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September 22, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Senior Nation Senior Notes

Buildings & Grounds Team Creates Safe & Superior Lifestyle at Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s values include a commitment to excellence, which can be seen in every aspect of the community, with each department playing a role in helping residents feel comfortable and safe. The Buildings and Grounds team plays a vital role in this, providing the community with accessible and superior living that meets the team’s renowned high-quality standards.

James Brooks, Londonderry’s Director of Buildings and Grounds, describes his Buildings & Grounds team as “always looking for ways to improve the community. With team members that are on call 7 days a week, 365 days a year, who have special backgrounds in electrical, HVAC, appliance repair, painting, etc., there is always someone available who knows how to fix it!”

The team takes pride in the work they put into the community and are always looking for ways to improve the campus’s attractiveness as well as its safety. For example, the salt the team uses in the wintertime is pet, concrete and interior floor-friendly, instead of using a less expensive and harsher variety.

Residents appreciate the lengths that the Buildings & Grounds team goes to, with their goal of fulfilling work orders within 24 hours and performing preventative maintenance to make sure everything is in the best condition it can be.

The Londonderry on the Tred Avon Buildings and Grounds Team is committed to making the Londonderry campus accessible, safe and beautiful for all residents and visitors. Pictured from left are John Riccio, Dane Brinsfield, Tory Sherwood, James Brooks and Chris Andrews.

“From sidewalks to speed bumps to patios to siding, my team is consistently staying on top of the preventative work that needs to be done,” says Brooks. “We want to make sure everything is taken care of for our Londonderry residents. We like to tell our residents we are just a phone call away.”

Londonderry’s campus displays scenic views, with river birches lining the front of the Community Center and multiple ponds that contain fountains and local wildlife, with benches and walking paths surrounding the space. The Buildings & Grounds team strives to nurture these areas so that residents can enjoy the outdoors as much as the indoors.

Keeping the cottages and apartments in the best possible shape is also a top priority. The team aims to create unique and beautiful homes for their residents. “My favorite part of my job is when I get the opportunity to refurbish a cottage. I get to see the residents’ faces when they view their personalized selections for the first time,” shared Chris Andrews, Buildings & Grounds team member.

“Excellence means providing the best of myself to my team and the Londonderry residents every day,” said Brooks. “It means stopping to ask how someone’s day is going or to say hello and tell or listen to a joke. Excellence means contributing to enriching the lives of everyone around me.”

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.

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

Upper Shore Aging Receives $33,000 T‑Mobile Hometown Grant for Computer Upgrades

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Upper Shore Aging was just awarded a $33,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant to update the Talbot County Senior Center’s technology at the Brookletts Place computer lab, including 20 computer stations to provide the senior community with access to connectivity, classes, and hands-on learning opportunities. Brookletts Place is part of Upper Shore Aging, Inc., a nonprofit organization that is the designated Area Agency on Aging (USA) for Talbot, Caroline, and Kent counties.

T-Mobile has been investing in rural towns for over five years and to date, has distributed $9 million among 42 states for grant projects.  Projects supported have included upgrading and revitalizing community buildings to include bingo halls and libraries; installing free public Wi-Fi; creating a state-of-the-art open-air body weight exercise fitness court; restoring a water-damaged roof; and commissioning a mural to celebrate the people, their history, and honor their communities.

Walter Black, who was the Master of Ceremonies for the award ceremony at Brookletts Place, commented, “My wife Clairdean and I are both members of Brookletts Place and actively participate in many of the activities they sponsor.  I am also a member of Blake Blackston American Legion Post #77, which has been an ongoing financial supporter of this facility since the very beginning.  As you may not be aware, Brookletts Place is a part of the larger Upper Shore Aging’s network of support for our senior community.”

“This Center was dedicated in 2009 and has offered numerous educational opportunities, including computer classes at all levels.  Unfortunately, the computers are now outdated and can no longer be upgraded, so teaching classes has become a challenge for our instructor and they are not user-friendly for those who need to use the computer for themselves. This grant will replace not only the 16 computers and monitors in the computer lab but the computers for staff as well.”

L-R: Bill Shrieves, USA; Spencer Rosenberry, T-Mobile; Dontay Taylor. T-Mobile; Trystin Gearhart, T-Mobile; Childlene Brooks, Talbot County Senior Center at Brooketts; Andy Hollis, USA; Jennifer Acree, USA; Joel Adams, Easton Utilities; and Jamar Martin. T-Mobile

The initiative started in 2021 and is part of T-Mobile’s greater effort to connect rural areas and empower communities. T-Mobile awards up to 25 Hometown Grants each quarter with a population of 50,000 or less.

