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July 8, 2025

Talbot Spy

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5 News Notes

Talbot County Senior Centers Offer New Health and Wellness Program

November 23, 2021 by Spy Desk

Brookletts Place and Bay Hundred Senior Center will offer a new ten-week health and wellness package, beginning in January, to help Talbot County residents 60 and over enhance their lives.

The cutting-edge program, developed by the National Council on Aging, helps older adults make and maintain small but impactful changes. We are currently recruiting 10-20 adults (ages 60+) to participate in this free, ten-week educational program.

The classes will explore navigating longer lives, physical activity, sleep, healthy eating and hydration, financial fitness, medication management, advanced planning, healthy relationships, falls prevention, and community engagement. For each of these classes, we will provide basic educational materials developed from highly trusted sources, a checklist of potential next steps, and a system for tracking behaviors. Participants will earn points for positive actions and rewards.

We will be having an informational meeting at each center on Monday, December 6. The meeting at Brookletts Place will be at 9:30 a.m. at 400 Brookletts Place in Easton. The introductory meeting for Bay Hundred Senior Center will be at 11:15 a.m. at the Perkins Family YMCA, 300 Seymour Ave in St. Michaels.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, please call Brookletts Place in Easton (410.822.2869) or Bay Hundred Senior Center in St. Michaels (410.745.4017).  Brookletts Place open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Bay Hundred Senior Center in St. Michaels is open Monday – Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

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

Filed Under: 5 News Notes Tagged With: Health, local news, Seniors, The Talbot Spy

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

August 20, 2020 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 for the second consecutive year.

“We are so grateful for the continued support of our residents and the Eastern Shore community,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “Londonderry’s holistic approach to wellness, emphasis on aging in place and commitment to an active and engaged community sets us apart and makes our campus a wonderful place to live and work.”

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 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.

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

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

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: local news, Londonderry on the Tred Avon, Seniors, The Talbot Spy

Helping Seniors in Isolation During COVID-19

July 21, 2020 by For All Seasons, Inc.

Seniors are an especially vulnerable population during COVID-19, given their increased co-morbidities. They often feel stressed and anxious due to the increased risk of not only contracting COVID but also suffering more complications if they contract the virus. Some seniors may also be feeling increased sadness related to the isolation caused by the pandemic.

According to Mary Beth Brinsfield, MSN, CRNP-PMH, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at For All Seasons, “A common theme I hear from my older patients is how they miss seeing their families, particularly their grandchildren.”

Rob Sanchez, MD, a family practice physician specializing in geriatrics and hospice medicine, comments, “My senior patients have done pretty well, following the quarantine instructions and staying home.”

He adds that fear seems to be the worst thing facing seniors. He encourages patients to listen to less television and listen to more music. He comments, “I suggested that to a patient, and they called me to tell me how it helped them cope better.”

Dr. Sanchez also gives hope to his patients sharing that at some point that there will be a vaccine for coronavirus and that the medical community knows more about the virus now than they did in February and March.

His wife, Lynn Sanchez, a Mental Health Advocate who also works in her husband’s practice, echoes his sentiments about music, “Music can transport us. Seniors can listen to the music channels on cable television or their Alexa or Spotify. You may even ask a senior family member to dance outside with you.”

In a recent article, “Coronavirus and COVID-19: Caregiving for the Elderly,” by Alicia Arbaje, MD, MPH, Ph.D., who specializes in internal medicine and geriatrics at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Arbaje says, “Physical distancing doesn’t have to mean isolation or loneliness. We need to keep older adults safe, but also keep in mind that social isolation can have a negative impact on older people’s immunity and mental health.”

She encourages technology for helping seniors stay connected, showing them how to video chat with others using smartphones, laptops, or tablets and how to use apps on these devices to provide captions for adults with hearing challenges. She adds, “Encourage friends and family outside of your household to telephone, write notes or send cards to lift your loved one’s spirits.”

Brinsfield adds, “Planning drive-by visits, having grandchildren color pictures or write letters is an easy way to help seniors not feel as isolated and helps to keep them in communication with loved ones.”

She further explains that as neighbors and friends, we can do similar acts that can have a positive impact. Checking in on seniors to make sure they have their basic needs met will help to alleviate the anxiety of how they get food supplies (another stressor) or medications. She states, “Making or bringing them food, could also be a way to show they are cared about and not forgotten. Sending cards and notes of thoughts or humor are another way to assist in brightening their day, as well as making phone calls to them. Outside activity is also important for mental health. Inviting a senior to go for a walk or sit on the porch is an easy way for you and them to receive the mental health benefits of fresh air!”

Lynn Sanchez explains that seniors need to have purpose. She credits Erik Erikson’s theory on human development – engaging older adults to repurpose their life skills, and thus reapply wisdom to new areas of their lives. She suggests such activities as knitting comfort shawls, making face masks to protect against the virus, making an indoor terrarium, purchasing a mechanical pet, sorting old photos and talking about the stories that go with them (like their wedding day), and organizing old photos and recipes.

She shares that a nursing home took the shoes of its patients and put them in the lobby to help tell the stories of their lives. “Sharing the memories and the stories is important. Children can even write questions for their parents to answer.”

