Aug-Sep 2015_Newsletter_online

The
Leatherboard
August–September
2015
Summertime Bounty Is
Right at Our Doorstep!
Salad greens, strawberries, squashes, corn, blueberries, beans, tomatoes, lobsters, seasonal vegetables, and many others are items on our
menu here at RiverCourt that are provided by our local growers and
suppliers.
Our Massachusetts farms are in the prime harvesting time for these
items and more. We so enjoy and appreciate these offerings every day
but sometimes we may forget where they came to us from.
Contacts
Sharon Amadon
ext. 242
Rya Bennett
ext. 234
Kim Landi
ext. 227
Are you familiar with the many farm stands, orchards, farmer’s markets, and
community supported agriculture (CSA) that we have in our midst? At any location in MA you will find a neighborhood farm stand nearby to fill your basket.
Farmers markets throughout the area offer not only fresh produce but grass fed
beef and poultry products, breads, honey products, and varied handcrafts for
your consumption. Orchards abound for pick your own berries, apples, peaches,
and more.
ext. 222
In our immediate area alone we have farmers markets in Groton, Pepperell,
Acton, Maynard, Lowell, and Harvard. Check out on the web all the markets in
your area for a plethora of fresh goods.
Executive Director
[email protected]
Resident Care Director
[email protected]
Reflections Program Director
[email protected]
Karen McKenzie
Director of Marketing
[email protected]
Trisha McCaig
ext 223
Cheryl Young
ext. 240
Office Manager
[email protected]
Activity & Volunteer Director
[email protected]
8 West Main Street
Groton, MA 01450
www.rivercourtresidences.com
p: 978-448-4122 f: 978-448-4133
CSA farms offer shares to members that provide regular deliveries or pick-ups
of produce and/or meat products in exchange for “joining up” ahead of season
in order to receive a bundle of fresh harvest, usually weekly as the season dictates, benefitting both the farm and the customer with regular fresh produce
and other products. Some area CSAs can be found at farms in Ashby, Pepperell,
Westford, Lancaster, Tyngsboro, Harvard, Groton, Townsend, Lunenburg, and
Littleton. In addition to your local farm stand they are worth checking out for
your supply of regular fresh produce, organic meat products, flowers, and bee
products.
Always up to date and in keeping with the growing Farm to Table movement,
our executive chef, Rick Kendall orders and adds to the menu every day offerings
from many local area farms and suppliers. Chrystal Spring Farm in Townsend,
Riverdale Farm in Pepperell, and the Groton Market to name a few. Here at
continued back page
the monthly newsletter for rivercourt residences
Reflections’
Happenings
Here are some pictures from
an afternoon van ride to Earl’s
Farm. The residents enjoyed petting and feeding the animals.
Both the residents and the animals were smiling!
Ann and Peggy work on their patriotic
door hangers
Rita uses a fork with paints to create her
artwork
Joe and Jessie finish their door hangers
Bowling trip to Harvard lanes—Bill won!
What a lunch .
. . all you can ea
t fish fry . . . we re
walked back to R
ally could have
iverCourt after th
at meal!
Reflections In, Out,
and About
On one van ride we stopped by our
friend Larry’s in Townsend to see his
Tulip Tree in Bloom. Larry came on
the van and shared his story with the
residents. All the residents were left
with a branch to take home.
Resident Assistants Appreciation Cookout
Our resident assistant staff were feted with an appreciation cookout recently. The weather was perfect for
the gathering on our back patio with residents and
staff joining in to extend thanks and praise. Resident
assistants are the backbone staff of every healthcare
facility and frequently go without notice for their
work “behind the scenes.” We applaud our ‘round the
clock resident assistant staff. For all you do, with your
constant caring and attention, you make the difference for all our residents and our entire community!
THANK YOU! And, thank you to our kitchen staff
for the extra work in providing a yummy meal!
Dottie and her
daughter Sharon
share a picnic lunch
recently just before
a downpour. That
rain helped to
water Dottie’s
planter filled
with the help of
her daughter
Susan. A nice
addition to
the front
patio!
