1. food and drink
2. beverages
3. alcoholic beverages
4. cocktails and beer

The Declaration
Activities and updates for the Residents of Independence Hill Retirement Community
Volume 21, Issue 12
December 2014
Michelle’s Message
Susan Says…
What a busy month November was for us here at the Hill!
But before I go any further I must say a big THANK
YOU to Polly, Teresa, and Pals for the extremely hard
work they did in making the beautiful handcrafted items
for the RAF Sale. The money made was incredible and
we are so very grateful to Polly and crew. And grateful
too that they are so appreciative of the service our hourly
employees provide to our residents.
Resident’s Appreciation Fund Party
Please join us on Friday, December 12th at
1:45pm in the IHAL Ivy Room to honor all
hourly employees. At this time, the RAF Committee will distribute the generous donations
made to the fund throughout the year to all
hourly employees. Thank you so much for
your kindness and thoughtfulness… It truly
means the world to the team!
Delicious Holiday Meal
Be ready to enjoy a wonderful holiday brunch
on Thursday, December 25th. The cost of this
delicious traditional meal is $18 for guests and
$10 for children 12 and under. Please make
your reservations if you are having guests or if
you would like to sit with a party of 5 or more
to ensure the best dining experience for all.
I would like to “Thank You” for a wonderful
year! Your smiles, stories, experiences, jokes,
hugs… all of the above… truly fill my heart.
You are the reason I LOVE my job and want to
keep coming back for more! There are never
enough hours that I could spend with you, but
the tidbits of time are what carry me day after
day for more than 13 years now!
Susan Warriner
Activities &
Transportation Director
We had many outings in November and the feedback we
received is much appreciated—and it was positive!
Keep it coming, we need your input and since these outings are for you, your opinions and suggestions matter.
Just a few reminders: Breakfast with Santa is on December 2nd; Santa Claus will
be available to us for picture taking. December 5th is the first day of the “Door
Decorating Contest.” Doors, window boxes and patios will be viewed on December 11th and winners will be announced and posted on December 15th. Free gift
wrapping will be available—Barbara, Valerie, and I will be wrapping your gifts
with love and care. Please look for flyers on the Activities board for dates and
times.
“ Wishing You All A Healthy and Happy
Holiday Season!”
~ Susan Warriner
Cheers to YOU enjoying this Holiday Season
filled with Good Health, Tight Hugs and Big
Smiles!
Thought for the Month:
“My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was
sixty. She’s ninety-seven now and we don’t know where the heck she is.”
Michelle Houriet
Executive Director
~ Ellen Degeneres
Coming this Month
Safety...
Most residential fires occur during the
winter months. Remember, candles
and things with open flames are not
permitted. Also, injuries can happen
anywhere, and some often occur
around the holidays. Use step stools
instead of climbing on furniture when
hanging decorations.
Alan Holfinger
Safety Director
RAF Booth - December 1st-3rd…....................................…2
A chance to donate to the Residents’ Appreciation Fund
Breakfast with Santa & Helpers –December 2nd……..….2
Breakfast served by the Managers and Santa’s Helpers
Concordia Lutheran ,ativity –December 6th.......…….....2
See the Live Drive-thru %ativity Scene!
RAF Party-December 12th…...……....................…………2
Celebrate with the entire staff of all three properties!
,ew Year’s Eve Party-December 31st………....……...….3
Say goodbye to 2014 and hello to 2015!
