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December 1, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Senior Nation Senior Notes

Edna Parks Celebrates 107th Birthday at Dixon House

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Pictured behind Edna Parks (seated) are her son Roger Parks, daughter-in-law Betty Parks, and granddaughter Kathy Taylor.

Edna Parks of Trappe, MD, recently celebrated her 107th birthday at Dixon House, where she is a resident. Parks, who lived her life in Talbot County, entered Dixon House in May 2019. Before that, she lived independently until age 102, when she went to live with her son Roger Parks and his wife for two years.

Pictured behind Edna Parks (seated) are left to right dignitaries Senator Addie Eckardt, Mayor, and Mrs. Robert Willey, First Sergeant James Dobson, Captain Steve Elliot, and Delegate Johnny Mautz.

For her birthday celebration, family and dignitaries gathered to celebrate with Parks. 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.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates 30 Years with “Cirque du Londonderry”

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More than 180 residents and community members gathered “under the big top” on Thursday, September 30th to celebrate Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s 30th Anniversary at a Cirque du Soliel themed party.

“After such a long wait due to COVID, it felt wonderful to finally gather together as a community to cheers to three decades of Londonderry,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “Londonderry is a very special place, and the events of the past two years have made us even more grateful for all our reasons to celebrate.”

The tented event was held on the grounds of Magnolia Manor on the Londonderry campus, and attendees were treated to entertainment from the Sweet Something Band, circus performers including a mirror man, LED juggler, and stilt walker, and food from Blue Heron Catering.

Easton Mayor Robert Willey and his wife, Betsy, signed the 30th Anniversary whiskey barrel top that was autographed by everyone in attendance.

In attendance were Senator Addie Eckardt, Delegate Johnny Mautz and Easton Town Councilmembers Al Silverstein and Ron Engle. Londonderry also received citations from Governor Larry Hogan, the Maryland Senate, the Maryland House of Delegates and the Talbot County Council.

Londonderry was established in 1991 as the Londonderry Retirement Community on some of Talbot County’s most historic land and remains the first resident-owned and operated independent living cooperative of its kind on the Eastern Shore.

Londonderry has grown from its first 15 individual cottages and 17 residents to a vibrant community of over120 cottages, 26 apartments and more than 150 residents. Londonderry has also added more amenities and facilities to meet the needs of residents and their families, which include the Magnolia Manor House, Pool, Clubhouse, expanded green space and access to the Tred Avon River, and the new Community Center that was completed in 2018.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62 and over, 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.

Dixon House Gentlemen Share Camaraderie

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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.

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 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.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Introduces CATIE to Improve Engagement and Connectivity on Campus

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Londonderry Resident Edna Blakely with her CATIE portal.

Earlier this Spring, Londonderry on the Tred Avon introduced the CATIE (Community and Access to Information Everywhere) platform to its Easton campus to support community engagement and connectivity.

“CATIE has been a great way to enhance the quality of life at Londonderry and help residents make the most of the services, events and programs available to them on campus,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry on the Tred Avon CEO. “It has allowed us to stay connected while we are apart and created a centralized place where residents can get information about what’s going on, connect with friends and family and manage their daily routines.”

CATIE is specifically for senior living communities and every Londonderry resident is equipped with a portal. Using the portal, they can complete a daily wellness check-in, view and sign-up for events and wellness classes, view menus and order meals and request maintenance. CATIE also offers a community directory, email service, video chat and community-wide notification service.

To address the learning curve and to get everyone online, resident and staff trainings were held throughout the Spring and friends and family off-campus received information on how to utilize CATIE’s email and video chat features.

“I really enjoy having the dining menu at my fingertips. I can order and look up what today’s specials are going to be. It makes it easier to plan meals with friends,” said Anne Clark, Londonderry resident.

“CATIE makes life at Londonderry very convenient. We get the most up-to-date information on activities and what is happening in our community. I didn’t think life at Londonderry could get much better, and then CATIE was introduced.”

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62 and over, 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.

Talbot County Senior Center Reopening Plans

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After being closed for the past fifteen months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brookletts Place Talbot County Senior Center in Easton, is planning to reopen, Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Although the CDC and State have lifted many of the restrictions, we will be opening in phases to protect our members.  The Phase 1 reopening will limit the number of activities and members that will be allowed in the building. Below is a brief overview of the reopening guidelines:

All attendees and staff must wear a mask, frequently wash their hands, social distancing and staying home if they are feeling ill.

Attendees will be required to always wear their mask except for when eating or drinking.  This includes being masked during all programs, exercise classes and when using the gym.

You must enter and exit using the designated doors only.

Participation in all classes and activities will be limited.  Attendees must pre-register for each activity.

No outside food will be allowed in the facility at any time.

You will not be allowed to drink from the water fountain. Coffee will be available in the morning but must be served to each participant. Bottled water will also be made available to participants.

The exercise room (gym) will be available by appointment only.  Although we will sanitize between visits, participants will be required to wipe down the equipment after their use.

