the monthly newsletter for rivercourt residences

Summertime Bounty Is Right at Our Doorstep!

Salad greens, strawberries, squashes, corn, blueberries, beans, toma-toes, lobsters, seasonal vegetables, and many others are items on our menu here at RiverCourt that are provided by our local growers and suppliers. Our Massachusetts farms are in the prime harvesting time for these items and more. We so enjoy and appreciate these offerings every day

but sometimes we may forget where they came to us from. Are you familiar with the many farm stands, orchards, farmer’s markets, and community supported agriculture (CSA) that we have in our midst? At any loca-tion in MA you will find a neighborhood farm stand nearby to fill your basket. Farmers markets throughout the area offer not only fresh produce but grass fed beef and poultry products, breads, honey products, and varied handcrafts for your consumption. Orchards abound for pick your own berries, apples, peaches, and more. In our immediate area alone we have farmers markets in Groton, Pepperell, Acton, Maynard, Lowell, and Harvard. Check out on the web all the markets in your area for a plethora of fresh goods. CSA farms offer shares to members that provide regular deliveries or pick-ups of produce and/or meat products in exchange for “joining up” ahead of season in order to receive a bundle of fresh harvest, usually weekly as the season dic-tates, benefitting both the farm and the customer with regular fresh produce and other products. Some area CSAs can be found at farms in Ashby, Pepperell, Westford, Lancaster, Tyngsboro, Harvard, Groton, Townsend, Lunenburg, and Littleton. In addition to your local farm stand they are worth checking out for your supply of regular fresh produce, organic meat products, flowers, and bee products. Always up to date and in keeping with the growing Farm to Table movement, our executive chef, Rick Kendall orders and adds to the menu every day offerings from many local area farms and suppliers. Chrystal Spring Farm in Townsend, Riverdale Farm in Pepperell, and the Groton Market to name a few. Here at

ContactsSharon Amadon ext. 242Executive Directorsamadon@rivercourtresidences.com

Rya Bennett ext. 234Resident Care Directorrbennett@rivercourtresidences.com

Kim Landi ext. 227Reflections Program Director klandi@rivercourtresidences.com

Karen McKenzie ext. 222Director of Marketingkmckenzie@rivercourtresidences.com

Trisha McCaig ext 223Office Managertmccaig@rivercourtresidences.com

Cheryl Young ext. 240Activity & Volunteer Directorcyoung@rivercourtresidences.com

8 West Main StreetGroton, MA 01450www.rivercourtresidences.comp: 978-448-4122 f: 978-448-4133

August–September 2015The

Leatherboard

continued back page

Rita uses a fork with paints to create her artwork

Joe and Jessie finish their door hangers

Here are some pictures from an afternoon van ride to Earl’s Farm. The residents enjoyed pet-ting and feeding the animals. Both the residents and the ani-mals were smiling!

Reflections’ Happenings

Ann and Peggy work on their patriotic door hangers

Reflections In, Out, and About

On one van ride we stopped by our friend Larry’s in Townsend to see his Tulip Tree in Bloom. Larry came on the van and shared his story with the residents. All the residents were left with a branch to take home.

Bowling trip to Harvard lanes—Bill won!

What a lunch . . . all you can eat fish fry . . . we really could have walked back to RiverCourt after that meal!

Resident Assistants Appreciation Cookout Our resident assistant staff were feted with an appre-ciation cookout recently. The weather was perfect for the gathering on our back patio with residents and staff joining in to extend thanks and praise. Resident assistants are the backbone staff of every healthcare facility and frequently go without notice for their work “behind the scenes.” We applaud our ‘round the clock resident assistant staff. For all you do, with your constant caring and attention, you make the differ-ence for all our residents and our entire community! THANK YOU! And, thank you to our kitchen staff for the extra work in providing a yummy meal!

