REFLECTIONS
MAPLEWOOD'S HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
By Gary Sacco, Activities Director
I’ve been lucky in my social circles to be a part of numerous memorable holiday parties. However, none can approach Maplewood’s yearly gala. This year’s Annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 13, may have outshone them all! Over 300 special guests crowded both Terrace and Garden Rooms. Food and drink were abundant, spirits high and entertainment (provided by Dick Leschhorn and “Santa” Joe Mannara) unforgettable.
Preparation for the Open House is very extensive. Personally, it officially started on Monday, December 7, during a marathon Garden Room tree trimming session. Resident Connie B. helped me fill in the “holes” with just the right ornaments. A few days earlier, Dining Services staff created a very festive tree for the Terrace Room. Their leader, Mike Fall, the event’s operational “general”, decided to employ twin set ups in both big venues, except for the one carving station. That would stay in the Terrace Room.
Fall’s ambitiously exquisite menu featured pounds of shrimp cocktail, homemade crab cake balls, Beef Satay, Beef Tenderloin, ham and hundreds of desserts from Savoia’s Bakery. I thought about the effort expended by dozens of staff members and volunteers to pull it all off. We certainly don’t do this to advertise as evidenced by the fact that mostly residents’ friends and extended families are invited. Hosting this gala has a dual purpose. This event memorably promotes holiday cheer and festivities. It’s also Maplewood’s way as a care provider and (most importantly) home, to say, “Thank you.” I know for a fact that the residents and their families largely determine the consistently great atmosphere here.
As the Terrace Room waiting line grew, staff hustled to make sure everything was in place. Our special guests were obviously excited. At 2pm the doors flew open and the Annual Open House was on! Though the Garden Room was open, old habits don’t break easily and many followed the routine of years’ past, beginning in the Terrace Room. Next year, Fall and I promise to heavily promote the dual layout, so people know what is available and where. By 2:15pm, the scene was really jamming, as “Santa” arrived in the Terrace Room area while Leschhorn played Christmas favorites in an increasingly crowded Garden Room. The beer, wine, pop and coffee flowed freely, as did laughter and jokes. At 3:30pm, after repeated requests, I, with two youngsters’ help, raffled off 6 gift baskets composed by various Maplewood departments. Resident George S. was among the happy winners.
As many (including Social Worker Lisa Davies, and Director of Environmental Services Gail Ross) started dismantling over a week of work, I was proud that everyone pulled together to provide a great time for the Maplewood Family. Both staffers were here pitching in much of the day. Residents and their loved ones, many with Polaroids of Santa in hand, raved about this year’s version of the big party. There can be no doubt everyone went home in wonderful holiday frames of mind. Residents, including Helen S, were still talking about the event well into the next week. That says it all.
WEBSTER'S NEW FIRE HALL
Activities Assistant Daisy Henderson discovered on the Thursday afternoon of December 10 how Activities Director Gary Sacco feels much of the time. In this case, she solely represented her gender as residents George S., Clair R., Bill P. and Bob Y. experienced a tour of Webster’s shining new Fire Hall. Maplewood volunteer and former City of Rochester Firefighter Bill Ratigan and Lakeview Unit Charge Nurse Gloria Huussen’s husband Hank helped out as chaperones. Ratigan originated the idea for this outing during various visits with his group of regular guys.
Webster Fire Department representative Steve Small greeted the group as they came in from a very blustery outdoors. Lifetime member Bill P. enjoyed a lengthy career with the fire department. His son Gary was chief at one time. Bill had been there before. The pride these volunteers showed was evident in the garage area. Every vehicle was immaculate! Henderson asked about a fire pole. Small replied that this facility did not have one and explained that many firefighters over the years actually hurt themselves sliding down from second floor bunks.
The group was very impressed with the workout area, which housed equipment superior to many gyms. Long time Webster resident Clair showed an inquisitive side as he rolled along the hallways looking at portraits of Webster’s many chiefs. He knew more than a few. George S., who volunteered for Laurelton district, admired the multi-million dollar facility.
At around 4pm, the last resident boarded the bus for the 5-minute ride up Main Street. Sacco couldn’t help smiling. Badly outnumbered by the women, an all guys’ trip is very, very rare. “Once in a while, we have to find venues that our guys will be interested in visiting,” he explained. “They had a great time and Daisy took it all in stride.”