Sharon’s Stories
Exploring the Area
Groton Historical Society & Museum
172 Main St. 978-448-0092
Kimball Farms
400 Littleton Rd.,
Westford 978-486-3891
Gibbet Hill Barn, Trails, and Restaurant
61 Lowell Rd.
Fitchburg Art Museum,
free passes available at front desk
978-345-4207
Carter Myseum of Groton History
Lone Lane 617-823-5757
The Natural Market
148 Main St. 978-448-5075
Bliss Bakery
134 Main St. 978-855-7562
The Herb Lyceum (New American)
368 Main St. 978-448-6499
Filhos Cucina (Italian)
235 Main St. 978-448-5664
Main St. Café
(Friday Night Entertainment )
159 Main St. 978-448-9634
Now here I sit in yet another office within the walls
of RiverCourt. I honestly can’t say enough times how
much I enjoy being a part of this community. Each and
every staff member here brings their own unique qualities and this is what makes RiverCourt such a great
place.
I have now been here at RiverCourt for the past nine
years. I enjoy my quiet rides into work and enjoy my
conversations with the residents at the end of every day.
My husband often calls me at the end of each day to find
out when I’m coming home. Somehow I can never give
him a straight answer. Or I’m usually much later than
I say!
When I do finally make my way home, I am greeted
by my three very happy dogs. Sometimes I plan to get
home later, as my wonderful husband will have dinner
all prepared on the grill. Of course I don’t tell him this
is my plan, though I think he has caught on. After our
lovely dinners, we enjoy just relaxing, out on our deck
watching the hummingbirds. Sometimes, an occasional
fire, on our back patio which my husband and I built
together. Of course he did the hard work, OK, maybe
most all of the work.
I will end this with
words for thought: “The
body heals with play, the
mind heals with laughter
and the spirit heals with
joy.”
Staff Profile: Becky Levensailor
Joining the resident assistant staff here at RiverCourt
slightly less than a year ago,
Becky has become another
valued member of the team
in our Reflections program.
Voted employee of the month
recently further validates her
contributions.
Becky brings with her years
of experience of care giving
through private care nursing, a CNA at the Seven Hills
Community, as well as time spent in working civil
defense.
The oldest of three children, Becky was born June 5,
1972 in Concord, MA. She grew up in Maynard, MA,
and graduated from Acton-Boxboro in 1990. She
moved to Bath, Maine, for a few years, returning to MA,
in 1992. Becky married in 1994 and had five children in
six years. Hannah, Kyle Ryleigh, Brian, and Will, they
also welcome an adopted sibling, Ricky.
With a very active household, Becky’s “spare time” is
spent attending and taxying her kids around to school
and community events, sports events, school musicals, and more. She still manages to get time away at
her favorite beaches and camping spots, Salisbury State
Park, and Hermit Island, Phippsburg, Maine.
Recently, we welcomed a new volunteer to RiverCourt,
Becky’s son, Will. His assistance during our fast paced
games of balloon volley, tailgate toss, and bowling
have made it possible for our activity staff to manage
the games for longer than a few minutes. Will, is a fine
young man with a positive reflection of his mom.
Abigail Whitney and Family: Eyewitness
to the Events of April 19, 1775
Abigail Whitney and her family lived on the Old
Bay Road in Concord, Massachusetts, when the
British Regulars marched into town on April 19,
1775. They were witness to the events that began
the nation’s revolution. Abigail discussed what
happened that infamous day to the Whitney family, roles of the men and women, the militia, and
the political climate. A very interested audience
was captivated by this “living history session,”
and events that happened in our own backyard.
We look forward to another presentation by Gail
Hamel Sept. 22, this time taking on a “virtual”
tour of the Freedom Trail.
Strawberry Festival
Our annual Strawberry Festival packed the house on
a recent Sunday in June. Quarts and quarts of juicy
berries arrived just before the event to be tuned into
shortcake, jelly rolls, and platters of dark chocolate
covered treats. Andy Ross on the guitar and Mike
on the keyboard kept the crowd singing and dancing
the entire time. Unable to resist, Deb and Dorothy
had to dance across the floor as the rock and rollers
they truly are!
Resident Profile: Al Martino
Al Martino joined the RiverCourt
community in April 2015 bringing
with him many of his award winning paintings that one day will be
presented in our residents’ art show.
Al is humble about his artistic talent as well as his years serving our
country in the U.S. Navy Armed
Guard.
