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December 1, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Senior Nation Senior Notes

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.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Welcomes Trippe, Tanner to Board of Directors

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to welcome Sam Trippe and Dan Tanner to its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is comprised of residents and community members who volunteer their time to provide guidance and strategic direction to the cooperative and its management team. The Resident Directors are elected by their fellow Londonderry community members.

“Sam and Dan are great additions to the Londonderry Board of Directors,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry CEO. “Their professional, volunteer and leadership experience in Talbot County and beyond are an asset to our entire team.”

Londonderry on the Tred Avon welcomes Sam Trippe and Dan Tanner as new board members.

Sam Trippe has been a Londonderry resident since 2016. Sam is a graduate of the Naval Academy and ended his service as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his time in the military, he had a 32-year career as an engineer and administrator for the 3M Company before retiring to Easton in 1995. Sam and his wife, Rosemary, have five children and nine grandchildren. Sam has been deeply involved in the Talbot County Community, having served on the boards of the Chesapeake Maritime Museum, the USNA Alumni Association Eastern Shore Chapter and Heath Integrity.

Dan Tanner retired from the US Government with 39 years of service, including four years of active duty in the U.S. Army, followed by a career with the National Security Agency (NSA). He currently serves as a trustee of the Knight of Columbus Regina Coeli Council and is also active with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church and the Memorial Hospital in Easton. At Londonderry, he was on the Finance Committee for seven years and is the community’s Official Bingo Caller, a writer for Londonderry’s monthly newsletter, “The Tred Avon Times,” and one of the original members of the Londonderry Jammers choral group.

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.

Back on Track: The Key to Lasting Mobility and Independence are Strong Thighs

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The quadriceps or “quads,” a group of the four largest muscles in your body, are located in the front of your thighs running from the hips to the knees.  It is of utmost importance to keep these muscles strong since they are essential for ambulation and maintaining independence.

This muscle group works to extend the knee and is also active in flexing the hip.  The quads play a huge role in walking, since they are responsible for swinging the leg forward as you take a step.  They also play a primary role in actions such as getting up from a chair, out of a car, out of a tub and climbing stairs.  Strong quads contribute to the balance and stability of your upright body.  For instance, you are less likely to stumble if your quadriceps are strong; and if you do stumble or experience any sudden change in momentum, your quads help you to maintain and prevent falls and injuries.

The condition of your quads also plays a major role in your knee health as they are the stabilizers of the knee joint and can help support and reduce stress to arthritic knees.  Strong quads protect your back when you bend down to pick something up; while if they are weak, you are more likely to use the muscles of your back rather than your legs to help you lift.  This significantly increases the likelihood that you will bend at the spine instead of the knees, which increases your chance of a back strain.

There are number of exercises that strengthen the quads, but it’s extremely important to do them correctly using proper form in order to achieve the desired results.  It is essential to maintain good alignment of the joints, meaning you need to make sure your hips, knees and ankles all stay lined up as you move.  This is especially significant to those with arthritic joints.  Be aware of the position of your kneecaps as you move.  They should be pointing forward, not pointing out.

If you have osteoporosis or poor balance, be sure you have something stable to hold onto whenever you attempt these exercises.  The ultimate goal is to be able to do these exercises without holding on, but always have support available if you need it.

  1. Chair sit-to-stands:  Sit in a sturdy chair and cross your arms over your chest.  Stand up, pause then return to a seated position.  Repeat 10 times (or build up to this number if you’re unable at first).  Do 2-3 sets each day.
  2. Step-ups:  Standing in front of a step, bring one foot on the step and press through your whole foot to lift yourself up onto the step.  Keep ankle, knee and hip in line as you lift.  Then lower yourself back onto your other foot as you step down.  Repeat 10 times on each foot.  

Here’s to a Falless Fall!

Susan S. Covey is the director of Health and Fitness at Bayleigh Chase in Easton.

 

Senior Nation: Maryland Community For Life-Talbot to Merge with Partners in Care

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Maryland Community For Life-Talbot  announced today that it has entered into an agreement to merge CFL with Partners In Care’s Midshore CFL program.  The expected merger is scheduled for November 2020. The merged entities will become a CFL program to serve residents in Talbot and Caroline counties.  

Partners In Care (PIC), a private non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization headquartered in Pasadena, Maryland was established in 1993, and offers programs and services that support the independence of older adults in our communities.  Through a unique culture of exchange, PIC members volunteer their time and talents to help each other with neighborly services such as transportation, handyman repairs, person-centered support and social engagement.  In exchange, members tap into the network of volunteers to ask for assistance when needed.

“We look forward to the opportunities in Talbot County”, noted Partners In Care, CEO & President, Mandy Arnold. “This merger will expand our services to Talbot County and provide geographic diversification for our organization to support aging adults who want to continue to live independently.” 

“Partners In Care is a well-established organization with an excellent reputation with its members and volunteers.  We believe this merger will ensure the continued success and long-term sustainability of the CFL-Talbot program,” said Executive Director, Marion Donahue.

About Partners In Care

Partners In Care is a private non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization offering programs and services that support the independence of older adults in Anne Arundel, Talbot, Caroline, Frederick, and Washington Counties. For more information visit www.Partnersincare.org.    

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