Teacups are for the Birds

Transcription

July/August 2009
Volume 16 Number 6
A NEWS PAPER F O R A S B URY M ET H ODIS T V IL L AGE
Residents, Associates, Families & Friends
www.asburymethodistvillage.org
Teacups are for the Birds
garden with tea cups on
funny thing hap- stakes which served as
pened on the bird feeders.
We were enchanted
way to lunch.
I’m Peg Lawrence, I live with the idea and I knew
in the Villas and some of immediately that I had to
you may know me as the
“Bird Carver.”
While visiting a dear
old friend (going back
to the 7th grade) on
Amelia Island in Florida,
we happened to pass a
shop called the “Trailer
Park Junque Yard” on our
way to lunch. Being avid
bargain hunters with a
passion for antiques, we
decided to stop. As we
walked to the entrance,
and before we even got
inside, we discovered a
lovely little wild flower
Have a cup
By Peg Lawrence, Villas
A
Peg poses with her special-tea bird feeders.
Isn’t She
Luff-ly!
By Bettina J. Curtis, Mund
A
Clarence Hickey and Mary Lou Luff
receive the Arthur M. Wagman’s
Award for Historic Preservation Communication from Peerless Rockville
on June 11, 2009.
fter a visit with
Mary Lou Luff, one
is amazed, enchanted and hopefully a bit more
educated. On June 11, 2009,
in the Grand Courtroom of
the Red Brick Courthouse,
Peerless Rockville granted
Mary Lou (along with Clarence Hickey) the Arthur M.
Wagman Award for Historic
Preservation Communication.
Mrs. Luff was attired in the
proper dress for the occasion, appearing as Mrs. Samuel Stonestreet. But Mary Lou
was also wearing the carefully researched underwear that
Mrs. Stonestreet would have
Continued on page 18
Photo: John Villforth
of birdseed?
THE COLORS OF LAOS
F
By Al Tholen, Park View
ew of us have been to or will visit Laos. For the most part, our
knowledge of this small landlocked nation in Southeast Asia
is related to news reports during the Vietnam War. Well, Laos,
Photos: Hal Gaut
make one. And so…. We
spent the next hour and
a half searching for just
the right cup and sau-
From the Editor
Grandma’s the Name, Grandparenting’s My Game
I
am a fourth-generation
at Asbury, where aging and
writer and first-generaging well are badges of
ation “Grandma.” My
honor.
own grandmother was
How lucky I am to be
called “Honie” by all of us,
working here and seeing
and that started because
first-hand every day that
she called us Honie and
age is irrelevant and it’s
we returned the favor. Or
not how long one lives that
so I thought. What actumatters, but how well one
ally is true is that Honie
lives. And that’s why when
felt too young to be called
my darling first grandGrandma and so encourchild, Audrey Caroline
aged something less ageAber, was born on NovemPhoto: Katie Aber
related.
ber 5, 2008, I claimed the
That tradition continued
name of “Grandma” with
Big smiles from Audrey Caroline and
with my own mother when
as much pride as the men
Grandma Aber.
I had my children. Having a
who planted the American
got shortened to “Bomma.” Just as
career in the glamorous field of
flag on the moon. I’m Grandma! I
her own mother did, my mother
writing and possessing a special
am Grand MA! And I have to say it’s
felt too young to be labeled with
talent, she considered these names:
the best title I’ve ever held…well,
a name that implied generation
“Glamour” and “Talent.” I believe we
next to MOM, that is.
seniority. I forgive them. It’s not
all discouraged that, but there was
So, where’s the invitation? There
their fault that they lived through
a name waiting for her. In addition
are 146 clubs here at Asbury. I’ve
a time when a woman’s age was
to possessing talent, my mother
been waiting for almost eight
never a thing to discuss or disalso possessed a pet spider monmonths for someone from Asbury
close. Thank goodness times have
key named “Bomba.” My children
to invite me to join Club number
changed! They also didn’t have
were quick to realize that she was
147—the Grandma Club!
the good fortune to live (or work)
in fact Bomba’s Momma, and that
—Linda Aber, Editor
Letter to the Editor
Many of us came to Asbury
because of its beautiful campus. Some of us joined the
Wildlife Habitat Committee to
try and enhance our surroundings. All of us have taken great
pleasure in the photographs
of the birds published in this
paper and posted on our bulletin boards. There has been a
big effort to encourage bluebirds to live and breed here
because they are an endangered species and within our
ability to save. Boys with special needs built ten houses,
three of which were quickly
inhabited by pairs of bluebirds,
much to our delight and that of
all who saw the parents caring for
their young.
On Monday, June 29, those three
houses, all with nestlings in them,
were destroyed. Besides being heartsick, we are mystified. We are sure
of the timing—afternoon. Would
a raccoon be out and hunting at
that time of day? Would it have the
strength to completely remove one
of the houses and take it away? Only
those houses with birds in them
were attacked. That might indicate
that scent was involved, therefore
a creature was the culprit. It’s also
2
I: WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
Father (who appeared out
of nowhere): We’re playing
slay the dragon.
I: Does that include tormenting baby geese?
Father: You have too many
of them.
I: Who are you to say? Do
you live here?
Father: We’re visiting from
Illinois. After all, they’re only
flying rats!
I: I’m going to report this to
Security.
The bluebird house destroyed.
They were amused at that
and went on the path toward
possible that there was human interRosborough.
vention, vandalism.
Certainly there are annoying
One doesn’t like to think that such
things about a flock of geese, to
a cruel thing would be perpetrated
put it mildly, and we on the Wildlife
by a person, but an incident earlier
Committee are searching for ways
in the season indicates the possibilto discourage their presence. But,
ity of such a thing happening.
boy, is the parenting admirable, and
My balcony at Park View looks
why should anyone pick on a baby?
down the hill toward the upper
What’s next on this father’s agenpond. In nice weather I spend a lot
da—encouraging his boy to kick
of time there. One afternoon I saw a
cats and to bully younger children?
parade of goslings accompanied by
As we cope with our bird probseveral adult geese, being harassed
lems, we ask you as residents of our
by a young boy, about 13. He was
community to urge your family and
throwing clods of dirt at them and
visitors to treat our environment
waving a stick over his head as he
and the creatures in it with respect.
pursued them. I called to him to
—Lydia Page, Park View
stop, he didn’t, and I gave chase.
July/August 2009
VILLAGE
LIFE
Editor
Linda Williams Aber
Director of Communications
Asbury Methodist Village
201 Russell Avenue
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
[email protected]
General information: 301-330-3000
Resident Editors
Rod Mills, Mund, Copy Editor
and Reporter
Marilyn Gaut, Trott
Norma Barr, Diamond
Gladys Sillcox, Edwards-Fisher
Al Tholen, Park View
Homé Reitwiesner, Kindley
Resident Staff
Wallace: Keith Steele, Bob Bernero,
Mary Waldron and Mike Hua.
Diamond: Ed Caffery, Martin Moon,
Marshall Grotenhuis, Harry Lowery
and Edith Isacke
Edwards-Fisher: Joan Dunlop,
Eleanor Cunningham, Martha Hunt,
Rosemary Pasek, and GOEN but not
forgotten, Betty Goen in Florida!
Mund: Jim Porter, Bettina Curtis,
Gil Snyder and Judy Weaver
Trott: Jeanne North, Marjorie Brugger
and Hal Gaut
Park View: Duane McKenna
and Tom McIlrath.
Villas: Reg Westlake, Marj McGuire,
Carol Dennis, Mary Anstead, Bob Hoff,
Bob Yount and Dan Muller
Design/Layout:
Mina Rempe @ Electronic Ink
Printing:
Chesapeake Publishing Corp.
“The mission of Village Life is
to provide timely, interesting and
entertaining news about the lives,
concerns and activities of the people who reside, work and volunteer
at Asbury Methodist Village.”
Village Life is published by
Communications Department
Village Life
Happy 105th Birthday to Anne Toye
L
Phyllis Naylor Is Given
Maryland Author Award
By Bob Yount, Villas
ooking lovely as always, and
with help from her daughter,
June Watts, Anne Toye, Villa
414, celebrated her 105th birthday
on June the 17th of this year. A large
turnout of friends was treated to
refreshments in her villa, but the
real treat was to share time with
Anne. One of the most gracious
people in the world, Anne always
has a happy smile and warm greeting for all. With a wheelchair and
some help, she still attends functions on campus as well as the
Memorial Day Parade down Russell Ave.Anne’s mind remains sharp
and her skill at bridge has not
diminished. I have personal knowledge of the latter, having lost to
her for over ten years, the pain of
the losses being ameliorated by her
company and fine candy.
There is always the question of
the reason for attaining such longevity. In Anne’s case the answer
is obvious, the nicer you are the
T
Anne Toye celebrates 105 years
of living well.
longer you live and an easy sense
of humor provides a bonus. This
being true, all of Anne’s friends are
looking forward to the 106th.
he Maryland Library
Association has
presented Asbury’s
own Phyllis Naylor with
its 2009 Maryland Author
Award. The award recognizes the Trott Apartments
resident for her “outstanding body of work and specifically honors her many
excellent contributions
to young adult literature.”
At a ceremony in Ocean
City, Maryland last May
14, the chairman of the
award committee cited
Phyllis’s “incredible output and the consistent high quality
of her writing.” He stressed that Phyllis has written “picture books, books for young readers, for middle grades,
for teens, and for adults,” and that “to write for so many
different age groups and maintain the quality she has is a
remarkable achievement.”
Congratulations, Phyllis, from all your Asbury friends and
neighbors!
—Rod Mills, Mund
A Patriotic Fourth at Parker Hall
O
Charlie Benjamin is
One Tee-riffic Golfer!
n the 4th of July Parker
Hall resounded with
music and laughter as l50
merrymakers gathered for an allcampus celebration party hosted
were soloists Ralph Wilbur, Calvin
Crosson, and the “Asbury National
Symphony Orchestra” conducted
by Ruthie Swain.
The overall spirit of 4th of July
Patriotism was
woven throughout, beginning
with a piano
duet, “Stars and
Stripes Forever,”
played by Cathy
and
Norman
Heim, followed
by a medley of
service songs, a
stirring tribute
to servicemen’s
bravery read by
Al Benson, and
closing
with
Photo: Hal Gaut
the singing of
immigrant Irving
by Mund. Sing- Along leaders Cathy Berlin’s fervent prayer “God Bless
Heim and Ruthie Swain presided. America.”
