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May 17, 2022

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Senior Nation Senior Notes

Andrew Hollis Named Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging

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Pictured is Andrew Hollis of Easton who has recently been appointed Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging, Inc.

Upper Shore Aging, Inc. (USA) has announced the appointment of Andrew Hollis of Easton as the new Executive Director of its organization.  Hollis currently serves as Deputy Director of Delmarva Community Services, Inc. and before that as County Manager for Talbot County.

Upper Shore Aging is a nonprofit Area Agency on Aging, providing services for over 32,000 seniors in Caroline, Kent, and Talbot counties.  The organization operates five Senior Centers, delivers Meals-on-Wheels, and provides a wide range of other programs and services aimed at helping seniors remain safe and thrive in their communities.

“When the Board of Directors was searching for a new Executive Director, we knew we wanted someone with a vision of what USA could be. We are proud of our heritage and the services we provide for our seniors, but there is so much more we could do.  Andy has that vision. He understands the needs of the local senior community and has the leadership ability and consensus-building skills to help us achieve our goals,” stated Bill Shrieves, President of the Board of Directors of USA.

For the last 20 years, Hollis has held several key leadership roles in government and nonprofit organizations on the Mid-Shore. He has provided leadership in day-to-day operations, administration, and fiscal matters.  As county manager, he was responsible for overseeing the preparation, approval, and implementation of multi-million-dollar operating and capital budgets.

“Andy’s leadership style and management experience will be critical to achieving our goals.  His fiscal management experience will help us achieve our goal of sustainable cash flow.  His name recognition in the communities we serve will help raise awareness of USA as the authority on quality senior services,” Shrieves comments.

“His membership on our Board, representing Talbot County, and his relationships with leaders in the three counties we serve, will allow him the hit the ground running.  He has a passion for our senior population and will be a vocal advocate, giving voice to their issues and concerns.”

Hollis states, “Having served for many years in a prominent local government position, and worked with the Board and staff of USA, I have experience with the mission and related aspects of the agency. I now have the opportunity to use this knowledge, and my management experience, in a new and exciting way to benefit the organization.”

“The next executive director of USA will be tasked with implementing a strategic plan for the continued prosperity of the agency while positioning it for fiscal growth opportunities as well. My strong belief in the potential of USA, combined with my leadership experience, offers the opportunity to move the organization to even greater success. I look forward to accomplishing that by increasing the visibility of the organization, strengthening our relationship with community partners, and focusing on the needs of those we serve.”

Hollis previously served as Executive Director of Londonderry Retirement Community of Easton, Inc. and as Town Manager of St. Michaels, Maryland. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Urban Studies/Urban Planning from the University of Maryland, College Park. He resides in Easton with his wife Karen.

Londonderry Priority List and Homeownership Opportunities

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Those considering making Londonderry on the Tred Avon their future home are encouraged to join Londonderry’s Priority List. Priority List members have the unique opportunity to preview life at Londonderry before purchasing a home and have first right of refusal on cottages and apartments as they become available.

“Our team recognizes that moving out of a long-time family home and relocating to Londonderry is a big decision,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “Joining the Priority List gives potential community members a chance to get to know our team and fellow residents, experience our campus and amenities and learn about all the benefits of the Londonderry lifestyle before making the move. It’s also a great way to ensure a smooth transition once new residents are all moved in.”

Those considering making Londonderry on the Tred Avon their future home are encouraged to join Londonderry’s Priority List to take advantage of the unique opportunity preview life at Londonderry before purchasing a home.

Londonderry is the region’s only 62+ cooperative living community where residents enjoy all the benefits of homeownership, without the demands of maintenance and upkeep. They also enjoy resort-style living on the peaceful, 29-acre campus along the Tred Avon River. Amenities include the community center, new clubhouse, pool and walking trails. Londonderry also offers daily farm-to-table meals, fitness classes and a wide variety of activities and events on and off-campus.

Members of the Priority List may enjoy a night in the historic Magnolia Manor on the Londonderry Campus, enjoy a meal once a quarter in the Tred Avon Tavern, participate in on-campus activities, receive regular community updates and have first right of refusal on cottages and apartments as they become available.

Currently, Londonderry has several cottages available, all of which will be updated to suit the tastes of its new owner(s).

For more information about joining the Priority List or available cottages, please contact Rachel Smith at rsmith@londonderrytredavon.com.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Upper Shore Aging Brings Senior Volunteer Program to Kent, Caroline, and Talbot

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Upper Shore Aging Inc. was the recent recipient of three $75,000 grants from the federal agency, AmeriCorps. Founded in 1975, Upper Shore Aging, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that serves as the designated Area Agency on Aging for Kent, Caroline, and Talbot counties, operating five senior centers and providing services for over 31,000 seniors each year.

With this new funding, Upper Shore Aging will establish an AmeriCorps Seniors Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in each of the three counties. RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people 55 and over.

RSVP will partner with local agencies and recruit and place volunteers with the purpose of meeting critical community needs. Particular emphasis will be placed on the needs of seniors, such as access to care, transportation, social isolation, and food insecurity.

“RSVP will serve a dual purpose” said Mavis Jones, RSVP Director for Kent County. “RSVP will provide a high-quality experience for senior volunteers with opportunities that are tailored to their interests, skills and expertise, while meeting the mission of many organizations that use volunteers”.

“There are many benefits to joining the RSVP network,”saidJones. RSVP will be considered a “one stop shop”, where volunteers looking for opportunities can be matched with organizations looking for volunteers. “It’s a win-win situation”. “Organizations will get the volunteer help that they need, and senio rvolunteers will have the chance to learn new skills, utilize the skills they have and become involved in activities that will benefit the local community”. Other RSVP benefits to the volunteer include volunteer recognition, supplemental automobile and personal liability insurance, and meal and mileage reimbursement while serving.