The history of the Navy Armed Guard is a little known
story but one that deserves our attention and recognition. The U.S. Navy Armed Guard was a branch of the
United States Navy that was responsible for defending
U.S. and allied merchant ships from attack by enemy
aircraft, submarines, and surface ships during World
War II. The men of the armed guard served primarily
as gunners, signal men, and radio operators on cargo
ships, tankers, troop ships, and other merchant vessels.
Disbanded following the end of the war, the armed
guard is today little known or remembered by the general public, or even within the Navy. But without the
courage and sacrifice of the men of the armed guard,
victory in World War II would have been much more
difficult and taken much longer.
Al served our country in this capacity from 1942
through 1946 after ROTC training in high school in
Watertown, MA, where he was born and brought up
with his two sisters and five brothers.
Al grew up wanting to be a doctor, but realized art “was
always in my system.” His first painting was that of the
crucifixion of Christ done in the seventh grade and is
present today, on view in his apartment. He attended
Boston Fine Arts School after serving his country
once again in the Korean War. His artwork won him
thirty-five ribbons at the Topsfield Fair over the years,
submitted by the VA after his retirement working for
the USDA in the research center where he was awarded
twice for his outstanding work.
Al married his childhood sweetheart, Eleanor in 1950.
The two opened and ran Martino’s Mart in Watertown
for several years. After selling the business Al worked,
until his retirement, for the USDA. Al and Eleanor
raised five children together, four girls and one boy. Al
is also proud of his thirteen grand kids and one great
grandchild.
Al has many stories to share, of his time in the service,
his work with the USDA, his artwork, and another little known fact, that he likes to play the harmonica.
Thank you Al for your years of service and sacrifices
given to support and protect our country! We honor
you always.
August Birthdays
MADELINE TESTA
EUGENE MCLAUD
IMELDA KELLEY
Walter P.
Josie D.
September Birthdays
JERRY CALLAHAN
HELEN SWIECA
JEAN ASHTON
MURIEL COSGROVE
LOIS WATT
ETHEL DALTON
JOYCE MILES
Dottie R.
AUGUST 16
AUGUST 25
AUGUST 26
SEPTEMBER 2
SEPTEMBER 2
SEPTEMBER 5
SEPTEMBER 11
SEPTEMBER 15
SEPTEMBER 22
SEPTEMBER 25
Assisted & Independent Living
Saludos y bienvenido a
Día de Fiesta
A Fiesta Day at RiverCourt brought out
all the amigos for a day filled with special
food and music. Taco salad, quesadillas
and chiros highlighted the lunch menu.
Nachos and Sangria were enjoyed for
snack after an afternoon music hour with
Spanish guitarist George Parker. The
dinner menu featured enchiladas, chipotle pork tenderloin and fruited flan for
dessert.
Muy Delicios
August and September
Special Events and Entertainment at
RiverCourt
A Closer Look at the American West with Ron F...........................Tue, Aug. 4, 10:30 am
Country Singer, Lyle Pierce.................................................................Thu, Aug. 6, 2:30 pm
Dueling Pianos with Adam Bergeron & Ethan Stone................... Thu, Aug. 13, 6:30 pm
Art Matters Presents Portraits..........................................................Tue, Aug 18, 10:30 am
Concert in the Courtyard with The Comeback Kids..................... Wed, Aug 19, 6:15 pm
American Barbeque Theme Day........................................................Thu, Aug 20, 2:30 pm
with Doug, the Monkey Guy, Norman & Pearl
Birthday Party with Ted Powers, Tap Dancing/Singer................... Tue, Aug 25, 2:30 pm
Silent Movie Show with Richard Hughes........................................Wed, Aug 26, 6:45 pm
A Closer Look at the Fishing Industry with Ron Falong.................Tue, Sep 8, 10:30 am
Reflections Hosts a Petting Zoo................................................ Sat, Sep 12, 12:30–2:30 pm
Veterans Breakfast at the Senior Center...........................................Mon, Sep 14, 9:30 am
Senior Day at Fruitlands.................................................Mon, Sep 14 10:00 am & 2:00 pm
RiverCourt Residences is a proud sponsor of this event
Lobster Fest........................................................................................... Thu, Sep 17, 5:30 pm
Mr. Magic’s Magic Show...................................................................... Thu, Sep 17, 2:30 pm
The Freedom Trail Virtual Tour with Gail Hamel.......................... Tue, Sep 22, 2:30 pm
Birthday Party with Heather Marie.................................................. Tue, Sep 29, 2:30 p.m.