“T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants initiative shows big love for small towns, driving positive change in communities nationwide by funding $25 million in projects over a massive 5-year commitment,” said Dontay Taylor, the Rural Market Manager from T-Mobile.

“I want to thank everyone for coming to this celebration and I want to thank T-Mobile for selecting us. The Center is one of 25 grantees in the nation that received an award. We are blessed,” stated Childlene Brooks, Manager of the Talbot County Senior Center at Brookletts Place.

Andy Hollis, Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging added, “This is a senior center and also a community center. These computers in that computer lab are available for everyone in our community, not just for seniors. Make sure you get that word out. We want to make sure that we use this technology to the greatest extent possible.”

Jennifer Neal-Acree, Director of Senior Centers and Nutrition at USA, shared that the upgrades would not only benefit seniors at the Talbot County Senior Center but would enable other senior center attendees in other counties to come and learn as well.  Plus, according to Bill Shrieves, President of the Board of Directors at Upper Shore Aging, T-Mobile staff will also be available to help seniors with their cell phones.

“We are appreciative that T-Mobile chose to invest in the Talbot County Senior Center in the Town of Easton. As a recipient of a T-Mobile Hometown Grant, this will allow Upper Shore Aging to transform an outdated computer lab at Brookletts Place into a community space, where seniors and others can have computer class time and related internet access. This grant helps address the critical needs of broadband access in a rural community and is so very much needed. Like T-Mobile, Easton and Upper Shore Aging are in the business of connecting people, and because of this grant, we will be able to connect people in a new and exciting way,“ added Mayor Megan Cook.

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

Londonderry Resident Margaret Bryan, Celebrates 100th Birthday

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On Thursday, May 11th, Margaret Bryan celebrated her 100th birthday with her fellow Londonderry residents. They enjoyed a menu that included her favorite dishes, named for places and events important to her. Continuing the celebration on Friday, May 12th, Bryan’s friends, family and the Londonderry team enjoyed a birthday party in the clubhouse, which was decorated in rose gold, and her favorite drink, a blushing mimosa, was served. Pictured is Bryan sitting in her birthday chair with 23 balloons attached to represent the year she was born, 1923.

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.

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

Maryland Secretary of Aging Pays Visit to Upper Shore Aging Facilities

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Maryland Secretary of the Department of Aging Carmel Roques took a tour of Upper Shore Aging’s facilities while also providing a public forum for a discussion on aging issues facing seniors across the state and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Secretary Roques reminded participants at the gathering at Talbot County Senior Center at Brooklett’s Place in Easton that she wasn’t a politician, but rather had worked a long career in the private sector. She stated, “I was absolutely honored to be asked to serve in this role. I have many years centering my life around caring for older people, their families, and their care providers. And so, you know, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a licensed clinical social worker, doing direct therapy and care management of older people.”

“Maryland is a long-lived society. Half of the five-year-olds alive today will expect to live to 100. We need to begin to shape our policies and services around that. They will sit under the trees that we plant but that will never see.”

Photo: Left to right – Chuck Callahan, President of the Talbot County Council; Childlene Brooks, Manager of Brooklett’s Place; Maryland Secretary of the Department of Aging Carmel Roques; and Andy Hollis, Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging.

According to Secretary Roques, the Maryland Department of Aging is a $90 million agency comprised of federal and state funding. When she arrived, the agency had 40 full-time employees but was operating at a 30 percent vacancy rate. The agency oversees 19 area agencies on aging and Upper Shore Aging is one of them.

Andy Hollis, Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging hosted the Secretary’s visit, which included seeing the Caroline Senior Center in Denton and Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center in Chestertown. He added, “Secretary Roques’ visit underscored the critical importance of Upper Shore Aging’s partnership with the Maryland Department of Aging.  Upper Shore provides senior services on behalf of three counties, and the Secretary’s remarks about her vision for the department, and her focus on bettering the lives of our state’s seniors, will serve the citizens of Caroline, Kent, and Talbot Counties well.  She has worked in the field for decades and knows the challenges that lie ahead.  Her comments expressing her commitment to meeting those challenges and overcoming them was inspirational.”