1
The Declaration
Activity Areas
AA:
AS:
BR:
CP:
DR:
FC:
GA:
GTR:
IHAL:
ML:
PA:
PDR:
TH:
Artistic Alley
Aerobic Studio
Billiards Room
Coffee Pub or Pub
Dining Room
Fitness Center
Gazebo Area-Building 11
Gardenia Tea Room
I.H. Assisted Living
Main Lobby
Pool Area
Private Dining Room
Theater
Weekly Activities
MO%DAYS
Men’s Bridge: 9:00am-GTR
Duplicate Bridge: 1:00pm-Bldg 11, Lobby
Poker: 1:00pm-Pub
Canasta: 1:00pm-GTR
Rubber Bridge: 1:00pm-Bldg 11, Lobby
TUESDAYS
Bridge: 12:30pm-GTR
Computer Lab: 1:30pm
Chaplain Emily: 2:00pm-PDR
Bingo: 7:45pm-DR ($1.00 per card)
WED%ESDAYS
Men’s Bridge: 9:00am-GTR
Mexican Train: 2:00pm-Bldg 11, 1st Floor
Bridge: 1:00pm-GTR
THURSDAYS
Games: Board games & cards:1:15pm-GTR
Left, Right, Center: 1:30pm-AA
Rubber Bridge: 1:00pm-Bldg 11, Lobby
FRIDAYS
Men’s Bridge: 9:00am-GTR
The Hill Toppers Chorus Practice:
2:30pm-Bldg. 12 - 2nd floor
SATURDAYS
Games: Board games & cards:
1:15pm-GTR
Weekly Errand Shuttles
Errand Shuttle - “Close By”
Errands in the immediate Stone
Oak area between Huebner, Blanco,
and 1604. Includes The Vineyards
Shopping Area and Green Fields
Market, and the Postal Shop.
Errand Shuttle - “Far Away”
Errands to businesses between
1604 & Hardy Oak and 1604 &
Gold Canyon. Includes Walmart,
Costco, Academy, Kohl’s, Best
Buy, Michael’s, Marshalls and Bed,
Bath & Beyond.
December 2014
Monday, December 1
Monday, December 8
Calendar Chat
Discuss this month’s activities.
9:00am-Bldg 11, 3rd Floor
Library
Bowling
Every Monday. Cost $7.25 (Cash
on Bus) includes shoes.
Depart 9:00am
Tuesday, December 2
Tuesday, December 9
Breakfast with Santa’s Helpers
Served by IH, IV, & AL
Managers
7:30am-DR
Men’s Breakfast
Eggs are made to order! Please
sign up. 7:30am-PDR
Lunch Out to
Tower of the Americas
Depart 10:30am
Lone Star ,ational Bank
Take care of your banking needs.
Depart 9:00am
Thursday, December 4
Wine Club: Stray Grape
Depart 1:30pm
Friday, December 5
Usborne Books
Shop for books for the youngsters
in your life.
1:00-2:00pm– AA
Door Decorating Contest
Begins and runs through the
11th.
Winners will be announced on
Dec. 15th in the Lobby at
12:00pm. Prizes will be given.
Saturday, December 6
Crafts, Crochet & More with
Polly, Teresa & Pals
Join fellow residents every Saturday to work on your current projects. Share advice and techniques
with friends on various crafts!
Everyone is invited!
10:30am-AA
Sunday, December 7
Hill Toppers Christmas
Program
4:00pm-DR
Concordia Lutheran Church
,ativity Scene
Drive thru the live nativity scene.
Live animals and actors perform
as you stay seated in the comfort
of the bus.
Depart 6:00pm
2
Wednesday, December 10
Target
Depart 9:30am
Thursday, December 11
Sam’s Club
Sign-up required
Departs 1:15pm
Friday, December 12
RAF Party
Recognize the hourly employees
Bus Departs 1:30pm-IVY
Saturday, December 13
Crafts, Crochet & More with
Polly, Teresa & Pals
Join fellow residents every Saturday to work on your current projects. Share advice and techniques
with friends on various crafts!
Everyone is invited!
10:30am-AA
Sunday, December 14
Musical Guest
Rolando Montes
4:00pm—Pub
The Declaration
December 2014
Monday, December 15
Sunday, December 21
Friday, December 26
Bowling
Every Monday. Cost $7.25 (Cash
on Bus) includes shoes.
Depart 9:00am
Tobin Center and San Anotnio
Symphony Presents:
Holiday Pops
Ticket Cost $44.80
Depart: 1:45pm
Lunch with Friends at Assisted
Living
Make plans to eat lunch with your
friends and neighbors next door.
Please sign up. Depart 11:45am
Musical Guest
Ron Young
4:00pm—Pub
Saturday, December 27
Wednesday, December 17
Ft. Sam**
Must have a military ID.
