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ALASKAN ADVENTURES

Fishing stories and more – pp 1-2

FEBRUARY FUN

Bring a friend and join in on the fun – p 4

FEBRUARY 2020

In 1980, Robert Schicker and his wife made the decision to move from Phoenix, Arizona to Anchorage, Alaska. Four of their children and their neighbors, the Masons, also made the move. Robert and his neighbor, Ralph Mason, were both mechanics and learned that there were jobs available and that they would make more money up in Alaska. The men made sure that their trucks were ready for the drive north. Robert insulated the cab over camper on his truck so that the children could ride in it on the trip. The men loaded their tools and clothing onto a utility trailer that was pulled by his friend’s 4 wheel drive truck. They began the eight day journey in the middle of December.

Driving the Alaskan Highway, Tok, Alaska, was the first community across the Canadian border and 318 miles from their destination of Anchorage. They spent the night in a motel in the tiny “whistle stop”, where temperatures dropped to -60F. In the morning, Robert’s truck would not start. His friend’s truck drove right out of its tire because sled dogs had relieved themselves on the tire and it froze to the ground. When the truck backed up, it broke the seal on the tire and it came off of the rim. The men rolled the tire ¾ of a mile to the nearest gas station to have it repaired. When they arrived, the owner told them they had risked their lives walking on such a cold day! After the tire was thawed out, they were taken back to the hotel on the wrecker and Robert’s starter was replaced too.

Once arriving in Anchorage, the men quickly found jobs. Robert also found that the fishing and hunting in Alaska was like nothing he had experienced in Arizona! Robert got tags to go fishing for King salmon, also known as Chinook salmon - the largest of the Pacific salmon. The tag allowed the holder to catch three per year. The first time he fished, he went to the Ninilchik River. He and his friend sat in their truck as rain and sleet fell. They saw two men with poles on their shoulders heading back from the river, with two fish - each stretching nearly to the ground. They decided to get out and try their luck. In some places the water was very shallow and you could see the big fish swimming upstream. That day, they each caught two fish.

The next week found the men fishing at Anchor Point. The water was deeper and there were so many fishermen lined up along the bank that it was difficult not to tangle fishing lines. Robert was excited when he landed a 45 pound King Salmon. He wanted to enter the fish in the Anchor Point Fishing Derby but was told that a fish from a previous year weighed in at 98 pounds!

ALASKAN ADVENTURES

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ALASKAN ADVENTURESThe Idatrod Trail Sled Dog Race is a grueling 1,112 – 1,131-mile race through arctic conditions across the Alaska wilderness. In the weeks leading up to the race, teams would be in Anchorage doing training runs and meeting with the public. In 1982 Robert was at the park with his camera watching the mushers with their teams. American dog musher, Susan Butcher asked Robert if he would like to join her for a portion of her training run. They often used spectators to add to the weight of the sled during training. Before they started, Susan offered Robert a pair of goggles to protect his eyes, but he declined. He quickly changed his mind, surprised by the wind due to the speed that the dogs reached and the brutal coldness. Robert’s camera stopped working and he wasn’t able to capture any photos of that day because of the cold. (As a side note, Susan was the second woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 1986 and the second four-time winner in 1990.)

Robert was injured on the job and was in traction for three weeks and then had surgery to remove bone splinters from his sciatica nerve. Unable to return to work right away, he received permission to go with his nephew, who had a commercial Halibut fishing license and a boat. Robert helped to bait the 300 hooks on the line and dropped every 3’– 4’ to lay on the bottom of the ocean. They left and came back the next day to find a few flounders on the line, along with lots of starfish and other unwanted fish that they removed from the hooks and threw back into the water.

In the winter of 1984 Robert came back to Arizona to visit his parents. He felt much better due to the warm and dry climate. The Alaskan winters were very hard on him after his back surgeries, leaving him stiff and sore. The decision was made to move back to Arizona in 1985. Robert does not regret his time spent in Alaska.

Robert moved to the Towers in October 2019 after living in Providence Place for over a year. Greet Robert in the Towers Dining Room at lunch and hear more of his Alaskan adventures!

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Magdalene “Maggie” Anda, Social Worker, was chosen for the February Employee of the Month. Magdalene began working at Glencroft in June of 2019.

EMPLOYEEOF THE MONTHMAGDALENE ANDA / Social Worker

DAVID ROBINSON / ReceptionistDavid Robinson started working as a Receptionist in the Glencroft Center for Modern Aging Performance Center in December 2019. David enjoys interacting with the residents who come into the Performance Center.

Born and raised in Arizona, David is Heather Robinson’s son. (Heather is the Director of Information Services.) David has two dogs and enjoys hanging out with his friends when he isn’t at work. He is interested in history. His favorite food is classic pizza, pepperoni and cheese.

HAVE YOU MET?

