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March 30, 2023

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Senior Nation Portal Lead

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates CEO Irma Toce’s Birthday

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On January 27th, Londonderry on the Tred Avon celebrated CEO Irma Toce’s 65th birthday.

The Londonderry staff and residents highlighted Toce’s love for animals by donating various items to Talbot Humane in lieu of gifts. The donations included food, toys, and treats for dogs and cats.

“Our residents and the entire team are so incredibly generous,” said Toce. “I am thankful to be surrounded by an amazing group of people who always think of giving back to the greater community, donating goods or their time to many non-profits. I could not have imagined a better birthday celebration.”

The party featured a charcuterie board filled with different cheeses, meats, and crackers made by the Londonderry dining team. After the festivities, Toce and her Londonderry team delivered the donations to Talbot Humane.

On February 27th, the Londonderry on the Tred Avon celebrated CEO Irma Toce’s 65th birthday by honoring her love of animals by making donations to Talbot Humane.

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.

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.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Receives Best Retirement Community, Best Assisted/Senior Living Community, and Best Boss for CEO Irma Toce in APG Best of the Best Chesapeake Awards

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that it has been named the Best Retirement Community and Best Assisted/Senior Living Community in the 2022 Best of the Best Chesapeake awards and Londonderry’s CEO, Irma Toce, was named Best Boss.

Members of the Londonderry team attended the award celebration on Tuesday, November 29th at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge. The 2022 Best of the Best Chesapeake is the official community and readers’ choice awards for the Mid-Shore. The program is organized by APG Chesapeake, the parent company of The Star Democrat.

Irma Toce, 2022 Best Boss

The Londonderry team is very grateful to the community and residents for their continued support and is especially proud of their leader, Irma Toce, who has dedicated herself to creating a positive, energetic, and service-focused culture that allows for the residents and team to thrive.

“I am incredibly humbled by this great recognition, and I owe much of my success to the hard work of our entire team. It’s the team and residents who make Londonderry such a special place,” said Irma Toce, CEO. “We love our community and campus, full of supportive friends and neighbors.”

This is the fourth year Londonderry has been the recipient of the Best Retirement Community award, but the first year receiving the Best Assisted/Senior Living Community and Best Boss awards. They won after advancing through the nomination and voting rounds that took place earlier this year.

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.

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.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Rachel Smith, Recognized by Shore Leadership

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Rachel Smith

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that its Director of Sales and Marketing, Rachel Smith, received Shore Leadership’s Future Leadership Award at the organization’s 25th Anniversary Celebration on October 22nd. The Future Leadership Award was one of five awards presented at the event.

“I am so honored by this award and to be recognized along with other local professionals whom I respect and admire,” said Smith. “I am so grateful to Shore Leadership where I have met many wonderful people, created great relationships, and learned so much about the economy and people of the Eastern Shore.”

The Future Leadership Award is given to an individual in recognition of their potential for future leadership on the Eastern Shore. This individual must demonstrate the capacity for future leadership, be a graduate of the last three classes of Shore Leadership, and be a member in good standing. Smith was a part of the Shore Leadership class of 2021 and recently completed Shore Leadership 2.0.

Shore Leadership facilitates positive change and enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Through the development of a broad base of leaders and a network of private-public partnerships, Shore Leadership fosters shared ownership and a regional approach to regional issues. Through face-to-face discussions with community leaders and experts from organizations and institutions that shape the region’s structure and culture, Shore Leadership participants–which include executives and senior managers from business, governmental, and nonprofit organizations–develop an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships and complexities of the region.

“Rachel is a tremendous asset to our team and a true leader in our community,” says Irma Toce, Londonderry CEO. “We are all so proud of her and her accomplishments.”

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates Oktoberfest

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Londonderry residents, families, friends and team members dance during the Oktoberfest celebration.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon celebrated Oktoberfest on September 29th. The event was hosted on the Londonderry campus and was attended by residents, their families, board members, and the community.

