REFLECTIONS:

CLASSIC CARS AT MAPLEWOOD

The greatest generation’s love affair with old American cars was on display at Maplewood’s first ever Street Rods and Classic Cars show that was produced by the Good Times Oldies Club. Club members Bob and Donna Baumgartner (also Maplewood volunteers) coordinated and promoted this grand event on Thursday afternoon, September 10, from 2:30-4pm. Bob hoped for 17 cars – 40 showed up! DJ “Duke of Earl” spun tunes while dozens of onlookers viewed and reminisced about the classic cars. Maple Bay Café was also open.

Bob and Donna figured that cordoning off half of Maplewood’s business office lot would easily hold the anticipated number of cars. Beginning with a 1979 Cadillac and Bob’s 1966 Mustang, they started to trickle in. Suddenly, traffic backed up! By show time, the area was filled with vintage cars. The 1959 Cadillac was absolutely immense. Bob estimated the hulking beauty was 18-feet long!

Residents really responded to, what in essence was, a visual history of 20^th Century cars. Roy L. and Connie B. went out to look three different times. Clair R. was really in his element. With staff close by, he actually stood up to better view the interior of a 1938 Studebaker pickup truck. When asked what it looked like inside, Clair’s response, “Beautiful.” Several family members joined the fun. Even a few former Maplewood family members showed up. Evans Mosher went the extra mile by bringing a couple of residents he became close to during his wife’s stay here outside for a look at the cars.

Cars continued pulling in. Quick thinking by staff found spots for all of them! “It got a little chaotic,” observed Activities Director Gary Sacco. “Directing people and vehicle traffic simultaneously made things interesting. Yet, everyone was careful and safe.”

The Maple Bay Café was soon hopping. All the tables filled up and many people were standing. The bulk of this day’s crowd was car owners and guests. At .25 cents a piece Sliders were popular. “I think some of the outsiders were very surprised at the energetic, mainstream atmosphere that can be generated here,” stated Sacco. “Daisy even gave a curious guest a quick impromptu tour of the new Seneca Park Wing. We were excellent hosts.”

As cars pulled out, all Activities Staff could think about was hosting another car show. That was until Bob sweetened the deal by inquiring about Maplewood becoming a meeting place for the Good Time Oldies Club. Maplewood Administrator Greg Chambery’s one word response was, “Yes.” “I’m extremely hopeful we can make this happen,” stated Sacco. “We just have to work out some details.”

BOOKS SANDWICHED IN: PASSION AND ICE

After a successful introductory session a few months ago, residents returned for another “Books Sandwiched In” program on Tuesday, September 22, in the Activities Room at noon. Volunteer Joyce Tompkins reviewed “Cold Hands, Warm Heart” by Iditarod champion and Husky Homestead proprietor Jeff King. Tompkins summarized the work, rated it and then played a related DVD as residents munched on sandwiches and fruit cocktail.

Tompkins stated that her interest in the work started after a visit to the Husky Homestead during an Alaskan trip. She was very impressed with King’s Alaskan Husky sled dog training facility. She referred to the dogs (considerably smaller than their Siberian cousins) as athletes. Tompkins described the work as passionate and saw King as an achiever. She also read a few passages from the work.

Residents were riveted! Helen C. shuttered to think about the unforgiving frigid conditions during the famous dog race. Pete N. asked a few questions about her Alaska trip. Mostly, the audience just listened intently.

The DVD documented a recent Iditarod that King won. If Tompkins’ presentation gripped them, the DVD virtually hypnotized them. After returning to her room, Helen S. told Activities Assistant Martha Miller the presentation was one of the finest she had ever witnessed!

“Books Sandwiched In” is presented about every three months. Sacco kicked the program off talking about the acclaimed book “Three Cups of Tea.” Activities Staff encourages anyone eager to share a fantastic book, to ask about hosting a future “Books Sandwiched In”.

OKTOBERFEST CLOSES SUMMERFEST SEASON

A medium sized crowd turned out for 2009’s final Summerfest on Monday, September 21, from 2:30pm. Initially pretty tame, Maple Bay Café was just about all filled later at around 3:15pm. They turned out for Fred Vine’s music, grilled Brautwurst sausages and, of course, beer.

Wearing a smile, resident George S. enjoyed a few beers and many birthday wishes. Connie B. was snapping pictures while Roy L. seemed smitten with the miniature pretzels. Activities Staff Martha Miller and Gary Sacco were joined by an experienced group of volunteers. Hugh Richards grilled while Joyce Tompkins, Neil Strollo and Joe Grizzanti served and helped seat guests. “We’ve appreciated the many volunteers that helped this season,” stated Activities Director Gary Sacco.