Depart 8:45am
Bowling
Every Monday. Cost $7.25 (Cash
on Bus) includes shoes.
Depart 9:00am
Crafts, Crochet & More with
Polly, Teresa & Pals
Join fellow residents every Saturday to work on your current projects. Share advice and techniques
with friends on various crafts!
Everyone is invited!
10:30am-AA
Draper’s and Damon’s
Limited seating—sign-up
required
Depart 9:45am
Dinner Out to
Texas Land and Cattle
Depart 4:45pm
Tuesday, December 30
Premier Designs
Shop jewelry for the holidays!
10:00am– AA
Tech Time with Tommie
Get assistance with cell phones,
computers, and printers.
1:00pm CR
Armchair Astronomy
“Meteorites-The Sky IS Falling!”
10:15am-TH
Thursday, December 18
See the Sea
“Mysteries of our Underwater
World”
6:30pm-GTR
Friday, December 19
Stella’s Jewelry & Accessories
Shop for the Holiday season!
10:00am– AA
Tea at Two
Ladies are invited for tea and
fellowship. 2:00pm-GTR
Saturday, December 20
Crafts, Crochet & More with
Polly, Teresa & Pals
Join fellow residents every Saturday to work on your current projects. Share advice and techniques
with friends on various crafts!
New residents—please join us!
10:30am-AA
Monday, December 22
Tuesday, December 23
Happy Hour Out to
Perico’s
Depart 3:30pm
Wednesday, December 24
Lone Star ,ational Bank
Take care of your banking needs.
Depart 9:00am
Holiday Happy Hour with
Santa
Rock around the Christmas tree
with Santa Claus! Join fellow
residents and staff for appetizers,
music, and spirits.
2:30pm-AS
.
Thursday, December 25
Merry
Christmas!
3
Breakfast Out to Egg & I
Depart 8:00am
Wednesday, December 31
,ew Year’s Eve Party
Ring in 2015 with friends and
neighbors! Cocktails, dancing
and appetizers. 9:00pm-DR
(Countdowns at 10:00pm,
11:00pm and midnight)
The Declaration
December 2014
Lights… Camera… Action!
Banking
Please sign up for the Close-by or
Far-away errand shuttle if you need
transportation to any of the banks
listed below.
Far-Away: SACU, Frost,
Randolph-Brooks, Bank of
America, and Chase.
Close-By: BB&T, Wells
Fargo, IBC, Chase, Navy
Federal, Broadway Bank,
Jefferson Bank, and Lone Star
National Bank
DE’s Beauty Shop
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
Closed Saturdays, Sundays,
Mondays, and Holidays
Call Donna, Eva, Mary, or
Michelle for an appointment!
545-2091
Shampoo & Set
$20.00
Ladies’ Haircut
$12.00
Men’s Haircut
$10.00
Manicures
$15.00
Pedicures
$22.00
Perms (start at)
$60.00
Tints
$35.00
Highlights (start at) $62.00
Movies are featured in our Theater located on the second floor of
Building 11. Descriptions of upcoming movies are posted on the
bulletin board outside the Activities Office. If you have any movie
suggestions, please bring them to the Activities Office!
Movies are shown at 7:00pm
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
1
3
5
6
7
8
10
12
13
14
15
17
19
20
21
22
24
26
27
28
29
31
White Christmas-1954/NR
Silverado-1985/PG-13
Casino Royale-2006/PG-13
A Christmas Story-1983/NR
Holiday Inn-1954/NR
God’s Not Dead-2014/PG
Broken Trail part 1-2006/NR
Salt-2010/NR
It’s a Wonderful Life-1946/NR
Holiday-1938/NR
Jack Frost-1998/PG
Broken Trail part 2-2006/NR
Laws of Attraction-2004/PG-13
A Christmas Memory-1997/NR
Christmas in Connecticut-1945/NR
Arthur Christmas-2001/PG
Red River-1948/NR
When Harry Met Sally-1989/PG-13
And So It Goes-2014/PG-13
Magic in the Moonlight-2011/PG-13
You Can’t Take It With You-1938/NR
The Shootist-1976/PG
Wednesday = Western movies
Saturday nights = New Releases or Action ( R ) movies
R rating: some violence, nudity, mature content, profanity, impudence
Transportation
Airport Transportation: Transportation to and from San Antonio International Airport
is available to Independence Hill residents Monday through Friday from 8:00am to
4:30pm, excluding holidays. Bring your itinerary and schedule your transportation needs
Susan.
