ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR
The 5th Annual Holiday Bazaar takes place in the Garden Room from Thursday, November 19, through Saturday, November 21. Drop in from 10 - 5pm to holiday shop early, buy baked goods and raffle tickets. There will be 14 vendors to patronize. Proceeds from baked goods, raffle sales and vendor rental fees will help two worthy charities, the Bivona Child Advocacy Center and Webster’s Hope House. The Bazaar ends Saturday at 4pm. Bazaar Committee members Gary Sacco, Connie B., Ruth G. and Shirley F. thank everyone in advance!
REFLECTIONS:
DENVER RADIX ROCKS GARDEN ROOM
Receptionist Amy Hoderlein escorted first time performer Denver Radix to the Garden Room the morning of Friday, October 2. Later, the inquisitive Hoderlein caught up with Activities Director Gary Sacco and asked how he did. She will definitely see Radix again. The pianist rocked the Garden Room crowd during an extremely lively hour set. His stout style produced a really rich sound, and residents enthusiastically responded to his outgoing personality.
Radix largely chose tunes from his audience’s era, but seemed to really enjoy playing Irish numbers like “My Bonny” and “My Wild Irish Rose.” Later, he demonstrated his versatility. Whether it was provoked by his first name or just coincidence, Peter N. requested “Country Roads” by John DENVER! The moment wasn’t lost on Radix who declared, “It is interesting that you ask for that song.” After revealing he’d played it once, Radix obliged and produced an excellent version. He changed up his set by inserting a few minutes of “Name That Tune.”
The Garden Room reaction was beyond friendly. Feet tapped, arms swung and Radix often received nearly thunderous applause. Marie S. was borderline rowdy. She clapped along to every tune, showed her approval with loud whoops and even conversed with the performer. “Play it again Sam,” she urged. “My name is Denver,” Radix responded jokingly.
After the concert, many residents heartily recommended bringing Radix back for additional performances. He is scheduled to return in January of 2010.
A POPULAR AUTUMN PLACE…
The high demand to sign up for a September visit to Schutt’s’ Apple Mill forced Activities Assistant Martha Miller to schedule another ride to the renowned Webster store. Eight “tourists” arrived at Schutt’s’ at around 2:30pm on the overcast afternoon of Monday, October 12. Residents Alice M., Leon H., Russell L. and Jane C. were unfazed by the tremendous crowd that day.
Residents and chaperones weaved through rows of herbs, dried fruit, numerous apple bins and handicrafts for sale. Russ L. good naturedly ribbed Maplewood Nurse Kathy Merz’ husband Bob, who works there. The group expressed amusement that Christmas knickknacks were already being sold. Most definitely looked past these items, focusing instead on what Schutt’s’ is famous for: apples, cider and fried cakes. Two-dozen “cakes” and a half-gallon of cider were purchased to go!
Activities Director Gary Sacco found a nice spot around the corner at Penfield Town Hall Park for everyone to relax and enjoy the golden hued drink and rich pastries. Returning to Maplewood, Activities Director Gary Sacco fulfilled a promise to resident Edna W., part of the previous outing there, to bring back a half dozen fried cakes.
FIDDLIN’ LYNN ARNOLD
On Monday, October 5, the week started with a show by another first-time performer debuting in the Garden Room. Fiddlin’ Lynn Arnold got his chance to impress the Maplewood Community. Arnold (dressed Appalachian style with a bowler hat, black vest and tie) played a well-received hour-long set of varied music.
He initially greeted the audience with a joke about his first name. “When you see my name spelled like that, most of you were probably expecting a good looking girl,” Arnold laughed. The music was exciting and a bit unpredictable. He rolled through a few polkas and old timey-style songs. During one point, though, he introduced Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour.” After a few feint creaks, Arnold played it flawlessly.
Again, a delighted audience asked for Arnold’s return. He should be back in December. Activities Director Gary Sacco is delighted to add new performers with different approaches and fresh ideas to the musical rotation at Maplewood. “Our musical roster is really crowded nowadays,” explained Sacco. “It’s a nice problem for an Activities Director to have.”
THANKFUL OR THANKLESS?
