Hi All-
We took our residents on an exciting journey to the Mohegan Sun yesterday. I love the story being told about another journey, one of Americans returning back from Afghanistan recently . The way I heard it, 6 servicemen and women had first class tickets home, and 7 others were in Coach on the same plane.
7 first class ticket holders gave up their seats so ALL the servicemen and women could travel home together in First Class!
Let me tell you a story about a gentleman here at The Canterbury this morning.
If our van is full, we have a second trip to the grocery store about an hour and a half later. You decide which trip of the week is your first choice, and you get to sign up to go at 10am. For an additional trip that week you put your name on the waiting list, which decides if you go at 10 or 11:30am (everyone following this?). Well ______ (I told her I was writing this but absolutely promised not to name her when I gently let her know what happened later) hopped on the van this morning but she was third on the waiting list (and the 10:00am ride was full). So David, sitting in the dining room enjoying his morning coffee, gallantly stayed behind and went on the second trip instead of claiming his spot.
I got to hear David's story, from the war, that guarantees in his mind we have a soul. I had chills. That is a long story short.
Some don't like to talk about the war and their service time. When it happens I feel honored to listen.
Hope you are enjoying this very cozy rainy day; I am glad to see you again (I can't really tell who is here unless you sign in as a "follower").
Come on over for morning coffee with David next Thursday. We'll show you around, and maybe tell you a good story.
Peace,
Emily
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
Happy November
Hi Everyone! Happy Friday. Ready to change the clocks back tomorrow night? I am. I like an extra hour. I do hear a lot of complaints though, especially from new moms.
We are having a resident appreciation day, and in the sprit of collecting data for this event I will share some of the interesting tidbits here with you (no names on purpose).
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We are having a resident appreciation day, and in the sprit of collecting data for this event I will share some of the interesting tidbits here with you (no names on purpose).
He is a Yale graduate w/ a degree in Political Science and was a
reporter for the Bridgeport Post Telegram . He spent 2 years in the Army at
Fort Dix as a public information specialist. A lifelong tennis nut, he worked
in NY and also at Heublein in Ct., and then consulted for many yrs.
She taught at the University of Hartford for 36
years. Since retirement she continues to
teach one course each term with specialties in medieval literature, detective
fiction, film and international studies.
She raised two children and 5 stepchildren- sort
of a brady bunch experience- and now takes special delight in her 9
grandchildren.
Among other things, she has written a biography
of Beatrice Fox Auerbach who ran G. Fox and Company where many of our residents
have worked and/or shopped.
At present she is at work on another biography
of a well-know Hartford citizen, Moshe Paranov who founded the Hartt School of
Music and who was the first director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
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Want to know more? Email me at canterburyretirement@yahoo.com
See you later, and Happy November!
Emily
Friday, October 18, 2013
Family
Hi Everyone!
I have been neglecting this blog and I do apologize to those who do follow it (I checked the stats- It is SO NICE to be seen from all over the WORLD! Thank-you for that).
I took six days off to just lull, and today I am back and am reminded how it is like family here; not work. No wonder I have stayed so long.
Right now John is giving a tour, it is absolutely gorgeous outside, our resident Dorothy stopped in and showed me a mug her daughter made for her birthday, and our van driver, maintenance and housekeeping staff are hard at work. Thanks Brian (Van Driver) for going to the bank for us...twice!Our cook has the night off; good for her, she deserves it.
Dorothy's daughter took a picture right from our Facebook page and made a mug for her mom. Check out our page here: https://www.facebook.com/thecanterbury.retirementcommunity.
The picture is from when our Property Manager's farm animals came to visit and spent the day on our front lawn. Dorothy is bending down to pet a goat. I remember taking a great picture of her with a horse named Sam also.
Linda has completed the Winnie-The-Poo topper for our Atheneum tree; "A beary Merry Christmas".
I am working on our activities bulletin for next week. Last week we went to Yankee Candle and this week we are heading to Burlington Coat Factory and the Cracker Barrel restaurant. Fun!
I hope you are enjoying this wonderful weather. The scenery out there is absolutely surreal. Have a wonderful weekend until we meet again.
Emily
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Hi Everyone!!
I rec'd this email from a friend...I cut it down a little but thought it was important to share, even if I don't know if it is true:
So friends, please open
the windows and doors of your car - give it some time for the interior to air
out -(dispel the deadly stuff) - before you
I rec'd this email from a friend...I cut it down a little but thought it was important to share, even if I don't know if it is true:
My car's manual says to
roll down the windows to let out all the hot air before turning on the A/C.
Open the windows after you enter your car and then after a couple of minutes, turn ON the AC .
