REFLECTIONS
IN YOUR FACE TRIVIA CREAMS GARY
By Gary Sacco, Activities Director
I was ready for them Thursday morning of July 8, wearing safety glasses, ratty shorts and an old t-shirt. I was armed with some pretty tough questions for this unique session of In Your Face Trivia, Activities Assistant Daisy Henderson’s creation to, I think, get her boss! The rules at Maple Bay were simple: correctly answering a question earned residents a chance to smash me with a whipped cream pie. Surrounded by a considerable crowd, I chose a tough opening topic, completing rock band names.
“OK, Pink,” I began, leading to a moment of uncomfortable silence which ended with resident Mary G. saying something. “Repeat that,” I asked. “F L O Y D,” was her correct reply! I smiled inside at the kindness Mary has always showed me, hoping for leniency. There was none! She slammed the small whipped cream projectile into my face then onto the top of my head. This would be repeated and repeated!
Carole K., after expressing how badly she felt, struck me flush in the face, grinding the cream in for effect! Connie B., Hilda B., Mary again and a few others took perfect aim. The morning’s stickiness and intense heat caused the melting whipped cream to dry and form a disgusting film, clinging to any exposed skin! The bright participants continued to furnish the right answers and fire away! Even Social Work Director Lisa Davies delivered both a correct answer and an enthusiastic hit with a cherry on top of my nose for a finishing effect!
At 11:30am, residents escaped to their Terrace Room meal or to “Patriotic Trivia” in the air-conditioned lounge. They were thoroughly entertained and, better yet, avoided accidentally dumping whipped cream onto themselves. It all landed on me! Even in this age of amenities and modernization, slapstick, emphasizing that last syllable, humor can be a remedy for a hot day!
TAKING WATER SAMPLES AT THE BAY
That old saying declaring that the destination is more important than how you get there applies to this year’s Maple Bay Café operations. Last year’s cold, wet summer and adjusting to this wonderful new venue slowed the growth process. This year our vision is very clear. Summer is short; and Maple Bay should be the centerpiece of festivities.
The road there is another story. Route Maple Bay is sometimes smooth and straight, but there are bumpy, narrow stretches. Some Maplewood Community members have scratched their heads looking at the Maple Bay Café Events Schedule. There is no set format. Some concerts are scheduled for 2:30pm, while other events take place later during Welcome Home Happy Hours. Certain things are scheduled on days the Café is technically not open. It seems bewildering, that no real blueprint exists. The response – that IS the plan! Maple Bay Café staff is watching closely, monitoring not only resident reaction but that of their loved ones! At this point, we do not have a definitive idea of what really works and programs that should drift out with the Bay’s tide!
Welcome Home events have drawn robust crowds and feedback is very positive. The 4:30-5:30pm programs are designed to entertain and bring more people to Happy Hour. Maple Bay patrons are raving about the culinary offerings. At the Caribbean Festival on July 8, Blanche S.’s family requested that Chef Juliana publish her stuffed mushroom recipe in the newsletter. The food component is a huge ingredient for bay side success. Steel drummer Julie Hall added an ambience well received by the solid crowd that braved heat wave conditions. Gary mentioned to Juliana, based on drawing more than 20 people on a sweltering afternoon, “We might have something here.” On a more comfortable day, Caribbean Festival attendance would probably have doubled!
Perhaps the 2:30pm concerts can produce a carry over effect, leading up to the Welcome Home Happy Hours. Is 4:30pm the best time to plug in entertainment at Welcome Home? Maybe 5:00-6:00pm would more agreeably correspond with working Maplewood Community members. Another consideration entails how suitable the Café is to host different style events. Gary is working on an afternoon question and answer session with Assemblyman Koon, bay side, if he can manage to escape Albany by passing a budget!
One great positive is the development of young Maple Bay bartenders Brendon Pensgen, Scott Ross and Sandy Ross (no relation to Scott). They bring efficiency and youthful energy during Maple Bay’s operating hours. Sandy worked very hard in the Caribbean Festival’s heat to provide excellent service. They’d love visitors during off hours, when Happy Hours aren’t being offered. Dining Services Director Mike Fall (who is doing a a marvelous job managing daily Café issues) couldn’t have picked three better hosts. During cash hours, wine and beer are reasonable. Please drop by and relax.
Family has been mentioned a great deal. The only mandated obligation required is to provide meaningful recreational programming for RESIDENTS! The big secret for creating a vibrant facility is convincing entire families to buy in. Family presence greatly enhances Maplewood’s atmosphere. Life would be pretty dull without their constant involvement. This has never been truer than during our quest to turn Maple Bay Café into the ultimate destination!