This on-site home health agency with
Doctor Transportation: Transportation for medical appointments away and nearby
provides many services. Stop by for is available on a scheduled basis Monday through Friday. Appointments should be
a visit.
made the day before by 3:00pm. Departure times for away appointments are 8:30am
and
1:00pm. In the nearby area, departure times are 7:45am, 8:45am, 9:45am,
Monday - Friday 7:30am-5:00pm
10:45am, 12:45pm, 1:45pm, and 2:45pm. Return transportation is available only
Office Location: Bldg 12, 3rd Floor,
until 4:30pm. Contact the Front Desk to schedule transportation for upcoming
across from apt. 12325
appointments.
The Medical Team
4
Fun Times at Independence Hill!
A Salute to our Resident Veterans”
Veterans Breakfast. Group includes Assisted Living residents , Independent Living residents and Village members.
CASINO NIGHT
There’s no
doubt that
Joann Martin
is a good
Blackjack
player—Look
at all those
tickets!
Jim Caton accepts his win from
Marilyn Monroe
Bill Stephens and Marilyn
Monroe have a good time
dancing.
LBJ Ranch Tour
Kathleen O’Brien and Hannelore
Gruss—what a great photo!
Loretta Cormier takes her
first outing with IH.
Mary Roed, BA Holmes, George &
Mary Conner and George Workman.
Joan Frank having a great
time at LBJ Ranch.
5
Fun times at Independence Hill!
Friends Mary Hagerty and Norma
Baum enjoy the visit to LBJ Ranch.
Ralph Shriber stands beside a
1926 Ford Model TT.....Waaayyy
before his time!
Laree Lyons and Hannelore Gruss
enjoy lunch out to the Gristmill
in New Braunfels, Texas.
Leonora Small and Mae Reininger
at the Kickapoo Eagle Pass Casino.
Pita Romero models the
knit hats at the RAF
Craft Sale.
Polly Hamel, Sara Schlereth and Jo
Lopez thoroughly enjoy the Friday
Night Music & Dance!
Sara Schlereth and Teresa
Brandstetter-Webster cut a rug!
(Where are our men residents?)
This beautiful group of ladies get together for
“Coffee Talk” in the pub with fitness instructor
Connie Headrick. Edith Fincher, Laree Lyons, Pat
Schecter, Connie Headrick, Ellen Gagliardi, Vietta
Sparks, Marilyn Caton, and Lorena Pounds.
IH Men’s Bridge has the most handsome
players! John Waldon, Dan Johnston, Bob
Farrar, and Ralph Shriber.
6
The Declaration
December 2014
Employee of the Month
Employee Birthdays
Happy Birthday to You…
Chris Jennings
Chris has a great attitude
that is so positive! He is
always professional,
friendly and goes out of
his way to make the residents feel very special.
Not only is Chris adored
by our residents but their family members
too! He truly goes the extra mile to make
their dining experience a great one and is
always willing to help out wherever
needed. Thank you Chris for all that you
do!
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
The Musical
at the Majestic
Thursday, January 29th
Showtime: 7:30pm
Med Team Resource Center
The Medical Team Resource office will
be closed at noon on 12/24 and 12/31 and
closed all day on 12/25 and 1/1/15 in
observance of their company holidays.
Nursing will be available for current
patients, any emergencies should be called
in to 911.
This month’s Mystery Employee was
born and raised in San Antonio,
Texas. She graduated from Edison
High School. She’s the baby of the
family with two older brothers and
two sisters. She has a one year old
son and loves to play and dance with
him. Her hobbies are bowling, running, and socializing with friends.
Her favorite foods are thin crust pepperoni pizza and lumpia.
One day she wants to be a teacher for elementary school
kids. She plans to attend Palo Alto College and then continue her education at a University. Until then she enjoys
spending her free time with her son. This employee has
been with Independence Hill for three years. Can you guess
who this month’s Mystery Employee is?