Among the issues raised by participants at the discussion at Brooklett’s Place were affordable housing and long-term care, food insecurity among seniors, the need for gap-filling services like adult day care, and transportation.

Secretary Roques added that nationally, the United States hasn’t made a commitment to long-term care and that moving forward recommendations for improving nursing homes are needed as they are closing around the country due to not being as profitable as they used to be.

“Older Americans are healthier than previous generations and living long enough to outlive their resources and require complex supportive care, but more people are choosing assisted living or staying at home because they can’t afford private pay at these facilities,” she explained.

“Under 3% of the housing in this country is assessable for older adults with disabilities.”

In looking toward the future, Secretary Roques explained that the new Governor is setting in motion a couple of initiatives – the biggest one being a multi-sector planning process, which involves cabinet-level leaders working together to better use state or federal funds to solve some of these problems and issues, as well as working with each other to influence policy across these issues.

Upper Shore Aging, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Talbot, Caroline, and Kent counties, Maryland, serving a potential market of nearly 31,000 persons over the age of sixty years. Our organization develops and manages a coordinated program of services that work together to help elders to remain, and live well, in the community as long as possible. Upper Shore Aging, Inc. works closely with the Maryland Department of Aging to serve the needs of its clients.

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

Londonderry Resident, Bill Lawton, Takes Over as Caretaker for Londonderry’s Community Garden

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This spring, the Londonderry Community Garden gained a new caretaker, Mr. Bill Lawton. During a resident meeting, Susan Andrews, wife of the late Chuck Andrews, the garden’s creator, officially “passed the trowel” on to Lawton.

In 2016,  Andrews created and tended Londonderry’s Community Garden. The garden flourished to the delight of fellow residents and has become a fixture on the Londonderry campus. It is not uncommon to spot someone stopping by to snack on a few cherry tomatoes or pick a few things to add to their home-cooked meals.

“I love working in the garden,” said Lawton.“One of my favorite things about the garden is growing fresh vegetables and seasonings for my neighbors. I find great joy in knowing those tomatoes are being put to good use!”

Residents aren’t the only ones who look forward to ripening tomatoes and maturing herbs every summer. Chelsea Coombs, Londonderry’s Head Chef and Director of Dining Services, can’t wait to incorporate fresh veggies and herbs into her menus.

“My team and I are so happy that Bill has carried on the garden,” said Coombs. “I am passionate about preparing the freshest food possible for our residents, and it doesn’t get any fresher than right from our own garden.”

Mr. Bill Lawton has taken over leadership of Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s Community Garden.

Lawton has planted herbs such as basil, thyme, Italian and curly parsley, rosemary, and sage. He has also planted a variety of tomatoes, including small, yellow tomatoes called sun golds.

The herbs are used every day in the Londonderry kitchen, in garnishes, marinades, roasted potatoes, and sauteed vegetables and more.

Coombs uses basil to make homemade pesto, parsley for homemade chimichurri, and sun gold tomatoes go in the house salads. The tomatoes also accompany various dinner specials like grilled mahi mahi with fresh salsa, Caprese salads, and more.

Another recipe that benefits from the Community Garden is Londonderry’s famous spice rub, which includes parsley and thyme. The herbs are harvested and then dried and mixed with other special ingredients to complete the blend. The rub is used regularly in the Londonderry kitchen, and is also given to residents and visitors. Recipes that use the rub are posted on Londonderry’s website so the community can create meals served in their Tred Avon Tavern in their own kitchens.

“Samples of the spice rub are given to visitors to offer them a taste of what life is like at Londonderry,” says Sales and Marketing Director, Rachel Smith. “It’s one small way we introduce the Londonderry lifestyle to future residents. Everyone loves hearing the story behind the rub and how we source ingredients straight from our own garden.”

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.

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

Upper Shore Aging’s New Brand Reflects Agency’s Future Direction

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Upper Shore Aging, Inc. (USA), the nonprofit Area Agency on Aging serving over 31,000 seniors in Caroline, Kent, and Talbot counties, has a new logo. It is no accident that the logo the organization selected includes a lotus blossom – the symbol of strength, resilience, and rebirth – selected with staff input and representative of USA’s renewal in serving some of the Eastern Shore’s most vulnerable – its aging population. Under the leadership of a new executive director, Andrew Hollis, and his leadership team, and board president Bill Shrieves, the organization is tackling the growing demand for the services that the agency offers.