AUGUST MEMORIES
By Janet Pater, Resident Columnist
The word “August” conjures vivid memories of the Jersey Shore, where for many years our family would spend two weeks jumping into the marvelous salty ocean waves or relaxing on the warm beach, getting a tan that would usually last throughout the winter months. Our son, now Dr. Dave, would declare that we had found “a special spot” on the usually very crowded beach. After setting up our umbrella and lugging piles of towels and coolers to our spot, he’d then remind us to be wary of the sun’s powerful rays. Party pooper!
We’d slather ourselves with sunscreen and attempt to avoid direct sunlight. We’d either rent an apartment or home down there or, best of all, camp in our trailer amongst cool, scrub pine trees characteristic of southern Jersey. What could possibly be more invigorating than, after an hour lying on a beach towel, dashing to the water’s edge and jumping into the beckoning waves? It was so fun to jump through each approaching wave and turn over onto our backs, allowing the sea to carry us away from the shoreline. Up and down we floated. THOSE WERE THE DAYS! My Russ would always arrive on the shore with a briefcase full of books. Russ always wanted to catch up on a little reading. After much persuasion, I finally convinced him to do a little girl watching thinking it would relax him. I’d reason “After all, Russ, you are here to relax and try to put your many concerns on the back burner. Besides, all year long you are calling on sick women in hospitals and nursing homes. Don’t you think it would be more pleasant to check out the latest swimsuit styles?” He did finally agree with me. Every once in a while, as a cute, young chick strolled by our umbrella, I would see him cautiously sneak a quick look!
Many mornings, the kids were quickly off to the docks with their crab traps hoping to catch “the big one.” Truthfully, the largest crab we caught was bagged on the way back to our cottage. The kids spotted it walking down a driveway, probably an escapee from a wicker basket. They netted Mr. Crab and added him to their meager catch: CRAB CAKES TONIGHT.
At day’s end, after showering our bodies free of salt, we’d often walk along the boardwalk, looking in many gift shops. Eventually, Dad would lead all of us to his favorite homemade ice cream establishment for a nightly treat. We’d all patiently wait in the always-long lines trying to decide what special flavor we’d have that night. Calories were not a consideration – we were on vacation, after all, relaxing and enjoying family togetherness.
On evenings when rain was expected, we would sometimes drive to the ocean and park by the beach in preparation for fantastic fireworks produced by lightning coming down in gigantic streaks, hitting the ocean. What an unbelievable display of Mother Nature’s handiwork we’d observe!
FROM THE HEART OF THE KITCHEN
By: Executive Chef Juliana Stojanova
How well do you know the Flavor of the kitchen?
(Front row: Alex Masline, Mike Fall; Bak row: Shannon Mehlenbacher, Julianna Stojanova, Adil Culinovic)
First and foremost let’s give a warm welcome to our newest addition to the Culinary Team at Maplewood – Adil Culinovic. Adil has over 20 years of culinary experience throughout different regions of the world. He has been a successful owner of restaurant Pasta Andiamo. Though great reviews and his passion made for great success, he found that his family life was a bigger priority. He found that he could still be great in the kitchen and make tummies happy here at Maplewood! Adil will be making more appearances in the dining room in the near future as we offer more interactive chef stations and buffets.
The rock of our success is in the hands of our Dining Services Director Michael Fall. Michael has been a major part of Maplewood for eight years. After working as Executive Chef for five years, Mike became our Dining Services Director and is going three years strong. Michael still has a great passion for food and always will – thus the inability to keep his hands out of the kitchen. Michael is very successful in all his contributions to the innovative culinary projects and events that keep Maplewood ahead of the competition. It is not unusual to see Michael act like “superman” while he goes from directing the show in the dining room to cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
It’s been a long journey of hard work and patience in the hands of Shannon Mehlenbacher. Shannon has been a culinary team member and dining services server for 10 years and is still heating it up in the kitchen. Shannon continues to grow and bring in new ideas and creations to the kitchen table. Shannon constantly strives for perfection while baking desserts and breakfast goodies that keeps us wondering what’s next. When you see Miss Shannon, please thank her for all the sweet tooth satisfaction and brighter breakfast mornings.
As shy as Eeyore of Winnie the Pooh, a culinary team member that has been also spotted in the dining room is Alex Masline. Alex started as a dining server; then decided to take up the challenge of heat in the kitchen. Alex’s great willingness to learn and take on new tasks promotes positive energy in our kitchen. Alex has been seen during our buffet carving station for holidays and Sunday Nights. The culinary team would not be complete without him. If ever in need of a smile, Alex is near.