“At Londonderry we’re all about community and connection, and we love any reason to bring our residents together and welcome visitors to campus,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry CEO. “We had the perfect evening with all of our guests, who enjoyed dancing, eating and socializing with their friends and family!”

Attendees enjoyed Oktoberfest-inspired appetizers, beer and Lebkuchen cookies. Each cookie was decorated with a custom message, like “Ich Liebe Dich,” which is “I love you” in German. Everyone also enjoyed dancing to the lively polka music performed by a live band and Oktoberfest toasts were made every twenty minutes to keep with tradition.

Oktoberfest is just one of many events hosted by Londonderry to bring residents, their families and the larger community together. Learn more at www.londonderrytredavon.com.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Welcomes Lewers & Bollman to Board of Directors

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to welcome Pat Lewers and Ron Bollman to its Board of Directors. Resident board members are elected to their positions by Londonderry Stockholders at the annual Meeting in August. The Londonderry Board of Directors is comprised of residents and community members. Members of the Londonderry Board of Directors volunteer their time to provide guidance and strategic direction to the cooperative and its management team.

“We are looking forward to working with Pat and Ron on the Board,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry’s CEO. “We are very fortunate to benefit from their leadership and experience as we continue to make Londonderry the premier senior living community on the Eastern Shore.”

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to welcome Pat Lewers and Ron Bollman to its Board of Directors.

After previously serving on Londonderry’s Board, and as a past President, Pat Lewers returns to the Board of Directors where she has been elected to serve as Vice President. Lewers moved to Londonderry in 2013 after living on Baileys Neck Road in Easton for 25 years with her husband, Dr. Ted Lewers. Together, they have three daughters and four grandchildren. Pat graduated from the University of Maryland and taught fourth grade in Baltimore before raising her family full-time. She is an active member of the Mid-Shore community and has volunteered countless hours with the Easton Memorial Hospital, Talbot County Garden Club, Talbot County Historical Society, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, and organizations that support individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.

Ron Bollman and his wife, Jane, moved from Towson to Easton following Lon’s 39-year career with Bethlehem Steel at Sparrow’s Point, where he retired as Chief of Technology. They lived in Easton’s historic district for 22 years before moving to Londonderry in 2021. Ron is a very active member of the community: volunteering with the Easton Historic District Commission, Historic Cemeteries of Easton, Talbot Historical Society, Town of Easton Tree Board, Trappe Landing Farm & Nature Sanctuary, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Shore Rivers, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Talbot County Public Works Advisory Commission, and Christ Church.

Since moving to Londonderry, Ron has been a member of the Landscaping Committee, the ad hoc committee, wine-making group, and the beer-making group.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

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

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

“We have a lot of pride in our community and a commitment to excellence on our campus, so it is always very gratifying to receive recognition from our friends and neighbors on the Shore,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director.

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. This is Londonderry’s third year winning the Best Residential Community category.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults, ages 62+, that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Nominated for a Record-Breaking Six 2022 Best of the Best Chesapeake Awards

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that it has been nominated for Best Place to Work, Best Overall Leadership, Best Company Culture, Best Retirement/55+ Community, Best Assisted Living/Senior Living, and Best Boss, Irma Toce in APG Media’s 2022 Best of the Best Chesapeake Awards.

“Our residents and the entire team are so grateful to our friends and neighbors for this incredible recognition,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “Creating a safe and active community is our passion, and we are thrilled to be nominated in so many categories.Each category reflects the many facets of our work. We hope the community will continue to show its support and vote for us in the weeks ahead!”

After being nominated over the summer by community members for recognition in six categories, Londonderry now advances to the voting round. APG’s readers as well as the general public have the opportunity to vote for their preferred businesses, vendors, and organizations in a variety of categories through September 30th.

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.

Mid-Shore Community Band Performs at Londonderry

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The Mid-Shore Community Band performed at Londonderry on the Tred Avon on June 28th 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 9th and Newspaper Taxi on Wednesday, September 14th. 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.