ALL of the plastic objects in your vehicle, emit Benzene, a Cancer causing toxin. A BIG CARCINOGEN.The "acceptable" Benzene level indoors is: 50mg per sq.ft.
A car parked indoors, with windows closed, will contain 400-800 mg of Benzene - 8 times the acceptable level.
If parked outdoors in the sun, at a temperature above 60 degrees F, the Benzene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times the acceptable level. People who get into the car, keeping the windows closed, will eventually inhale excessive amounts of the BENZENE toxin.
Open the windows after you enter your car and then after a couple of minutes, turn ON the AC .
ALL of the plastic objects in your vehicle, emit Benzene, a Cancer causing toxin. A BIG CARCINOGEN.The "acceptable" Benzene level indoors is: 50mg per sq.ft.
A car parked indoors, with windows closed, will contain 400-800 mg of Benzene - 8 times the acceptable level.
If parked outdoors in the sun, at a temperature above 60 degrees F, the Benzene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times the acceptable level. People who get into the car, keeping the windows closed, will eventually inhale excessive amounts of the BENZENE toxin.
enter the vehicle.
I have always wanted to be an Epidemiologist. I FIND THIS FASCINATING!
Thinking of you, our readers-stay safe! Good to see you again!
Emily
Please share your thoughts about this on our Facebook page!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
July
Hi All!!!!
Again I have not been here in a while! After an awesome office renovation, new computer, and LOTS of new people moving in I am back here on blogger to say hello!
I took pictures through the entire renovation so I will get busy making an album for you to see (it is wonderful). Brent did the whole thing- really amazing.
I have everything at hand, and life is good.
Our Activities planning committee is meeting next Thursday at 3:00 PM. We are sure to have a new round of fun trips planned. Today our residents went to the Clock and Watch museum in New Britain. I'm not sure where they decided to go for lunch but they beat the rain!
All our residents and our staff have been watering round the clock to keep our gardens happy. Some weather huh!?
Jeff finally had a week off. He went to a dude ranch and had a great time.
Laura our cook gave us a surprise visit from Ryan at our 4th of July picnic. Ryan was born on March 25th. He looks fantastic, mom and dad are doing a great job :) Ryan's dad AND grandfather were here helping with the picnic too. Take a look on facebook to see those pictures...and some others too (I'm there).
Again, please do not hesitate to be a follower on here. It doesn't take much time and we sure do appreciate it.
Great to see you again! Emily
Again I have not been here in a while! After an awesome office renovation, new computer, and LOTS of new people moving in I am back here on blogger to say hello!
I took pictures through the entire renovation so I will get busy making an album for you to see (it is wonderful). Brent did the whole thing- really amazing.
I have everything at hand, and life is good.
Our Activities planning committee is meeting next Thursday at 3:00 PM. We are sure to have a new round of fun trips planned. Today our residents went to the Clock and Watch museum in New Britain. I'm not sure where they decided to go for lunch but they beat the rain!
All our residents and our staff have been watering round the clock to keep our gardens happy. Some weather huh!?
Jeff finally had a week off. He went to a dude ranch and had a great time.
Laura our cook gave us a surprise visit from Ryan at our 4th of July picnic. Ryan was born on March 25th. He looks fantastic, mom and dad are doing a great job :) Ryan's dad AND grandfather were here helping with the picnic too. Take a look on facebook to see those pictures...and some others too (I'm there).
Again, please do not hesitate to be a follower on here. It doesn't take much time and we sure do appreciate it.
Great to see you again! Emily
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
So much good going on
Hi All-
We have been through a lot since I was here last.
That said, there's so much good going on here at The Canterbury. Our residents have already started planning and planting, and now our garden club is meeting weekly because there is so much enthusiasm!
Our friend Nathan from across the street at Bristow Middle School has been running a "games" activity for our residents. Our favorite so far is "Headbandz", but we will try the game Jeopardy next week, and that is sure to be a hit.
David Eberly is coming to play the piano at our Birthday Party on Friday (If you read this blog why not sign up as a follower... as a present to me- it is my birthday this month! I would LOVE to hear from you).
We are planning a pot luck and have a lot of people signed up to bring many delicious items.
Bristow Middle school orchestra will be playing here on May 7th.
The list is endless!
I just wanted to say hi, and I hope you all have good things going on also!
Feel free to call us at 860-232-4833 to schedule a tour. We would love to see you!
Take Care and have fun! Also, thank you for reading this!
Emily
We have been through a lot since I was here last.
That said, there's so much good going on here at The Canterbury. Our residents have already started planning and planting, and now our garden club is meeting weekly because there is so much enthusiasm!