The theme of the evening’s music
Serving at the refreshment table
was “My Favorite Things,” based on were Villas friends Carmenza and
a list of favorite things people had J.C.Curcio, Marian Fritsch, and
mentioned previously. Featured Floyd Maurer.
Oopsie!
In an Unreliable Source Caption, Evan Haynes’ name was misspelled.
We apologize for the error and hope we’ll still be allowed to visit the
gardens!(Pleeeease) —The Editor
Village Life
Charlie
Benjamin
C
harlie Benjamin, on
June 16, 18, and 25th,
played three delightful rounds of golf at Montgomery Village Golf Course.
How did Charlie do? 76 on
June 16th, a 78 on June 18th ,
and 79 on the 25th. The significance is that all three scores
are lower than Charlie’s age!
Well done, Charlie. Charlie
may be looking for sponsors
for the championship. Any
takers?
Announcement regarding
Dr. Feinberg, Internist
D
r. Ndidi Feinberg is leaving Asbury Physician Services to
go into private practice in Columbia, MD at the end of
June 2009. Asbury Physician Services will be delighted
to schedule her patients to see Dr. H. Robert Birschbach or Phyllis
Jones, Nurse Practitioner, in the future. If you would like to call
in and make an appointment with one of these 2 providers please
call our office at 301-216-4157 to schedule an appointment. July/August 2009
3
His Urge to Be Busy
Is Just Great For Us All
By Rod Mills, Mund
W
hen I was interviewing Keith Steele for
this article, I told
him how amazed I was by the
great number of important volunteer positions he had filled
here at Asbury. In my own case,
I added, a great urge to read—
books, magazines, the newspaper—constantly tugs at me and
surely limits how much work
I volunteer for. Keith’s rejoinder to this remark was to say
that the urge he feels is to be
doing something all the time
that is useful to society, and
that this inclination tends to
pull him away from whatever
he sits down to read. The polar
opposite from me! (Doer vs.
dreamer, I guess.) This nutshell
introduction to Keith Steele is
better than anything else I can
think of except one thing.That
is to add that the State of Maryland has officially honored
Keith and his wife Genevieve
for their outstanding contributions to the lives of others.
Keith’s father was a newspaper man who moved around a
Mac and Zil
4
Keith and
Genevieve
Steele, a
couple of
active
Asburyites!
lot, and Keith’s younger years
were spent in a number of
places—Iron Mountain (his
birthplace) and Ann Arbor in
Michigan; New Jersey; and
Brentwood and Mr. Rainier in
Prince George’s County, Maryland.After finishing high school
he was drafted into the Army
in 1945 and (after war’s end)
was stationed in Italy near the
border with Yugoslavia, an area
that at that time was a hot
international “flashpoint.” Mustered out in 1947, he went to
the University of Maryland and
got his B.S. in Bacteriology in
1951. His interest in the interaction of bacteria with food
led to positions with Standard
Brands (1951-55) and the U.S.
Dept. of Agriculture (1955-87),
where he was with the Poultry
Inspection Program and then
the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, and living in Lanham Hills and New Carrolton
in P.G. County.
Keith had been married for a
first time in 1950, and had two
sons and a daughter, when his
wife was afflicted with cancer;
she died in 1966. Keith met
Genevieve Tayloe, from Virginia and a widow at that time,
when she likewise was at the
Dept. of Agriculture. He asked
her out on a date to learn
more about the travel club
she belonged to. Good things
happened, and Keith and Genevieve were married in 1978.
They both sold their former
homes and went to live in Derwood in Montgomery County.
Keith and Genevieve moved
to Asbury in the spring of
1999 just as the Wallace Building (called merely “419” at that
time), their new home, was
opening its doors. What is the
most important volunteer job
at Asbury related specifically
to a particular residence? Why,
it’s the chairmanship of the
Residents Council. Is it easy to
find able persons willing to be
the Chairman? Heck no, but
Keith volunteered, and served
about 3-1/2 years as Chairman
of the Wallace Residents Council, considerably longer than
customary.
When the Steeles first arrived
here, personal computers were
sweeping the country.Asbury’s
Computer Club needed officers, so Keith served as Vice
President for two years and
President for the next four, end-
July/August 2009
ing in 2007. The PACs are very
important to the functioning
of the Asbury community, and
Keith has paid his dues here,
too. He was on the Religious
Life PAC for two years and is
now on the Dining PAC.
We all know how valuable
the Keese School is, but we
wouldn’t have it if no one were
willing to run it. Keith served
as Vice President in 2004-06
and as President in 2006-2008.
He also gave a lecture this past
semester about his adventures
researching the genealogy of
his family and the stories he
uncovered. Political clubs are a
natural thing to have at Asbury,
but when the Steeles moved in
there were none. Keith’s reaction was to collaborate with a
few others and help found the
Asbury Democratic Club, and
he continues as its President.
(We have a Republican Club at
Asbury, too.)
Keith loves to sing, and for
eight years sang in the Vesper
Choir at the Sunday afternoon
vesper services in Parker Hall
or Hefner Auditorium. About
the time he retired from that
group in 2007, he and Genevieve started up a new organization at Asbury, the Historical
Society, and he is the current
President.
Don’t get the idea that, being
so occupied at Asbury, Keith
has not been involved in offcampus activities. He and Genevieve have both been active
in NARFE (National Association
of Retired Federal Employees),
although not so much now as
earlier, and Keith continues as
a member of the Laytonsville
Lions Club.
In 2006 the State of Maryland
honored Keith and Genevieve
by naming them to the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of
Fame, the members of which
are “volunteers who have
made an outstanding contribution to the lives of others in
their communities.”The Steeles
also received the special “Geri”
award that the Hall of Fame
presents.
Let’s thank our lucky stars
that some good people have
that urge to be busy.
Village Life
It’s A
Guy Thing
WANTED
USED EYE GLASSES
By Keith Steele, Wallace
then the metal framed glasses
guess the word has gotten are separated from the plastic
out that I belong to the Lay- framed glasses. Only plastic
tonsville Lions Club since frames are used for distribuI often find a bag containing tion to foreign countries. Metal
one or more pairs of glasses frames are very important also,
hanging on my apartment door. because they are sold for the preWhen I get a few I take them to cious metal. The income from
our Club. Recently I received a the sale of the metal framed
call from Housekeeping advis- eyeglass is used for operational
expenses of the
program.
Plastic framed
glasses and individual lenses are
hand- washed,
sterilized and
hand-dried.
Glasses
that
are damaged
are discarded
at this point
in the process.
Photo: Keith Steele
Cleaning the
eyeglasses
is the
ing me they had some glasses
most
time
consuming
task
of
for me. They sure did. There
were over 140 of them. I took the recycling process. The next
a picture of them and turned step is to determine the prescription of the glasses. This
them over to my Club.
In 1925, Helen Keller chal- is done with a digital read-out
lenged the Lions to become lensometer. Both lenses are
“knights of the blind in the cru- read and recorded on the outsade against darkness.”And they side of a plastic shipping bag.
accepted.Today, sight programs Volunteers are trained to use
remain one of their defining these instruments. The glasses
causes. One of their sight pro- are then sorted by type: men’s,
grams is the collection of used women’s, children’s, single, bifocal or trifocal lens and the preeye glasses.
According to the World scription. The next step in the
Health Organization, one child process is to pack the glasses
in four cannot see well enough according to the lens prescripto read without glasses. By age tion.
Although these glasses and
forty, 90 percent of adults need
eyeglasses to read. The lives lenses can not be distributed
of nearly 500 million people in this country, shipments have
worldwide would improve with been made to Venezuela, South
a simple pair of eyeglasses. Last Africa, Guatemala, Honduras,
year, nearly 5.3 million pairs St. Lucia, Romania, Philippines,
of eyeglasses were collected Moldova, Kenya, Mexico, Haiti,
through the Lions Eyeglass Nepal, Sudan, Guyana, Cuba,
Recycling Program. Regionally, India, and other countries.
District 22-c, which includes Glasses are provided free of
Maryland and Washington DC, charge to the group requesting
collected nearly 65,000 pairs glasses.
Keep the glasses coming by
of glasses.
giving
them to Housekeeping
You might wonder what happens to your glasses. Used eye- or even to me, Keith Steele 404
glasses in any condition are uti- Wallace, and I will see that they
lized for recycling. The glasses are delivered to the Laytonsare weighed for a count and ville Lions Club.
I
Village Life
O
By Dan Muller, Villas
ne morning last week I opened a fresh box of my favorite
breakfast cereal, Wheaties. As I poured the
Wheaties into the bowl, I noticed the largest
Wheaties flake that I have ever seen. It was close to
two inches square, a little less than four postage
stamps. What an exciting experience!
I thought about saving it; but the practical guy
emerged and asked questions like how, and where,
and who would really care after I’m gone? I can
imagine them saying “Dad was sure weird.”
I showed the flake to Joan and she recalled the
Johnny Carson show some years back when he
interviewed a lady who saved potato chips, each
one of which reminded her of something or other.
She showed her prize chip to Johnny and put it
down. At that point Johnny diverted her attention and
quickly popped a chip from a hidden source into his mouth and chewed.
The lady immediately imagined that he was crunching on one of her prize
chips. She had a strange look of disbelief on her face.
Joan said that she would never have thought of doing something like
that. I thought about it for a second or two, popped the giant Wheaties
flake into my mouth and said, “I would!” Another example of the mind
of guys.
It’s A Gal
Thing
H
By Peg Lawrence, Villas
as anyone else had problems with the installation of their converter box in preparation for the big switch?
Let me tell you about the solution at my house. Boxes were to
be installed in my neighborhood in the Villas starting on a particular date.
Several would be installed each day starting with the lowest numbered
address and working their way until all were installed. Very soon this system seemed to be abandoned because
some residents were not at home, but
eventually on the third day a service
man got to me. Up to the attic, down
to the basement, much head scratching,
but eventually he told me it was all set. I
asked him how to get the Asbury station
and he replied “I don’t know Lady” and
he left.