Dr. Arbaje asks family members to keep in mind that many older people, especially those living with chronic illness, also have important relationships with their caregivers. She states, “To help them stay in touch, ask their doctors’ offices if they offer telemedicine, which enables doctors and patients to communicate over video, email or other means rather than face-to-face.”

“As we enter Phase 2, we are eager to bring patients back into the office. They appreciate being able to come in and see us. It is great for them to have some type of contact again,” Dr. Sanchez adds.

Lynn Sanchez comments, “Because all of our patients come in masked, we are realizing how important a smile is. We are having to learn all sorts of new non-verbal communication.”

Medical providers remind us that it is also important to note that at any time, if there is concern that a seniors’ mental health is posing a safety risk, 911 should be called.

For All Seasons provides therapy, advocacy, psychiatry, and education to Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. The agency accepts all private insurances, medical assistance, and supports English and Spanish speaking individuals regardless of one’s ability to pay. For All Seasons 24-Hour, confidential crisis hotlines are 410.820.5600 for English Hotline and 410.829.6143 for Spanish Hotline. Text available in English or Spanish at 410.829.6143.

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

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

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: For All Seasons, local news, Seniors, The Talbot Spy

Londonderry on the Tred Avon to Continue Private Tours

June 27, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Following the success of the June 23rd private tour event, Londonderry on the Tred Avon has decided to offer additional private tours of the campus, its amenities and available cottages and apartments.

The next private tour event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and meet with members of Londonderry’s leadership team and also tour available cottages, amenities and the waterfront campus.

“We were thrilled with the fantastic response to our first event and have added an additional date to accommodate those who we missed,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “We look forward to safely welcoming potential residents and their families to our community.”

Event attendees should meet at Londonderry’s Clubhouse to enjoy refreshments before private tours begin.

For those interested in making the move to Londonderry and not able to join the event, the Sales and Marketing Office is open and conducting in-person and virtual tours of available, move-in ready properties. 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.

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

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

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: local news, Londonderry on the Tred Avon, Seniors, The Talbot Spy

Londonderry on the Tred Avon to Host Private Tours on Tuesday, June 23rd

June 20, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon will host private tours and refreshments on Tuesday, June 23rd from 10:00am – Noon. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with members of Londonderry’s leadership team and also tour available cottages, amenities and the waterfront campus.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for potential residents and/or their family members to tour Londonderry and learn more about our wonderful community,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “The wellness of our residents and guests is our top priority, and we have structured this event to follow all health and safety guidelines.”

Event attendees should meet at Londonderry’s Clubhouse to enjoy refreshments before private tours begin.

“We are excited to safely welcome visitors back to our campus and provide this exclusive event to prospective homeowners,” said Smith. “COVID-19 has caused many older adults, especially those with out-of-town families, to reevaluate their current living situation and consider retirement living. We are thrilled to welcome them to Londonderry and share more about our amenities, services and commitment to a healthy, active and close-knit community.”

For those interested in making the move to Londonderry and not able to join the event, the Sales and Marketing Office is open and conducting in-person and virtual tours of available, move-in ready properties. 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.

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

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

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: local news, Londonderry on the Tred Avon, Seniors, The Talbot Spy

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Reminds Future Residents that “You’re Always Welcome”

May 28, 2020 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Londonderry on the Tred Avon team has maintained their commitment to excellence in care and resident well-being. New measures have been implemented on campus to ensure the safety of current and future residents and their families. The team has also developed creative programs to stay connected with residents and keep them active and engaged in their community when everyone cannot physically be together.

“The past weeks have been challenging, but our sense of community has been our shining light,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “We are all working together to ensure the safety of each other and our entire campus.”

The new challenges presented by COVID-19 may have older adults and their families considering a move to Londonderry where they will still enjoy the benefits of home ownership while also having access to more services and amenities within their community. Londonderry offers chef-prepared meals for residents and also takes care of housekeeping, lawn care and home maintenance so residents have more time to enjoy activities, wellness programs and more.

Londonderry’s Sales and Marketing Team is on campus and available for tours by appointment. Virtual tours are also available for those who are not comfortable coming in person but would still like to see all of the benefits of life at Londonderry.

“Our entire team is here to welcome you safely and with a warm smile. We look forward to meeting future additions to our active and thriving community and sharing with them what makes Londonderry so special,” said Smith.

To schedule an in-person or virtual tour, please contact Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director at [email protected] or 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.

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

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

Filed Under: Senior Highlights Tagged With: local news, Londonderry on the Tred Avon, Seniors, The Talbot Spy

Helen Crow Celebrates 101st Birthday at The Dixon House

May 6, 2020 by Spy Desk

Helen Crow of Easton recently celebrated her 101st birthday at The Dixon House in the midst of social distancing due to COVID-19.  Staff at The Dixon House decorated the screened-in porch so that she could stand and see her family members at a distance who delivered candy and flowers for the celebration.

Helen Crow

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.

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

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

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: local news, Seniors, The Talbot Spy

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.

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

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

Filed Under: Portal Notes, Senior Notes Tagged With: local news, Londonderry on the Tred Avon, Seniors, The Talbot Spy

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

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

Filed Under: Portal Notes, Senior Notes Tagged With: local news, Seniors, The Talbot Spy

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 [email protected] or 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.

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

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

Filed Under: Portal Notes, Senior Notes Tagged With: local news, Londonderry on the Tred Avon, Seniors, The Talbot Spy

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