“Andy Hollis has brought a fresh new approach to the work being done at USA since his arrival a year ago. He has engaged the community in learning about the gaps in service and the growing needs, as well as tackled the agency’s staff vacancies. We are now fully staffed and can serve those in need on the Mid-Shore,” comments Bill Shrieves, president of the board of USA, who has been the driving force in the agency’s recovery. Shrieves, a pancreatic cancer survivor, opened Comfort Keepers and is an active volunteer with the Mid-Shore Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, the Bay Hundred Community Volunteers, and the St. Michaels Rotary. This year he received the Community Impact Award from Talbot County’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

Hollis is no stranger to working with the senior population as before his appointment at USA, he worked for Delmarva Community Services, Inc., as County Manager for Talbot County, and for Londonderry on the Tred Avon Retirement Community. He adds, “My experience over the years has shown me that our most vulnerable seniors don’t know they have a voice and suffer in silence, often not asking for the services they need. We now have a dynamic team to address some of the challenges seniors are facing today – food insecurity, re-engagement at our senior centers, the equipment and resources to age safely at home, the rising costs of prescription drugs, and the gaps in meeting the costs for assisted living today. I believe with our new staffing; we can start to impact the needs in these areas.”

Photo: The staff at Upper Shore Aging, Inc.’s headquarters in Chestertown, Maryland displaying the agency’s new logo and branding – representing its new direction in serving the Mid-Shore’s aging population. Front row, left to right: Ursula McEntee, Fiscal Specialist; Debbie Beaver, Upper Shore Housing Fiscal Manager; Jensen Vandyke, Nutrition Specialist; Sheila Wilson, Administrative Assistant; and TreShawn Todd, Operations Director. Back row, left to right: Judi Bianco, Finance Director; Deborah Nicholson, Ombudsman; Andy Hollis, Executive Director; and Jeff Scott, Senior Care Case Manager.

Tracey Watters, RN, BSN, BC, Kent County Health Department Director of the AERS Program, refers clients to the USA’s programs. She comments, “My role is to see what services can help the seniors most. These are the elderly who are low-income residents who may not have a family to care for them and who are on Medicaid. Andy Hollis has a heart for the clients he serves. He desires to serve them and get them what they need.”

“As the new Executive Director of USA, he reached out to the community to see where the problems existed and began addressing them systematically. He has hired a phenomenal team that is also based on heart. The new team is about helping people and if they don’t know the answer, they will find it. The client is at the center of this care delivery no matter what the obstacle is.”

Upper Shore Aging develops and administers programs and services and serves as the chief advocate for the seniors it serves. Its programs function cooperatively to maintain and improve the quality of life for seniors, working to help them remain healthy and independent. Among the programs offered through the agency include:

  • Operating five senior centers in Kent, Caroline, and Talbot counties.  These centers are a hub for activities helping seniors stay active and involved in their community.
  • Operating the Meals-On-Wheels program which delivers meals to homebound seniors.
  • Providing a Senior Care Program that supports seniors aging in place, keeping seniors living in their own homes, and at a lower cost than a long-term care facility. Services vary according to need but may include personal care, light housekeeping chores, and emergency response systems, and case management services.
  • Managing the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), sponsored by USA and funded by AmeriCorps, which recruits and places older adults (age 55+) in a diverse range of volunteer activities to meet various community needs.
  • Providing one-on-one counseling, information, and group seminars on Medicare, Medigap and Medicaid insurance programs, private health insurance issues, and long-term care insurance.
  • Operating Maryland Access Point (MAP) a one-stop source of information and assistance for family members, caregivers, disabled adults, and seniors, which helps them navigate through the maze of long-term care services and links them with local and state programs.
  • Providing Senior Medicare Patrol to educate clients about these programs and to prevent incidents of fraud and abuse.
  • Providing a Long-Term Care Ombudsman who investigates and resolves complaints of elder abuse and neglect in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities.

In addition, USA provides senior legal assistance, refers senior housing needs to Upper Shore Aging Housing Corporation, administers the Senior Assisted Living Subsidy program for low and moderate-income seniors, providing access to participating assisted living facilities; provides case management services for Medicaid-eligible seniors to receive home or community-based services, provides a Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program and Family Caregiver Support Program, partners with Delmarva Community Transit to provide transportation to its senior centers, and offers a shopping service for seniors in Kent county who unable to shop for themselves.