If you are a local agency looking for volunteers or if you are 55 years and older and are interested in volunteering, consider becoming involved with RSVP. There is no fee to join.

For additional information, call or email:

Mavis Jones, Kent County 410-708-6610/ mjones@uppershoreaging.org

Doris Mason, Talbot County 410 829-3463/ dmason@uppershoreaging.org

Paula Dixon, Caroline County 410 725-4275 / pdixon@uppershoreaging.org

Visit Kent County RSVP Facebook at www.facebook.com/RSVPKentCountyMD/

Website coming soon!

Edna Parks Celebrates 107th Birthday at Dixon House

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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.

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon has two rare homeownership opportunities at its waterfront campus in Easton. A Skipton Cottage and a Peachblossom Cottage are now available.

“This is a rare and exciting opportunity for active seniors on the Eastern Shore,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “It’s a fantastic time to join the Londonderry community and be settled just in time to enjoy summer on campus and on the Eastern Shore.

  • The Skipton Cottage starts at 1,353 square feet and features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, outdoor patio and one-car garage.
  • The Peachblossom cottage is 570 square feet features one bedroom, one bath, a covered porch and outdoor patio.

Londonderry is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62 and over located among 29 acres and 1,500 feet of waterfront shoreline on the Tred Avon River. Londonderry residents receive all of the benefits of homeownership without the stress of maintenance and housekeeping. The community offers an engaging activities and events calendar, wellness and fitness classes, meal delivery, transportation off-campus and more.

For the past six years, Londonderry has been voted the best Retirement Living Community on the Eastern Shore and continues to make investments and improvements to its facilities and programs.

For more information about this opportunity and life at Londonderry, please contact Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director at rsmith@londonderrytredavon.com or 410-820-8732.

https://talbotspy.org/97183-2/

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Reopens Tred Avon Tavern and Resumes Limited Activities

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Following a successful community vaccine clinic and improving COVID-19 metrics across Talbot County, Londonderry on the Tred Avon has reopened the Tred Avon Tavern.

Londonderry is strictly adhering to all masking and social distancing guidelines, and the Tavern is open at 50% capacity for resident dining only.

“The hardest thing about COVID has been the isolation, which is already a concern and challenge for seniors,” said Londonderry Activities Coordinator Erica Hardeo. “While we have done our best to connect virtually and from a safe social distance over the past year, it has been wonderful for our community to reconnect face-to-face while sharing a meal.”

Photo: Members of Londonderry’s Activities Committee have worked closely with staff to find ways to reopen and resume activites around the community. L-R: David Draut, Noreen Swaren, Judith Harrald, Peggy Sloan and Helen Pritchett.

In addition to reopening dining, Londonderry has also resumed limited activities and wellness programs. To accommodate social distancing, advance reservations are strongly encouraged, and activities are being offered more often to accommodate everyone who wishes to participate.

As numbers continue to improve, the team at Londonderry looks forward to taking additional steps to reopen its campus and activities while still making the safety of the entire community its top priority.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates 30 Years

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon is celebrating 30 years of living “your life, your way” in 2021.

While COVID-19 precautions will delay plans for an in-person celebration, the community is planning a series of small, socially distant, and virtual events until a larger gathering is possible later this year.

“The success of Londonderry does not reside with one person, but with the countless residents and community members who have participated in growing our community to what we know today,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry on the Tred Avon CEO. “Thank you to everyone past, present, and future who knows that something great only comes from hard work and love.”

Londonderry was established in 1992 as the “The Retirement Community of Easton, Inc.” on some of Talbot County’s most historic land and remains the first resident-owned and operated independent living cooperative of its kind on the Eastern Shore.

Londonderry has grown from its first 15 individual cottages and 17 residents to a vibrant community of over140 cottages, 26 apartments and more than 180 residents. Over the years, Londonderry has added more amenities and activity space to meet the needs of residents. These include the Manor House, Pool, Community Center, expanded green space and access to the Tred Avon River, and the new Clubhouse that was completed in 2018.

Over the past three decades, Londonderry has overcome a multitude of challenges, which now include a global pandemic, to create an active, safe and welcoming community. Amidst thirty years of change, Londonderry’s commitment to the health, safety and wellness of its residents remains its guiding constant.

Londonderry looks forward to welcoming the community to celebrate and “cheers 30 years” later this year.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62 and over, offering a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Residents and Staff Receive First COVID-19 Vaccine

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Londonderry resident, Phyllis Grill, receiving her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

On Wednesday, January 20th, approximately 200 Londonderry on the Tred Avon residents and staff members received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination event was coordinated by Londonderry’s Health and Wellness Coordinator, Lorraine Flisher, RN, in partnership with the Talbot County Health Department.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Named “Best Retirement Community” and “Best Place to Work”

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that it has been named the “Best Retirement Community” and “Best Place to Work” in the Star Democrat’s 2020 Reader Approved Contest for the second year in a row.

Londonderry was first nominated by community members for the recognition, and then Star Democrat readers and as well as the general public had the opportunity to vote for their preferred businesses, vendors and organizations in a variety of categories.

“Our residents and our entire team are thrilled to be recognized by our friends and neighbors,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “It’s been a tough year, and we have all worked hard to keep our residents and staff safe and healthy while maintaining some sense of ‘normal.’ This year more than most, we are all incredibly thankful to live and work where we do.”

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62+, offering a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

New Dixon House Residents are Neighbors Once Again

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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.