Our friend Nathan from across the street at Bristow Middle School has been running a "games" activity for our residents. Our favorite so far is "Headbandz", but we will try the game Jeopardy next week, and that is sure to be a hit.
David Eberly is coming to play the piano at our Birthday Party on Friday (If you read this blog why not sign up as a follower... as a present to me- it is my birthday this month! I would LOVE to hear from you).
We are planning a pot luck and have a lot of people signed up to bring many delicious items.
Bristow Middle school orchestra will be playing here on May 7th.
The list is endless!
I just wanted to say hi, and I hope you all have good things going on also!
Feel free to call us at 860-232-4833 to schedule a tour. We would love to see you!
Take Care and have fun! Also, thank you for reading this!
Emily
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Happy Spring!
The sun is out, the birds are chirping, there's snow on the ground but who cares! Spring is here! It is my personal favorite time of year.
Lots of our residents are coming to me with doctor's appointments. Our van driver is going to be busy!
Right now we have a group of residents at Hall High School for their annual Pops and Jazz show.
Before they left here, at 45 Highland Street, West Hartford, they found a gold class ring in the van. A little detective work and it was returned to its owner. It was a St. Joseph College ring and it was pretty with a big blue stone and the SJC initials and crest carved into the stone.
Back to the van: We have a nice picture of our van on our facebook page. Come friend us on facebook! I am going over there next!
Take Care,
Emily
(I'm a little distracted can you tell...maybe it's because it's Spring)
Lots of our residents are coming to me with doctor's appointments. Our van driver is going to be busy!
Right now we have a group of residents at Hall High School for their annual Pops and Jazz show.
Before they left here, at 45 Highland Street, West Hartford, they found a gold class ring in the van. A little detective work and it was returned to its owner. It was a St. Joseph College ring and it was pretty with a big blue stone and the SJC initials and crest carved into the stone.
Back to the van: We have a nice picture of our van on our facebook page. Come friend us on facebook! I am going over there next!
Take Care,
Emily
(I'm a little distracted can you tell...maybe it's because it's Spring)
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Have some Compassion
Wow-
It is amazing to know people are reading this blog! Please, click wherever it says to (on the right I think) to become a "follower". That would inspire me! Please? Be brave :)
Our van is at The Hibachi Grill right now. I am putting fresh tulips and roses around this big house to give the feeling of spring to an otherwise dreary day (it's working).
It is tough sometimes, especially for people losing their vision, not to have a sunny day. These flowers are perking us all up! Hopefully those experiencing flooding will stay safe.
I was at a board meeting last night and several people's phones went off about the amber alert. I am so sad to wake to the news of a 47 year old grandmother with a hx of mental illness...that her grandchildren..and she...
I am just so sad about this.
I was thinking earlier about family issues that don't get resolved, and disease processes that may make a parent say something they might otherwise have thought twice about. Sometimes, I am in the middle of hurt feeling in my job as Executive Director and I am available, door open, to listen; and importantly not judge anyone. Please, forgive something your aging parent has said or done, because they need you!!!! I should title this post "High Road".
Once I drove 400 miles to take care of my dad who, sadly, had just gotten a feeding tube. When I walked in he exclaimed "You need to lose weight"! That was my greeting...and he was right! I'd gained weight :) I re-play in my head what I should-have-said....such as "oh no, clearly you need a nursing home!- you're delerious (he was living in a lovely condo)"..use humor to lighten the mood (which he was doing also).
That is another good thing about here, at The Canterbury. We are family and we support each other. We notice when someone is "off" and try our best to get them the help they need, and offer compassion. We do not judge, or criticize (but we do gossip a wee bit).
Someone at my board meeting last night (nothing to do with the Canterbury- a volunteer activity of mine) was talking about someone else afterward and I was so shocked. I just am not used to being around people who are critical of others.
I do not know why that grandmother did not get the help she needed...that let her to this horrific crime...
but I do know it takes a village. I hope big changes come, and they come soon.
As a friend of mine says, "In the Greatest of Hope",
Emily
(PS- Jeff (I forgot to look what he was wearing on his feet) is going up on the roof as I write this to help Direct TV do an install...it is pouring rain and I REALLY want him to stay safe! His father, rest his soul, did not want him on the roof! His God father happens to be our van driver so I just asked him to go pray near where they are-lol)
It is amazing to know people are reading this blog! Please, click wherever it says to (on the right I think) to become a "follower". That would inspire me! Please? Be brave :)
Our van is at The Hibachi Grill right now. I am putting fresh tulips and roses around this big house to give the feeling of spring to an otherwise dreary day (it's working).