Sharon’s StoriesNow here I sit in yet another office within the walls of RiverCourt. I honestly can’t say enough times how much I enjoy being a part of this community. Each and every staff member here brings their own unique quali-ties and this is what makes RiverCourt such a great place.I have now been here at RiverCourt for the past nine years. I enjoy my quiet rides into work and enjoy my conversations with the residents at the end of every day. My husband often calls me at the end of each day to find out when I’m coming home. Somehow I can never give him a straight answer. Or I’m usually much later than I say! When I do finally make my way home, I am greeted by my three very happy dogs. Sometimes I plan to get home later, as my wonderful husband will have dinner all prepared on the grill. Of course I don’t tell him this is my plan, though I think he has caught on. After our lovely dinners, we enjoy just relaxing, out on our deck watching the hummingbirds. Sometimes, an occasional fire, on our back patio which my husband and I built together. Of course he did the hard work, OK, maybe most all of the work.I will end this with words for thought: “The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter and the spirit heals with joy.”

Exploring the AreaGroton Historical Society & Museum172 Main St. 978-448-0092Kimball Farms400 Littleton Rd.,Westford 978-486-3891Gibbet Hill Barn, Trails, and Restaurant61 Lowell Rd.Fitchburg Art Museum,free passes available at front desk978-345-4207 Carter Myseum of Groton HistoryLone Lane 617-823-5757 The Natural Market148 Main St. 978-448-5075Bliss Bakery134 Main St. 978-855-7562The Herb Lyceum (New American)368 Main St. 978-448-6499Filhos Cucina (Italian)235 Main St. 978-448-5664Main St. Café(Friday Night Entertainment )159 Main St. 978-448-9634

Dottie and her daughter Sharon

share a picnic lunch recently just before a downpour. That

rain helped to water Dottie’s planter filled

with the help of her daughter

Susan. A nice addition to

the front patio!

Staff Profile: Becky LevensailorJoining the resident assis-tant staff here at RiverCourt slightly less than a year ago, Becky has become another valued member of the team in our Reflections program. Voted employee of the month recently further validates her contributions. Becky brings with her years of experience of care giving

through private care nursing, a CNA at the Seven Hills Community, as well as time spent in working civil defense. The oldest of three children, Becky was born June 5, 1972 in Concord, MA. She grew up in Maynard, MA, and graduated from Acton-Boxboro in 1990. She moved to Bath, Maine, for a few years, returning to MA, in 1992. Becky married in 1994 and had five children in six years. Hannah, Kyle Ryleigh, Brian, and Will, they also welcome an adopted sibling, Ricky. With a very active household, Becky’s “spare time” is spent attending and taxying her kids around to school and community events, sports events, school musi-cals, and more. She still manages to get time away at her favorite beaches and camping spots, Salisbury State Park, and Hermit Island, Phippsburg, Maine. Recently, we welcomed a new volunteer to RiverCourt, Becky’s son, Will. His assistance during our fast paced games of balloon volley, tailgate toss, and bowling have made it possible for our activity staff to manage the games for longer than a few minutes. Will, is a fine young man with a positive reflection of his mom.

Abigail Whitney and Family: Eyewitness to the Events of April 19, 1775Abigail Whitney and her family lived on the Old Bay Road in Concord, Massachusetts, when the British Regulars marched into town on April 19, 1775. They were witness to the events that began the nation’s revolution. Abigail discussed what happened that infamous day to the Whitney fam-ily, roles of the men and women, the militia, and the political climate. A very interested audience was captivated by this “living history session,” and events that happened in our own backyard. We look forward to another presentation by Gail Hamel Sept. 22, this time taking on a “virtual” tour of the Freedom Trail.

Strawberry FestivalOur annual Strawberry Festival packed the house on a recent Sunday in June. Quarts and quarts of juicy berries arrived just before the event to be tuned into shortcake, jelly rolls, and platters of dark chocolate covered treats. Andy Ross on the guitar and Mike on the keyboard kept the crowd singing and dancing the entire time. Unable to resist, Deb and Dorothy had to dance across the floor as the rock and rollers they truly are!

Al Martino joined the RiverCourt community in April 2015 bringing with him many of his award win-ning paintings that one day will be presented in our residents’ art show. Al is humble about his artistic tal-ent as well as his years serving our country in the U.S. Navy Armed Guard.