By Janet Pater, Resident Columnist
As I thought about Thanksgiving this year, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “What do I have to be thankful for this year?” As most of you are aware, I lost my mate of 55 years in August. In past years, it had been my practice to make a list of events I was thankful for during the past year. Surprisingly, I easily and quickly jotted down a rather long list of positives for this year. Now this could not possibly be correct, I thought. So, determined to tip the scales toward the negative side of this year’s blessings, I tried the list again, adding minuses as well as pluses. Once again, I came up with a positive list for this year!
Okay Lord, how come this is so? Surely, Russ’ weeks of agony and the family stress should have resulted in a list of sorrows. Eureka, that’s my answer! I should be ashamed of my negative thoughts, right? Let us take another look at the plus/minus columns. How many folks, who just lost a loved one, neither look nor feel like something the cat just dragged in? Yet, I managed to get through Russ’ last days hardly shedding a tear! Many widows said to me, “It only gets worse. The pain doesn’t get any easier without the passage of time.”
Then how come I don’t feel like wearing black and prefer smiles and laughter? I insisted that my granddaughters wear colorful dresses to his Memorial Service. The day we shopped at the mall could have been sullen but instead was joyful and memorable. Even the pastor at Russ’s service seemed lighthearted, yet sincere. Afterwards, one of the aides (who accompanied me) asked, “Who was that funny man?” It was my son-in-law. He nearly brought the house down when he put on Russ’ Mets cap and poked fun at the ever-losing team. However, Mark also spoke sincerely about the man he’d come to revere – a man who’d shed tears as he married his daughter.
This was the type of service I’d hoped for; Russ would have been pleased. It was not a time of tears, but one of celebration. Russ, ever the good shepherd, was now with his Lord. Halleluiah! Of course this is why I WAS thankful and NOT thankless! Russ had entered into a new life and was waiting for me to join him. Our Lord, whom we had served for years, was true to His Word. He was with me and has sustained me as my life changed forever.
If you feel there is nothing to give thanks for, take the time to carefully and honestly list those plusses and minuses in your life over the past year. No matter the difficulties you’ve faced, I believe if you search your heart, there will be much to be thankful for. As you, your friends and family gather around that large oak table to celebrate Thanksgiving, please think about the following words written by the late beloved pastor, Peter Marshall:
“We thank Thee that we live in a land so bountifully able to supply our needs – a land, which still by Thy Providence knows peace, whose skies are not darkened by the machines of the enemy, whose fields and woodlands are still unblasted by the flames of war, land with peaceful valleys and smiling meadow, still serene. Oh help us appreciate all that we have, to be content with it, to be grateful for it – not in an arrogant pride that boasts, but in a grateful pride that strives to be more worthy. In Thy Name, to whose bounty we owe these blessings spread before us, Amen.”
DID YOU KNOW…
By Activities Assistant Martha Miller
On a lovely August day, a small group of residents, my coworker Daisy (Activities Assistant Henderson) and I traveled to Wallington to tour a restored one-room schoolhouse. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip and had some discussion about other places we might visit in the area. When I suggested we see the Sodus Point Lighthouse Museum, there was an enthusiastic response.
So, on a somewhat gloomy but mild October day, we traveled east. We decided to take the long way to Lake Road and were rewarded with breathtaking fall colors. Upon arrival, we were welcomed and then provided with a very informative and entertaining tour of the Lighthouse. The current Lighthouse, built in 1871, was constructed of limestone imported from Canada and included an adjoining tower and dwelling for the keeper. An earlier Lighthouse, in need of extensive repairs, was demolished in 1870 and the materials were used as a jetty to protect the band from erosion. The Lighthouse Museum houses numerous exhibits on the topic of local maritime history. One of the rooms is completely devoted to information regarding the Sodus Point Coal Trestle. Another has a model of the original Trolley that came into Sodus Point. Several mannequins model bathing suits from the era as well as original maritime uniforms. The Museum has a lovely little gift shop as well.
On the way home, we agreed that this was a most enjoyable trip. One of our residents, Mary G., is from the area and had visited the Lighthouse many years ago. This proved to be a rewarding and informative outing. We recommend Leaflet readers add it to their lists of area places to visit.
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2009 THANKSGIVING MENU
Fresh Fruit Cup
Roast Turkey with Gravy
Traditional Herb Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Green Bean Casserole
Fresh Baked Rolls
Pumpkin or Apple Pie
Coffee, Tea, Cider
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TERRACE ROOM TABLE TALK
We will be taking reservations in the Dining Services Department at 827-1800, extension 4035. If there is no one to take your call, please leave a message with your phone number; and we will return your call to confirm your reservation. The price for this year’s Thanksgiving Dinner is 14.95. There will also be a beer and wine selection for a small extra charge.
