2014 year: 51,984 total volunteer hours $1,321,953.10 associated value 179 apartment, cottage, and patio home volunteers 15 Assisted Living volunteers 7 Meadows volunteers 11 student volunteers 115 community volunteers The volunteers on campus have been busy with a variety of volunteer activities. Here is just a sample: Volunteers helped with bingo, the Chaplain’s office, devotions, escorting, Catoctin Country Store, Friendship Circle, Healthcare Reception desk, library, marketing/admission and tour guides, Mrs. Magilacutty’s Little Cart, mail sorting and delivery, and the music team. These resident volunteers served as crafters, pet visitors, Secret Pals, Sunshine Readers, worship service team, and led the successful yard sale. The Residents Association and its committees ran smoothly as a result of many devoted volunteers! Eight Auxiliary Executive Board volunteers shared over 1700 hours of service while they planned special events including a highly successful Fall Tea and Christmas in July as well as Mrs. Claus’ Little Donut Shoppe which raised funds for Homewood. The Board headed up an annual membership drive and donated funds to enhance the lives of Healthcare Center residents. Their dedicated efforts continue to help support special activities in the Healthcare Center and fund programs through the Volunteer Office including the very popular Rolling Five-and-Dime Cart on Woodlands and Mrs. Magilacutty’s Little Cart on Meadows. The monthly Gratitude Circle is also supported by the Auxiliary. The Sunshine Reader Team consists of 21 members at Brunswick Elementary School and 16 members at Walkersville Elementary School! This 37-member volunteer team represents Assisted Living, Meadows and Independent Living. Homewood serves over 400 students as we continue to make this important contribution in our community. Thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers that we have here on our campus and in the Frederick community. Lunch & Learn: Upcoming Topics Tentatively Scheduled for the second Monday of each month April 13 - Life Planning: How to Get Your Affairs in Order May 11 - Pharmacy and Medications in the HCC June 8 – How to Prevent Re-Hospitalization **Remember to sign up at the Reception Desk. RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Richard Petrie, President When the robins return, it is time to think “Yard Sale” on May 1 and 2. The 2015 leaders (Pat and Paul Culwell and Ed Chaney) beat the robins with early planning and identifying key helpers. The Head Cashier and Treasurer will be Phil Litman, and Mr. Publicity is Dick Kopp. The Yard Sale is divided into 13 categories, with a leader who selects helpers for each category: Categories Leader Used books Freda Litman Puzzles Barbara Moore Electronics and Tools Adrien Tudor Small furniture Graham McIntyre Hobbies Nancy Manthey Holidays Martha Badger and Sharron Smith Jewelry and Boutique Pat Culwell Small appliances Bob Badger Pictures Gloria and Ray Gafney Linens Mary Alice Marks Housewares Avadna Coghill Free items Bobby Rickman Treasurers Maggie Hartzell Now you can check your closets, based on the Category column, and then call a leader to volunteer. One more area which is essential is Pick Up; Dean Wood is the leader and needs help. Just remember that May 3 is a day of rest! Happy Yard Saleing! HOMEWOOD AUXILIARY Photo by Lauren Burton Photo by Shirley Erdmanis Loberta Staley The Spring Fashion Show with Dessert sponsored by the Homewood Auxiliary in March was a huge success. Many Homewood residents modeled beautiful selections from the Taylor Marie Collection. These models expertly displayed the clothing as they walked the runway area around the Tuscarora Dining Room. The attendees also enjoyed a delicious apple dumpling prepared by the Homewood chef. Later, racks of wonderful clothing and accessories were available for shopping in the MP Room. This was an enjoyable boutique shopping experience for all. This may become an annual event so stay tuned. Photo by Lauren Burton NEW RESIDENTS ……………Shirley Erdmanis and Leslie Hobbs Ardeth Bean moved from Frederick, MD in February 2015 to Apt. 408. She is a widow with three daughters and one son, six grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren. Born in North Washington, PA, Ardeth attended grades 1-8 at North Washington School and grades 9-12 at Concord Washington Township High School. She worked in U.S. Civil Service in 1955 at an Ordnance Supply USMC base in Barstow, CA. In 1957 Ardeth worked for Willys Jeep Corp. in Emeryville, CA. After 1958, her children and home, plus 20 years of duty as a Marine Corps wife, kept her busy. Not as much would be expected of a Marine Corps wife today, she said, as what was expected in the 50s. Ardeth volunteered at schools in many states and in a library. She also volunteered at Frederick Memorial Hospital and Walkersville United Methodist Church. When Walkersville started a Senior Center, Ardeth became one of the cooks. Her interests and hobbies are sewing, embroidery, crocheting, woodworking, cooking and