The history of the Navy Armed Guard is a little known story but one that deserves our attention and recogni-tion. The U.S. Navy Armed Guard was a branch of the United States Navy that was responsible for defending U.S. and allied merchant ships from attack by enemy aircraft, submarines, and surface ships during World War II. The men of the armed guard served primarily as gunners, signal men, and radio operators on cargo ships, tankers, troop ships, and other merchant vessels. Disbanded following the end of the war, the armed guard is today little known or remembered by the gen-eral public, or even within the Navy. But without the courage and sacrifice of the men of the armed guard, victory in World War II would have been much more difficult and taken much longer. Al served our country in this capacity from 1942 through 1946 after ROTC training in high school in

Watertown, MA, where he was born and brought up with his two sisters and five brothers. Al grew up wanting to be a doctor, but realized art “was always in my system.” His first painting was that of the crucifixion of Christ done in the seventh grade and is present today, on view in his apartment. He attended Boston Fine Arts School after serving his country once again in the Korean War. His artwork won him thirty-five ribbons at the Topsfield Fair over the years, submitted by the VA after his retirement working for the USDA in the research center where he was awarded twice for his outstanding work.Al married his childhood sweetheart, Eleanor in 1950. The two opened and ran Martino’s Mart in Watertown for several years. After selling the business Al worked, until his retirement, for the USDA. Al and Eleanor raised five children together, four girls and one boy. Al is also proud of his thirteen grand kids and one great grandchild. Al has many stories to share, of his time in the service, his work with the USDA, his artwork, and another lit-tle known fact, that he likes to play the harmonica. Thank you Al for your years of service and sacrifices given to support and protect our country! We honor you always.

Resident Profile: Al Martino

August BirthdaysMADELINE TESTA AUGUST 16EUGENE MCLAUD AUGUST 25IMELDA KELLEY AUGUST 26

September BirthdaysJERRY CALLAHAN SEPTEMBER 2HELEN SWIECA SEPTEMBER 2 JEAN ASHTON SEPTEMBER 5MURIEL COSGROVE SEPTEMBER 11 LOIS WATT SEPTEMBER 15ETHEL DALTON SEPTEMBER 22JOYCE MILES SEPTEMBER 25

Dottie R.

Josie D.Walter P.

Saludos y bienvenido a Día de Fiesta A Fiesta Day at RiverCourt brought out all the amigos for a day filled with special food and music. Taco salad, quesadillas and chiros highlighted the lunch menu. Nachos and Sangria were enjoyed for snack after an afternoon music hour with Spanish guitarist George Parker. The dinner menu featured enchiladas, chipo-tle pork tenderloin and fruited flan for dessert.

Muy Delicios

Assisted & Independent Living

August and SeptemberSpecial Events and Entertainment at

RiverCourtA Closer Look at the American West with Ron F. .........................Tue, Aug. 4, 10:30 am

Country Singer, Lyle Pierce ................................................................Thu, Aug. 6, 2:30 pm

Dueling Pianos with Adam Bergeron & Ethan Stone ..................Thu, Aug. 13, 6:30 pm

Art Matters Presents Portraits .........................................................Tue, Aug 18, 10:30 am

Concert in the Courtyard with The Comeback Kids .................... Wed, Aug 19, 6:15 pm

American Barbeque Theme Day .......................................................Thu, Aug 20, 2:30 pmwith Doug, the Monkey Guy, Norman & Pearl

Birthday Party with Ted Powers, Tap Dancing/Singer .................. Tue, Aug 25, 2:30 pm

Silent Movie Show with Richard Hughes .......................................Wed, Aug 26, 6:45 pm

A Closer Look at the Fishing Industry with Ron Falong ................Tue, Sep 8, 10:30 am

Reflections Hosts a Petting Zoo ............................................... Sat, Sep 12, 12:30–2:30 pm

Veterans Breakfast at the Senior Center ..........................................Mon, Sep 14, 9:30 am

Senior Day at Fruitlands ................................................Mon, Sep 14 10:00 am & 2:00 pmRiverCourt Residences is a proud sponsor of this event

Lobster Fest .......................................................................................... Thu, Sep 17, 5:30 pm

Mr. Magic’s Magic Show ..................................................................... Thu, Sep 17, 2:30 pm

The Freedom Trail Virtual Tour with Gail Hamel ......................... Tue, Sep 22, 2:30 pm

Birthday Party with Heather Marie ................................................. Tue, Sep 29, 2:30 p.m.