Well, it wasn’t all set. A few days later another man came and changed
a lot of wires in the basement. Still didn’t work. And several days after that
two men arrived. Again up to the attic, down to the basement, and once
more I was told, it’s all set. All I had to do was call Comcast and give them
the serial number on the back of the box and tell them to activate it. I
suggested that they do it, but no, they were just outside contractors and
couldn’t do that.
But then came a wonderful surprise. After my third call to the company
a white truck pulled up to my house. Out stepped an attractive young lady
in a nice clean uniform with the appropriate logo on it, and in she came
with her tool box. It didn’t take her very long to test some cables in the
basement and make one change. She then went to the truck and brought
in a new converter box. And then, the best thing happened. She actually
let me hold the remote while she demonstrated its most basic functions.
That’s why I say “It’s a Gal Thing.”
July/August 2009
5
A
s Spring eases into Summer,
we can enjoy the beauty
of the Campus grounds,
attend a concert, exercise in the
fitness center, or choose to be part
of the myriad activities at Asbury.
All of these options are voluntary.
However, one activity that is not
voluntary in most instances is that
of eating. For most of us, it means
that we appear in the Crawford,
Heffner, or Park View dining room
at dinner time.
Much effort is invested in planning menus, food procurement and
preparation, and service for these
meals. All of these ingredients
must be successfully combined to
provide a recipe for dining pleasure and nourishment. Most of the
ingredients in this recipe for success are provided by Sodexo. The
additional key ingredients in this
mix at Asbury are PARTNERSHIP
and ADVISORY as in Partnership
Advisory Committee (PAC), provided in this case by the Dining
and Nutrition PAC. The PAC is the
“meeting place” of Sodexo and the
residents. That partnership consists
of a dedicated group that meets
monthly to address a wide range of
dining-related issues.
Mixing in these last two ingredients provides the residents with
the ability to adjust the recipe to
meet their desires for taste, nutrition and enjoyment. Whitney Coe
around the Campus,
2. Serving of one “plain” vegetable (free of butter, sauces, and
spices),
3. Clarification of “sugar-free”
By Al Tholen, Park View
(made with sugar substitute
such as Splenda) vs. “no
sugar added”,
4. The STOP Hunger campaign,
5. Cooking pork at lower temperatures for tenderness, and
6. Improve publicizing of menu
changes.
According to Whitney, the Coffee
and Conversations which rotate
monthly among Hefner, Crawford,
the Villas, and Park View, have been
especially valuable. He said that
they provide the opportunity for
the residents to meet directly with
all of the food service leadership
and have their concerns expressed
and questions answered. The most
recent meeting was held in Parker Hall on June the 30th with 40
(of Edwards-Fisher) the Resident them enjoyable to attend. Many residents attending. Several resiCo-Chair, and Mark Whalen (of of us look forward to his monthly dents commented that it was the
Sodexo), the Associate Co-Chair report to the Coordinating Coun- best meeting they had attended at
work together with the eleven cil. Mark and his associates bring Asbury.
Remember that the PAC exists to
resident PAC members, including a great sense of conviviality and
serve you. Provide any thoughts
a representative from Kindley, to sharing to the meetings.
respond to the comments and recThe agendas of the monthly you have directly to the PAC using
ommendations of all of us. Both meetings (held the first Wednes- the iPAC form or attend the CofCarlos Castillo (Director of Opera- day of every month at 1:30 PM in fee & Conversation session nearest
tions) and “Gus” Gustines (Execu- Conley Hall) are quite extensive. you. Bon Appétit!
tive Chef) participate in the PAC Recent subjects have included:
meetings. Whitney runs the meet1. Discussion of feedback from
ings with a deft hand that makes
Coffee & Conversations
Peek
at
the PACs
A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Meet Cathy Moxley, Fit and a Good Fit
A
By Bob Hoff, Villas
sbury’s new Fitness Director, Cathy Moxley, reported for work on May 11, 2009 to
replace Shememe Williams who moved
to the position of Program Director. Cathy’s credentials appear to be impeccable. She is responsible for the operation of the Wellness Center, including the Fitness room, the swimming
pool and other services offered by the Wellness
Center. Promoting fitness and, in cooperation
with offices in Asbury, promoting HealthAbility
among residents and employees is an equally
important function of her position. Her office
is located in the Rosborough Building across
the hall from the Fitness room. Cathy came to
Asbury after being self-employed for the past
eight year operating a business titled “Fitness
InSight” specializing in personal fitness training
and corporate wellness consulting. Prior to that
she worked full-time for the Marriot International Corp. Headquarters coordinating programs
for their Fitness Center and Corporate Wellness
Program. While getting a degree in Kinesiological Sciences at the University of Maryland, she
worked part-time for Marriott teaching aerobics
and use of weights. After graduation she started
6
Cathy Moxley, Director of Fitness
on a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology
and became a Graduate Assistant at Maryland
teaching aerobics to university students in the
July/August 2009
Physical Education
Dept. Her interest in
fitness began during
her freshman year of
college, and she has
kept her eye on the
prize, a career in the
Fitness field.
Cathy grew up in
the Washington area,
lives in Germantown,
has three children ages
14, 11, and 8, and she
has written and published a book entitled
The Busy Mom’s Ultimate Fitness Guide .
She also operates an
internet business titled “Fitness in Sight” that
specializes in fitness and wellness services. In
her “spare time”she supports her children’s athletic programs, and likes baking and cake decorating.
They say working women can’t have it all, but
I think she’s getting there. To learn more about
Cathy Moxley, go to www.fitness-insight.com.
Village Life
W
ith the coming and
going of different music
directors there have
been changes as each director
brings something new to the choir.
The latest took place when Rev.
David Park, torn between his love
of music and his desire to better
serve the residents of Asbury in a
more spiritual way, made the hard
decision to leave the music director position and administer to the
residents of the Kindley Assisted
Living building. From there he
went on to be the Chaplain for the
Apartments and Villas.
In the fall of 2007 David Cato
came to Asbury as the new minister of music. David started playing
the piano at the age of five under
the tutelage of his sister who was a
piano prodigy. In Junior and High
school he was very much involved
in all facets of music. He continued
his piano studies through college,
and in the 1980s taught piano for
the Steinway Foundation in Atlanta,
Georgia.
At the age of 12, he began playing the organ in churches. David
has played at various churches for
the last 35 years in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, California,
Virginia, Maryland, and Washington,
DC. David is a past member of the
National Cathedral Choral Society and has travelled extensively
throughout the world with various
The Vesper Choir Changes
Through the Years
Above, The Vespers Choir
At left, David Cato, AMV
Choir Director
choral groups
In the spring of 1980
and 1981, David was music
director for the Miss Chattanooga Pageant and the
Tennessee Junior Miss Pageants and traveled as a vocal
coach with winners to the
Miss America Pageant in
1981.
These are only a part of
his musical accomplishments and we are privileged
to have him here at Asbury.
In the nearly two years
since David has been director of
the AMV Choir, the membership
has grown from 14 to 24 and is still
growing. The Christmas and Easter
cantatas are some of the most popular highlights of the campus during the season. From time to time,
the choir is asked to sing at special
events, such as the Thanksgiving
Eve Service, the Maundy Thursday
Service, and various memorial services.
Besides his music expertise and
his personality there has developed
a special camaraderie among the
choir members. The have become
a family and have made their practices and performances an even
greater religious experience.
The plans for the rest of this summer are to bring to the services a
small ensemble of choir members
and others to sing in the worship
services. You do not have to be a
member of the choir to participate
in the summer series - just come
sing and enjoy the music and fellowship.
Plans for the fall are underway
with a membership drive for new
members. If you are interested in
joining, the rehearsals are every
Thursday at 2 pm for 90 minutes
in either Parker Hall or Hefner
Auditorium. The choir alternates
singing at the worship services at
Parker Hall and Hefner Auditorium
at either 4 pm or 7 pm.
Austin Bowen: A New Era For the Hefner Dining Room
M
By Rod Mills, Mund
ay 4, 2009, was not just another day
for the Hefner Dining Room, its staff
and patrons. That was when Austin
Bowen took over as manager after his predecessor, Roya Mansouri, had held that post for
nine years. Austin is for sure a home-grown
product—he watched as his father served two
tours of duty working in Asbury kitchens, and
every one of his own jobs (beginning at age 15)
has been with the Asbury dining services. And
he is certainly an up-from-the-ranks manager. He
began his career as a bus boy, and has worked
at every single job position in the dining rooms
below the level of manager, plus some in the
kitchen as well. He says his new position is
what he has been preparing for all this time. At
age 23 he has reached a career goal very fast,
but he will, I am sure, set himself a new one in
due course.
Austin’s life story has an international flavor.
He was born in 1985 in Sydney, Australia; his
father is Pakistani and his mother is from the
Philippines. The family, which includes Austin’s
sister (older) and brother (younger), came to
the United States when Austin was eight years
Village Life
Photo: Joon Kim
old, and settled in Gaithersburg where they had
relatives and were also attracted by the high
reputation of the Montgomery County school
system. Austin’s father, who had had culinary
experience in Australia, worked as a prep cook
and sous-chef in the Crawford kitchen for eight
years, and after an absence returned to Asbury
July/August 2009
to be sous-chef at Park View when it opened up.
He now works at the Knollwood community
for military retirees.
The new Hefner manager was educated in
Montgomery County schools and graduated
from Watkins Mill High School in 2003. He had
already started working part-time at Asbury
three years before, beginning as a Crawford bus
boy and then becoming a server there. After finishing school and becoming a full-time Asbury
associate, he worked in the Crawford kitchen as
line server and prep cook and manned serving
stations in the dining room.The end of 2004 saw
him become a host at Crawford, after which he
became a lead host there and later in Park View
as well. He was promoted to supervisor at Park
View and began working as supervisor in the
Hefner Dining Room in early 2008.
Austin and Daphne Johnson, the current supervisor in the Crawford Dining Room, have recently finished co-authoring a new, very detailed,
53-page training manual for dining room servers. It replaces a much less-detailed version and
will be required reading in the training courses
for new servers at Asbury dining rooms.
7
P
At left, Carol Dennis and Jack
Ahalt share their gifts.
By Carol Dennis, Villas
erhaps you have seen the
movie “Rain Man” with
Dustin Hoffman or read
“The Curious Case of the Dog in
the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon.
Each story tells of an autistic person who has a great talent. The
same is true of the story of my
music student, Jack Ahalt.