It is tough sometimes, especially for people losing their vision, not to have a sunny day. These flowers are perking us all up! Hopefully those experiencing flooding will stay safe.
I was at a board meeting last night and several people's phones went off about the amber alert. I am so sad to wake to the news of a 47 year old grandmother with a hx of mental illness...that her grandchildren..and she...
I am just so sad about this.
I was thinking earlier about family issues that don't get resolved, and disease processes that may make a parent say something they might otherwise have thought twice about. Sometimes, I am in the middle of hurt feeling in my job as Executive Director and I am available, door open, to listen; and importantly not judge anyone. Please, forgive something your aging parent has said or done, because they need you!!!! I should title this post "High Road".
Once I drove 400 miles to take care of my dad who, sadly, had just gotten a feeding tube. When I walked in he exclaimed "You need to lose weight"! That was my greeting...and he was right! I'd gained weight :) I re-play in my head what I should-have-said....such as "oh no, clearly you need a nursing home!- you're delerious (he was living in a lovely condo)"..use humor to lighten the mood (which he was doing also).
That is another good thing about here, at The Canterbury. We are family and we support each other. We notice when someone is "off" and try our best to get them the help they need, and offer compassion. We do not judge, or criticize (but we do gossip a wee bit).
Someone at my board meeting last night (nothing to do with the Canterbury- a volunteer activity of mine) was talking about someone else afterward and I was so shocked. I just am not used to being around people who are critical of others.
I do not know why that grandmother did not get the help she needed...that let her to this horrific crime...
but I do know it takes a village. I hope big changes come, and they come soon.
As a friend of mine says, "In the Greatest of Hope",
Emily
(PS- Jeff (I forgot to look what he was wearing on his feet) is going up on the roof as I write this to help Direct TV do an install...it is pouring rain and I REALLY want him to stay safe! His father, rest his soul, did not want him on the roof! His God father happens to be our van driver so I just asked him to go pray near where they are-lol)
Friday, February 15, 2013
BIG HUGS!and Happy Belated VALENTINE'S DAY (I was spoiled by the residents-flowers, candy AND perfume!). We put whipped cream in everything yesterday!
Emily
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Friends
Hi Everyone!
I talked to someone really nice yesterday evening...normal...we clicked (at least I did...in hindsight). We talked for a long time and it was the first time we had talked...so I guess that means we clicked,... right?
Anyways, it reminds me of when the residents move in to The Canterbury. Many times their situation is that they have lost a spouse or never married and been living at home by themselves...in a bigger home and had to downsize...(dare I say isolated?)...
(we interrupt this blog to speak with a foreign sounding older lady over the phone who wants "a little job" to help people (send us your resume)...and to let the painter in (and ask advice about a ceiling)...and ask Norman in Maintenance if he wants to stay for today's birthday party)
...
When the residents at The Canterbury get together and start talking about things they have in common it is MAGIC! I love to see it!
Companionship is so important!
There's a spring in my step today, and I wanted to share with you the joy of companionship that is Retirement Living here at The Canterbury. Because we are small we have the opportunity for a real family atmosphere, and some meaningful connections.
When one resident came down first thing this morning not feeeling well, we found him a ride to get help and he was back in two hours with perscriptions in hand, a diagnosis and a plan...
and most important:
A smile on his face.
I'll leave you with that.
We are having a birthday party today...Come on over! Watch out for the branches, that was some storm last night! We were fine, our neighbor wasn't as lucky...had a tree fall down. No one was hurt, thankfully.
So Take care until we meet again, it is almost party time.
Emily ;)
I talked to someone really nice yesterday evening...normal...we clicked (at least I did...in hindsight). We talked for a long time and it was the first time we had talked...so I guess that means we clicked,... right?
Anyways, it reminds me of when the residents move in to The Canterbury. Many times their situation is that they have lost a spouse or never married and been living at home by themselves...in a bigger home and had to downsize...(dare I say isolated?)...
(we interrupt this blog to speak with a foreign sounding older lady over the phone who wants "a little job" to help people (send us your resume)...and to let the painter in (and ask advice about a ceiling)...and ask Norman in Maintenance if he wants to stay for today's birthday party)
...
When the residents at The Canterbury get together and start talking about things they have in common it is MAGIC! I love to see it!
Companionship is so important!
There's a spring in my step today, and I wanted to share with you the joy of companionship that is Retirement Living here at The Canterbury. Because we are small we have the opportunity for a real family atmosphere, and some meaningful connections.
When one resident came down first thing this morning not feeeling well, we found him a ride to get help and he was back in two hours with perscriptions in hand, a diagnosis and a plan...
and most important:
A smile on his face.
