Portal Notes

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Announces COVID-19 Response Plan

March 25, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Today, Londonderry on the Tred Avon shared its response plan to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“During these uncertain times, our residents are our number one priority,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry of the Tred Avon CEO. “Our team is ‘all hands on deck’ during this constantly evolving situation, and we have made adjustments to our operations to ensure the health, wellness and safety of each and every one of our residents.”

The following measures have been put in place for the health and safety of our residents:

Residents have been asked to stay in their residences, and visitors are limited to family and caregivers, only.

All staff and visitors must have their temperature checked before being allowed on campus.

The Londonderry staff continues to work on campus to support our residents.

Healthy, fresh meals are delivered twice daily to residents in their homes.

Wellness checks are conducted daily for every resident.

Mail is being delivered directly to residents.

Included with deliveries are daily activity suggestions that residents can do safely on their own to stay active and engaged. Future Facebook Live videos and video conferences are being planned to bring the community together.

The Sales and Marketing Office remains open and is conducting virtual tours of available, move-in ready properties for prospective residents. To schedule a virtual tour and to learn more about Londonderry, please call 410-820-8732.

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.

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Congratulations to Brooklets Place for Achieving National Senior Center Accreditation

March 21, 2020 by Spy Desk

Easton, Maryland, is called “the 8th Best Small Town in America”. It has a population of 16,500+ individuals who have access to large metropolitan areas like Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington, and Wilmington. The county is about 26% older adults. The center is in downtown Easton, a mixed neighborhood with residences and businesses.

Brookletts Place is a center for seniors to gather and socialize with each other. It provides an aspect of community engagement for individuals 60 or older through the Center’s facilities and various events throughout the year. Brookletts Place strives to continuously expand to provide even more for area seniors over and above its well-rounded menu of available services and resources.

The center provides opportunities for socializing, recreational fun, lifelong learning, and camaraderie among senior peers. The Center also provides a gateway for members to engage in various roles and carries a greater mission of serving a vulnerable part of the community.

The Center offers multiple classes, programs, and workshops year-round that are educational, recreational, and social in nature. As a non-profit organization, there is no fee to become a member; however, some classes require a minimal fee for the instructors and/or materials.

Jill Kranz and Childlene Brooks

The peer reviewer found the following strengths of the center:

– The center has developed a superior strategic plan, marketing plan and evaluation plan. The documents were developed with the help of a consultant and are working documents. Each is reviewed every three years in order to remain relevant.
– The center recently opened a satellite site in the next town about 10 miles away. The satellite center is housed in the new YMCA and has programming 3 days per week. The Brookletts Senior Center Manager was instrumental in the implementation of this program and the program is thriving by offering options for older adults right in their community.
– The facility features a beautiful outdoor rooftop garden and patio, where older adults can comfortably enjoy the outdoors.
– The Center enjoys many community partnerships and it is a focal point in the community., not only for older adults’ services but also for community groups who utilize the facility.
– A notable program is the G15 mapping of the entire county through the University of Maryland to discover who and where older adults are in the country. Targeting services and outreach to those areas will be very helpful as there is a lot of rural land in the county.

An advisory group member at Brookletts Place said “they were really proud of what we’ve accomplished.” Involve your community leaders in the accreditation process and increase their knowledge of all the great things you do through the national accreditation and the self-assessment process. Learn how the National Senior Center Standards and self-assessment process can help you achieve excellence at your center.

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Book Club Discussion by Author Dr. Christopher Kerr March 30

March 9, 2020 by Talbot Hospice

The public is invited to attend a free book club gathering to discuss Death is but a Dream: Finding Hope and Meaning at Life’s End on Monday, March 30, 6 p.m., at the Easton Library.

Author Christopher Kerr is a doctor at Hospice Buffalo in New York. All of his patients die. Yet he has cared for thousands who, in the face of death, speak of finding love, meaning, and grace. In his new book released February 11, Dr. Kerr tells the story of these patients and their families to show that death is not purely the end of life, but a final chapter of humanity and transcendence.

Author Dr. Christopher Kerr

Drawing on interviews with over 1,400 patients and more than a decade of quantified data, Dr. Kerr reveals that pre-death dreams and visions are extraordinary occurrences that humanize the dying process. Kerr’s book also illuminates the benefits of these phenomena for the bereaved, who find solace in seeing their loved ones pass with a sense of calm closure.