September—Food Safety
Awareness Month
As we get older, our immune systems weaken, making it harder to fight off bacteria and serious illness.
Stomach acids decrease, which inhibits the control of
bacteria, and kidneys, which help filter bacteria from
the blood, weaken. The problem is, once a foodborne
illness is contracted, the ensuing infections can be
difficult to treat and can reoccur. Many foodborne
illnesses have symptoms similar to those of a virus,
which may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
So what can you do? Here are a few tips.
1. Have a Thermometer Handy
Food temperature is the first guideline in food
safety. Make sure you have a good food thermometer. 40–140° Fahrenheit is considered the danger
zone for foodborne illness—bacteria thrive in this
zone.
2. Raise the Temperature
Leftovers should be re-heated to 165° Fahrenheit.
This includes all meat (including deli meats), seafood, and foods made with eggs..
The Wellness Clinic is held
every Friday at 1:00 p.m.
in the Wellness Office on
the first floor.
–Nicole Young R.N., CDP
4. Wash Up
Washing your hands with warm soapy water for
at least 20 seconds may eliminate nearly half of
all foodborne illness cases? As an added bonus, it
can also reduce the spread of the flu and the common cold. Keep surfaces clean too, including sinks,
shelves, counter tops, refrigerators and freezers.
5. Pay Attention to the Date
Perishable foods need to be refrigerated right away
when you get home from the store. Use or discard
opened packages of luncheon meats or spreads
within 3 to 5 days. Consume by the “use-by” date
on the package.
Courtesy of www.caring.com
3. Cool it Off Properly
Store food at the proper temperature. It is important to set your refrigerator below 40° Fahrenheit.
If you are not sure of the temperature it’s at now,
purchase a thermometer. Perishable foods must be
refrigerated.
Can you complete, The Star Spangled
Banner?
Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s
What so proudly
gleaming?
Whose
fight,
light
hailed at the twilight’s last
stripes and bright stars thru the perilous
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly
And the rocket’s red glare, the
there.
?
bursting in air,
proof through the night that our flag was still
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner
O’er the land
brave?
wave
the free and the home of the
A very energetic game of Balloon
volley was played recently with the
help of our volunteers Will and Ryan.
continued from page 1
RivertCourt we have a long standing relationship with Wilkins Farm in Pepperell for much
of our fresh seasonal produce. Wilkins is a
family farm operating for generations since
the 1940s. Today, the “Country Florist” operated by a sister team of family members is a
major part of the Wilkins farm, providing
RiverCourt with our weekly fresh flowers for
the dining room centerpieces.
Coming up in September is our annual “Lobster Fest”. Hundreds of lobsters are ordered
and consumed for this event with the tasty
crustaceans provided by West Boylston Seafood, another
local provider. Mark your calendar for this event and
reserve early to join us for this celebration of lobsters,
corn, desserts, and music provided by local favorite,
Andy Ross. This year’s event is Thursday, September 17,
starting at 5:30 p.m.
In the meantime support your local farm stands, go pick
some apples, join a CSA, and pick up some artisan bread
at your nearby farmers markets. Enjoy the bounty of the
season!
Welcome New Employees
Welcome New Residents
Caley Dempsey–dining room server
Betty Smith–Apt. 282
Evelyn Waluna–Apt. 103
Claire Patturelli–Apt. 271
Vera Ianiello–Apt. 225
July
Jessica
Fenzel
Kristen Cheney–housekeeping
Tom Kinney–maintenance tech
Rya Bennett–resident care director
These words and
others sum up the
nominations for Jess as an
exemplary employee. “Jess is
awesome! She always goes above
and beyond to keep the residents
happy. She is an excellent chef who always
tries new and interesting recipes.” “Jessica is
always willing to accommodate the requests of
our residents. She does an incredible job managing our
young servers who really look up to her.”
Jessica
August
Lauren McCaig
Lauren’s nomination shares, “Lauren stepped into this position with tough
shoes to fill! She has surpassed expectations with her warm greetings, profesLauren
sional interpersonal skills, as well as being a quick study on all the tasks of the
demanding job. She has a fabulous rapport with the residents—her interactions are positive, warm, and reassuring with all of them. She has seamlessly filled this crucial position
presenting all visitors with a welcoming introduction to RiverCourt.
Employees of the Month