Patrons enjoyed Vine’s varied set. As shadows lengthened and the Maplewood Community began to filter out of the Café, it became happily apparent Vine lost track of time and played about 20 minutes extra. He attributed it to having a good time. Sacco hopes that everyone really enjoyed the first season of Summerfests and promises bigger things next year. “It was like taking a first college course,” Sacco stated. “We didn’t know quite what to expect, but I think we passed the exam this year. Next season we’ll really begin to explore the immense possibilities.”

"AUTUMN SEASON"

By Janet Pater, Resident Columnist

It almost seemed like yesterday that I was steering my battery-operated wheelchair along the narrow path of Maplewood’s Nature Walk. As the wheels traveled along the path, I could hear the crunch of fallen leaves. This was music to my ears. Yes, soon we will be enjoying the autumn season, one of wondrous beauty. It is unspeakable magic when falling leaves softly drift to the ground in a circling pattern. As we’re surrounded in that brilliant display of colors, it is impossible not to think about, or even feel, the magnitude of God’s creation!

Can you recall what it was like as a small child when your mother would ask you to “please go outside and rake up the leaves in the front lawn”? At first, I think most of us balked. “Why can’t Johnny do it? I want to ride my bike.” Usually, well eventually, you entered the garage, picked up the rake and started the enormous task of raking all the fallen Maple leaves covering a large portion of the lawn.

Starting slowly, it wasn’t long before you’d amassed a huge pile of leaves. Standing near it, the urge to jump into the rounded pile beckoned. It took just one good jump to be covered with the musty smelling, colorful leaves. How good it felt to be trapped in such a pile! As you got up, you realized the time had come for bagging all those leaves. After filling several, you experienced a sudden longing to go inside your warm home. Within moments of entering, your mother’s voice could be heard. “Just look at yourself,” she’d sternly start, “I just cleaned the entranceway and think you should go outside and brush off all the leaves clinging to your clothes.”

Does this scene bring back memories? It always seemed to me that after all of that work, the following morning would find that lawn covered again. It just wasn’t fair! Yet, I still have pleasant memories of those gorgeous autumn days when the sun shone, and one could feel that light chill in the air. After tediously filling a few bags full of fallen leaves, I did feel invigorated and was always ready for a hug from mom. I remember her praising my effort and rewarding me by leaving a few warm cookies right from the oven on the kitchen table.

I also cannot forget family walks in the woods that took place after church and the ensuing delicious dinner. Our family dog happily ran ahead, darting on and off the path, to explore some creature he’d spotted, usually a squirrel or chipmunk. That crunch of leaves underfoot, the tranquility of the trail and simply being outdoors made me so thankful to be alive. I felt blessed to enjoy such a magnificent day.

The following words of a hymn written by Folliott S. Pierpoint in 1864 best describes how my heart was warmed on such walks:

DID YOU KNOW…

Martha Miller, Activities Aide and Librarian

The Maplewood Book Club has just finished its summer selection. “Tuck Everlasting”, by Natalie Babbitt, is an award-winning fantasy written in 1975. It is a tale that explores the concept of immortality through the chance encounter of ten-year-old Winnie and the Tuck family. She accidentally witnesses Jesse Tuck drinking from a seemingly ordinary woods spring. As she is thirsty as well, she begins to help herself to the water. Jesse and his mother Mae and brother Miles quickly intervene and take Winnie on horseback to their home in the woods. It is there that Winnie learns the secret of the water: drinking it means immortality. Efforts to return Winnie to her home are interrupted by the arrival of the “man in the yellow suit” whose intent is to profit from the powers of the water. The Tucks are forced to protect both Winnie and the secret with rather dire consequences for Mae. The conclusion to the story is well drawn and quite satisfying to the reader.

“Tuck Everlasting” examines the ideas of forever versus the natural cycle of life. It also looks at ideas of loyalty, friendship and decision making. Our Book Club had interesting discussions about the topic of immortality and what our personal choices would be given such a choice. Mary C. very much enjoyed this selection and felt that a life without end would certainly have its problems! Helen K. appreciated the action of the story and felt that it left her wondering what would happen next. Helen S. also gave the book a high rating. Mary T. especially liked the ending. This is a story that can be enjoyed by both young and old. We heartily recommend it.

BAZAAR FINAL REPORT

Activities Director/Bazaar Committee Member Gary Sacco plans on meeting with colleagues Ruth G., Connie B. and Shirley F. to button up plans and preparation for the Fifth Annual Holiday Bazaar happening in the Garden Room, November 19-21. “We’re slightly behind on a few things, and I’ve found it has become harder to arrange meeting dates as the committee continues to grow. As a team, we are very productive,” stated Sacco. He has little doubt that everything will be ready in time.