ESTHER'S COOKIES
Finally the afternoon had arrived for resident Esther S. On Wednesday, December 16, at a special baking session aptly titled “Baking Cookies with Esther”, she’d discover if Activities Staff (led by Director Gary Sacco) could execute her excellent Butter Cookie Cut Outs recipe.
Any recipe that calls for a pound of butter and cup and a half of sugar definitely stresses taste over nutritious value! Esther watched nervously as Sacco creamed the butter and sugar. As the flour and egg were added, trouble was brewing. Everyone, including Esther, noticed that the dough was very soft and unformed. With encouragement from the crowd that included Activities Assistant Martha Miller, Sacco created a workable ball of dough. The experienced panel of onlookers drew upon decades of cooking to express skepticism. “I heard it all, from ‘the dough is too soft to roll’ to ‘you better use more flour than that or they will stick,” exclaimed Sacco!
The recipe provider could only look on and laugh nervously. Sacco labored to produce even a few usable cut outs. Esther declared, “I’ll give you an ‘A’ for effort.” “What does that really mean,” Sacco shot back. “It means you try really hard,” Esther replied laughing loudly. The guest cook made a real mess. Edna W. had to move after a few pieces of dough and sprinkles of flour landed on her! Chuckling, Carolyn S. shook her head continuously. Yet through it all, Sacco produced at least 4-dozen cookies. Once sugared, they were cooked at 325 degrees for 12 minutes. He wisely assigned Miller to keep track of time.
Esther’s cookies looked very promising and in fact were delicious. This was unanimously affirmed by those in attendance. Even Esther herself was extremely pleased with the outcome. “The process wasn’t pretty but the result was more than acceptable,” Sacco declared. “I think they were pretty entertained, too. Plus, Esther will now let us try more recipes as her reputation is still intact.”
CROSSMOLINA IN CONCERT
Valerie Wroblewski has been connected with Maplewood for many years. She is best known for pet visits with Irish Setter Chandler and hosting a yearly agility demonstration with her athletic canines. She is also the guitarist/vocalist for Crossmolina, and her husband Bill is the lead singer. Crossmolina is also resident Pete N.’s favorite band. They arrived on Friday, December 18, for an afternoon Garden Room show of fast-paced folk tunes (primarily Irish) and Christmas songs. An energetic crowd, led by Pete, gathered.
Crossmolina is normally a trio, featuring a fiddler. However, at Maplewood, Valerie and Bill comprise the band. Residents appreciate their tight sound, created by years of practicing together. As a couple, they project closeness and warmth in their music. Pete was moving his feet, keeping pace with the quick tempo, the entire show.
At show’s end, Pete turned from fan to booking agent. “Hey, Gary, let’s sign them up for St. Patrick’s Day!” he suggested. “Gary probably already has someone to play,” Bill replied. Sacco informed the band that actually the date was still open. “I’ll talk to you both very soon,” Sacco promised.
RESOLUTIONS - WHO ME?
By Janet Pater, Resident Columnist
The snow was swirling about, causing driving to be a bit unsafe and dangerous. Plus, it seemed as though most of the cars on the expressways were not as heedful of the weather as they should have been. In town, one could hear church bells ringing through the darkened sky and, every so often, a firework would explode.
The following morning, many in the household slept in and after slowly arising complained of a headache! “Pull those shades back down!” In just a few weeks we will be welcoming in A NEW YEAR-2010.
What will your temperament by like on January 1? Will you be hung over, or perhaps too tired to de-deck the house? Have you already broken a resolution? You might even contemplate who the real YOU is.
What about resolutions? I must confess I’ve never been one to make a long list of resolutions for the New Year. I still recall an old wives’ tale that said, “If you’re not caught up on your ironing before the New Year, you’ll be behind all the next year.” So much for crazy resolutions! Personally, I believe I know myself too well to spend time thinking about resolutions that might change my life. I’ve always been my own person. At my age, I fully recognize that in the middle of the night, my mind will often awake with a new idea – something I’d like to accomplish. Then I wonder if I should even take on a new responsibility. Yet, my mind doesn’t stop thinking about it, and soon I begin that new endeavor. So why would I make resolutions? Could the answer be to BREAK them?
