The Dixon House

Edna Parks Celebrates 105th Birthday at Dixon House

October 11, 2019 by The Dixon House

Edna Parks of Trappe, MD, recently celebrated her 105^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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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