Only 15 individuals will be allowed for lunch.  Members must sign up in advance, with participants using an alternating schedule.  If there is a program scheduled during lunch, participants will be given ½ hour to eat their meal prior to the program beginning.  Limited seating may be available (advance sign up only) for those who are not eating lunch.

Members who sign up for a class, activity or to use the gym must call if they are not able to attend or they will forfeit their right to participate in other activities.

Attendees must use hand sanitizer prior to entering through the designated door and must stop at the kiosk to have their temperature checked. Everyone will complete an Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability Assessment form on their first visit and will also be required to complete the Covid-19 Center Participant Health Screening on each visit.

Membership cards will be scanned by a staff member or volunteer.  Members will be required to tell the person who is checking them in what activities/program or meeting they will be participating in.

Everyone will be asked to go directly to the area where the activity will be held. Hand sanitizer will be available in or around all rooms. Chairs and tables are not to be moved since they are placed for social distancing.

A complete list of the reopening guidelines is available on our website, www.brooklettsplace.org and our Facebook Page, Brookletts Place -Talbot Senior Center. You may also view our reopening Youtube video at https://youtu.be/RZ1AmdnukMw. Individuals may contact the Center at 410-822-2869 to have the guidelines mailed to them or if they have additional questions or concerns.

We plan to fully open to the public Tuesday, July 6 pending any unforeseen circumstances. This also includes the reopening of the Bay Hundred Senior Center located within the Perkins Family YMCA in St. Michaels.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Reopens Tred Avon Tavern and Resumes Limited Activities

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Following a successful community vaccine clinic and improving COVID-19 metrics across Talbot County, Londonderry on the Tred Avon has reopened the Tred Avon Tavern.

Londonderry is strictly adhering to all masking and social distancing guidelines, and the Tavern is open at 50% capacity for resident dining only.

“The hardest thing about COVID has been the isolation, which is already a concern and challenge for seniors,” said Londonderry Activities Coordinator Erica Hardeo. “While we have done our best to connect virtually and from a safe social distance over the past year, it has been wonderful for our community to reconnect face-to-face while sharing a meal.”

Photo: Members of Londonderry’s Activities Committee have worked closely with staff to find ways to reopen and resume activites around the community. L-R: David Draut, Noreen Swaren, Judith Harrald, Peggy Sloan and Helen Pritchett.

In addition to reopening dining, Londonderry has also resumed limited activities and wellness programs. To accommodate social distancing, advance reservations are strongly encouraged, and activities are being offered more often to accommodate everyone who wishes to participate.

As numbers continue to improve, the team at Londonderry looks forward to taking additional steps to reopen its campus and activities while still making the safety of the entire community its top priority.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates 30 Years

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon is celebrating 30 years of living “your life, your way” in 2021.

While COVID-19 precautions will delay plans for an in-person celebration, the community is planning a series of small, socially distant, and virtual events until a larger gathering is possible later this year.

“The success of Londonderry does not reside with one person, but with the countless residents and community members who have participated in growing our community to what we know today,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry on the Tred Avon CEO. “Thank you to everyone past, present, and future who knows that something great only comes from hard work and love.”

Londonderry was established in 1992 as the “The Retirement Community of Easton, Inc.” on some of Talbot County’s most historic land and remains the first resident-owned and operated independent living cooperative of its kind on the Eastern Shore.

Londonderry has grown from its first 15 individual cottages and 17 residents to a vibrant community of over140 cottages, 26 apartments and more than 180 residents. Over the years, Londonderry has added more amenities and activity space to meet the needs of residents. These include the Manor House, Pool, Community Center, expanded green space and access to the Tred Avon River, and the new Clubhouse that was completed in 2018.

Over the past three decades, Londonderry has overcome a multitude of challenges, which now include a global pandemic, to create an active, safe and welcoming community. Amidst thirty years of change, Londonderry’s commitment to the health, safety and wellness of its residents remains its guiding constant.

Londonderry looks forward to welcoming the community to celebrate and “cheers 30 years” later this year.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62 and over, 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 on the Tred Avon Residents and Staff Receive First COVID-19 Vaccine

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Londonderry resident, Phyllis Grill, receiving her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

On Wednesday, January 20th, approximately 200 Londonderry on the Tred Avon residents and staff members received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination event was coordinated by Londonderry’s Health and Wellness Coordinator, Lorraine Flisher, RN, in partnership with the Talbot County Health Department.

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 Named “Best Retirement Community” and “Best Place to Work”

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that it has been named the “Best Retirement Community” and “Best Place to Work” in the Star Democrat’s 2020 Reader Approved Contest for the second year in a row.

Londonderry was first nominated by community members for the recognition, and then Star Democrat readers and as well as the general public had the opportunity to vote for their preferred businesses, vendors and organizations in a variety of categories.

“Our residents and our entire team are thrilled to be recognized by our friends and neighbors,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “It’s been a tough year, and we have all worked hard to keep our residents and staff safe and healthy while maintaining some sense of ‘normal.’ This year more than most, we are all incredibly thankful to live and work where we do.”

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.

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