Beautifully and sensitively written, Death is But a Dream provides an unflinching look at the end of life and celebrates our power to reclaim dying as a deeply meaningful and soothing process for both patients and their loved ones, and more often than not, as spiritually healing.

Dr. Kerr was in Easton June 20, 2019, when he presented “Validating Dreams and Visions of the Dying” to a full house at The Avalon.

We hope individuals and book clubs will join us in reading and discussing this incredibly important book. To register call 410-822-6681 or email info@talbothospice.org. Death is but a Dream is available for purchase at amazon.com.

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon Reimagines Ambassador Program

February 16, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon has reintroduced its Resident Ambassador Program to welcome new homeowners to the community.

The Resident Ambassador Program pairs new homeowners with current residents to help them settle into their home and take full advantage of Londonderry’s activities and amenities. Ambassadors meet new residents when they purchase their home and help them with the essentials like checking mail and dining. They also encourage new residents to join them at events and introduce them to their new neighbors.

“Londonderry’s Ambassador Program represents the best of Eastern Shore hospitality,” said Pat Lewers, head of the Ambassador Program and former Board President. “Londonderry is a warm, active and vibrant place, and I love sharing what I love about living here with new residents and helping them feel at home.”

“Loneliness and isolation have a devastating effect on someone’s quality of life and wellness,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry CEO. “This is especially true for seniors, and everyone at Londonderry works very hard to ensure that all of our residents are engaged and included. The Ambassador Program is our first outreach to new residents to ensure that they become part of our caring community.”

Londonderry looks forward to welcoming new residents in the coming year and has several rare ownership opportunities. Two Oxford Cottages, a Dogwood Cottage and First Floor Apartment are all currently available. Londonderry residents own their homes and 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 and transportation off-campus.

Londonderry New Clubhouse

For the past five 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. Just last year, Londonderry completed construction on its new Clubhouse offering additional gathering and programming space for the entire community.

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

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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Ask Irma: Loneliness and Communities

February 6, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

One of the most lethal threats to seniors in this country is also one of the least diagnosed. Experiencing aloneness or social isolation as an elder can have a devastating effect not only on one’s emotional quality of life, but can be equally crippling on the body and mind, including high blood pressure, depression, dementia, malnutrition, and other harmful health issues.

That is the primary reason that Irma Toce, CEO of Londonderry on the Tred Avon, takes the condition of loneliness so seriously at the retirement community and in society as well. And one of her strategies in combating that dark force was to bring on board Lorraine Flisher to be Londonderry’s Nurse and Health & Wellness Coordinator five years ago.

In this installment of “Ask Irma,” Lorraine shares with Irma her concerns about the impact of loneliness and how she and the Londonderry community watch after each other to guard against its sometimes devastating effects on older Americans, and particularly those that had lost their wife or husband.

This video is approximately three minutes in length. For more information about Londonderry on the Tred Avon please go here.

Rare Homeownership Opportunity at Londonderry on the Tred Avon

November 6, 2019 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon has two rare homeownership opportunities at its campus in Easton. Two Dogwood model cottages are currently available.

“This is a rare and exciting opportunity for active seniors on the Eastern Shore,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “Cottages are not often available and it’s a fantastic time to join the Londonderry community and get settled before the winter months.”

The Dogwood model has a starting square footage of 1,313 and features two bedrooms, two bathrooms and outdoor living space. Both available cottages have gas fireplaces and built-in bookshelves. The new owner of one of the cottages will also have the opportunity to choose new kitchen cabinets, countertops and appliances.

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 own their homes and 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 four 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. Just last year, Londonderry completed construction on its new Clubhouse offering additional gathering and programming space for the entire community.

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.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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.

Talbot County Commission on Aging Hosts Legislative Forum/Town Hall Meeting

October 9, 2019 by Spy Desk

The Talbot County Commission on Aging is hosting a free Legislative Forum/Town Hall Meeting, “How to make Talbot County a Livable Community for Seniors,” on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Talbot County Senior Center—Brookletts Place at 400 Brookletts Avenue in Easton. The Forum/Town Hall will be moderated by Talbot County Council President Corey W. Pack. Senator Addie Eckardt and Delegates Johnny Mautz and Chris Adams will also be on hand to discuss issues and concerns about aging well in Talbot County.

According to Lee Newcomb, member of Talbot Commission on Aging, “The Commission on Aging is trying to find out what Talbot County residents feel are the real needs around aging in the County so that we can advocate for these needs.”