Christi Irwin, VP Health Services said, “Maggie is an outstanding employee at Providence Place. During this time of change she has represented her residents in the transition and relocation process, which can be challenging even for a seasoned Social Worker. Maggie has been a resident advocate when calling facilities and trying to find the best place to relocate a resident that will meet their medical needs and personal preferences. Maggie meets her work deadlines and has a quality of work that would make you think she has been a Social Worker for many years, but in reality Maggie is a novice. Her passion for her work and her knowledge base make her wiser than her work years. Maggie has a bright future as she grows professionally in her field.”

Diane Sloan, Director of Social Services said, “Maggie interned at Providence Place under me for one year. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and when I had an opening I knew she was a KEEPER. Maggie is compassionate and during this time of relocation for our 3rd floor residents, she has been in their corner. She recognizes their fears and anxieties while helping them to find a new home, and people to care for them as much as the Glencroft staff. Maggie is reassuring and validates their feelings of loss, not only loss of home but loss of staff who care for them as well. We are blessed to have Maggie at this time of transition. Thank you, Maggie.”

Come and watch the San Francisco 49ers play the Kansas City Chiefs at the Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 2nd at 4pm in the Auditorium. The $5 ticket includes pizza, snacks and fun door prizes throughout the evening.

Do you enjoy creating things? Do you like to do crafts with friends? New in 2020, Crafting at the Croft will be offered six times this year. The class will be limited to 24 individuals who sign up and pay ($5 for each class). The first class will be offered on February 6th and is Valentine themed.

Join in on the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, February 25th at 5pm in the Auditorium. Enjoy the music of Yourchestra, a Cajun band, and dinner. (Chicken & sausage gumbo, corn on the cob, cornbread, and King cake cupcakes.) Purchase your $8 ticket now.

Come to a Valentine’s Day Banquet on Friday, February 14th at 5pm in the Auditorium. Everyone is invited! If you don’t have a significant other, bring a friend! The evening includes David Ice on the harp and Glenn Henriksen on the piano. The menu will be: a house salad, Chateaubriand, au gratin potatoes and Brussel sprouts with Tiramisu for dessert. Tickets are $10.

Super Bowl Party

Mardi Gras Party

Crafting at the Croft

FEBRUARY FUN

The Master’s Quartet will be at the 2nd Sunday Service on February 9th at 5pm in the Auditorium. This Southern Gospel music group is dedicated to leading God’s people in praise and worship. The mission focus is Neighborhood Ministries. They provide a safe place for youth to engage in sports, activities and the arts. Everyone is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.

2nd Sunday

Here’s a sampling of great events planned for you during the month of February. Grab a friend and join in on the fun! Check the bi-weekly Informer for additional activities. If a ticket is required, you may purchase them at the Activities Reception in the Villa Ponderosa.

Valentine’s Day Banquet

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GCA 2019 REPORT During 2019, the Glencroft Community Association (GCA) made the following donations: $1,500 each to the Glendale Police and Fire Departments. $2,000 also to St. Mary’s Food Bank, $5,000 to the Employee Christmas Fund and $8,500 to the Friendship Foundation Benevolent Fund. Additionally, $5,000 was given to the Center for Modern Aging, $500 for the Crossings Lounge up-grade, $400 for bookcases in the Villa Ponderosa and $4,400 for the Marketplace freezer. Money was made available towards large bus rentals so that our residents can continue to enjoy off campus trips through the Activities Department. Financial support was also given for the continuation of the resident-run Tell Tillie, a bi-weekly newsletter. This is a partial list of improvements that were made.

The Marketplace, Thrift Shop and Tulip Patch performed an excellent service to residents by offering affordable priced items on campus. The Marketplace stocks 690 items and donated $7,603 to the GCA. Their 29 volunteers worked more than 4,700 hours. The Thrift Shop donated $32,900 to the GCA and 11,167 pounds of goods to the Salvation Army. This was accomplished by 40 volunteers who worked 5,800 hours. The Tulip Patch donated $3,000 to the GCA. Their 14 volunteers worked 2,153 hours.

GOOD TO KNOWRESIDENT PHONE DIRECTORYAn updated Resident Phone Directory is being created. If you have a new phone number and have not already reported it, or if you do NOT want to be included, please call Keri Little at 623-512-4006. Leave a message with your name, new phone number or stating that you do NOT want your name and number to be included in the phone directory. This information can also be given to the Concierge. All information needs to be received by Friday, February 21st. The new directory will be printed in March.