Sacco is delighted to report that the vending booths are filled. “Usually, there is an odd Thursday or Saturday slot someone can be penciled into,” he pointed out. “Nothing is free this year.” Many regulars have returned. Sue Moreton (one of the Bazaar’s original forces along with her late sister Chris Neal, Ruth and Christi Ocke) returns for a fifth year. Bernadette Privatera and Barb Sperduto are back for a fourth try. Aerial photographer Wayne Blue has been successful past years. Claudia Karpala leads a small contingent of first timers.

While booth fees produce considerable revenue for this year’s duo charities Hope House and the Bivona Child Advocacy Center, raffle ticket sales have the most significant impact on the Holiday Bazaar’s bottom line. Ruth, Shirley and Connie have started to sell raffle tickets. “I’ve got to prepare their signs and gather a better sense of the prizes so buyers will know what they can win,” admits Sacco.

A new feature has been produced from an idea by Shirley. Patrons and friends of the Bazaar will have the opportunity to bid on a framed puzzle that she constructed. Resident Clair R. and a friend built the frame and inserted a glass front. Sacco figures that the puzzle will be on display at October’s beginning.

While challenges remain and circumstances or other resident interests cause meeting scheduling problems, Sacco feels that preparation is on schedule. Challenges remaining include reaching out towards both charities and advertising. “That second objective is always so difficult,” explains Sacco. “There is considerable competition, and we need to get the word out. I’m bringing in Bob (volunteer Baumgartner) to help us. He did a great job promoting our car show last month.”

TERRACE TABLE TALK

By Michael Fall, Director of Dining Services

Autumn means changes, and that holds true in the Maplewood’s Dining Service Department. Every October our menu changes to reflect the tastes and available ingredients of the season. Other changes include when and how certain meals are served. For example, the Prime Rib dinner that was previously served on Mondays will be switched to Certified Angus Roast Tenderloin of Beef; and it will be carved to order in the Terrace Room every other Sunday. We are hoping that the switch to Sundays will make it more convenient for residents to have a nice Sunday meal with their friends and families. Another change in the works is introduction of a Seafood Buffet every other Friday starting in late October. The buffets offerings will vary weekly to reflect what’s fresh. Yes, the Shrimp Cocktail will be in the mix as well as New England clam chowder, Clams Casino, Haddock Fish Fry, Crab Cakes and grilled or healthier broiled selections as well.

We are also making changes to the Autumn/Winter menu now so your suggestions are welcome! Drop me a note or an email at mfall@maplewoodnursinghome.com, and we’ll take all suggestions under consideration.

The holiday season is rapidly approaching. The Dining Services Staff would like to remind you to make your Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner reservations as early as you can. Seating is limited, and the spaces fill up quickly. To make a reservation, call Dining Services at 872-1800, ext. 4035.

MAPLEWOOD UPDATES PROMOTIONAL BROCHURE

By Gary Sacco, Activities Director

Maplewood’s promotional brochure (a very important piece in the recruitment of prospective residents) was still glossy and attractive. However, it was also old and a little outdated. Produced late in the last century, a quick glance uncovers the problem. Many of the photos captured Maplewood’s old décor and feature employees who’ve not worked here in many years. The Maple Bay Café area, now a centerpiece of Maplewood, was not built yet. The verbiage wasn’t in tune with today’s fresher, more home-like approach. Administrator Greg Chambery decided to overhaul the brochure and called long-time designer David Abbott in to oversee it.

Early in 2009, Social Worker Lisa Davies and I met with Abbott and his writer to bat around a few ideas and concepts. Abbott mapped out for us his plan of action. It included re-shooting virtually all of the photos. In late August and early September that process finally got rolling. Chambery informed me the very day I returned from a week’s vacation that I was in charge of recruiting models, comprised of mostly volunteers, for a Gazebo and Courtyard shot. There were also plans to do a shoot at Webster’s new fire hall.

INNER COURTYARD

On the ideal late summer morning of Thursday, September 3, the “cast” gathered at the Gazebo for shot one. Maplewood volunteers Neil Strollo, Joe Grizzanti, Richard Tompkins, Joyce Tompkins and Bill Ratigan were among those enlisted. Chambery’s daughter Kailey and son Colin were also there. Residents Connie B., Ruth G. and Jane C. lent a hand. I played gopher and largely stayed out of the way. While the Gazebo setup took a few minutes, Courtyard models endured an even longer wait as Abbott and the photographer needed to be very particular. After both shots were completed, many were directed to the Webster fire hall. I stayed behind and tried to catch up on work associated with my usual job as Activities Director.

Part two of the project began very early on Friday, September 18. Arguably, this day’s itinerary presented more challenges and held higher importance than the previous session. The four shots planned would focus on recently built Seneca Park Unit, the Therapy extension, a spa spot, and lastly, Maple Bay Café. Far more models were needed this time around. Scheduling coordinator Brigid Gerhard and I enlisted a number of staff members to play the “roles”. Thinking outside the box, Chambery lined up his parents, Jim and Judy, while I called his in-laws, Jim and Marilyn Hamman. The therapy shot felt like family hour at times. During down time, the two Jims decided to open the Café and relax outdoors.