Quite a few years ago, Russ and I were invited to a special event at the local American Legion Post in our small village. As we stood conversing with an intimate group of friends enjoying glasses of ginger ale, a congregant, (without any explanation) took all of our glasses away. Moments later she returned with more ginger ale. This time, each glass contained a bright red cherry. As she handed us our glasses, she said, “Now you look like everyone else.”
While Martha was attempting to make us conform to the huge group of partiers enjoying their cocktails, we were attempting to set an example ourselves. We were extolling the virtues of old-fashioned thinking – being true to our beliefs. We have sat in, invited, on numerous AA meetings and know too well the evils of heavy drinking that included ruined careers and domestic unrest.
Later, we both enjoyed a good chuckle about this incident as neither of us ever drank alcoholic beverages. Then there was the New Year’s Eve party at that same legion post. As we entered, the Post Commander, with a huge smile on his face, gave Russ an expensive bottle of liquor proclaiming, “This is for you, Reverend; happy New Year.” Russ naturally didn’t upset the Commander by telling him he didn’t drink. “Thank you and a very happy New Year to you too,” was his response. We took the bottle home and stored it in our pantry closet. For several years afterwards, I used some of that precious liquor to flavor my annual batches of fruitcakes!
It seems today most teenagers and adolescents are so influenced by their peers that their main concern is “to fit in” and even purposely act like their friends or peers so they are one of the crowd. Whatever happened to individuality? What do you think the “in thing” will be in the approaching New Year? Will you be a robot and just follow everyone else in a particular group. This is, in large part and my opinion, how some arrive at their New Years’ resolutions, too. Will you be true to yourself and set your own standards? Can you?
The approaching New Year is a perfect time to take stock of yourself. Take a long look in your mirror and carefully observe. What are your standards, strengths and even weaknesses? After doing this, determine if you are pleased with yourself. If not, maybe the time has arrived to set binding resolutions and personal goals for change, not the faddish, weak, often broken promises that become popular around January 1st and are mere memories by springtime.
THE GIFTS THAT LAST FOREVER
By Alexandra Swol, former Rehab Patient and current Volunteer
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It is a time of joy, giving, sharing memories and making new ones. It’s that time of year when gifts are wrapped in pretty paper and ribbon. Sometimes the best gifts are those we do not wrap, but those we receive from the heart of others.
I arrived at Maplewood Nursing Home on a warm September day in 2006 after a 5-day stay at a local hospital for double knee replacement surgery. My surgeon recommended it (the Maplewood) for recuperation therapy, and I was prepared for a tough road ahead. The next day when Laurie (Occupational Therapist Moskal) wheeled me into the therapy room, I met Sandra Schaeffer. She had also arrived on that Friday and had one knee replaced. We became instant friends and little did I know then, how she would touch my life. Every morning we would start our therapy session at 8:30am, ending at 10:30am. In those 2 hours we would cry in pain, hold each other’s hand, sing songs to forget the pain, laugh and hug each other when it was all over. We would repeat it over again in the afternoons, from 1:00pm-3:00pm
During this time, Eugene Mickelsen came into my life. He arrived at Maplewood for hip replacement therapy a few days after Sandy and I. The three of us became “The Maplewood Musketeers.” During our therapy stint, we took meals together in the Terrace Room (often joined by our spouses Angela, Roger and Dick, plus our children). It was a time of healing mixed with instant friendship, love, concern, and caring. We knew that we’d always be friends.
By the first week in October of 2006, we were all on our way home and all lived within 3 miles of each other in Webster. We promised to keep in touch, and we did. We vowed to have dinner together when we could and did. Sandy and I spoke by phone almost every day even when she went to Florida. Gene and I spoke once a week. Our Maplewood bond was very strong.
The Lord took Sandy home one year ago and I still grieve for her. He took Gene soon after. I still miss his voice on the phone. I also still think about all the things that Sandy and I never got to do.
As I reflect on my life and look at the gifts under our tree, I think of my two special friends and the gifts they gave me – love and friendship. Those gifts cannot be seen or touched, but they are in my heart forever.
FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
(L to R): Greg Chambery, Administrator; Kimberly fletcher, LPN; Angela DeRue, LPN; Kathy Talarczyk, RN, DON
On December 9, 2009, Angela DeRue and Kimberly Fletcher were presented with Certificates of Completion for attending the LPN “Gap” Training program sponsored by the Health Care Foundation of the Finger Lakes. The course looked at two vital areas of practice, the specifics of geriatrics and management. This program included ten sessions that covered a variety of topics that are of major importance to skilled nursing facilities.