Last Month: Barbara Pensock
Prescriptions
Country Store
Monday-Thursday
9:00am-12:00pm
Friday
1:00pm-4:00pm
Closed weekends and holidays.
Cossette Torres (Food & Bev)
Tina Rangel (Food & Bev)
Celeste Villalobos (Food & Bev)
Jeremy Baling (Food & Bev)
Marc Smith (Food & Bev)
Victor Rivera (Maintenance)
Kenneth Robinson (Food & Bev)
Mystery Employee
Up & Coming in January
CHICAGO
1
7
11
14
15
24
27
Prescriptions will be picked up from local
pharmacies Monday through Friday. Requests
need to be turned in to the Front Desk no later
than 3:00pm daily, and prescriptions that are ready
will be picked up from pharmacies no later than
3:30pm the same day otherwise the pick up will be
the next day. We pick up prescriptions at Ft. Sam
on Wednesday mornings.
7
The Declaration
December 2014
Bible Studies
Health and Wellness
Fitness Center: State-of-the art treadmills, stationary bike and weight
stations are here for your enjoyment and convenience.
,on-denominational Bible Study:
Mondays at 10:30am in the PDR
,on-denominational Bible Study
with Pastor Dave:
Wednesdays at 9:00am in the AA
Fitness Instruction: Specially designed to provide a more challenging
exercise experience which includes both standing and sitting exercises.
Improve upper body strength with weights while integrating leg and
balance exercises. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:15am. Held in
the Aerobic Studio in Building 12, 1st floor.
Health Check: Have your blood pressure, blood sugar and temperature
checked and for an overall well-being assessment every other
Wednesday in the Artistic Alley (located in Bldg.11, ground floor across
CBC with Elmer Hembree
from the fitness center) at 10:30am.
Thursdays at 10:30am in the AA
Sittercize: Resident volunteers will instruct you to “sit and be fit!”
Episcopal Service:
Two classes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:00am and
Thursdays at 3:00pm in the AA
10:30am. Held in the Aerobic Studio in Building 12, 1st floor.
Texercise: Developed by the state of Texas. Sitting and standing
First Friday Mass & Catholic
Rosary: Fridays at 1:00pm on the exercises will increase balance, strength, flexibility and endurance.
Mondays and Fridays at 10:30am. Held in the Aerobic Studio in Build2nd floor of Building 12
ing 12, 1st floor.
Zumba Gold: A workout that incorporates Latin dance steps and
rhythms to promote movement and mobility for seniors. 1:30pm every
For your convenience, a fax Tuesday in the Aerobics Studio in Building 12, First floor.
machine, copier, shredder, and Chair Yoga: Deep breathing techniques and simple stretches. Relieves
postage scale are available at the chronic pain and increases lung capacity. Wednesdays at 11:00am, held
Front Desk. Feel free to ask a in the Aerobic Studio in Building 12, 1st floor.
Business Services
Receptionist or Night Clerk and
they will be able to assist you
with your needs.
Appreciation Fund
Local Church Provided Transportation
Coker United Methodist Church – Depart 9:00am
Crown of Life Lutheran Church – Depart 10:15am
IH Provides Shuttle Service to the Following Services:
The Residents’ Appreciation Fund
Committee would like to remind
you that it’s never too early or late
to say “Thanks!” There is a mail
slot located in the Director’s door
that can be used to make donations to the fund that benefits the
employees of IH at the end of the
year.