Photographer Wayne Calabrese and Abbott worked very slowly to capture the most perfect shots. Their attention to detail was impressive. There was one instance of the two deciding to replace a bowl sitting on the coffee table with one of another color. They were constantly repositioning the models. Resident Connie B. and I observed the last Maple Bay shot. Calabrese was really racing to finish as the light was slowly being replaced by creeping shadows. Finally, just after 5:30pm, Calabrese and Abbott were satisfied with the finished product.

I feel it is legitimate to question the money spent and time consumed by this project. Yet, remember that the first thing that Davies hands to prospective clients is Maplewood’s promotional brochure. It is a perfect compliment to Davies’ tour presentation. The brochure elaborates on information she gives in person and also spells out Maplewood’s philosophical beliefs and practices. Our home has changed over the course of the last 10 years and that vital marketing component needs to reflect that.

RESIDENT PHOTOGRAPHER

In August, the Leaflet introduced Maplewood to resident Connie Bold’s photographic talent. Connie continues snapping pictures of many different subjects. This month’s pictures show off her ability to take tight floral photos. Readers also visually “meet” her! Look for more work from Connie in the months to come.

                 Hydrangea

 Peony      Black-eyed Susan 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 Pianist Denver Radix really wanted to play at Maplewood. He actually appeared in person and asked for a tryout! “Denver played for about 20 seconds and I was convinced,” smiled Sacco. Catch this talented musician’s Maplewood debut in the Garden Room on Friday morning, October 2, at 10:30am.

 Due to overwhelming interest, Activities staff has added another trip to Schutt’s Cider Mill on Monday, October 12. The tour group is counting on the weather cooperating! The store itself is stocked with unique gift items, tempting candies and a plentiful variety of apples. A blustery, biting afternoon won’t curtail residents’ quest for cider and fried cakes.

 The “A Team” returns to host a program on Tuesday afternoon, October 13. Residents will be eager to be a part of the first sing-a-long with Neil Strollo and Joe Grizzanti in many months. Joe capably handles the piano playing while Neil leads the crowd. Trek down to the Garden Room early to secure prime seating for this fun 2:30pm event! “These guys have served Maplewood for longer than I have and can do just about anything,” exclaimed Activities Director Gary Sacco.

 Autumn has arrived, increasing the desire for well-prepared comfort food! Residents look forward to trying various establishments for lunch. The acclaimed T’s Family Restaurant was opened by a long time Golden Boys employee and has taken the town by storm! T, by the way, stands for Tony, On Wednesday, October 14, Maplewood’s group will weigh in with their own opinions!

 The epic splash of colors soon to dominate the landscape defines autumn in Western New York. Residents will have the opportunity to gaze at the horizon and catch spectacular gold and red trees on Tuesday, October 20. The bus departs at 2:30 and rolls through the area where Monroe and Wayne Counties border one another. The sun rays bouncing off of nature’s canvass is nearly indescribable.

 Residents electing to sleep in on Saturday morning, October 24, will miss a very interesting excursion. A group of sleepy residents gather at 10am to depart for a scenic ride to the Sodus Point Lighthouse. The journey itself provides another opportunity to soak in the fall foliage. Lighthouses usually possess fascinating histories and Sodus’ is surely no exception.

 Dining Services Director Mike Fall and Chef Kevin Donk are very skillful with knives. The inner kids in them still love Halloween. Hence, the guys are very excited about their event on Wednesday, October 28, called Pumpkin Carving with Mike and Kevin. Activities Director Gary Sacco praises these inter-departmental programs. “I think the three of us are great at running programs, but residents probably get a little tired seeing just us. They always respond when Mike or Kevin are featured,” Sacco said.

EMPLOYEE MILESTONES

Congratulations to:

 Janet Flynn for 30 years of dedicated service to Maplewood. Janet joined our Maplewood family on September 13, 1979, and is currently a member of Seneca’s overnight team. Many thanks, Janet!

 Michele Odita, evening CNA on the Seneca Unit, who celebrated 20 years of service with the Maplewood! Thanks Michelle!

FAMILY DISCUSSION GROUP

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

4:00pm - 5:00pm

In the Conference Room

Open to all family members and friends of Maplewood Nursing Home residents. Please come! We look forward to seeing you there!

FLU REMINDER

Influenza vaccines will be given to our residents this fall in October or November. Information about influenza and the vaccine is available at each nurses' station. A Consent/Declination Statement is required to be signed for each resident this eyar. Please check with the Nurse Manaer on the unit where your loved one resides. If you are unable to visit the nursing home, contact the unit and request the informaiton to be mailed to you.

The Activities Department is accepting donated bags of candy for Residents to pass out to trick or treating children on Saturday, October 25.