Portal Notes Archives

Senior Nation: Partners in Care Help Elders Age in Place

June 17, 2025 by The Spy

How can older adults live independently and thrive in their own homes as they age? In our interview with Kathleen Dormody, the local director of Partners In Care Maryland, there is a lot of good news in doing just that.

From transportation to medical appointments and social activities to installing grab bars or changing lightbulbs, their services go far beyond basic care. Kathleen highlights unique programs like low-vision support, phone buddy systems, pop-up boutiques, and volunteer time-banking.

This state-sponsored initiative can be a critical link for those on the Mid-Shore eager to find creative solutions for maintaining independence for those of a certain age.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about Partners in Care, please go here.

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It’s All Happening at the Talbot County Senior Fair May 21

May 13, 2025 by The Spy

The Talbot County Commission on Aging recently announced the return of its highly successful Senior Resource Fair! After an incredible turnout and overwhelmingly positive feedback in 2024, the Commission will host the 2025 Senior Resource Fair on May 21, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. As always, admission and parking are free, ensuring this community-focused event is accessible to all.

Commission members Grace Lyons and Megan Murray stopped by the Spy studio last week to talk about the event and getting the word out to local elders to take advantage of the unique opportunity to meet with so many service providers.

This video is approximately two minutes in length. For more information, please go here.

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Hello Spring by Susan Convey

March 11, 2025 by Susan Covey

The vernal equinox, the finish line to our winter marathon, a time to escape the cold grip of darkness and welcome the light.

This year, spring begins on March 20th, and we should all celebrate its arrival by fostering creativity, tending the soil, planting seeds (both physically and figuratively), gathering outside and generating movement!

To that end, I encourage everyone to emerge from hibernation and focus instead on the great outdoors. It’s time to get back out in our yards as well as checking out the many lovely parks and trails in our area that are great for day hikes.

Let’s enjoy the new season!

Susan Covey is the Acts Bayleigh Chase Fitness Director in Easton

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Senior Nation: Counting Blessings by Susan Covey

November 1, 2023 by Susan Covey

Here are a few quotes that may help us to count our blessings now and throughout the year:

“To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.”—Johannes A. Gaertner

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”—Melody Beattie

“None is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude. Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy.”—Fred De Witt Van Amburgh

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”—John Fitzgerald Kennedy

“Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.”—William Faulkner

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”—Winston Churchill

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”—JFK

It is not happy people who are thoughtful, it is thoughtful people who are happy.

“There is nothing more honorable than a grateful heart.”—Seneca

“Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all others.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero

Remember, we can always find something or someone to be thankful for, so, today let that someone know how grateful you are to have them in your life!

Susan Covey is the Fitness Program Manager at ACTS Bayleigh Chase

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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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Talbot Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

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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 [email protected]. Death is but a Dream is available for purchase at amazon.com.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Talbot Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

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