Jack is a young man of twentyfour. He comes from a very supportive and loving family. His older
sister, Samantha, considers him a
special gift to the family. Jack is
high-functioning autistic, since he
is able to communicate with those
around him. Thanks to the innumerable sacrifices his parents have
made on his behalf, he has been
given many opportunities to develop his abilities.
Jack’s mother came to me when
he was still in elementary school to
ask if I would teach Jack piano. I
was teaching his older sister at the
time. Although I had worked with
students with special needs before,
I had never taken on an autistic
child. It was a challenge but so
well worth it! Jack is extremely
talented musically, but he needed
to develop dexterity in his fingers
and better coordination between
the hands. He also needed to learn
patience, a virtue lacking in many
of us. He has overcome some serious problems and now plays the
classics from Bach to Bartok.
Jack is also gifted with perfect
pitch. When he was being mainstreamed into Montgomery Village
O
OUR JACK
Junior High School, he won the
admiration of his fellow students
when the music teacher played a
note on the piano and asked if anyone could name it. Without hesitation, Jack said, “F sharp.” The other
students were amazed as he continued to give the right answers.
From that day on, he was accepted by his classmates. Jack studied voice with a colleague of mine.
When she moved out of the area,
she arranged for me to take over
Jack’s voice lessons. So for a number of years now, I have taught Jack
both piano and voice.
As he progressed in school he
ccasionally there were fun times being
a teenager, but for me school wasn’t
fun. My English teachers gave me poor
grades, mostly because of my poor spelling. But
I think they really disliked me because I was
such a creative speller while they had no imagination. All of which gets me to the story about
my skipping school.
I lived in Richmond, Virginia where the
chance to go ice skating on a local lake was a
very seldom thing. One day when I was about
14, a frozen lake demanded that I skip school
to ice skate
and I did. My Grandmother
was my caretaker and
when I came home in
the late afternoon,
she asked of my
whereabouts.
Well, I started to
say that I
had been
in school,
but she gave
me a look that said
8
was able to participate in school
musicals, the school chorus and
the elite Watkins Mill High School
Chamber Singers, as well as sing in
the Maryland junior and senior allstate choral concerts where only
the best singers in the schools are
selected. Jack has sung at Asbury
Village and at the White House
with the Chamber Singers. He
has been a special guest singer at
the 11:00 AM Catholic mass in the
Guild Memorial Chapel as well as a
singer and pianist at student recitals
held here at Asbury for a number
of years. In addition, he sings in the
adult choir of Ascension Episcopal
Skipping School
Wasted on the Young
By Bob Yount, Villas
don’t you dare lie. So I told her the truth and
then learned that the school had called. Either
they missed my creative spelling, or one of my
buddies snitched on me.
We had both been ordered to be in the principal’s office at 8:30 the next morning. We took
July/August 2009
Church, Gaithersburg, where they
truly love and nurture him.
Not only that, Jack was Prom
King when he graduated from high
school. He sang a solo in his senior
year at the spring choral concert,
and it is a wonderful emotional
experience to listen to the recording of that concert and hear all
those students cheering and clapping for Jack when he sang “You
Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban!
Because of this background, Jack
is able to work well with others in
sometimes stressful situations, not
always an easy task for someone
with his condition. As Jack was
nearing the end of his high school
years, I spoke with Sam Powell of
Piano Craft, Inc., who agreed to
take him on as a piano technician
apprentice. In the beginning, Sam
came to the Ahalt house to teach
Jack the basics. Jack now goes each
weekday to the Piano Craft studio
to work as a beginning technician
and help with computer data entry.
He is moving up in the ranks and
working more and more without
direct supervision.
Jack has many talents, not the
least of which is perseverance. He
has overcome many difficulties to
become a very special young man.
His family, teachers, co-workers
and friends are very proud of “Our
Jack.”
the bus, about a 20-minute ride to downtown,
and went to the school.The principal asked the
reason for my absence and before I could speak,
I got that look again. There was nothing for it
but to tell him that I had been ice skating.
“You are suspended for three days,” said the
principal. When grandmother asked if that was
all, the principal said it was and we could leave.
About now I’m figuring something like three
days bread and water or goodness knows what.
Grandmother never said another word until we
were halfway home on the bus, then she chuckled and said, “That is the
dumbest punishment
I’ve ever heard of
in my life. I guess
you’ve got three
more days of ice
skating.”
I did,and
thanks
for spell
checker.
Village Life
Saved By an Act of Kindness
I
By Floyd A. Mauer, Villas
n February 1940,at the age
of fifteen, I was caught up
in a revolution of sorts. It
was the result of a scheme to
improve educational opportunities for rural people, and
incidentally, to provide jobs
under the New Deal for idle
construction workers. At that
time I was a sophomore in
high school in Bloomville,
New York. Edward Burke,
principal of the high school in
Hobart, New York, had headed
a campaign to centralize the
school system, replacing marginal schools in several communities with one that could
support a bigger faculty and
offer a broader curriculum.
His argument was persuasive,
but on the other hand, he was
an outsider (from Manhattan,
no less) and to some it looked
like a power grab. Folks were
concerned about the cost and
the long bus rides that would
keep the students away from
home until after dark. The
matter came to a vote and,
looking back, I am amazed at
the outcome. Up-state Republicans are rarely in favor of
any outsider’s plan to improve
them, but on that occasion the
majority did vote in favor of
Mr. Burke’s plan for the South
Kortright Central School.
The plan unfolded gradually. The cornerstone of the
new building was laid with
a copy on the Oneonta Star
and literary contributions
from every classroom sealed
in a copper box. Bricklayers and carpenters came from
miles around for the biggest
building project in the past
fifty years. By February, 1940
– half way through my sophomore year – it was time to
move in.
My Dad drove feeder bus
No. 12, picking up students
along Scotch Hill Road and
driving them to Bloomville,
where they boarded Mr.
Worden’s 55-passenger Bus
Village Life
Where in the world is Floyd Mauer? First row, right end.
He hasn’t changed a bit!
No. 2. When it pulled up at
the new school building the
five-minute warning bell for
the first period was already
sounding. Bulldozers were
still at work outside putting
the finishing touches on the
landscaping. As we rushed
through miles of corridors
looking for our home rooms
and lockers we couldn’t help
noticing that we were surrounded by strangers.
The new school was a marvel of technology with terrazzo floors, fluorescent lighting,
PA speakers in every room,
and an auditorium with footlights on the stage. There
was a woodworking shop for
classes in Manual Training, a
kitchen for Home Economics,
a laboratory for Chemistry
and Physics, and even a music
room for Band and Orchestra.
Locker rooms for the various
teams were at the back, with
easy access to the playing
fields.
Mr. Burke and his staff
were already in place behind
a big counter in the principal’s office. Next to his desk
there was a panel covered
with switches and buttons
that enabled him to direct an
announcement to any classroom, or to listen in. That
office also housed the master clock that set us scrambling every forty minutes to
find the next classroom. It
was all so different from the
old school in Bloomville. We
soon learned that Mr. Burke
was a stern disciplinarian,
although it wasn’t until the
end of the semester that he
was given the nick-name
that stayed with him. “Pussyfoot Burke” was known for
his uncanny ability to show
up without warning wherever students gathered for a
moment between classes. His
surveillance even extended to
the Boys’ Room, which had
previously been regarded as a
safe refuge. Nobody wanted
to mess with Mr. Burke!
We’d had only a week or
two to get used to our new
companions and unfamiliar surrounding when I got
caught in a situation that, by
the standards of the time,
seemed like it might end my
chances for graduation. We
were in algebra class when
the teacher was called out
of the room one morning for
an important phone call. He
quickly assigned each person a problem to work out
on the blackboard during his
absence. Some finished their
problem and others gave
up long before he returned.
It was during those idle
moments that trouble started.
The first eraser flew over my
left shoulder and hit the board
July/August 2009
in a cloud of chalk dust. If
this was a challenge from the
Hobart gang, of course it had
to be met! The sides were
not clearly drawn, however,
and erasers were soon flying without regard to target
identification. That is when
Mr. Curry returned. Looking
through the little window in
the classroom door, he saw
me with my arm cocked and
eraser in hand. I was the one
he ordered to leave for the
principal’s office. I was struck
dumb with fright at the prospect of my first encounter
with Mr. Burke.
That is when one of the
Hobart boys stepped up and,
in one of the kindest acts I can
remember, announced that he
was prepared to go with me.
“I threw the first eraser” said
Chauncey Whitney. “I threw
one too”said Ralph Many. Then
the Bloomville boys joined
in. Tom Martin and Homer
Palmer were ready to go to
jail with me if that was where
it led. The girls just sat there
as the culprits lined up at my
side. After a few moments, Mr.
Curry reconsidered. Maybe he
decided that he didn’t want
the principal to know how
seriously discipline had broken down, or maybe he recognized that something good
had happened when kids that
had been thrown together by
chance first started to show
signs of unity. We were told
to take our seats and keep
our mouths shut. Not even
the girls ever uttered a word
about this egregious breakdown of discipline but now,
after nearly seventy years, I feel
safe in revealing the details. I
did graduate in 1942 without
a blot on my record, and last
week I received an invitation
to the 2010 Reunion at The
Hidden Inn, South Kortright,
on July 25. Does anyone want
to drive 350 miles for Prime
Rib Buffet?
9
Asbury’s Second Annual Summer Solstice Party: A Real HULA-balloo!
This Month
in the Gallery
Hal Gaut is all smiles as he’s flanked by
hula girls, Martha Ball and Nancy Reed.
Above, Harry Lowery and June Hall enjoying the
show. At right, Birds of a feather flocked together
and to Dottie Farrall!
Above, John Steadman must have said the magic
word and the birds came down! At left, a feast of
fruit was enjoyed by Mary Anstead and others.
Photos: Tom McIlrath
The Rosborough Cultural Arts and Wellness Center
is home to an ever-changing
gallery of arts and handiwork
created by our residents. Stop by
and see what’s new.
With 12 display cases to look
at, there’s something for
everyone to enjoy. Here’s this
month’s sampling of art.
At left, Valerie
McIlrath
looked pretty
in parrots.
Asbury’s Executive Director, David Denton, wife
Renata, son Nicholas, and daughter Daniella were
a happy addition to the Hawaiian themed party.