I'll leave you with that.
We are having a birthday party today...Come on over! Watch out for the branches, that was some storm last night! We were fine, our neighbor wasn't as lucky...had a tree fall down. No one was hurt, thankfully.
So Take care until we meet again, it is almost party time.
Emily ;)
Monday, January 28, 2013
Flu-Like Cold
Hi There!
Have any of you had this Flu-Like Cold that is going around?
I did!
I am still tired weeks later!
Fortuantely we didn 't have to close our door to the public as many nearby Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities did.
I tried to fight it myself...and finally dragged myself into a CVS walk in clinic on a Saturday afternoon. I signed in a little after 4pm and was finally taken a little before 5PM. They had turned away a baby before me...you have to be 18 months old at least to go to the CVS minute clinic.....................................................we interrupt this blog to hear schools are closing...it just started snowing...apparently it is going to be icy...it just began to snow....unheard of in my native Buffalo but having been here about 20 years now I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
So back to the minute clinic. Sadly people waiting almost as long as I were turned away! A lot of people were sick.
But guess what...I was back to my Primary care doctor three days later and he said to his student, what did they forget at the minute clinic. We both answered "Corticosteroids".
People PLEASE have a regular doctor! I have learned my lesson about trying to fight a bug myself and not asking for help.
I got busy today...had to leave this blog and not really finish...and yes, we have SNOW. So be careful out there! I'll be back soon.
Until then, Take Care!
Emily
Have any of you had this Flu-Like Cold that is going around?
I did!
I am still tired weeks later!
Fortuantely we didn 't have to close our door to the public as many nearby Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities did.
I tried to fight it myself...and finally dragged myself into a CVS walk in clinic on a Saturday afternoon. I signed in a little after 4pm and was finally taken a little before 5PM. They had turned away a baby before me...you have to be 18 months old at least to go to the CVS minute clinic.....................................................we interrupt this blog to hear schools are closing...it just started snowing...apparently it is going to be icy...it just began to snow....unheard of in my native Buffalo but having been here about 20 years now I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
So back to the minute clinic. Sadly people waiting almost as long as I were turned away! A lot of people were sick.
But guess what...I was back to my Primary care doctor three days later and he said to his student, what did they forget at the minute clinic. We both answered "Corticosteroids".
People PLEASE have a regular doctor! I have learned my lesson about trying to fight a bug myself and not asking for help.
I got busy today...had to leave this blog and not really finish...and yes, we have SNOW. So be careful out there! I'll be back soon.
Until then, Take Care!
Emily
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Services
Hi All- :)
There are so many ways to gain from easy living...
Just this morning our resident who is not feeling well was able to get some groceries via our Van Driver, and a different resident was able to get razor blades he realized he was out of.
A really nice and well qualified Podiatrist made a home visit to one of our newer residents...
...another resident was able to sign up for dinner last minute.
There are so many great ways the staff pitches in to meet resident needs.
I put a box of candy by the coffee maker. A resident gave me one because I helped carry in his microwave oven yesterday (I started a new, badly needed exercise class this year, that's why they are by the coffee maker!).
Another resident brought down two flowering plants she purchased while on the van for grocery shopping. They look great in the foyer. Goodbye Pointsettia, hello Cyclamen!
Earlier I asked for a suggestion about what to "tweet" and the staff member replied "we're the most wonderful place in the world".
Nice, huh? :) Come on over and see what you think! or take a virtual tour, hosted by yours truly at www.holidayretirement.com/Canterbury-Overview.aspx
Have a lovely rest of the day and enjoy the tour :)
Emily
There are so many ways to gain from easy living...
Just this morning our resident who is not feeling well was able to get some groceries via our Van Driver, and a different resident was able to get razor blades he realized he was out of.
A really nice and well qualified Podiatrist made a home visit to one of our newer residents...
...another resident was able to sign up for dinner last minute.
There are so many great ways the staff pitches in to meet resident needs.
I put a box of candy by the coffee maker. A resident gave me one because I helped carry in his microwave oven yesterday (I started a new, badly needed exercise class this year, that's why they are by the coffee maker!).
Another resident brought down two flowering plants she purchased while on the van for grocery shopping. They look great in the foyer. Goodbye Pointsettia, hello Cyclamen!
Earlier I asked for a suggestion about what to "tweet" and the staff member replied "we're the most wonderful place in the world".
Nice, huh? :) Come on over and see what you think! or take a virtual tour, hosted by yours truly at www.holidayretirement.com/Canterbury-Overview.aspx
Have a lovely rest of the day and enjoy the tour :)
Emily
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