Community Bible Church–
- Service Time: 9:00am
Depart IH 8:10am
Concordia Lutheran Church–
- Service Time: 9:30am
Depart IH 8:50am
Holy Trinity Catholic Church– Depart IH 8:50am
- Service Time: 9:30am
St. Thomas Episcopal Church– Depart IH 9:30am
- Service Time: 10:30am
Shearer Hills Baptist Church- Depart IH 9:30am
- Service Time: 10:30am
Park Hills Baptist Church – Depart IH 9:30am
- Service Time: 11:00am, Bible class: 10:00am
San Pedro Presbyterian–
- Service Time: 11:00am
Depart IH 9:30am
*%ote: A non-denominational service is being offered at IH on Sundays at 9:00am
in the Artistic Alley.*
8
The Declaration
December
Newcomers
Independence Hill
Welcomes Our Newest
Neighbors…
Patty Adams
Shy Hicks
Mary Rose
Susan Hasbrook
Roy & Docia Williams
Frank & Genie Hametner
Mystery Resident
This little girl was born and raised
south of the border in 1933. She
grew up in a strict Catholic home
with her two brothers. She has a
degree in Accounting and Finance
and started working immediately
after she finished college. Then
destiny happened she says and she
met her future husband through a
random stroke of fate. She then
moved to the United States when
she was 24 years of age with her
husband.
They had three
handsome boys and traveled
overseas as a family. She has been
all over Europe, visited Australia,
New Zealand, South America, and
the Polynesian Islands.
Her
favorite place she visited was
Italy. Her hobbies are painting
and reading. She loves mysteries
and history books. As far as
favorite foods, she loves
everything as long as it’s spicy!
She has been at Independence Hill
for almost two years now and
loves it because it feels just like
home. Can you guess who this
month’s Mystery Resident is?
December Birthdays
Birthday Party
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
2:30pm in the Dining Room
1st Dan Johnston
Billy Sneed
2nd Robert Loadman
3rd Bobby Patterson
5th Gladys Risto
7th Melba Chatham
9th Harold Hibbs
Patricia Holzmann
10th Henry Guerra
11th Thomas Paquette
Lenora Small
Jeanette Gragg
12th Kathryn Barnes
Nola Burrows
Lloyd Kurth
13th Jo Kaska
Norma Anderson
15th Pita Romero
Last Month: Mo Villareal
9
15th Pat Shecter
Marie Horton
16th Mary Hagerty
Loretta Cormier
17th Nancy Daleiden
18th Eileen Day
19th Christine Ellerbee
20th Juanita Ivy
23rd Larry Fischer
Ellen Gagliardi
25th John Walden
26th Carol Ingebretson
27th Bill Weidemann
Joy Brown
29th June Murray
Agnes Currie
30th Sandra Keilers
31st Frances Koteras
2014
Independence Hill Retirement Community
20450 Huebner Road
San Antonio, Texas 78258
(210) 615-4000
“Like” Us on Facebook!
Go to www.facebook.com/IndependenceHill
The Declaration
Activities and updates for the Residents of Independence Hill Retirement Community
Volume 21, Issue 12
December 2014
We are here to serve you!
The Staff at Independence Hill
Michelle Houriet, Executive Director
Carol Barker, Assistant Director
Susan Warriner, Activities & Transportation Director
Alma Carmona, Transportation Services
Kathy Kowalski, Executive Assistant
Jim Piche, Transportation Services
Martha Anderson, Director of Internal & Public Communications Zulma Zermeno, Transportation Services
Alan Holfinger, Safety Director
Barbara Pensock, Activities Coordinator
Tonya Ledford, Director of Housekeeping
Carolyn Crawford, Activities Coordinator
Anise Predmore, Housekeeping Asst. Director
Valerie Maldonado, Activities Coordinator
Jorge Samaniego, Maintenance Director
Tommie Hakes, Receptionist
David Gaston, Food and Beverage Director
Alyssa Lundgren, Receptionist
Joshua Lawrence, Food and Beverage Assistant Director
Brittani Bell, Receptionist
Ashlee Hall, Food and Beverage Manager
Belia Torres, Weekend Receptionist
Kathleen Repa, Lifestyle Specialist
Yolanda Pena, Weekend Receptionist
Laura Terranova, Lifestyle Specialist
Edgard Chavez, Night Clerk
Sherrill Perez, Lifestyle Specialist
Amir Eshghi, Night Clerk
Chickie Backhaus, Outreach Coordinator
Edgar Perez, Night Clerk
Sandra Santillan, Move-In Coordinator
Larry Ybarra, Night Clerk
Lisa Norwitz, Health & Wellness Director
James Harris, Night Clerk
Brandon Ezekiel, Night Clerk
10