George Karrass and his icy friend Tiki Tom!
Thanks to
Shememe
Williams, at
right, Director
of Programs,
for throwing
a great party
for all!
More than 250 residents enjoyed the music and
dancing provided by the Hawaiian band.
Grand Canyon, Pennsylvania Trip, June 8-10
By Vivian Otto, Diamond;
Joanne Villforth, Villas and
Ellen McCrorie, Trott
Photos: John Villforth
10
Monday, June 8:After
getting an early start
from Asbury, the Eyre bus
drove us through Millionaires’ Row Historic
District of Williamsport.
We were transported
into the Victorian Era of the large colorful
mansions build by the lumber barons who
stripped the surrounding mountains of the
trees to supply the world’s demand. Many
of these houses have been maintained, restored and occupied. We
had a tour through one of the 289 of
these eye-boggling beauties with its
lovely stained windows, hand-carved
wood furniture, all in perfect condition and over 100 years old.
Staying in the Victorian mode, we
spent an hour aboard a paddlewheeler cruising the Susquehanna River,
while listening to an informational
narrative about the area.
When we checked into the Mansgood rest and a full agenda the next day.
field Comfort Inn we had time to relax
before riding into Wellsboro, the county
Tuesday, June 9: Our first adventure of
seat of Tioga County, to enjoy dinner at the
the
day was a long ride to the Pennsylvania
Penn Wells hotel built in 1859. Everyone
seemed ready to return to the Inn for a Grand Canyon. As we walked through the
July/August 2009
entrance, strode to the edge and peered
over, we saw—FOG! Now the fog was
pretty in its own way as it shrouded the
mountains and river below, but we were
hoping for a clearer view. Turning around
Village Life
Village Life
we were pleased to see
a gorgeous bank of Rhododendrons in full bloom
that tried to make up for
our disappointment in the
canyon.
Covered wagons awaited us as we pulled into the
parking lot of the Mountain Trail Horse Center. We watched as
the perfectly matched sleek percherons
were hitched to the wagons, and then
we climbed aboard for our ride along the
floor of the canyon. We were using an old
rail trail for our two hour ride. Our guide
was a plethora of information about the
logging industry and the surrounding
area’s history.
Can you hear the whistle blow? We
left the horses to board the Tioga Central Railroad train (track build in 1872)
for our twenty-four mile excursion to
Hammond Lake, where we were reversed
and returned back to the station. Hammond Lake was created by the Corps of
Engineers after many floods in the 1970s
wiped out the town there. The remaining homeowners were moved and homes
were demolished to make way for the
lake, dam and a nice recreation area.
At the close of our busy day we had a
wonderful dinner at the Log Cabin Inn.
Sally Gilbert, Edwards-Fisher
Needlepoint
The mounted bear by the fireplace had
been road-kill we were told. By the owner.
You never know what you will find and
learn on one of Vivian’s trips!
Wednesday, June 10: The third and
last day was a time to satisfy the “sweet
tooth.” Our first stop was a visit to Highland Chocolate Factory. It was very small
compared to something like Hershey’s,
nevertheless just as sweet and tasty. Naturally we had to purchase some of their
wares. Next was a ride out into the country to the Patterson Maple Farm where
they tap maple trees for their sap to make
maple syrup. Did you know it takes 45 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup?
After a tour of their plant, we sampled
their many products and then went on
to the gift shop. Then it was time to head
home with a stop for dinner at the “Country Cupboard” in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
July/August 2009
Mary Holmberg, Mund
Oil Paintings
11
H
ear ye, hear ye! Pack up all
your good intentions and
take them on the road.
Travel is no excuse for giving up
health and wellness. We can still
eat right—we all know what that
means—and do those exercises.
There may be no gym at hand, but
at least we can all walk, right?
That’s what I promised myself,
and that’s what I put down on my
“goals” for the next three months
when I left campus in June. Turns
out it’s not as easy as I expected.
They moved the post office since
I was last here (at least it seems
farther away!), and the path to the
beach is much more formidable
than it was last year. But I’m going
to brave the bugs and the steps on
every day that’s sunny and warm
and go down at least to look at the
lake.
There has to be a plus side of
an annual migration like this one.
And migration it is. True, I leave
a lot of the household necessities
here at the cottage, kitchen utensils of course, and bed and bath
linens, naturally, but some things
&
Health
Wellness
them with young trees. Also, some
new hostas give the place a more
friendly look.
Once here, I am again a homeowner. Last year, I finally found
someone to fix the leaky dormer
roof.This year the hot water heater
By Jeanne North, Trott
was acting up. The electrician has
come twice, once to replace the
element, another time to replace
the thermostat. The bill? “Let’s see
how it works. and then I’ll send
go with me everywhere (pills, for always so cool, air conditioned by you a bill.” How’s that for fair serinstance, and my hiking stick and the forest all around us, that there’s vice?
my favorite walking shoes). One no need to run up the electric bill
Somehow, it’s always hard to
minor crisis was solved when the with artificial cooling. For warmth, leave Asbury, and then when it
missing beach towels were discov- my grandson Willem keeps a fire comes time to leave Hazelhurst,
ered hiding under the bedspread in going for me, but I find I can still it’s equally hard to leave to go
the guest room.
hoist the logs I need and bring home. There’s room in my heart
One big advantage of this migra- them into the cottage.
for both places. How hard it would
tion is the complete change of pace,
On the down side of a migra- be to have no place to go. Me, I’m
and the simpler life. You might ask tion like this is the pile of unfin- blessed. For as long as I am able,
how I can possibly survive with- ished tasks that await me when I’ll keep on migrating, packing my
out a television, or a microwave, or I arrive. There’s always a To Do goals and good intentions and taka heating or air conditioning sys- list nagging me: Go Over Things ing my efforts at health and welltem. If I had a TV on all the time I Under the Eaves; Look Through ness with me.
couldn’t hear the wind in the trees Grandma’s Trunks; Clean the BaseNow where’s my hiking stick?
or the sweet “tweet” of the gold- ment (that’s the worst one). One I’m off to the Swedish bakery for
finches announcing their arrival at accomplishment this year was tak- some limpa bread.
the bird feeders. A microwave? No ing out the roots of some old yews
room for one. And the cottage is by the front door and replacing
Goals and Good Intentions
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12
July/August 2009
Village Life
In this spot you shall find a variety of ponderings from a
man who hails from the other side of the “pond.”
We’re glad he’s on this side of the pond now!
Idle Thoughts
Ten WOWs a Day
“I
By Barbara Tenenbaum,Mund
want you to say at least 10 WOWs every day,” said Dr. Jagoe to
the class. I quickly checked the Keese School Catalog. I must
have gotten into the wrong class. I checked and everything
By Reg Westlake, Villas
seemed to fit except for the “Wows”! What have I got to lose, I thought
to myself? This class will only last an hour, possible an hour and a half,
and then I can leave gracefully never to return.
It has been two years now and I am still attending and enjoying every
minute of the two-plus hours, and I leave reluctantly when “Next In Line”
ll the little birds go tweet tweet tweet”. So it goes in the class is over. This class is about writing one’s autobiography, as his book,
children’s song and so it is as we hear them chirping away Next In Line states it. I thought this was going to be a very tedious time,
to each other. No doubt they are exchanging information, but it has turned out to be and continues to be a delightful job that is far
enquiring about each other’s health, wooing, dating, discussing and from being tedious.
so on. But nowadays this twittering is
Dr. Jagoe usually starts the meeting off by playing an “Oldie But Goody”
no longer just the language of the piece of music on his boom-box. Whoever guesses the correct title
birds. Less melodiously the humans receives a lollypop. I thought at the time that it was strange to have music
have taken to doing it in a system during the class, but it really jogs one’s memory, and you remember who
called Twitter. It has lots of rules you were dancing with and where you were.
and procedures and describes itself
Dr. Jagoe then asks a trivia question such as, “On what show were the
as a service for friends, family, and co- Beatles introduced to America?” Another lollypop finds its way to the
workers to communicate and stay con- person with the correct answer. By this time our memories are racing
nected through the exchange of quick, around full tilt in our heads. Try it, it works.
frequent answers to one simple question: What are
Our next assignment was given out and when I read it I said to myself,
you doing? It operates by telephone as well as computer.
this is not going to be easy. The subject was “What is the mission that
Time was when people tried their best to avoid garrulous chatterboxes only you can accomplish?”
asking about their affairs. “Mind your own business” may not have been
As I left the room I was already pondering over that mission I had in
said but often was
my life. It took a few days just thinking about it and rolling a few things
in mind. Nowaaround in my mind, but eventually it came to me, and surprisingly my pen
days there is a
could not write the words down fast enough. They were rushing forth,
vast network of
falling over one another to get onto the paper. That is the way “Next in
people enquirLine” goes.
ing into each othBoring? No. Tedious? No. Fun? Yes. Accomplishing? Yes and some days I
er’s activities. Celebrities use Twitter as a vehicle for keeping themselves find that I have said over 20 WOWs!
in the news about their most mundane thoughts and actions. One reads
that one such participant‘s observations were read by more than 90,000
users and that there are some 17 million who twitter. “Quick” and “frequent” phone calls and e-mails, dreaded by many of us, are now seemingly a way of life for a lot of people.
It doesn’t sound as charming as the twittering of the birds.
By Armiger Jagoe, author of You Are Next in Line,
“A
All a-twitter
JAGOE’S Brain Joggers
Everyone’s Guide for Writing your Autobiography
www.armigerjagoe.com
Travel Committee
Day Trips and
Tours 2009
1. In 1953, the movie And God Created Woman, which introduced a French actress, was banned in many cities. What
was her name?
2. What product had this jingle on the radio:
_________ hits the spot, twelve full ounces that’s a lot,
twice as much for a nickel, too; ________is the drink for you,
(trickle, trickle, trickle, trickle, trickle)
Date
Event
Contact
8/19/09
Allenburry, PA
“The King and I”
Otto x5299
3. When the Beatles first came to America in early 1964, we
all watched them on what TV show?
8/22/09
Olney Theatre
“A Passion for Justice”
Allen x6660
4. What was the domestic war that Lyndon Johnson declared
when he first became president?