On a final note the Culinary Arts Team here at Maplewood will continue to grow as we gain more team members and our flavor profiles combine together. Our goal is to offer the most innovative and flavorful meals. Interactive chef stations (such as pasta stations and omelet stations) and more ethnic –themed/inspired buffets are in the near future. Ideas and suggestions are always welcomed; so please don’t be shy!
CHAMBERY CHOSEN NYSHFA'S VP
Maplewood Administrator Greg Chambery does not have a great deal of idle time on his hands. Adding another responsibility to his packed planner, Chambery was recently elected Vice President of the New York State Health Facilities Association (known by the acronym NYSHFA). He’ll serve a two-year term for NYSHFA, which includes over 300 health care facilities statewide. Maplewood belongs to District 9, which covers Monroe and six other counties.
The Maplewood chief was initially a reluctant candidate. “On New Year’s Day, it really wasn’t on my radar screen,” explained Chambery, at that point unhappy with Albany happenings and disappointed with NYSHFA’s flat response. A phone call by fellow NYSHFA member Ann Briody-Petock jump-started the idea. Chambery wouldn’t budge, explaining his general dissatisfaction. Briody-Petock replied that he could either sit on the sidelines and complain or try to fix the problems. Chambery eventually chose the latter.
Most in the Maplewood Community are probably unaware of NYSHFA’s existence. However, behind the scenes, the organization is beneficial to Maplewood and similar facilities. This is especially true in the legislative and legal arenas. Chambery sees “strength in numbers” and vital “anonymity” for facilities that are leery of fighting regulatory grievances alone. “Especially as a single owner, you need the organization,” he explained. The state government’s anti-nursing home stance, causing tenuous times for facilities, has made organizations like NYSHFA essential. “Nursing homes make up a big chunk of the Medicare pie,” Chambery pointed out, making facilities that are extremely dependent on government reimbursements big targets.
Chambery feels that his job is very important in the organization. He and another officer represent Upstate New York while two other colleagues are from the New York City area. He is a big proponent of this geographical balance. NYSHFA’s new Vice President doesn’t anticipate driving east on Route 90 more than he already does. “I’m in Albany a lot now,” he explained. Though Chambery mentioned Presidential possibilities, he wasn’t clear on plans after his term expires.
MAPLE BAY CAFÉ – AUGUST EVENTS
THE DR. NICK AND GLORIA SHOW
Friday, August 3, 2:30pm
The wait is over for Café patrons! Dr. Nick, feeling much better, is ready to rock and roll bayside! The duo, disappointed at missing a July gig, is eager to check out this great venue
ASSEMBLYMAN KOON VISITS MAPLE BAY
Friday, August 13, 2:30pm
The state legislator briefs the laid-back Café crowd on the latest state happenings. Maple Bay might get a little hotter when residents, family members and friends take turns asking the Assemblyman questions!
BASEBALL AFTERNOON
Saturday, August 20, 4:00pm
Watch the American pastime on the Café’s big screen. Cheer, drink a few cold ones and listen to stories about the sport’s “glory days.” Have a hot dog! FOX has three regional games. Hopefully (or not), Maple Bay patrons will be able to watch the Cubs!
COFFEE BAY CAFÉ
Tuesday, August 24, 9:30am
Patrons squint from the sun and wake up with a nice cup of java and sweet snack from Savoia’s Bakery. Remember, friends, to cherish these outdoor coffee gatherings for as long as they last! Soon enough, the Maplewood Community will again be sipping “joe” inside at the Library Corner!
B-SHARP TRIO IN CONCERT
Thursday, August 26, 2:30pm
Maplewood’s house band delightfully drags their gear to the Café for a rolling performance of classic oldies. Unless, that is, the bad weather dregs follow them here again! Let’s hope for sunshine and azure skies!
FOOD TRIVIA W/ CHEF JULIANA
Friday, August 27, 2:30pm
Maplewood’s ultra busy Executive Chef takes a break from braising and broiling to test the Café audience’s culinary knowledge. Roll out, have a drink and win a prize by beating the Chef!
LIVING WELL AT MAPLEWOOD IS EASY!
You’ve taken good care of yourself your entire life. You watch what you eat, stay active, and make wise choices to promote your health. Here at Maplewood, your health and well being is important to us. As a matter of fact, it’s our number one priority!
