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July 4, 2025

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Senior Nation Senior Notes

Edna Parks Celebrates 107th Birthday at Dixon House

October 23, 2021 by The Dixon House

Pictured behind Edna Parks (seated) are her son Roger Parks, daughter-in-law Betty Parks, and granddaughter Kathy Taylor.

Edna Parks of Trappe, MD, recently celebrated her 107th birthday at Dixon House, where she is a resident. Parks, who lived her life in Talbot County, entered Dixon House in May 2019. Before that, she lived independently until age 102, when she went to live with her son Roger Parks and his wife for two years.

Pictured behind Edna Parks (seated) are left to right dignitaries Senator Addie Eckardt, Mayor, and Mrs. Robert Willey, First Sergeant James Dobson, Captain Steve Elliot, and Delegate Johnny Mautz.

For her birthday celebration, family and dignitaries gathered to celebrate with Parks. Edna Parks has three children: Roger Parks, Kenny Parks, and Eunice Roe. She also has seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

The mission of The Dixon House is to provide high-quality and affordable residential care to seniors in an enriching home-like environment. For further information, contact Linda Elben, Executive Director at 410-822-6661 or visit dixonhouse.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: local news, Senior Nation, The Talbot Spy

New Dixon House Residents are Neighbors Once Again

November 25, 2020 by The Dixon House

L-R: New Dixon House residents Karaleen Councell, age 87, and Anne Wheatley, age 89.

When Karaleen Councell, age 87, and Anne Wheatley, age 89, lived on neighboring farms in Matthewstown, halfway between Denton and Easton, the two women arranged gatherings between the two families and socialized regularly. Each of them had four children of roughly the same ages. The adults often played cards together and had New Year’s Eve parties every year. They never dreamed they would retire to The Dixon House in Easton within a month of one another – rekindling their friendship and bringing their families together once again.

According to Pam Sard, Karaleen Councell’s daughter, “They wink at each other now when they see each other.”

Marti Wright, Anne Wheatley’s daughter adds, “They hadn’t seen each other in several years because of the illnesses of both of their spouses and because of their developing dementia.  Both were married to their husbands for 60 years or more. Now they eat together every day, do crafts together, and giggle about the old times just like they did when they were younger.”

Both Sard and Wright reminisce about the families’ time together when they were young. While the children attended different schools in Easton – the Councell children went to Talbot County Public Schools, while the Wheatley children went to Sts. Peter and Paul, they still got together regularly. After the Wheatleys moved to Easton during their older children’s high school years and the Councells sold their dairy cows in the 70s, time was then freed up in the summer months for the families to take the children on camping trips together to places like Frontiertown near Ocean City, Seaside Camp Resort near Bethany Beach, Delaware, and even Chincoteague, Virginia for the annual Pony Swim.

Sard states that her grandmother was at Dixon House and Wright’s parents were friends with a couple who lived at Dixon House, so both families were familiar with the surroundings. The Dixon House’s original purpose at the turn of the century when it was founded was “to provide a comfortable and affordable home for senior women.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, however, both families were hesitant to move their mothers for fear of not seeing them during the stay-at-home orders. In the end, though, both agree that it was the best decision they could have made for keeping their loved ones safe during the pandemic.

Sard comments, “We wanted our mother to be active and The Dixon House offered that. She is thriving here. She feels she is contributing by helping to organize social gatherings like in the old days, which makes her happy.”

Wright adds, “The caregivers here have been amazing and our mom is well taken care of. She was an avid gardener and was even able to help plant and tend the flowers on the front porch at The Dixon House after she arrived.”

Just to be sure they always have a place to chat, the Councells added an extra chair in Karaleen’s room for Anne so the two can visit whenever they want. The Wheatleys hope to do the same in Anne’s room.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: local news, Senior Nation, The Talbot Spy

Edna Parks Celebrates 105th Birthday at Dixon House

October 11, 2019 by The Dixon House

Edna Parks of Trappe, MD, recently celebrated her 105th birthday at Dixon House, where she is now a resident. Parks, who lived her life in Talbot County, entered Dixon House in May 2019. Prior to that she lived independently until age 102, when she went to live with her son Roger Parks and his wife for two years.

Enda, who was married to Guy Parks for 50 years, was a farm wife for most of her life. She worked in her later years in the cafeteria of St. Michaels Elementary School. After her husband died in 1981, she married Norris Coulby.

Pictured is Mayor Robert Willey presenting Edna Parks with a proclamation for her 105th birthday at a celebration held at The Dixon House.

At Dixon House, Edna enjoys being active and involved. She knits, does puzzles and enjoys watching “The Price is Right” and “Jeopardy” on television. According to her son, she never misses a Dixon House outing on the bus.

For her birthday celebration, Dixon House had the Free and Easy Band play Edna’s favorite songs, while Mayor Robert Willey read a proclamation from the Town of Easton and guests enjoyed birthday cake.

Edna Parks has three children: Roger Parks, Kenny Parks and Eunice Roe. She also has seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and eight great-great- grandchildren.