9/24-10/3/09
Canada—N.E. Foliage Cruise
Ebinger x6555
10/10/09
Olney Theatre
“Night Must Fall”
Allen x6660
11/11-11/13/09
New York City
Otto x5299
12/2/09
Nat'l Geographic—Terra Cotta's
Lunch “Taste of Saigon”
Hilmoe x6603
12/4/09
Strathmore
National Philharmonic
Klepek x5743
12/5/09
Olney Theatre “Camelot”
Allen x6660
12/13/09
National Philharmonic
Klepek x5743
1. Brigitte Bardot; 2. Pepsi Cola; 3. The Ed Sullivan Show;
4. The War on Poverty; 5. Winston Churchill
July/August 2009
Answers
Village Life
5. Who said, “Don’t worry about avoiding temptation. As you
grow older, it will avoid you”?
YIELD TO ALL IN CROSSWALKS
THEY MIGHT BE FRIENDS!
13
Going Places... with Asbury
The National Museum of the Marine Corps
modeled from live Marines.
The museum gift story had a
wealth of wonderful souvenirs.
This is a wonderful history museum, beautifully put
together, and certainly one for
all of us to be very proud of
the U.S. Marines. Maybe we
can go again.
By Annabel Liebelt, Villas
O
oh-rah
and
welcome! The
National Museum
of the Marine Corps and
Heritage Center at Quantico, Virginia has been eyed
from the highway since its
dedication on November
10, 2006, the 231st birthday
of the Marine Corps. An
excited group of 41 Asbury
residents, with Liz Van Billiard as escort, took a Keese
School trip on Monday, May
18th to the free museum. In
the museum the message
was about “every single
Marine doing his or her job
as part of a larger unit.”
We entered the central
most circular space, the
Leatherneck Gallery, full of
famous aircraft suspended
overhead and on the ground a helicopter and tractor. On the walls are
ten famous quotes and eight portraits of Marines. The gallery is surrounded by two concentric outer
circles which have eight galleries
with short films and scenes from:
World War II (aboard a Higgins
boat to Iwo Jima, Okinawa), Kore-
H
ow many of us have
done things that we can
contribute to forgetfulness, carelessness, or dumbness
throughout our lives — I know
that I have done my share in the
past and will continue to do my
share in the future.
One of the first things I
remember doing was in my early
20’s when I pulled into a friend’s
automobile dealership with my
brake lights not operating, and
after determining that the reason
was a defective hydraulic switch,
which was in those days atop
the brake hydraulic reservoir,
removed such switch and was
heading to the parts department
when I was asked to move the
car a few feet forward. This I did,
but when trying to stop I found
I had no brakes, which I should
not have had since the hydraulic
switch had been removed. Luckily I was not going fast enough to
damage the post that I hit.
A second incident I recall also
14
Photos: Annabel Liebelt
At left, Corsair aircraft
Below, Sikorsky helicopter
an War (the “forgotten war,” Chosin Reservoir, Seoul), Vietnam War
(Hill 881 South) and Global War
on Terrorism. Most impressive was
the display of the flag raised on
Mt. Suribachi (No Photos). Along
the “Legacy Walk” are maps, photos
and artifacts of Marine history. The
figures seen in the scenes were
Grins and Grimaces
By Gil Snyder, Mund
Forgetful, Careless
Or Just Plain Dumb
involved an automobile. After
replacing the rear brake shoes on
a 1963 Mustang, and as I finished
letting it down off of jack stands,
the car commenced to roll backwards; luckily a close-by neighbor saw what was happening and
between the two of us we were
able to get the car stopped within
a few feet. Although I had properly blocked the front wheels when
jacking up the rear, I forgot that
I should have blocked the rear
of the front tires before I let the
rear down.
Two incidents involved my eye
glasses. I wear glasses most of the
time but do not need them for
close work; I can read a newspaper at a distance of several feet
and find that the use of my single
prescription glasses are a hindrance in close work. One time I
closed the hood of a car on a set
of glasses after checking the oil
level and a second time I sat on a
pair of glasses that I had left on a
bed while packing a suitcase for
travel. Both times, I didn’t smash
them but had to do considerable
work to get them unbent; I did
have an additional pair to rely
on each time. Currently, I am forever misplacing my glasses while
reading or doing close work; I am
careful to not put them where
July/August 2009
they might be damaged but
can’t always find them without
a search.
One time, while packing for a
trip, I packed a portable phone
in my luggage without realizing it. Before I left for my trip
I needed to make a phone call
and couldn’t find the phone. I
looked all over, and although I
used the phone locator in the
system, I had packed it so deeply
in a suitcase that the ring was not
loud enough that I could locate it.
Something made me think of the
possibility of my packing it, and
lo and behold I found it. Actually,
there would have been no consequences if the phone had gone
with me other than embarrassment; but then, it wouldn’t have
been the first or certainly the last
time to be embarrassed.
I leave it to the reader to decide
if I was careless, forgetful or just
plain dumb in the previous scenarios; just don’t let me know
which, should you pass by me.
Village Life
The Truth About Funeral Plans
A
By Nancy Herin, Trott
few years back the AARP reported
an amazing fact: roughly 21 million
Americans were prepaying their
funeral expenses. What on earth, I wondered, would entice so many people to pay
for their funerals in advance?
I was stumped because a consumer activist friend told me that a preneed, as it’s
called, is “a layaway plan for the time you’ll
be laid away, except for one major quirk.”
When you pay on furniture, a house, or a
car, you get to enjoy what you’ve bought.
But your funeral?
Never mind. Today one in three funerals is a preneed. It has been arranged—
and paid for—while the dearly departed
was still alive. One can only surmise why
anyone would enter such an agreement,
but the AARP gives us an idea. Its survey
revealed that 43% of those aged 50 and
older, in other words more than 28 million
people, had been solicited about purchasing preneed funeral arrangements.
A preneed sales pitch jumbles two simple concepts: the first, that planning ahead
will give you “peace of mind,” which is true,
and a second, that paying ahead will allow
you to “take care of everything,” which is
false. The come-on inevitably begins with a
truth--that planning ahead is wise--and ends
with a hand in your pocketbook.
But don’t take it from me. The AARP has
the data. It found that 32% of older Americans had prepaid their funeral arrangements, a fact which translates—and this is a
conservative estimate—into more than $40
billion in preneed accounts. And many of
those surveyed admitted that they had no
idea what was done with their money.
So you can hardly marvel that Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), who held
hearings on the funeral industry in 2000,
focused on preneed sales. “Preneed agreements,” he warned, “are among the least
regulated products of the funeral industry.”
The problem is this: there’s no federal law
covering preneed sales. The Funeral Rule,
the major federal regulation governing the
funeral industry, is more than 20-years-old
and mute on the subject of preneeds. Thus
we must rely on states, whose laws vary
tremendously.
In theory at least, preneeds aren’t bad. If
you never leave your hometown or change
your mind about your choice of body disposition, if you don’t select a mortuary which
will go out of business or get sold, then
prepaying your funeral could be all right.
But life is circuitous and full of surprises;
it’s life’s uncertainties that make paying for
your death before you die unwise.
Village Life
A colleague of mine, who’s affiliated with
the Jewish Funeral Practices Committee
of Greater Washington, can tell you what
I mean. He saw what happened in 2000
when Stein Hebrew Funeral Home closed-a dreadful blow to customers who had
entered preneed agreements years ago
when Stein was a Jewish-owned mortuary.
Who would have guessed that years later
it would be bought out by a conglomerate
which eventually would shut it down to
save on costs?
Customers had two worries: first, that
their contracts wouldn’t be transferred to
mortuaries in the know about Jewish funerals, and second, that they wouldn’t receive
full refunds.They were right to worry, especially about their refunds. Corporate owners hesitated to return their interest.
Some might say that in such a situation
consumers should be grateful for what
they got back. But my colleague points out
that “without the interest, the principal on
a prepaid contract taken out years earlier
could be insufficient.” Which is exactly the
point. With funeral inflation roughly 3%
to 5% a year, it’s not possible for funeral
directors—without the interest—to give
you tomorrow’s funeral at today’s price.
So a refund without the interest meant
that Stein’s former customers would have
to pay more to get the same package elsewhere.
Lest you’re dismayed by all this, take
heart. Provided, of course, you don’t live
where this fiasco happened--in D.C., the
only place in the nation without any laws
whatsoever governing preneed contracts.
Luckily for us here in Maryland, the law
entitles us to a full refund on preneed trust
funds. Had Stein been in Maryland, its preneed customers would have gotten back all
their money plus the interest.
This would be comforting news except
for the fact that more and more funeral homes are using insurance policies,
not trust funds, to finance their preneed
arrangements. A funeral insurance policy,
which, by the way, isn’t really “insurance”—
you simply pay for the cost of your funeral—is somewhat tricky when it comes to
refunds.
Lisa Carlson, author of a book on the
funeral industry, explains what you’d get
back if you canceled: the cash surrender
value, based on a formula favorable to
the insurer. “You might not receive all the
money you paid in, let alone the interest, since insurers must pay commissions,
taxes, and money managers.”
This was the unfortunate situation which
befell a certain Anna Jones, whose plight
July/August 2009
came to the attention of the national office
of a funeral consumer advocacy group. Ms.
Jones had prepaid the sum of $2481.60,
and then ten years later decided to donate
her body to science. Since there would be
no funeral, she requested a refund. After
weeks of being shunted between the funeral home and the insurance company, the
insurer finally refunded her money.Though
the appreciated death benefit on her policy was valued at more than $5,000, what
she received, after ten years, was $2827.11.
Thus, after a decade, she got back what she
had paid plus a grand total in appreciated
value of $345.51, an earning of less than
1.5% per year.
Notwithstanding such mishap, funeral
directors like insurance policies. For one
thing, according to Carlson, “there are no
screaming customers” because it is insurers,
not customers, who pay taxes on earned
income. This is in contrast to trust funds,
which typically yield more, but where customers must pay the taxes.
With all these considerations, you’d wonder how anyone could master the complexities of preneed agreements. At least I
know enough to ask pertinent questions,
which is something the uninitiated do not.
I learned, for example, that even with a
preneed, I’d be wise not to die far from
home if I choose earth burial over cremation. A funeral director explained: “First
your survivors would have to pay around
$1500 to an outside mortuary to forward
your body here, then another $1500 to us
to receive it. In addition, they’d have to pay
the airfare, and weight counts. Of course
none of this is covered in your preneed
guaranteed price.”