Living well means different things to different people. This is why we place great emphasis on providing selection and choice. We aim to give our customers the services and accommodations they desire to enjoy healthy and happy lives the way they want to live them.
Wellness is not an activity; rather, it’s a lifestyle. We strive to weave wellness into the fabric of our daily life and we’re excited to announce that we will soon be providing another option to our residents to promote wellness. Maplewood has been collaborating with Freedom Therapy, our rehabilitation service provider, to develop a new wellness program named Freedom for life! This new program will include specialized classes led by certified personal trainers that focus on specific areas of wellness. We will start by providing two FREE classes. One named Life in Balance, which will harness the use of exercise to focus on balance and falls prevention, and another named Mind & Body, which will focus on educating our participants on proper stretching, breathing, relaxation, and mental stimulation techniques.
Initially, these two free classes will be offered two days per week across ten-week intervals. These classes will be progressive in nature and can be modified to meet individual needs. This is a brand new program and we anticipate that it will evolve and improve as time goes on.
In the next few weeks we will work to introduce the program, gather feedback, answer questions and learn who is interested in participation. Our goal will be to start this program sometime in the beginning of September. We’ll be sure to provide updates.
In the meantime, we encourage those interested in learning more to consult with one of our rehabilitation professionals located in our therapy department or to call (585) 872-1800, x4034.
INTRODUCING… Seetha DeMarco, NASM, CPT, CES
Please allow us to introduce Seetha DeMarco!
Seetha is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Exercise Specialist who is helping us develop our Freedom for life! wellness program. Seetha will act as the primary instructor for the two classes that start this September.
We’re excited to have Seetha join our team! She comes to Freedom Therapy with a BA in Business and a lifelong passion for wellness and fitness… she even competed professionally in fitness and won a national title! Seetha also brings years of experience with developing holistic wellness programs for individuals in a variety of settings. We look forward to providing opportunities for you to meet Seetha in person.
Please welcome her to Maplewood!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
On August 6 (at about 9am), residents jump aboard the bus for a palate-stimulating morning at this over 100-year old institution. Fresh, delicious cherries made July’s excursion memorable. It is difficult to guess what will be in-season this time – maybe fresh peaches.
One of Maplewood’s marquee happenings takes place on Saturday, August 7, from noon-2pm. The Annual Family Picnic is not only a tradition; it’s an extremely appealing event for the entire Maplewood Community! The Dining Services staff has an extensive picnic menu planned. The legendary Webster Village Band performs. The big top, occupying the South parking lot, will shield guests from an anticipated bright sun!
What happens when fearsome birds of prey are injured and unable to function in the wild? They are rescued and cared for by the Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary. Located in Mendon Ponds, the open-air facility is a unique and rare way to see these magnificent creatures. A couple of residents make the worthwhile van ride to observe eagles, hawks, crows and other species on Tuesday, August 10. This excursion is counting on an early start time to stay a little cooler.
The Tomato Queen has summoned a group of Maplewood residents to visit her “palace.” Usually, Audrey Deane hosts planting demonstrations on premises. On Monday, August 16, a group of residents will tour her gardens and enjoy a tasty lunch. Gardening fanatics should not miss this outing!
Accordionist John Darpino and guitarist Sergei play popular tunes and polka numbers with machine-like precision. Lately, the duo has branched out into a more experimental realm, playing different tunes, even singing a little. This talented, entertaining act visits the Garden Room on Thursday, August 19, at 2:30pm.
Maplewood will try to remedy summer’s dog days with actual canine visits on Friday, August 20, at 2:30pm. Relax in the Garden Room with another visit from Lollypop Farm. In addition to dogs, they usually tote along a couple of velvety, docile rabbits.
EMPLOYEE MILESTONES
Congratulations to:
Jonah Imperato, CNA, for 5 years of service. Jonah works nights on the Lakeview Unit. Thanks, Jonah!
Patti Cataldi, Dental Hygienist, for 5 years of service. Thank you, Patti.
Dan Ernst, LPN, for 5 years of service. Dan works as a Night Charge on the Eastman Unit. Thanks, Dan!
"WEALTH OF HEALTH"
You may have seen the banner that is set up just outside the dining room and wondered what it was all about. On June 10, the Rochester Business Journal and Excellus BC/BS awarded 12 local companies for promoting wellness in the workplace with the “Wealth of Health” award. Maplewood’s HR Director, Debbie Gates, was proud to accept the award on behalf of Maplewood. The honorees were judged on their initiatives, participation and outcome of their wellness programs.