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.