“And will the casket I select be the one
at my funeral? I read that models change
every year like cars.” The mortician allayed
my fears: “Don’t worry. Let’s say you want
an 18-gauge metal gray casket. I’ll put into
the contract that a substitute should match
this description or be of equal value.” I was
relieved. Thank Goodness! It all sounded
right. Until I looked at his Casket Price List
and saw two caskets with that same description but a $1,000 difference in price.
As for his casket of “equal value,” I’d have
preferred one of “equal quality,” for the casket I purchase today will certainly cost
more when I die.
But I give morticians credit. Without a
doubt, all with whom I spoke stated forthrightly that not all expenses are locked in.
They clearly distinguished between guaranteed and non-guaranteed costs, the latter including items like death notices and
15
By Anita Taylor, Park View
T
he wildlife habitat project members had a busy
spring. Combining the fall
and spring inventories together
presented an overview of plants
and animals (which includes
birds) known to be on campus at
least sometimes. It also identified
potential problems in noting the
presence of some fairly aggressive
invasive plants. One major task of
the coming year will be to develop
some plan in which team members
can be helpful to Asbury’s grounds
and landscaping crews in dealing
with these invaders.
The inventory report below does
not include trees because a complete inventory and tagging of all
trees on the campus is being done
this summer as part of an Eagle
Scout project. When completed, a
digital and print report describing
the trees and their locations will be
available.
Birds seen on campus from late
April through May are listed in the
accompanying box and various
perennials identified are in a second box.
Among the other animals spotted
on campus, besides the ubiquitous
deer and squirrels, are bat, chipmunk, ground hog, fox, raccoon,
rabbit, and turtle. The team has
not cataloged insects, though many
have noted seeing more lightning
bugs this year than last.
Invasive plants identified include
Chinese privet, English ivy, garlic
mustard, Japanese honeysuckle,
mile-a-minute weed, multiflora
rose, phragmites, porcelain berry,
and some varieties of thistles.
INVENTORY REPORT: Wildflowers, Ferns, Grasses, Groundcovers, Vines
* denotes invasive species
Asbury’s Wild Side
Daisy
Dandelion
Daylilies
Dense blazing star
Dock
Fern
Forsythia
Garlic mustard*
Ginger
Goldenrod
Grape, summer
Bermuda Grass
Bottlebrush
Broom sedge
Couch (conch?)
Fescue
Grounsell (borage family)
Henbit
Horsetail
Horsetail, Washington
Horseweed
Huechera
Hyacinth, grape
Ironweed
Knotweed3
Lady’s thumb
Lambs quarters
Liatris (Gayfeather)
Ligustrum
Liriope, variegated
Milkweed
Mugwort
Moss
Nettle, purple
Orange jewelweed
Oxalis (wood sorrel)
Pepperbush, sweet
Plantain, common
Poison Ivy
Pokeweed
Privet
Quaken grass
Ragweed
Roller grass
St. John’s wort
Sedum
Snakeweed
Spotted joe pye weed
Numbers on left are from fall
inventory (9/27/08); on the right
from spring (4/4/09). Numbers
correspond to plots inventoried,
the key to plots on separate page.
Alfalfa
Ajuga
Aster
Bittercress, hairy
Blackberry
Black-eyed Susan
Boneset
Chickweed
Chrysanthemum
Clethora
Clover
Coneflower
Coreopsis
Creeping Charlie
Daffodil
16
Strawberry, Indian
Strawberry, wood
Strawberry, wild
Summer grape
Thistle (* some varieties)
Thoroughwort, late flowering
Veronica, creeping
Viburnum
Wild garlic
Wild grape vine
Wild mustard
Wild onion
Wild violet
Yarrow
Yellow lily
Birds seen during late April
through May – as part of the Species Inventory 2009
Hen turkey (Rara Avis! )
Double-crested cormorant
(unusual for AMV)
Cooper’s hawk
Harrier
Red-shouldered hawk
Red-tailed hawk
Turkey vulture
Black vulture
Mourning dove
Flicker
Red-bellied woodpecker
Downy woodpecker
Eastern kingbird
Phoebe
Barn swallow
Tree swallow
American crow
Mallard
Lesser scaup
Hooded merganser
Canada geese
Great blue heron
Green-backed heron
Killdeer
Kingfisher (not seen at end of
period)
Chipping sparrow
House sparrow
Goldfinch
House finch
Bluebird (3 nesting pairs)
Robin
Blue jay
Titmouse
Chickadee
Nuthatch (white-bellied)
Carolina wren
Golden-crowned kinglet
Blue-gray gnatcatcher (heard)
Mockingbird
Catbird
Starling
Cowbird
Junco (now gone)
Cardinal
Yellow warbler
Blackpoll warbler (heard)
Black-throated green warbler
Common yellowthroat “
Red-winged blackbird
Photo: Phyllis Naylor
July/August 2009
Village Life
LAOS
Continued from page 1
about twice the size of Pennsylvania, has much to offer the visitor
including gorgeous mountain terrain, and picturesque towns with
French Colonial architecture and
Buddhist wats. One of the more
recent postwar developments has
been a large increase in tourism.
Of the many attractions in Laos,
the traditional craft of hand-woven
and embroidered textiles is one of
the most interesting and popular.
They are woven mostly on variously configured looms in silk, or
in cotton. The history of this cottage industry has been long, dating
from at least the 14th century. Margot and Gordon Dibble of EdwardsFisher took a deep interest in the
gorgeous, colorful, and intricately
woven shawls, sarongs, and scarves
of the Laos weavers while living in
Savannakhet, a small town on the
Mekong River in 1979-1972.
Following the period of the
Vietnam War, this intricate textile
weaving trade almost disappeared.
With little market, a communist
government, and faced with years
of recovery from the results of the
war, many weavers turned to other
endeavors, for simple survival.
However, interest in this art form
has recently returned in parallel
with the growth in the tourist trade
and promotion by Lao expatriates
and interested foreigners. Aware
of the lucrative international silk
market of neighboring Thailand,
PLANS
the Laos government is actively
promoting the resurgence of this
industry. The finest, most authentic silks are now produced in the
capital, Vientiane. One new studio
in Vientiane employs a staff of 50
weavers, spinners and dyers. Other
workshops are being established
across the country.
It can take up to two weeks to
set up a loom and then up to six
months to weave one of the more
complex designs. On the other
hand, weaving a simple scarf for the
low end of the tourist market can
be done in a long day. Motifs represented in the textiles have ancient
roots in the legends and folklore of
the past and reflect the culture of
the different ethnic groups.
A major need of the weavers is
the thread dyed in the many vivid
colors used in the traditional weaving. The production of the special
dyes, which are mainly made from
local flora and fauna instead of
chemicals, has been revived. These
dyes also vary by ethnic group.
Margot has collected a representation of these exquisite textiles
over the years. She is showing
a part of her collection “The Colors of Laos” in the Rosborough gallery. Please pay a visit to see this
beautiful presentation as well as
a photograph of a typical village
bamboo-and-thatch home with a
traditional outdoor loom. You will
find the display both interesting
and, to some viewers, breathtaking
in the brightness of the colors and
the intricacy of the weaving.
“I’m ugly,” they say.
Well, for sure, I’m naked,
Stripped of every limb I had
some diseased and rotting
some dying though not yet dead
a few still strong.
I AM awfully bare.
But ugly? Ugly, like beauty, is in beholders’ eyes.
To woodpeckers, I’m a condominium under development,
And, in the meantime, a source of food for those waiting nesters,
the flickers, downies, and others-
nuthatches,
creepers, for example.
And I’m a perch for raptors of many kinds to watch for prey.
To all of them I have a useful look.
But oh, some protest, “you’re dangerous.”
Dangerous? Perhaps I was when clad with limbs.
Wind gusts on leafy branches make stress beyond what old limbs can hold.
But now my limbs are gone. What threat am I?
No weight remains to topple my strong trunk,
No wind-shear-whipped branches are here to yank my roots from
Earth’s embrace.
I have nothing left to endanger passersby.
So it comes down to this: I’m ugly.
Never mind that only the tortoise looks as good at 80 as at 40.
If looks be the rule by which we’re judged . . . well . . .
I’m not the only one here
With former glory gone.
At this place called Asbury, it’s said, the old are safe and loved.
Why not me?
—Anita Taylor, Park View
In Memoriam
One funeral director admonished
me:“You can’t plan for everything.”
Which brings me to my first point
about life’s uncertainties? My colflowers, whose prices they cannot league, who saw what happened
control. All right. I accept this. It’s when Stein Hebrew closed, says
that someone who makes arrangethe nature of buying a funeral.
But then a friend, in the know ments at the age of 50 or 60 may
about funerals, rattled off a cata- be looking at a contract lasting for
log of still additional costs that I 30 or 40 years. “People’s life spans
hadn’t considered: “embalming are longer than most businesses,”
after autopsies…charges for organ he notes.
I find myself imagining how life’s
and tissue donation, costs of restoration after disfiguring deaths, circumstances could change during
special cosmetic procedures that such a long period of time. I personmay be needed, unexpected refrig- ally wouldn’t want to lug around
eration costs when there are delays a preneed; I’ll plan my funeral to
in arrangements… and charges for the hilt, but I won’t prepay a cent.
extra certified copies of the death From what I’ve seen, it’s far wiser
certificate,” which, I should add, to share your wishes with your
have increased to a usurious $20 loved ones and invest your money
per copy in Maryland. How am I on your own. This strategy, unlike
“taking care of everything” when a preneed, is guaranteed to “take
my survivors could be hit with care of everything” and give you
the utmost peace of mind.
these fees?