“Last year my wife and I moved to St. Michaels from North Carolina where we lived for 30 years. The staff at Upper Shore Aging helped us to enroll in a better Medicare Part D drug plan and helped us evaluate Medicare supplemental insurance, as well as our enrollment in Medicare. They really helped us find the best coverage for our medications and the best coverage for the payments we were making, taking a comprehensive look at what we were getting. This was an undiscovered gem for us,” comments resident Stephen Parr of St. Michaels.

“Upper Shore Aging is giving services back to people in the community – especially services that are impactful like Medicare Part D. Their success is only possible based upon the professionals they have on their team, not only volunteers but more importantly the staff who have a passion for their work.”

Chuck Callahan, President of the Talbot County Council adds, “I have been so impressed at the response of Upper Shore Aging in meeting the growing needs of our seniors. Their staff, led by Andy and Bill, are making a significant impact on the quality of care our seniors are getting every day across the region. We applaud their hard work and tenacity in moving the agency forward in a positive way.”

For information about Upper Shore Aging, Inc or to donate, visit uppershoreaging.org or call 410-778-6000.

Upper Shore Aging, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Talbot, Caroline, and Kent counties, Maryland, serving a potential market of nearly 31,000 persons over the age of sixty years. Our organization develops and manages a coordinated program of services that work together to help elders to remain, and live well, in the community as long as possible. Upper Shore Aging, Inc. works closely with the Maryland Department of Aging to serve the needs of its clients.

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

Culinary Excellence Contributes to Healthy Lifestyle at Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s commitment to excellence is apparent in every aspect of the community, with each department playing a role in helping residents be active and healthy. The dining experience is no exception, providing the community with the healthy, nutritious and delicious meals that meet the team’s renowned high-quality standards.

Chelsea Harris, Londonderry’s Director of Dining, describes culinary excellence as “having the freshest, top-quality ingredients utilized by our trained team of chefs and cooks to create delicious and nutritious meals.”

Harris’s “eat good, feel good” mentality greatly influences what the dining department serves residents. “The food we provide to the community is essential to the Londonderry lifestyle because what we put into our body is going to affect not only our physical well-being but also our mental health,” says Harris.

Residents certainly appreciate the dining team’s efforts since their dining room is filled with patrons each evening and the meal-delivery service is also very popular.

Londonderry Tred Avon’s dining team plays a critical role in helping residents be active and healthy by providing the community with the healthy, nutritious and delicious meals. Director of Dining Services, Chelsea Harris and Lead Line Cook and Baker, Shavonte Greene, work in the Londonderry Kitchen.

“We have created a welcoming and homey dining area, where residents and guests are catered to in every way we can manage,” says Harris. “We love to give residents the best dining experience, whether that is at the table with their neighbors or in the comfort of their own homes.”

A special feature that the dining team offers is a tour of the kitchen, where the staff talks Londonderry residents through each station so that they may learn how their food is prepared.

Residents can also experience fun activities in the kitchen, such as nutritional cooking classes and how to build charcuterie boards.

Londonderry also invests in its culinary team and offers 100% tuition reimbursement for all staff members who wish to pursue additional education in the field.  Harris shared that Andy Riesburg, Prep Cook, and Nick Satchell, Line Cook, are currently in culinary school.

Other culinary team members include Shavonte Greene – Lead Line Cook and Baker, Shavonte Greene – Lead Line Cook, Bryant Harper – Prep Cook,  Emma Freeman – Prep Cook, Charlie Guy – Dishwasher, and Willey Cephas – Dishwasher.

“Our team is very proud to provide residents with delicious and nutritious meals,” shared Harris. “We will continue to play our part supporting Londonderry’s mission of promoting the complete wellness of every resident.”

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.

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

Talbot County Organizations Host Senior Supply Drive

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The Talbot County Commission on Aging (TCCOA) kicked off the Senior Supply drive on March 1st to collect incontinence supplies for seniors in need in Talbot County.  The Talbot County Senior Care program is administered by the Talbot County Health Department through a partnership with the Maryland Department of Aging, the Talbot County Department of Social Services, and Talbot County.