On December 13, from 2-4pm the annual Holiday Open House will take place. We encourage all residents, their families and friends to attend. Thank you for your continuing support.
UNDERSTANDING THE A LÁ CART MENU
By Mike Fall, Director of Dining Services
At a recent Residents’ Council, several questions were raised about what to do when a resident, for whatever reason, didn’t like the meal being served. I was surprised to learn that there are still some residents who aren’t exactly sure how the Terrace Room’s A Lá Cart Menu works. I will do my best to explain its purpose and clear up any misconceptions that were brought up at the council meeting.
(Server Haley Schuman shows resident Ruth Gulick the A Lá Cart Menu)
The purpose of the A Lá Carte Menu is to offer more choices to residents, rehabilitation patients and guests of the Maplewood. For example, a resident may host a dinner for six guests in the Terrace Room. The daily meal selection of Chicken Marsala may appeal to some guests but perhaps not all. Our extensive A Lá Carte menu saves the day by offering over 35 items from which to choose. To sum it up, a resident just hosted dinner for six guests, all had a meal they wanted and Dining Services staff performed clean up!
For our rehabilitation patients (arriving after a recent surgery) whose normal tastes maybe affected by medications or discomfort, having a wide range of foods from which to choose really makes the adjustment easier. I’ve found that rehabilitation patients often start out eating comfort foods and, by the end of their stay, dine on Chicken French and Clams Casino.
First: “The only choice other than the daily menu selection is a sandwich.”
When arriving in The Terrace Room deciding you would like an alternative choice or something in addition to the daily menu selection, you can simply ask your server to see the menu and order any item from the menu. In addition, we offer Friday Specials that have been a great hit. Often over 15% of our residents choose the Friday special over the daily meal selection.
Second: “If everyone has received their meal and I order something different, everyone else will be done eating by the time I get my meal.”
Our Dining Services staff will do their best to get your meals as fast and courteously as is possible. To completely avoid this situation, you can preorder! For example, at breakfast you notice the daily menu selection is not to your liking. Tell your server you would like to see a menu and then make a selection; it will be ready at the same time everyone else gets his or her meal.
Third: “The prices on the menu are too high, and I don’t want to rack up extra charges.”
Beer, wine and liquor are the only items residents or rehabilitation patients are ever charged for. All food items on the menu are of no charge to a resident or rehabilitation patient. We have some residents who order the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail five times a week – at no charge. The prices on the A Lá Carte Menu apply only to non-resident guests of the Maplewood.
So really the A Lá Carte Menu is all about personal choices and making the dining experience at the Maplewood more like dining out at a favorite restaurant or having dinner from that favorite place delivered to your living room.
WHISPERS…“I’ll Fly Away”
By Reverend Daisy Henderson, Activities Aide
The scars of Alfred Plotzker’s passing will be a long time healing, but they will heal. Al had graced the Maplewood Nursing Home with his Gospel & Song Ministry for 28 years. Through the rain, sleet, snow, crutches, or a broken thumb, he was a true warrior.
Knowing every resident by name, Al always greeted each and every resident with a smile. He always inquired as to the residents not in attendance with a witty remark, “Maybe they don’t like my singing.”
Plotzker’s Gospel & Song Ministry took us to a place of Joy, Peace and Happiness as he entertained us by playing his banjo and harmonica. At the end of every service as Al would shake every resident’s hand one by one, he would give comforting words.
The Terrace Room will always ring with those last words shouted each week as a final request, “Number 24, Al, Number 24!” (Number 24 was the hymn “I’ll Fly Away”.) Al has now flown home, a place where his Joy shall never end.
NURSING NOTES
To our Families and Friends:
During the upcoming cold and flu season, please consider putting off your visit if you are not feeling well or are actively ill. Our residents are a fragile group due to their age and own medical conditions. We want to protect them as much as possible from any illness. We will be happy to have you check on them via a phone call if you are unable to visit. Thank you for your consideration.