Village Life
Ugly: An Old Oak Speaks
Resident
Facility
Mary C. Anderson
Dorothy Leahy
Leonard Witczak
Patricia Payne
Arthur Podolsky
Betty Bradley
Samuel Llewellyn
Hildegarde Raabe
Margaret Lawless
Dorothy Prather
Suzanne Ayres
Francis Moyers
Robert Blair Richards
Heidi Glang
Marion Swab
Iris Craig
Rev. Bernard Fogle
Howard Weissleader
Kindley/Trott
WHCC
Kindley/E-F
Villas
Diamond
WHCC/Kindley/Diamond
WHCC
Trott
Mund
WHCC
WHCC/Park View
WHCC
Wallace
Villas
Kindley
Mund
Kindley/Home
WHCC
July/August 2009
Date of Death
5-21-09
6-5-09
6-10-09
6-11-09
6-12-09
6-12-09
6-13-09
6-17-09
6-18-09
6-20-09
6-22-09
6-24-09
6-28-09
07-02-09
07-06-09
07-08-09
07-09-09
07-10-09
17
Russell Cafe
Menu
Gourmet Sandwiches
$4.25
Italian Ham Ciabatta
$4.50
Smoke House Club
$2.50
Turkey BLT Minis (2)
(2)
Minis
BBQ Roast Beef and Cheddar
$2.50
$3.75
Buffalo Chicken Salad Wrap
Chit Chatter
Your Health Your Way
Sandwiches
From the AMV Historical Society
pilot was Captain Eddie Rickenn the April, 2009 edition of backer.
In the October 1959 edition the
Village Life our first column
opening
of the lake (which we call
appeared. In it we made mention of the early newspaper, Chit the pond) and pier was described.
Chat. Recently a couple of the mem- The celebration included wading,
bers of the Historical Society began fishing, and boating. In the Sepreading some of these papers start- tember 1961 there was a fishing
ing with 1956. They have proved to tournament at which 55 fish were
caught and fried for the evening’s
be most interesting.
In August of 1956 there was a dinner.
In November, 1960 there was
planting of Lebanon Cedar trees.
They were from seeds Rev. Herman a tour of Washington for the resiWilson had obtained during his dents. It consisted of ten vehicles.
trip to Palestine. It would be nice They went to Mt. Vernon and the
to know if any of those cedars are White House among other places. They were given a tour of the
among those still on the Campus.
There was also another notice of President’s Home. The District of
interest in the August newspaper. Columbia police provided an escort
It announced some new residents, for the motorcade. In June, 1961 our own Rev. Ken
3 calves and 6 pigs. Remember this
Jones
gave a service for the resiwas still a working farm at that
dents. It might have been difficult
time.
November 1956 – Some of the for Ken since he had a hard act to
Home residents were given a ride follow. Bishop Lord had been here
in a plane at National Airport. The for May Day.
I
LUFF
worn. And she would have carried
the real 19th c. money that Mrs.
Stronestreet carried in her “miser’s
purse.” Mary Lou is authentic with
a capital A! Mrs. Luff has long
been fascinated with the Civil War
era family and its relationships—
how they managed their farms
and grounds, their children, their
servants, their money matters and
medical problems, their travel, etc.
A copious library has provided her
with rare and obscure facts, including tips on selecting a slave/cook
for one’s family.
On a tour with Mary Lou one
does not hear parroted a script
provided by the Historical Society,
but one enlarged by many unusual
facts and stories. These she brings
to her talks at retirement homes,
nursing homes, luncheons and
dinners, wherever the Speakers’
18
Bureau sends her. Ever a doer, Mary
Lou has translated many of her 19th
century recipes into tastables.Thus,
you may have a sip of “Switchle,” a
refreshing summer drink, or you
may make your own. Mary Lou has
published many of her concoctions
in a pamphlet which you may buy
at the Beall-Dawson House.
Mrs. Luff further educates one
by displaying her collection of 19th
century artifacts, her beautifully
made indoor and outdoor hats, and
her many dresses, some requiring
the help of servants to don. Did I
mention that Mrs. Luff inaugurated
a sign language tour of the Air and
Space Museum before she left that
facility? A framed letter from Astronaut Mike Collins thanks her for
her ingenuity and inventiveness.
Are you amazed? I definitely was.
Are you enchanted? Very much so, I
was. Are you a bit better educated?
Hopefully.
July/August 2009
Grape and Walnut
Tuna Salad Minis
Grilled Vegetable Multi-Grain
Chicken Caesar Wrap
$2.50
$3.25
$3.75
Create Your Own
$3.75
Choose Your Bread
White, Wheat, Rye, Wrap or Ciabatta
Choose Your Filling (4oz)
Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef, Sliced Chicken,
Vegetable or Tuna
Choose One
Cheddar, Swiss, Provolone,
American, Bacon
Included
Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and a Pickle
.25 Each
Extras
From the Grill
Hamburger
Cheeseburger
Turkey burger
Boca Burger
Cheese steaks Steak
or Chicken
Chicken Fingers (3)
$2.75
$2.95
$3.25
$3.25
$3.75
$2.95
Simply To Go
9oz Cups
Strawberry Yogurt Parfait
Fresh Fruit Cup
Crudités with Dip
Jell-O of the Day
Pudding of the Day
$2.25
$1.50
$1.30
$0.95
$1.25
14oz Cups
Chef Salad
Chicken Caesar
$2.75
$2.95
Salad Entrees
Garden Salad
Greek Salad
$2.75
$2.95
Simple Sandwiches
Egg Salad
Ham and Swiss
Roast Beef and Cheddar
Tuna and Cheddar
Turkey and Cheddar
$1.60
$2.50
$3.25
$2.50
$2.50
Soups & Sides
8oz Soup
12oz Soup
Salad Bar by the Ounce
Fries and Onion rings
Chips
$0.99
$1.50
$0.40
$1.35
$0.75
Village Life
Asbury Garden Club Open to
Summer Solstice Guests
T
By Gladys Sillcox, Edwards-Fisher
he Garden Club was pleased to be a part of the Second
Annual Asbury Summer Solstice Party. The Garden Club
June Open House coincided with the party, so gates were
unlocked and gardeners were on
hand to answer questions and
show off the fruits, vegetables, and
flowers of their labor. Club members were pleased that so many
of you chose to stroll around in
our entire area of flower and vegetable plots. We hope that all your
questions were answered and that
you enjoyed talking to many of us.
There is a little rabbit that comes
to visit us and inspects our gardens
and you too can come again any
time just by asking a gardener to let you in and be with you.
Some vegetables are being harvested such as zucchini, yellow
squash, cucumbers, carrots and beets and other specials grown by
special gardeners. Look for these to be placed in some convenient
place in your buildings, always morning fresh, washed and almost
ready to eat raw or cooked. Several gardeners place an assortment
of their cut flowers out for you to make a special bouquet to enjoy
in your apartment. Just remember that this is our way of contributing more help for the Benevolent Care Fund right here on our
campus.
Inspiration Point
Stand Porter at the Door of Thought
T
he devil decided to go out
of business and invited a
cast of the most evil characters to a special yard sale. The tools
he was selling included hate, envy,
jealousy, greed, betrayal, deceit, vengeance, and malice. In the center of the display was a well-worn,
wedge-shaped tool that looked as if
it had been used much more than
the other tools.
“What’s that thing in the middle?” one of the characters asked.
“That’s discouragement,” the devil
answered.
“And why is it priced so much
higher than the rest of your tools?”
There was a very slight pause from
the devil and then he responded,
“Because with that tool I can pry
open and get inside a person’s
mind that I couldn’t get near with
any of my other tools. Once discouragement takes over, I can let
all the other tools do their work.”
‘Nuf said.
TEACUPS
cer. I only wanted one, but dealers
would not break up a set of four or
eight. Also, it had to be very colorful. Finally we found the perfect
one, and I carefully packed it for
my flight back to Maryland.
The very next morning, bright
and early, I was at Lowe’s, wandering around the aisles and wondering what I needed to buy. Turning
a corner I saw a large sign which
read “PROJECT DESK,” so I walked
up and announced that I had a
project. The nice young salesman
could hardly keep from laughing
out loud when I explained that
I wanted to make a bird feeder
out of the cup and saucer which
I produced from my tote bag. (He
was probably hoping that I was
going to build a new deck or redo
my kitchen!) But he contained his
laughter and suggested we look in
the hardware department. I then
found myself staring at a display
of metal rods…all lengths and of
different diameters and materials.
We decided four feet for the height
and 5/16” for the diameter, and
stainless steel. Now, how to attach
the saucer?
Village Life
He then suggested the plumbing
department, but when we got to
the other end of the store nothing
seemed suitable. So back to hardware!
Finally I purchased several large
washers with 5/16” holes in the
center and large enough to cover
the base of the cup, I hoped. It was
then that I reminded him I needed
a way to fasten all of this together
and I wanted “GOOP”. Now he
was really smiling broadly, trying to
Martha A. Brown,
Director of Pastoral Care
conceal his laughter and he took
me to the glue display. (He obviously didn’t know that ”GOOP” is
a wonderful glue! I have used it
many times and thought a fresh
tube would be useful). He handed
me the tube from the wall rack and
wished me “good luck” as I headed
for the cashier and home.
The first tea cup bird feeder
was made on top of my washing
machine with the saucer upside
down and the rod taped to the
July/August 2009
cabinet above in order to keep
it vertical. I listened all night for
a crash, but was lucky and it all
stayed together. It was so hard to
wait the 24 to 48 hours for the glue
to set. I only lasted 24 hours. I then
bent an old spoon and glued it in
the cup for the finishing touch.
Next thing I knew, my neighbor
wanted one (said she’d supply her
own cup) and my daughter wanted
one. Then another neighbor wanted one for her daughter’s birthday, and when the daughter got
here she wanted one for her cat
sitter. My neighbor on the other
side asked if I’d make one for her.
As of this moment I’m up to 11 and
going strong. What fun this has
been! I like to think of the money
I make not as peanuts, but seed
money—bird seed money, that is.
This little activity benefits the
Bargain Mart, which in turn benefits the Benevolent Fund, plus
the Salvation Army and Good Will,
where I search for more cups and
saucers. And it also supports the
bird population in the Villas and
in turn the “Wildlife Habitat Council”. But, best of all, I’m busy and
“Happy as a Lark,” if you’ll pardon
the pun!
19
A N E W S PA P E R F O R A S B U RY M E T H O D I S T V I L L AG E
Non-Profit
Organization
U. S. Postage
PAID
Rockville, MD
Permit No. 4297
Communications Department
201 Russell Avenue
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2801
VIL LAGE LI FE: A NEWS PAPER FOR AS B URY METH ODIS T V IL L AGE
Rippleless pond
mirrors motionless deer alone amid the silence.
Jim Clemons
Asbury Pond Walker
June morning 2009
Photo: Hal Gaut
20
July/August 2009
Village Life

Teacups are for the Birds

Transcription

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