reading. After visiting friends for many years at Homewood, Ardeth said that Homewood at Frederick has “the best with the most in Frederick County.” Ev and Bob Higbie moved to Willow Ponds from Mt Airy, MD in November 2014. They have one daughter and three grandchildren. Ev, who was born in Philadelphia, earned a BA in biology, and worked at ATT and in a nursing home where she coordinated activities for patients. In the community she has been involved with Girl Scouts and other school activities. She was an active volunteer at the Schifferstadt Museum in Frederick for 12 years. Ev enjoys reading, quilting, painting, gardening and playing bridge. Bob, who earned a BA at American University, had a career at the U.S. Supreme Court, beginning as a page and later becoming a librarian. He knew the Justices, observed trials and met several presidents. He also was the unofficial Supreme Court photographer who made portraits of the Justices with royalty, celebrities and presidents. Bob is a volunteer at the Schifferstadt Museum. Ev and Bob came to Homewood because they were referred by a relative. Jean and Tom Kaylor moved to Willow Ponds in September 2014 from nearby Damascus, MD. They have five children and thirteen grandchildren, some of whom live in the area. Jean is a native of Washington, D.C. where she attended the Academy of the Holy Cross High School; she also studied at George Washington University and Charles County Community College. Jean worked for many years as a secretary for various State and Federal government departments. Active in her church and community, she wrote and taught Bible studies, visited the elderly and worked as the administrative assistant at the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center. Jean’s hobbies include sewing and quilting, reading, writing both poetry and her life’s story, decorating, cooking and gardening. Tom is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church who is currently serving part-time at a church in Gaithersburg. After earning a BA from Western Maryland College, he attended Boston University School of Theology where he earned both MDiv and DMin degrees. During his ministry, Tom served many congregations and in community leadership roles that founded Meals on Wheels in Waldorf, MD; and Frostburg Retirement Village and Camp Hope in Frostburg, MD. Tom, who was born in Karns City, PA, enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and visiting family and friends. Jean and Tom were attracted to the patio homes as well as the staff and residents of Homewood; they love the mountains and people of Frederick. NEW RESIDENTS THE VISIONAIRES Mary Catherine Brake Joining us from Frederick, MD in February 2015 into Apt. 361 is Lois Tyson. Lois is a widow with two daughters; her son is deceased. She was born in Frederick County, graduated from Frederick High School and Visitation Academy Business School. Lois was a homemaker for many years and then she was an Administrative Secretary for Peoples Life Insurance Co., Baltimore County Government and the District Superintendents’ Office of the BaltimoreWashington Conference of the United Methodist Church. Lois has been very active as a member of Reeder’s Memorial Home Auxiliary and other church-related organizations and activities. Her interests and hobbies are music, reading and travel. Lois chose Homewood at Frederick for her retirement community because of her experiences and associations with Homewood residents and staff. She has known Homewood’s Meadows resident, Marlee Richardson, for many years. The Visionaires will meet on Tuesday. April 7, at 10:30 am in the ILAC Room across from the bank. The program will be most informative and unusual, and will be facilitated by Cathy Stull, Homewood’s Volunteer Coordinator, and Avadna Coghill, a member of our group. We will listen to an interview with Diane Rehm, a NPR/American University commentator, about macular degeneration. Rehm spoke with doctors from the Wilmer Clinic at Johns Hopkins as they discussed this important topic. Do not miss this meeting. SATURDAY NIGHT MOVIES SIGN UP FOR GARDEN PLOTS Paul Culwell A meeting and sign-up for Homewood garden plots will be on APRIL 9 at 9:00 am in the 3rd Floor Library for those interested. For those unable to attend, call Paul, X4280, after April 9. Book Chat 7:00 pm in the MPR (Subject to change) Apr. Nancy McIntyre 4 The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe 2005 Apr. 11 The Enchanted Cottage 1945 Apr. 18 Cabaret 1972 Apr. 25 Annie 2014 Vernon Rippeon Northern Lights by Nora Roberts is in the 4th Floor Library. If you have been to Alaska or are planning to go, this is a must-read. There are a couple of murders for the handsome Chief of Police to solve, as well as love and lust. WINTER’S END BIRD REPORT Lane Hart In the early snow period Fred Wenner emailed to me a February 23 photo of a Bluebird, the most beautiful that I have ever seen, in one of the ornamental cherry trees on the west side of Homewood’s entrance circle. Bluebirds used to be one of the