NEW OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST STARTS AT MAPLEWOOD
Occupational Therapist Lori Moskal (pictured right) continues her ascent up the corporate ladder at Maplewood contractor Freedom Therapy. Her promotion produced the need for a replacement. In mid October, Occupational Therapist Gretchen Welch (Pictured left) began assuming Moskal’s day-to-day duties. She is also a Freedom Therapy staffer. Though Moskal plans on checking up on her staff occasionally, Welch will be the primary Occupational Therapist on sight.
Welch, just hired by Freedom Therapy, seemed to enjoy her first week at Maplewood. “The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. The residents are very happy, and it is a beautiful facility,” Welch observed. She parlays an outgoing personality into an enthusiastic, productive work philosophy. She, like Moskal, believes in pushing the residents but keeping the atmosphere relatively light. “It’s not only about achieving your maximum level of functional independence, but having some fun along the way as well,” Welch insisted. When asked about motivational techniques, the University at Buffalo graduated joked that “I can sing and dance, even though in reality, I’m horrible at both.”
Away from the work scene, Welch enjoys family time with her parents, husband, step kids and dogs. She resides in the city of Rochester.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pets of days past produce indelible memories for many. The same can be said for Maplewood Community members. Happily, thanks to the Humane Society’s quarterly visits, residents can re-live that bond. A pack of talented therapy dogs and one uncommonly soft rabbit stroll into the Garden Room on Friday afternoon, November 6, at 2:30pm. The love fest between residents and the animals often carries well past the planned hour! Maplewood is thankful for the Humane Society’s volunteers that make this program happen.
The Maplewood Community says “thanks” to its own and a few special guests during the Veterans’ Day Celebration on Wednesday, November 11, at 2:30pm, in the Terrace Room. The guys asked for “army food” including Liverwurst and Creamed Chipped Beef (known by a certain military nickname). The pleasure of watching 2 to 3 generations of soldiers interact is truly indescribable. Last year, Maplewood’s veterans were primarily talking, as the younger soldiers listened to their words of wisdom.
A couple of residents ride in comfort and style on Friday afternoon, November 13. The experience of rolling through the countryside, in Maplewood’s new van, has a different feel to it than rumbling in the bus. Residents seem to enjoy the sightlines better and are delighted with the quicker boarding times. Also, the option to briefly stop somewhere is very appealing. One major difference Activities Director Gary Sacco has noticed is the overall ambience. “To communicate in the bus, I have to use the PA system. The close proximity of our van passengers leads to normal conversation, as if on a Sunday drive, in the family car.”
On Tuesday afternoon, November 18, Activities Staff will present the screening of a movie that some might label controversial and all would agree stirs emotions. “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” starts at 2:30 sharp, in the Activities Room. Some might not be able to handle this film about a boy whose father is the Commandant of a concentration camp. Activities Assistant Daisy Henderson best describes this film as “powerful.”
A cool musical breeze blows into the Garden Room on Tuesday morning, November 18, in the form of Fred Vine. The singer/guitarist is an exceptional performer, with an encyclopedic song list. Vine has talked recently about bringing his electric guitar and mixing in a little jazz and a few blues numbers. Hopefully, he’ll follow through! Vine enjoys an outstanding musical reputation in this area.
Maplewood’s 5th Annual Holiday Bazaar occurs Thursday, November 19, through Saturday, November 21. Hours are 10am to 5pm, except on Saturday, when the show closes down an hour early. There will be 14 vendors offering various products, many ideal for holiday gifts. Proceeds from a truly tremendous raffle, thanks in part to the Webster business community, baked goods sales and vendor’s rental fees help both Webster’s Hope House and the Bivona Child Advocacy Center.
During a recent discussion, residents asked about seeing Orson Welles’ timeless classic film “Citizen Kane.” The movie will be shown in two parts, at 2:30pm, on November 23 and November 24. This was Welles’, a man of immense talent, masterpiece based on the real life of newspaper mogul “William Randolph Hearst. Why were a dying Charles Foster Kane’s last words “rose bud?” Only watching the movie will answer that!
November’s blustery temperament is perfect for the comforts of a Coffee Delight social gathering on Wednesday afternoon, November 25. The Maplewood Community will congregate, in the Terrace Room, for conversation, flavored coffees, teas, pastries and even a few laughs. Coffee Delights are popular with families, too.
EMPLOYEE MILESTONES
Congratulations to Violetta Dedes, Housekeeping Aide, for 10 years of dedicated service to Maplewood. Thanks, Violetta!