Also in attendance at the ceremony to recognize the staff members’ achievement were Kathy Talarczyk, RN, DON, and Greg Chambery, Administrator.
MANY THANK YOU’S!
All the staff at the Maplewood would like to thank the residents, family members and friends for their generous gifts during this holiday season. Your expression of gratitude is overwhelming, and we do appreciate all that you do for us! It is our privilege to serve you. Our family at the Maplewood wishes everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!
To the many Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, school clubs and other friends who brighten up our residents’ lives with the delightful caroling, homemade cards, and beautiful hand-crafted ornaments/goodies, thank you so much!
To the “Santa” who so generously donated beautiful poinsettias for all of our residents, thank you for brightening up our residents’ holiday!
A huge THANKS to the Webster Police 1000 club for their fruit baskets to all residents at the Maplewood. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
MAPLEWOOD'S NEW HAIRSTYLIST
Serving Maplewood for more than a decade, former hairstylist Sharon Grace’s expertise, charm and energy left an inerasable mark on the facility. Her replacement, Mary Kay Feathers, brings a lot of those traits with her to Maplewood’s cozy salon. Owner and operator of “Feathers Will Fly Mobile Hair Design”, she has already forged a positive relationship, and at the very least acquainted herself, with numerous residents.
Feathers, raised and still living in Penfield, brings an abundance of experience with her. She knew what her professional course would be at a young age. Feathers worked in a salon called “Hair Craft” at the young age of 16. Eventually, she decided to start the mobile design venture. For 12 years, she was the beautician at the now defunct Genesee Hospital. Currently her “team of 6 wonderful stylists” handles a handful of care facilities now including Maplewood.
Feathers loves the age group she currently serves. “They are all so special to me in their own way,” she pointed out, “Each person is an individual and I am becoming familiar with the many new clients here.” That is her biggest challenge right now – learning and responding to all the different personalities.
While she’d heard positives about Maplewood before arriving here, Feathers is even more impressed now. “I now know why it has such a great reputation,” she declared. She has noticed how friendly Maplewood’s staff is and Administrator Greg Chambery’s willingness to regularly interact with the residents. For her part, Feathers seeks open avenues of communication. She encourages family members to call either her business phone at 586-7830 or Thursday / Friday at the Maplewood or email her at www.fwf@rochester.rr.com with questions or concerns.
In her spare time, she enjoys thrift shopping, gardening, fishing, hosting dinner parties and relaxing at her cottage. Feathers’ daughter is one of the stylists on the “Feathers Will Fly” team.
DID YOU KNOW… LIBRARY SERVICES CONTINUE TO GROW
By Martha Miller, Activities Assistant/Maplewood “Librarian”
Due to generosity of many, the Maplewood large print book collection has grown by leaps and bounds! It has become so large in fact that it no longer fits in the Activities Room’s corner spot. With the addition of a third bookcase, the collection has been reorganized by genre; and, although still housed in the Activities Room, it occupies a space easily accessible to all. Books have been sorted and shelved in groups of fiction, non-fiction, mystery and romance. The collection will be changed periodically as new books are donated. As favorite authors (such as John Grisham, Nicholas Sparks and Danielle Steele) publish new books, every effort will be made to add these to the collection. Books not available can be easily ordered through the Monroe County or Pioneer Library Systems. Up to this point, a book cart has been used to provide reading material to our residents. The large print collection is now available to anyone. A sign out sheet rests on the top shelf of the bookcase to record borrowing.
I am pleased that reading material will be available whether I’m here or not. As many of you know, I treasure books and am delighted that so many of you share my passion.
H1N1 INFLUENZA VACCINATION
H1N1 Influenza Vaccine will be available for our residents in January 2010. Information about the H1N1 influenza and the H1N1 influenza vaccine is available at each nurses’ station. A Consent/Declination Statement is required to be signed for each resident this year. Please check with the Nurse Manager on the unit where your loved one resides. If you are unable to visit the nursing home, please feel free to request that the information be mailed to you.
