Portal Notes Archives

Mid-Shore Community Band Performs at Londonderry

July 30, 2022 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

The Mid-Shore Community Band performed at Londonderry on the Tred Avon on June 28^th as part of the community’s summer concert series.

“This was the most popular performance yet of the concert series and our residents are already asking for them to come back” said Erica Hardeo, Londonderry Activities Director. “Music, especially music played by our friends and colleagues, brings a community together and is great reason to come outside and spend time with neighbors.”

The program included patriotic selections in advance of the Fourth of July, including The Liberty Bell March, America the Beautiful and an Armed Services Salute.

The Mid-Shore Community Band performed at Londonderry on the Tred Avon on June 28th as part of the community’s summer concert series.

In addition, the program also included a very special composition, “The Pride of the Clipper”, which was played for the very first time at this performance. “The Pride of the Clipper” is an original composition, commissioned by the Mid-Shore Community Band, that honors the history of the Town of St. Michaels and its maritime traditions. Named for the iconic, Baltimore Clipper, “Pride of the Clipper” takes the listener back to the early days of St. Michaels combining the joy of living on the water with the industrial sounds of a shipyard. The sound of the ship’s bells interact with the rhythmic banging on metal to immerse the audience in the sounds of a typical St. Michaels morning.

“The Pride of the Clipper” has extra meaning for Londonderry, as the late Jay Harford, a founding member and flutist in the Mid-Shore Community Band, was instrumental in successfully commissioning the composition. After the performance, Jay’s wife, Janet, a Londonderry resident, was presented with flowers in recognition for her support of Jay and his involvement with the band. Janet was joined by her daughter and granddaughter at the performance.

Upcoming performances in the summer concert series include Philip and the Alligators on Tuesday, August 9^th and Newspaper Taxi on Wednesday, September 14^th. Family and friends are welcome.

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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Dixon House Gentlemen Share Camaraderie

August 6, 2021 by Amy Blades Steward

For the first time in a while, there are several male residents at The Dixon House, an independent and assisted living home for elderly men and women in Easton. Dixon House was founded in 1910 as the Home for the Aged Women of Talbot and Caroline counties – specifically helping senior women who needed comfortable and affordable homes.

In 1984, to commemorate the Dixon family who helped to found the “home,” the Board of Directors renamed it The Dixon House. It was at this same time that men were accepted for admission. Since its inception over 110 years ago, The Dixon House remains committed to the enrichment of the lives of the residents it serves.

From left to right are residents of The Dixon House Henry Lane, Richard Sturmer, and Bud Tardiff.

“This past year, we have had more men come to the Dixon House than in previous years. New residents Henry Lane, Richard Sturmer, and Bud Tardiff have enjoyed getting to know one another. Each of these men has lived a rich professional and personal life worth sharing,” comments Linda Elben, Executive Director of The Dixon House.

Henry Lane was born in 1950 in Easton, Maryland. He attended Country School and then went away to Tabor Academy, a boarding school, for his high school years. After graduating from Franklin and Marshall College, he worked as a history and English teacher in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maine. He also coached lacrosse, squash, and soccer, as well as worked with high school yearbooks and newspapers. After retiring from teaching English, he began a tutoring business for English and SAT Prep and then retired to Florida. He also engaged in his childhood passion for sailing, bought a catamaran, and sailed solo around the Caribbean, and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, writing the book “Sailing Mystique Solo.” He has two children and two grandchildren.

Richard Sturmer, the newest resident at Dixon House, was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Lehigh University, getting a bachelor of science degree in Industrial Engineering. He learned computers in the Navy and then had a career with Dixie Cup, followed by work with veteran hospitals before retiring to upstate New York. In his later years, he taught English in China and was a substitute teacher. His volunteer work included serving on town boards, the Lions Club, and the Republican Club. He is currently married and has three children, four stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Bud Tardiff was born in 1931 in Leominster, Massachusetts. He attended West Point, graduating in the top 20 percent of his class. Marrying right after college, he entered the Air Force and focused on its nuclear program. After living in Germany for three years, he returned to the U.S. and attended advanced school for nuclear power plants. His accomplishments included planning for nuclear power plants on the Russian/Canadian border. He later worked with England and Germany on nuclear projects there. One of his most rewarding efforts was taking a team to 12 countries in South America, Europe, and Asia to evaluate countries’ capability to handle nuclear power. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for Argon National Laboratories. He was an Eagle Scout as a teenager and worked with the Boy Scouts as an adult. He has three children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

For further information about The Dixon House, call Linda Elben at 410-822-6661 or visit dixonhouse.org.

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon Recognized as Best Residential Community by Coastal Style Magazine

August 6, 2021 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that it has been named the “Best Residential Community” in Talbot and Dorchester Counties by the readers of Coastal Style magazine.

“This recognition means so much to our entire community, especially after the challenging year we have just come through together,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “We are proud that our commitment to the wellbeing of everyone on campus does not go unnoticed as we make Londonderry a place where everyone can thrive. We appreciate the support and acknowledgment from our neighbors and friends.”

Coastal Style readers, as well as the general public, had the opportunity to vote for their preferred businesses, vendors and organizations earlier this year in a variety of categories.

About Londonderry on the Tred AvonLondonderry 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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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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