This program helps at need seniors stay in their homes for as long as possible, through resources they may not otherwise be able to access.  The TCCOA  has joined Talbot County’s Senior Care program by organizing a supply drive to collect incontinence briefs/underwear, packs of incontinence pads, and disposable underpads. For a complete list of items accepted, please see our Amazon Wishlist – https://bitly.ws/yU3P for type of product and size needs (only new, unopened packages accepted). The drive is scheduled to run through the summer.

Please bring your donations to the following locations: Brookletts Place-Talbot Senior Center, Home Instead, and Talbot County Health Department. Volunteers will collect the donated items for distribution throughout Talbot County by the Department of Social Services and the Talbot Health Department.  If you have further questions about donating, please contact Kate Stinton at 410-819-5631 or [email protected].

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

Londonderry Residents Paint Bowls for Empty Bowls

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On February 10th, Londonderry on the Tred Avon residents painted bowls at Kiln Born Creations in Easton for the 2023 Talbot County Empty Bowls event. Talbot County Empty Bowls is an independent, volunteer organization with the twin mission of striving to eliminate hunger insecurity and raising awareness in our community of this serious and fundamental issue.

“Londonderry residents are deeply invested in their community,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry CEO. “Supporting Empty Bowls is one of many ways they give back and share their time and talents with many worthy causes in the area.”

The painted bowls will be used at the February 25th, 2023, community dinner held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Easton. Those who attend the dinner will select a painted bowl for their soup, which is provided by local restaurants.

On February 10th, Londonderry on the Tred Avon residents painted bowls at Kiln Born Creations in Easton for the 2023 Talbot County Empty Bowls event. Front Row, Left to Right: Pat Bradley, Regina Amy, Cyndy Miller. Back Row, Left to Right: Susan Andrews, Judy Lutkus, Erica Hardeo (Activities Coordinator), Cathy Cooper.

Through this event, with the help of Talbot County community members, Talbot County Empty Bowls is able to raise funds for local food pantries and award funds to several organizations to assist in their efforts to address food insecurity in Talbot County.

These funds are being provided to Helping Hands, Tilghman Island Food Pantry; Care Packs; Neighborhood Service Center; Scotts United Methodist Church Pantry on the Go; Harvest of Hope Food Pantry, Easton Church of God; St. Michaels Community Center; and Royal Oak Church/ Bellevue Church.

Since 2008, Talbot County Empty Bowls has distributed over $235,000 to Talbot County food organizations. The global non-profit organization Empty Bowls has raised millions of dollars for hunger-related causes across the United States and in countries around the world.

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.

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

Senior Pets Find Second Chance at Londonderry

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Londonderry Resident, Nancy Burns, and her dog, Duke.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s CEO, Irma Toce, has a passion for senior pet adoption and placing senior animals with Londonderry residents.

“I have always been an animal person,” said Toce. “Animals give people purpose and are incredibly therapeutic, especially for those living alone who are at risk of feeling isolated – like seniors. While an energetic puppy may not be the best option for our residents, older dogs and cats can be a great match. The animals provide our residents with purpose and companionship, and our residents provide the animals with a second chance and a safe and loving home.”

Toce’s passion began several years ago when she visited the Talbot Humane Society. She met a cat who was 16 years old and completely bald. Knowing no one else would adopt her, Irma brought the cat home. She lived happily with Irma for about a year, her hair even growing back. Within that same year, the Humane Society called and said they had an overweight cat on insulin. Irma adopted him as well and cared for him for five wonderful years before he passed away.

Toce’s reputation as a champion for senior pets grew on campus and residents who were interested in adopting began asking her for help finding a pet.

“I always have my eye out,” said Toce.

Toce’s latest adoptee was a dog named Duke. He was almost 13 when his owner passed away and her loved ones were getting the word out on social media to find Duke a new home. She immediately thought of a resident who had been looking for a puppy. She encouraged her to consider an older dog because they would be a better match for her energy level and lifestyle. Once she met Duke, he never left her side, and they are often found sitting together on her front porch swing.

Londonderry residents have also taken it upon themselves to share the responsibility of the on-campus pets by offering assistance to friends in need. If a resident is ill or away for the day, there is never a shortage of neighbors willing to walk a dog or feed a cat. Overall, having animals on campus has brought much joy, with dogs even greeting visitors on tours.

Irma has now placed 11 animals with loving residents over the course of seven years, mostly from the Humane Society. All pets are still a responsibility, no matter the age, but Toce insists that those who are able should adopt. Senior animals only want to be loved and love their owners in return.

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.

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