September—Food Safety Awareness MonthAs we get older, our immune systems weaken, mak-ing it harder to fight off bacteria and serious illness. Stomach acids decrease, which inhibits the control of bacteria, and kidneys, which help filter bacteria from the blood, weaken. The problem is, once a foodborne illness is contracted, the ensuing infections can be difficult to treat and can reoccur. Many foodborne illnesses have symptoms similar to those of a virus, which may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. So what can you do? Here are a few tips.1. Have a Thermometer Handy

Food temperature is the first guideline in food safety. Make sure you have a good food thermom-eter. 40–140° Fahrenheit is considered the danger zone for foodborne illness—bacteria thrive in this zone.

2. Raise the TemperatureLeftovers should be re-heated to 165° Fahrenheit. This includes all meat (including deli meats), sea-food, and foods made with eggs..

3. Cool it Off ProperlyStore food at the proper temperature. It is impor-tant to set your refrigerator below 40° Fahrenheit. If you are not sure of the temperature it’s at now, purchase a thermometer. Perishable foods must be refrigerated.

4. Wash UpWashing your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds may eliminate nearly half of all foodborne illness cases? As an added bonus, it can also reduce the spread of the flu and the com-mon cold. Keep surfaces clean too, including sinks, shelves, counter tops, refrigerators and freezers.

5. Pay Attention to the DatePerishable foods need to be refrigerated right away when you get home from the store. Use or discard opened packages of luncheon meats or spreads within 3 to 5 days. Consume by the “use-by” date on the package.

Courtesy of www.caring.com

The Wellness Clinic is held every Friday at 1:00 p.m. in the Wellness Office on the first floor.

–Nicole Young R.N., CDP

Can you complete, The Star Spangled Banner?Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s light

What so proudly hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?

Whose stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,

O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly ?

And the rocket’s red glare, the bursting in air,

proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner wave

O’er the land the free and the home of the brave?

A very energetic game of Balloon volley was played recently with the

help of our volunteers Will and Ryan.

Welcome New ResidentsBetty Smith–Apt. 282Evelyn Waluna–Apt. 103Claire Patturelli–Apt. 271Vera Ianiello–Apt. 225

Welcome New EmployeesCaley Dempsey–dining room server

Kristen Cheney–housekeepingTom Kinney–maintenance tech

Rya Bennett–resident care director

RivertCourt we have a long standing relation-ship with Wilkins Farm in Pepperell for much of our fresh seasonal produce. Wilkins is a family farm operating for generations since the 1940s. Today, the “Country Florist” oper-ated by a sister team of family members is a major part of the Wilkins farm, providing RiverCourt with our weekly fresh flowers for the dining room centerpieces. Coming up in September is our annual “Lob-ster Fest”. Hundreds of lobsters are ordered and consumed for this event with the tasty crustaceans provided by West Boylston Seafood, another local provider. Mark your calendar for this event and reserve early to join us for this celebration of lobsters, corn, desserts, and music provided by local favorite, Andy Ross. This year’s event is Thursday, September 17, starting at 5:30 p.m.

In the meantime support your local farm stands, go pick some apples, join a CSA, and pick up some artisan bread at your nearby farmers markets. Enjoy the bounty of the season!

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Lauren

Jessica

JulyJessica Fenzel

These words and others sum up the

nominations for Jess as an exemplary employee. “Jess is

awesome! She always goes above and beyond to keep the residents

happy. She is an excellent chef who always tries new and interesting recipes.” “Jessica is

always willing to accommodate the requests of our residents. She does an incredible job managing our

young servers who really look up to her.”

AugustLauren McCaig

Lauren’s nomination shares, “Lauren stepped into this position with tough shoes to fill! She has surpassed expectations with her warm greetings, profes-

sional interpersonal skills, as well as being a quick study on all the tasks of the demanding job. She has a fabulous rapport with the residents—her interactions are posi-

tive, warm, and reassuring with all of them. She has seamlessly filled this crucial position presenting all visitors with a welcoming introduction to RiverCourt.

Employees of the Month