Participants are encouraged to visit the Talbot County Commission on Aging website, talbotsenior.com, to submit aging concerns that they feel affect seniors, as well as to submit topics on aging that Maryland legislators need to address in the 2019-2020 legislative session.

The Talbot Commission on Aging was established in 2003 to advise the Talbot County Council on issues affecting seniors and to advocate for change. The vision of the Commission is to enhance the quality of life for all seniors in Talbot County. Current members of the Commission are Lauren Harding, Jenna Marchi, Julie Crocker, Amie Denayer, Lee Newcomb, Marion Donahue, Lee Yerkes, Kate Stinton, Vivian Dodge, Cindy Bach, Johanna Norris, Jennifer Pierson, Irma Toce, and Wynne Aroom.

For further information, visit Talbot County Commission on Aging website, talbotsenior.com.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Seeks New Volunteers on the Mid Shore

September 6, 2019 by Spy Desk

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will present an information session at the Talbot County Free Library, 100 W. Dover St., Easton on Friday, September 20 from 2-3:30 pm for persons interested in serving in its Mid-Shore tax preparation program for the coming tax season. No reservations required. This nationwide all-volunteer program, now in its 50^th year, offers free in-person federal and state tax preparation and assistance to anyone in the community, but especially those 50 and older who cannot afford a tax preparation service.

Tax-Aide volunteers come from all walks of life and prior tax experience, while helpful, is not required. After completing a series of local training sessions, each new volunteer will be paired with an experienced tax counselor and serve at one of the eight Mid-Shore sites: Easton, St. Michaels, Chestertown, Grasonville, Centreville, Denton, Federalsburg and Greensboro.

Volunteers have the opportunity to learn a new skill while helping neighbors address their tax obligations.

Questions about the Tax-Aide program can be directed to: taxaide2019@gmail.com.

Maryland Community for Life℠ – Talbot Offers Options for Safe Aging

September 5, 2019 by Amy Blades Steward

Many children who are providing care for aging parents can find the task daunting. This is particularly the case if they are still working or recently retired and maintaining active schedules themselves. Helping with transportation needs and home repairs can at times be overwhelming to the caregiver.

Maryland Community for Life℠ – Talbot Volunteer Marion Donahue with member Monica McCarthy.

Maryland Community for Life℠ – Talbot offers options to aging adults and their family caregivers which can be lifesaving and provide the needed conveniences necessary in today’s busy society. In particular, the transportation services can help aging adults stay active – offering trips to regular appointments like the hairdresser or barber, doctor’s offices, the grocery store, and the post office, as well as to important social engagements.

One local caregiver whose mother has taken advantage of Maryland Community for Life℠ – Talbot remarks, “My mother would call and say, ‘I hate to bother you, but . . . ‘ I wanted to support her healthy engagement, but I couldn’t get my schedule and her schedule to mesh for her needs.”

Maryland Community for Life℠ – Talbot delivers key services in a cost-effective and supportive manner. Specifically, for a monthly fee, members receive basic home repair and maintenance by a community “Handyman,” a list of vetted contractors and contract review, transportation trips, as well as regular contact with a “Service Navigator” to help coordinate access to services and to assist with any needs that may arise.

Another caregiver adds, “Now my parents call me last, instead of first when something comes up and most of the time they can handle the arrangements by themselves by calling the Service Navigator.”

Stacey Woodworth, Maryland Community for Life℠ – Talbot’s Service Navigator, helps members with transportation, home maintenance, and referrals to community services. Membership is open to individuals or households up to two people aged 65 and older who live in Talbot County. Core services are personalized to individual needs. Membership levels start as low as $48 a month, depending on the volume and frequency of services used. Members can switch to the next level of membership as the need arises. Volunteers are a key component of the organization’s success and help with home maintenance, transportation, and friendly visits. The organization’s volunteers are vetted by Maryland Community for Life℠ – Talbot.

For members, the benefits are liberating. One member comments, “MD Community for Life-Talbot℠ has allowed us to remain independent and able to do things without having to bother our children who are busy with work and their own families.”

A family member adds about the benefits, “This program has given peace of mind to our family. Our mom never wants to bother anyone, and rarely asks for help. This program has given the help needed for repairs, transportation and more.”

Maryland Community for Life℠ – Talbot is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operating as a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. MD Community for Life℠—Talbot is located at 10 S. Hanson Street, Ste 18, in Easton, Maryland. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

To become a member or volunteer, email communityforlifetalbot@gmail.com or call 410-443-0760. For further information, visit mdcommunityforlifetalbot.org

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