The mission of The Dixon House is to provide high quality and affordable residential care to seniors in an enriching home-like environment. For further information, contact Linda Elben, Executive Director at 410-822-6661 or visit dixonhouse.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Portal Notes, Senior Notes

Shelly LaRoque Appointed as Activity Director at The Dixon House

June 27, 2018 by The Dixon House

The Dixon House Independent and Assisted Living in Easton, MD, has announced the appointment of Shelly LaRoque of Denton as its new Activity Director. LaRoque, who was previously activity coordinator at Baleigh Chase, is certified in activities for the elderly by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals. She has worked with the elderly and children throughout her career. She also taught exercise classes for the Federalsburg Senior Center, Easton Adult Day Care, Londonderry, and St. Mark’s Village. She owned three Curves franchises from 2002 to 2011 in Delaware. She attended Chesapeake College.

LaRoque comments, “I have always enjoyed exercise. After my mom went into a rehabilitation facility, I had to be her advocate and got involved volunteering to do activities with other residents there. I really liked interacting with the seniors. I have a heart for aging residents. It has been a calling for me.”

As Activity Director at The Dixon House, LaRoque provides creative crafts, cooking activities, mind enhancing games, and monthly birthday parties; brings entertainment to residents, including musicians, Pets on Wheels, and other visiting performers; and also takes residents to church, on sightseeing tours, to lunch at local restaurants, and to attend musical performances. She also teaches daily chair exercise classes involving stretching and aerobics.

“I love the intimate and relaxed environment of The Dixon House. It’s family here and the staff strives to make the house feel welcoming,” she adds.

LaRoque is looking for volunteers to help with activities with The Dixon House residents. For further information, contact her at 410-822-6661.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Portal Notes, Senior Notes

Holiday Thoughtfulness brings Warmth to The Dixon House

December 23, 2014 by The Dixon House

Residents of The Dixon House Independent and Assisted Living were the recipients of holiday kindness this year in the form of hand-sewn fleece blankets from The Stitchers Club of Easton Club East.

“The old furnace is still doing its job but there’s nothing like a soft blanket to stay warm and cozy through the winter,” said Linda Elben, Executive Director of The Dixon House. “Our senior men and women are grateful for the gift, and for being remembered this season.”

The Stitchers Club invites all women from Easton Club East to participate in a one-day annual event for gift-giving. This year, 54 women created 76 fleece blankets for donation community-wide.

The Dixon House is a spacious and elegant Victorian house nestled in Easton’s historic district that offers affordable independent and assisted living for senior men and women. Since its inception in 1911, The Dixon House is committed to the enrichment of the lives of the residents it serves, and enjoys an excellent reputation for comfort, privacy and quality care.

The Dixon House, a non-profit independent and assisted living facility, is located at 108 N. Higgins Street in Easton. For more information, visit www.dixonhouse.org or call 410-822-6661.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: News

Eagle Scout Project Helps Seniors Enjoy Their Special Place

October 4, 2014 by The Dixon House

As part of his work toward becoming an Eagle Scout, Justin Le completed his Eagle Service Project with The Dixon House Independent and Assisted Living as the beneficiary.

The Dixon House is a Victorian home where residents enjoy the expansive front porch for sharing each other’s company, relaxing with a good book, and visiting with family and friends. So, Linda Elben, Executive Director at The Dixon House, sought help to improve this treasured space.

Through Jeff Bell, assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 532, Justin accepted responsibility for refurbishing the classic white wood rockers. He took leadership in planning and supervising the entire project from securing permission to use facilities and allocating materials to washing, sanding, painting and safely returning them to The Dixon House.

Residents of The Dixon House are thankful to Justin Le (standing) for completing his Eagle Service Project by refurbishing the classic white wood rockers. Seated are Milton Agreen, George Irwin, Katherine Emerson and Carol Lafleur.

Residents of The Dixon House are thankful to Justin Le (standing) for completing his Eagle Service Project by refurbishing the classic white wood rockers. Seated are Milton Agreen, George Irwin, Katherine Emerson and Carol Lafleur.

Justin completed his Eagle Service Project with the support of Mr. Bell, troop committee chairman Ernie Smith, fellow scouts, his family, and Dixon House residents. “This was a great opportunity for me to teach and to work with others”, Justin said. “I really enjoyed meeting so many of The Dixon House residents, and I’m very pleased that my project will have lasting value for them.”

The son of Easton residents Ngung and Janet Le, Justin is a graduate of Easton High School, and is currently attending Ithaca College in New York. In addition to his studies and scouting, Justin enjoys reading fiction, playing bongos, and long-distance running.

“We are very grateful for this young man’s dedication, and he will be remembered fondly by our residents as they enjoy the view from the porch for many years to come,” said Linda Elben, Executive Director, The Dixon House.

The Dixon House, a non-profit independent and assisted living facility, is located at 108 N. Higgins Street in Easton. For more information, visit www.dixonhouse.org or call 410-822-6661.

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The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Portal Lead

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