Independence Hall Residents Rally Around Book Drive America
Don’t let anyone tell you that Independence Hall residents let any grass grow under their feet! While watching ABC’s Good Morning America not long ago, resident Janet Manson saw a segment about Book Drive America. A former kindergarten teacher back in her native Massachusetts, Janet became excited about the drive’s mission … get books to children who don’t have them. She rallied her best friend, fellow resident Eva Goyette, and started the ball rolling.
Within a week, Janet and Eva and the rest of the Independence Hall residents had enlisted the support of the staff and planned a Book Drive America Bake Sale at Independence Hall. The mission came to fruition on September 30th. Cakes and cookies were baked, purchased and enjoyed. Donations of new books arrived … for both boys and girls of all ages. Money was collected and counted and in the end, a total of $132.00 and one dozen books are waiting to make a difference in the lives of children. To show their continued support of this nationwide Book Drive, the residents made a video of their event to send to Diane Sawyer and Charlie Gibson of Good Morning America. We are sure they will be proud of these sensational seniors!
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 Dr. Doolittle Has Nothing on Manor Oaks
“And at Manor Oaks’, they had a pig … and a bunny, a cow, a donkey, ducks, chicks and a goat!” The staff at Manor Oaks wanted to give their residents a special day they would never forget. So they invited some special guests for a visit. A local petting zoo company arrived with all sorts of animals and gave the residents a chance to hold the animals and spend some time with them. Everyone who came out enjoyed the chance to interact with these wonderful animals. |
 Manor Pines’ Residents Entertain Their Neighbors With a Cabaret-style Show
Four residents and several staff members belted out songs from past eras for their neighbors and family members. Ranging in age from 83-98, these talented Manor Pines’ residents sang classics such as Shirley Temple’s “Good Ship Lollipop,” Kate Smith’s “God Bless America” and Sophie Tucker’s “Some of These Days.” The show was produced by Tina Resnick, spouse of resident Nick Resnick, who even provided the costumes (complete with wigs) and did make-up. The show was taped so that the residents could later enjoy seeing themselves on TV. After the show, Manor Pines’ second so far, everyone relaxed and celebrated with a pizza party.
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 Williamsburg Landing Celebrates Its Only Centurion
On October 20, the residents and staff at Williamsburg Landing celebrated their only centurion with a private party and wine toast! Albert Gaab has been living at Williamsburg Landing for the past two years. Born in 1903 in Independence, Ohio - the youngest of 4 brothers - Mr. Gaab has worked hard all his life. His first job was with US Rubber, where he was quickly promoted to Inspector. He also served his country in WWII as a Gear Inspector for war planes. He moved to Florida in 1921 and worked for Florida Power and Light for 22 years as an Audit Clerk. An avid golfer, Mr. Gaab belonged to Inverrary Country Club, where he managed to hit FOUR hole-in-ones. He was often asked to ‘Marshal’ important golf tournaments and has rubbed elbows with celebrities like Jackie Gleason on the greens!
The Mayor of Wilton Manors, Jim Stork, even invited Mr. Gaab to a City Council Meeting to honor his landmark birthday. Mr. Gaab believes the secret to a long life “is staying active and good genes!” He is hoping those good genes bring him many more good years. He still drives regularly and dines out weekly with friends and family. Happy Birthday Mr. Albert Gaab!
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Manor |
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Margate Manor Becomes An Island Resort For a Day
Look out, Hawaii - there’s a new destination for fantastic luaus. This summer, the residents of Margate Manor decided to celebrate in style. So they threw a Hawaiian luau complete with grass skirts, Hawaiian leis and frozen drinks. The party was enjoyed by everyone in attendance, and we can’t wait to see what Margate Manor dreams up for next summer to top this party! |
| Making
a Smooth Transitions to a Smaller Home |
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Here are a few suggestions to make downsizing a bit easier:
• Sort through and clean out closets, drawers, attics and basements, solicit help and offer them what
you do not want or need.
• Review inventory with your loved ones.
• Have antiques and collectibles appraised.
• Have a yard sale or donate items to charitable organizations.
• Use a floor plan of your new residence to determine exactly what will fit nicely without seeming
crowded. |
 It’s
amazing how much “stuff” one can
accumulate in the average home. This is a
major reason some seniors are often
reluctant to move to a patio home or
residential apartment. Downsizing
does not have to be an overwhelming task
as Katharine Grimes, a Cumberland Village
resident, discovered when downsizing from
a four bedroom home eventually to an
apartment home.
Like most octogenarians, Mrs. Grimes
had more of everything than she needed, so
she began downsizing by deciding first
what she could not do without. In her
case, the dollhouse that her husband built
and surprised her with on her 60th
birthday was at the top of the list.
Once she knew that it would fit in her
apartment, she started giving furniture
and other heirlooms to her three children
and grandchildren.
Many retirement communities, like
Cumberland Village, have staff who assist
residents before and after their move to
make sure that their new surroundings feel
just like home. Downsizing doesn’t mean
losing your possessions, it is simply a
chance for you to share them with friends
and family.
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 Yoga Benefits All Ages
Age is not a factor when enjoying the benefits of yoga – it can rejuvenate the body, relax the
mind and revitalize the spirit at any age. People 20 to 80 years old notice an increase in strength,
flexibility and balance after practicing yoga for just a short time. And best of all, yoga can be
practiced seated in a chair, so even seniors with
orthopedic or mobility limitations can reap the benefits.
Julie Coleman, a certified YogaFit© instructor who
teaches a weekly class at Cumberland Village as
well as other locations in Aiken, adds that yoga for seniors brings tranquility through focused
breathing and relaxation.
“While we do not practice meditation in our classes, we do focus on breathing and relaxation, which
helps reduce stress and in turn can lead to lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system,” says
Julie. Some of the residents’ favorite poses include the “sunflower” followed by seated “warrior”
transitioning into modified “camel, cow and cat”, which work together to improve overall health and
well being.
If you think that you have to be flexible in order to practice yoga – think again! Most people begin
practicing yoga to gain flexibility. No two people are built alike, therefore, no two yoga practices
are exactly alike. Every pose can be modified to suit the
individual’s level of training.
To learn more about the benefits of yoga, go to www.webmd.com
and do a search for yoga benefits.
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Honoring Our Special Volunteers
We simply can’t put into words how much our
volunteers mean to us at the Marrinson Family.
So instead we said thank you with pizza and ice
cream sundaes at our Volunteer Appreciation
Party.
While the festivities took place at Manor
Pines, volunteers from all five of our South
Florida facilities were invited. Each received a
certificate and commemorative mug filled with
goodies! As our residents know, our volunteers
help out in many ways. Some work one-on-one with
the residents, while others prefer group
activities. Either way, their extra
encouragement and listening skills bring a smile
to every resident’s face on a daily basis. And
the creative programs they develop for us allow
our residents to tap into special talents they
might not have even known they had. And then
there are still other volunteers who work behind
the scenes, where their help makes a big
difference. So here’s one big final thank you
for all of your hard work!
Valor Awards
The American Diabetes Association hosted its third annual VALOR AWARDS luncheon
benefiting diabetes research on Thursday, May 8 at 11:30am, at the Marriott Harbor Beach in
Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida.
The luncheon honored local community leaders for their contributions as well as their exceptional leadership, commitment and dedication to the community.
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