earliest “spring-bringers;” but now, like Robins, a sizeable number of them remain in the area all year. Hopefully I will find one or more of the Bluebird houses on the Homewood campus occupied by Bluebirds! During the last (we hope) snow-covered days of winter, I have been asked a number of times: “What are all of those flocks of Canada Geese feeding on in the adjacent fields?” The answer is taken verbatim from The Birder’s Handbook*: “Diet: Shoots, roots, and seeds of grass and sedges, bulbs, grain; also insects, crustaceans, mollusks. Mostly grain and foliage in winter.” Next month, eggs and nests will be highlighted. Happy birding! *Source: P. 58, The Birder’s Handbook…A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds; Paul L Ehrlich, David S. Dobkin and Darryl Wheye.; published by Simon and Schuster, Inc., New York, 1988. Note: This book is still available at Amazon and most major book stores. CLERGY WIVES AND WIDOWS Leslie Hobbs 980 years as a pastor’s wife! That is a combined total for the 18 wives and widows of clergy who live at Homewood at Frederick. These women met for lunch in March and enjoyed sharing experiences. They plan to meet regularly in the months ahead. Computer Classes 2015 YARD SALE Paul Culwell The 2015 Yard Sale at Homewood will be May 1 and 2. Are you ready? Have you set aside items you want to donate? Your items can be taken to the Multi-Purpose Room from 9:00 am to 12 noon on Wednesday, April 29. If you are unable to take them, call Pat Culwell, X 4280, by April 27. Arrangements will be made to have them picked up on April 29. You will need to place the items, marked “Yard Sale.” outside your door by 8:30 am. Would you like to volunteer your help during the Sale? Help is needed for April 29 and 30 for sorting and pricing, as well as during the Sale. Sign-up sheets are on the sign-up table near the coat room. Complete a form and put it in the box by April 8. If you have turned in a sign-up sheet to a Team leader, do not fill out a second sheet. There will be a meeting of all volunteers on April 16 at 10:00 am in the IL Dining Room. For more information call Paul Culwell, X4280. Look for the following up-coming computer and iPad classes: On Saturday, April 22, Jennifer and Jessi will teach another iPad class on “Using the Camera.” This will be held in the Café at 9:30 am. On Wednesday, April 22, resident Bill Burg, will teach a class on “Using Your PC.” This class will navigate you through the basics of your computer. This class will not cover information about the MAC. Sign-up sheets will be posted at the Reception Desk closer to the dates. These are FREE classes and everyone is welcome. GRANDCHILDREN The Yard Sale will be open on Thursday, April 30, between 2:30 and 4:00 pm, to residents and staff only! PLEASE--NO FAMILY OR FRIENDS on Thursday. Irish Band Cormorant’s Fancy entertained us in March to a packed house! Look for them again next year! Eleanor Lambert’s quads are in 2nd grade now - Caroline, Wilson, Ellie and Luke Eastman SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT FALLS Fitness Committee LIFE CAN BE BETTER IF WE TRY Fitness Committee To enjoy the activities we love, we need to cultivate safety at home…particularly fall prevention…and especially as we age. Roughly one-third of adults, age 65 and older, suffer falls each year; many of those falls are debilitating. Have a conversation with your doctor. When your get-up-and-go has just got-up-and-gone, there may be good medical-physical reasons why you’re complaining. Maybe the ticker or breathing apparatus needs attention; maybe the bones ain’t quite what they used to be; maybe it’s something else that only the doctor can measure. But have that talk, and soon! Here are some tips to prevent falls at home: Avoid loose mats, throw rugs and other tripping hazards. Exercise to stay strong and keep your balance. (Homewood offers Strength and Balance classes every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 pm in the Wellness Center.) Make sure lighting is good. Use non-slip mats and grab bars in bath and shower. Consider bells on pets to avoid tripping over them. Wear footwear with nonskid soles. Source: National Safety Council THE RESIDENT OPTIMIST The biggest lie I tell myself is, “I don’t need to write that down; I’ll remember it.” “Getting lucky” means walking into a room and remembering what I came in there for. SAFETY TIP: Get rid of that pack of cigarettes. That’s a recommendation high on every health-care list in print. No ifs, ands or butts! Eat healthfully. Make believe you live in Italy, Greece or someplace where the natives consume a Mediterranean diet that is high on fruits, veggies and nuts. Cut down on cheeseburgers and don’t over-do the booze! Get moving. The sedentary life is an invitation to other ills. Talk to Tom about the Homewood programs, the well-equipped gymnasium, the walking pool. Now that it’s spring, get outside, play bocce ball. To take a stroll or a vigorous walk on the various campus paths is to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the