RAMBLIN’ ON… WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
By Activities Director Gary Sacco
It has certainly been an interesting end to 2009. Hopefully, the New Year will prove memorable and inspiring. One of our busiest stretches ends with the holidays. The Maplewood Community experienced first hand a full and busy December events calendar as the wheels turned furiously behind the scenes, hatching unique ideas and further developing our emerging model of improved, attention-to-detail oriented service. A lot of technology-generated changes are also happening.
For the past year, I’ve been working on changing the way we operate, track resident progress and individually mold our plan of attack to fit residents. While mundane stuff for Maplewood Community readers, I’m hoping the new system inspires an already extremely responsive department. In a nutshell, my staff collects more information about our residents and puts that to use in maintaining an excellent quality of life here.
Possibilities, thanks to the new van, should bloom in 2010. I’ve heard residents groan countless times, “What is the use of getting this gift certificate to Target when I can’t get out and use it?” Well, now you can. We’re looking for a flexible situation that would fulfill such requests. The timing, of course, depends on the intensity of that day’s schedule of events. There is no reason, though, not to find available time slots for these requests. I can remember a few months ago, a resident asked to go out for a ride. We worked out a date and time; I was treated to a two-hour tour of properties that his company owned and maintained. Owning a minivan gives us the ability to do this.
Another exciting communications opportunity is video phoning. Maplewood has Skype. This software has been installed on the big screen TV in the Conference Room next to a raised video camera. This will enable residents to simultaneously see and communicate with far-flung loved ones. We’re eager for anyone to volunteer. Be a pioneer in 2010!
Happy New Year everyone, and I hope the entire Maplewood Community shares my excitement for 2010.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Our first concert of the New Year features a couple of old friends, Aaron and Claudia Karpala. Last spotted selling jewelry at the Holiday Bazaar in November, the duo demonstrates their well-known musical talent on Wednesday afternoon, January 6. Garden Room fans should expect to hear a healthy dose of country classics. Aaron sings and plays a little guitar while his wife, Claudia, handles most of the lead vocals. Showtime is at 2:30pm.
The NFL’s second season starts in January. Catch playoff fever with the Maplewood Community at two Tailgating Parties. Fans can enjoy a cold beer, snacks and watch the divisional games on Saturday, January 9. Maplewood’s football fanatics are encouraged to return for a conference championship game on Sunday, January 24. Watch the action from the rowdy Garden Room and find out who plays for the Lombardi Trophy next month!
Bus Rides have returned. On January 11, residents depart around 2:00pm to explore the countryside and observe the wondrous white of wintertime. Don’t worry riders, this bus’s heating system is very efficient! A blustery day will keep the bus garaged and residents in. One is never certain of Mother Nature’s intentions this time of year. If conditions cooperate, a group of 4 or 5 will be afforded an opportunity to enjoy a fresh, if not crisp, change of scenery.
Wandering amidst green, healthy plants produces an unbelievably natural high this time of year. Residents take that opportunity during a tour of the Lamberton Conservatory at Highland Park on Tuesday, January 12. The lush rainforest and arid desert rooms will provoke forward thoughts of warmer weather and brighter days. Be a part of this uplifting experience.
Rochester legend Len Hawley appears on Friday, January 15, in the Garden Room. Don’t miss this seasoned professional’s 10:30am show. Most musicians have the ability and virtuosity. Len, though, works the crowd like a true showman. Unlike many, however, he is 100 percent genuine. A number of Maplewood Community members remember Len playing at weddings and dances. Len is rare, one-of-a-kind performer.
Saturday, January 16, is Casino Afternoon at Maplewood. Residents and guests compete at a variety of games to accumulate the most chips. Players with the first, second and third most chips win cool prizes. Try your hand at craps, blackjack and a variety of other games. The fun starts at 2:30pm. Remember, whatever happens at Maplewood’s Casino Afternoon stays at, oh … never mind, just come!
On the heels of November’s “Citizen Kane” showing comes another classic on Tuesday, January 19, and Wednesday, January 20. Don’t miss a minute of “Gone with the Wind.” This story takes place during the Civil War amidst a crumbling society with razed Atlanta as the backdrop to an intriguing love story. Relive great performances by Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh.
EMPLOYEE MILESTONES
Congratulations to:
Bob Mahar, LPN on the second floor, who celebrated 5-years of service with the Maplewood. Thanks, Bob.
FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, January 20, 2010, from 4:00pm – 5:00pm, in the Conference Room
Open to all family members and friends of Maplewood Nursing Home residents.