view, the fresh air, the movement, and often, by the companionship of other Homewood walkers. Graham McIntyre, Safety & Security Committee Contact If You Suspect Fraud or Any Other Tax Irregularities US Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Telephone 1-800-366-4484 Complaints@ tigta.treas.gov www.tigta.gov IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit Telephone 1-800-908-4490, Extension 245 SOURCE: TURBO TAX for TAX YEAR 2014 as of 2/24/2015 NEW! Saturday Morning Classes! Tom McLaughlin Nicole Rohloff, certified Hatha yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, and aerobics enthusiast would like to invite you to join her for two new classes in Homewood’s Wellness Center, starting Saturday, March 7. Classes are FREE! At 10:00 am, Low Impact Aerobics will get you moving and burning calories while being easy on your tissues and joints. At 10:45 am, Gentle Flow Yoga is open to all levels, including beginners; it’s therapeutic in nature and beneficial for stress relief and overall well-being. WELLNESS FAIR 2015 Music Listening Group HOBOs Paul Mellott, Head Tramp Avadna Coghill/Barbara Zentner Happy Birthday, Shostakovich! Dimitri Shostakovich turned 60 in 1966 when Leonard Bernstein paid tribute to him by playing and explaining Shostakovich’s 9th symphony. Bernstein described Shostakovich as a true genius, a composer of powerful symphonies with much to say musically. He was also known for his marvelous sense of humor. Ever since Beethoven composed his 9th symphony as an epic, monumental crowning achievement, other composers, Mahler and Bruckner for instance, followed Beethoven’s example in writing a 9th symphony. Shostakovich took a different approach and composed a short, witty 9th symphony, following all the proper musical forms, but full of puns, wisecracks and musical jokes. It takes the genius of Bernstein to point out all the ways the genius of Shostakovich produced this work of art. HOBOs will meet Thursday, April 16, starting with lunch at 12:00 Noon for the men, followed by a program for everyone starting at 12:45 pm. Men are reminded to sign up for the luncheon at the Reception Desk by 6:00 pm on Wednesday, April 15. The program will be presented by Elizabeth Fuss, RN and wife of a retired UCC minister, who after her mother’s death, opened an old suitcase containing 162 letters written from her father to her mother while he was serving in Europe during World War II. She will share some of the heroic actions from the book she has written entitled A Faithful Soldier Writes Home. To hear about these actions during the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, will bring back memories of the experiences shared by many and be an enlightening experience for others. The Music Listening Group meets at 3:00 pm, April 16, in the ALACT Room. Come and enjoy this delightful hour featuring Bernstein and Shostakovich! ALOHA Nancy Manthey ALOHA (Active Ladies of Homewood Association) meets on Friday, April 24, at 12:00 noon. In the photo Beverly B. Byron, former U.S. Member of Congress, talks with ALOHA Chairperson Nancy Manthey and Dottye Ewing who arranged for Ms. Byron to speak at the ALOHA luncheon. In 1961 Ms. Byron opposed her husband Goodloe’s entrance into politics. But by 1978, she herself entered partisan politics when she succeeded him in Congress upon his death, serving until 1993. Why did Ms. Byron’s views change? How did the move from her house in Frederick to the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill in Washington change her life? Hear Ms. Byron speak at Friday’s ALOHA program. Sign up for lunch at the Community Center desk by Thursday, April 23. Anyone, new and long-time residents, whether ladies or gents, may come to the ALOHA program which begins at 12:45 pm. Chaplains’ Corner Chaplain Shelley Weakley Shortly after our marriage 25 years ago, my husband and I brought home a little lop-eared rabbit named Benjamin. Our family has been blessed with the joy of sharing our home with one or more house rabbits ever since. Rabbits are a common symbol of spring, and rightly so. Like springtime, they are both reliable and unpredictable. Our bunnies, Betsy and Harriet, are creatures of habit—they like to eat and nap and play at certain times, and they know just when to expect their bedtime snack. Yet they have a curious, adventurous side, too. Recently Betsy and Harriet, who stay mainly in the “library” area of our townhouse, staged a daring midnight raid across the great divide of the kitchen floor into the living room. Were they looking for company, wanting to watch TV or hoping to expand their horizons? We’ll never know. As the weather warms and the days lengthen, we may feel we know what to expect in these days of promise. Yet we also have the opportunity to grow in new and unexpected ways. How is God calling us to surprise ourselves and one another this spring? Everyone is invited to the many special services which will be held the first week in April. The Maundy Thursday service will be held in the chapel on Thursday, April 2, at 3:00 pm. On Friday, April 3, the Seder service will begin at 5:00 pm in the Multipurpose Room. Those wishing to attend should sign up at the front desk. Finally, there will be one worship service on Easter Sunday at 10:00 am. Please join us during this very special week and be surprised by the joy of new life this spring. ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION Cathy Stull Annual Volunteer Appreciation Week was established nationwide during the administration of Richard Nixon in an effort to recognize the significant contributions of volunteers to not-for-profit organizations in the United States. From April 12-18, 2015 organizations all over America will tip their hats…hosting parties and saying thank-you… to their dedicated volunteers. Homewood at Frederick is pleased once again to host the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon for its almost 400 volunteers on April 15 in the Tuscarora Dining Room. This much- anticipated event recognizes the efforts of resident, community and student volunteers in sharing 51,984 hours of volunteer service during 2014. Volunteers have helped in every area of Homewood life, and continue to enhance the lives of all the residents through their dedication to efficiency, kindness and compassion. This year the theme of the festive day is “All That Jazz,” and the Connie Guy Jazz Trio will entertain volunteers during a sumptuous luncheon. Connie has been the featured vocalist with the Ray Birely Orchestra since 1991, and she has performed in Frederick at Firestones Culinary Tavern since 2001. Jeff Hoffman and the creative dietary staff will prepare a very special luncheon including a cocktail and appetizer course. Volunteers who submitted their time sheets for 2014 have received their invitations, and reservations are being accepted at the Front Desk. Limited seating is available, and reservations will be taken until seating has reached capacity. BRADY LOVE IN MAY CONCERT Brady Love, the grandson of resident Ann Burnside Love, returns to Homewood in concert on Thursday, May 14, at 7:00 pm. He was only 17 two years ago when his lyric baritone voice enchanted the residents. Now age 19, Brady has been busy with his musical career, playing the lead role of “Javert” in Les Misérables and participating in community productions, all the while recording and producing his own vocal material. Brady “is thrilled to finally return to Homewood for a night of Broadway’s best!” In the May 14 show, simply entitled “Home,” he will offer a range of music, from Carousel, South Pacific and Kiss Me Kate, to The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, and, he says, “even a little Rat Pack along the way.” Mark your calendars now and come early for a good seat. PLEASE NOTE! PLEASE COMPLY! DINING ROOM COURTESY SIGN UP FOR EVENING MEALS BY 3:30 PM at the front desk, for both specials and menu orders. AFTER 3:30 PM: CALL THE KITCHEN DIRECTLY AT X 6133 if dining plans change, for example, if unexpected guests arrive. DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE DEADLINE The Editor th You don’t have to wait until the 15 deadline to submit an article to The CHATTER. If you have an article or photo or story before the 15th that you want published, please submit it as early as possible. Knowing the content in advance helps the staff to plan and reserve space in any upcoming issue. HANDS OFF the coffeepot for refills, or to adjust window blinds or the thermostat. Insurance will not cover an injury if you are or another person is hurt, or if equipment is broken. Ann Burnside Love, Food Committee Chair at the Request of Kitchen and Wait Staff THE CHATTER NEWSLETTER STAFF Editor……..…………………………….Pat Morgan Reporters………Shirley Erdmanis, Vernon Rippeon, Leslie Hobbs Final Proofreader………………………Paul Mellott Photographers………..Lane Hart, Shirley Erdmanis, Vernon Rippeon, Roland Hobbs Circulation Assistant…………………..Sylvia Little Production Manager……………………Julie Norris Ex-Officio…..………….President, Residents Ass’n Contact Info: Pat Morgan, Editor Email: [email protected] In-house: Box 213; Phone X 5810 DEADLINE to submit copy: 15th of any month Neighbors Sharing With Neighbors Many of Homewood’s new residents are not from the Frederick area, and are confused about locations and what activities are available. Nancy Boltz spoke to neighbors and asked them to write about what they knew or had done to share with others, thus Etc. … and so forth was born. The inaugural issue for spring 2015 starts with a letter from Nancy. Nancy began this task in February; issues with computers and programs are still being resolved. Her contact information is in the first issue. Terry Higgins helps with the layout on her computer. For now, submit articles to both Nancy and Terry at [email protected]. The publication of issues (quarterly, bi-monthly or monthly) will be flexible, determined by the number who contribute and the interest in the paper. Let us hear your comments and ideas.
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