ARIZONA TAX CREDITThank you to everyone – Glencroft staff, residents and friends who responded to the AZ Tax Credit donation campaign this year. We are very pleased that nearly $31,000 was raised! Donations supported the Resident Benevolent Fund and the Center for Modern Aging. The good news is that it’s not too late to donate for the 2019 AZ Tax Credit program. You can donate and get the tax credit as long as it is before April 15th or before you file your taxes. Your generous donations make such a difference to the residents of Glencroft. ~Kaye Baker, VP of Development

SPRING SEMESTER AT GLENCROFT UNIVERSITYGlencroft University classes are for everyone! The lecturers include professionals from a variety of disciplines, including Glencroft staff, medical practitioners, pastors, college professors and students. The one-hour lectures cover a wide range of information. Check out the February schedule in the 2020 Spring Catalog, available at the Performance Center, Concierge, and the Activities Center. Sign up early as spaces are limited. Call 623-930-5697 to register for the classes you want to attend. All lectures will be held in the University Room, located downstairs of the Auditorium.

HappyBirthday!

CASITASCher Cokash 3Awilda Rohrer 3Hal Valora 3Estelle Rundquist 4Sharon Snodgrass 4Gladys Sallas 5Russell Duncan 7Sharon Wixon 10Evan Oswald 11Mary Dorsey 18Clarence Merrill 18 Marjorie Brebner 19Nelda Kent 20Gordon Delzer 21Elizabeth King 22Al Anson 23Donald Smisek 23Edith Willis 23Bonnie Jones 24Frank Bequette 25Dorothy Miner 26Margaret Miller 28

CROSSINGSKay Betz 4Ernest Patella 5Geneva Stone 6Marjorie Kuban 9Anita Younkin 9Russell Betz 18Wally Wahlberg 23Brenda McMahan 28

FRIENDSHIP HOUSEMildred Mostenan 20

FRIENDSHIP VILLABetty Hannibal 5Sam Howe 7Marilyn Zieke 26

PROVIDENCE PLACEAsim Delic 3Diane Compton 6Linda Wilson 7Guillermina Quijada 10Joann Koscomb 15Rebecca Lusson 15Rolland Havener 17Jesse Duty 20Kerstin Vasquez 27Lois Edwards 28

SARAH’S PLACECarol Lee Doring 17

TOWERSAnn McBride 5Alice Rice 8 Bill Bleeker 14Sharon Casey 19Thomas Grode 23Barbara Amundson 24Barbara “Gypsy” Entringer 26Frances “Bonita” Cahill 27

VILLASLoren Jones 13Norman Langeliers 18Mady Lengyel 18Beatrice Siegel 22Richard Colucci 25Jean Smith 28

FRIENDSHIP VILLAMary Bingham

PROVIDENCE PLACEMarilyn Zieke

SARAH’S PLACELeslie HartnettDoris Bradshaw

VILLAGilbert Zieke

WelcomeCASITAS

Georgia LindseyRichard Stell

CROSSINGSRussell & Kay BetzScott Doolittle Judith Schneider

TOWERSDelores BrownJesus RaconMelody Bribiescas

VILLAJimmy EspinozaBeatrice SiegelCharlotte TonsingEnedina ThomasonShirley Zea

Moved

Quick Dial

Activities: 623.847.3009

Administration: 623.939.9475

Concierge: 623.847.3058

Glencroft @ Home: 623.847.3086

Resident Services: 623.847.3084

Security: 602.768.1659

Spiritual Life: 623.847.3066

Chaplain Stan: 623.847.3115

Save theSave theDateDate

March 23-27March 23-27

Fun forFun forFriends &Friends &Family too!Family too!

PassedPassedHerman Krehbiel 12/12/19

Gertrude Nels 12/15/19Blaine Wallace 12/25/19

Lloyd Hulbert 1/5/20Betty Hazelett 1/8/20Vern Salmon 1/19/20Betty Metcalf 1/21/20

Louis Jarmolowicz 1/22/20 7.

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February 2020 Day Date Time Event Location

Cost

Pre-register with the Activities Reception in the Villa Ponderosa or call 623.847.3009. (Items that Cost Must be paid with reservation.)

The Rolandos6:00pm Friday

3 AuditoriumGCA CommunityMeeting3:30pmMonday

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13Thursday 4:15pm Dinner ClubFamous Dave’s $ Dinner

Auditorium

4:00pmSunday 2 $5 AuditoriumSuperbowl &Pizza party

Auditorium6:00pm28Friday Big Bingo

21 VILLA PONDEROSAFriday Sticky Bun Day10:00am

5:00pm9Sunday 2nd Sunday:The Master’s Quartet

14 5:00pmFriday Valentines DayBanquet $10 Auditorium

Auditorium

25 5:00pmTuesday Mardi GrasParty

6Thursday 10:00am Crafting @ the Croft

21 AuditoriumFriday Bobby Hamilton6:00pm$8 Auditorium

6Thursday 2:00pm AuditoriumHymn Sing

$5 VILLA PONDEROSA

© 2020 Glencroft Center for Modern Aging | 8611 N. 67th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85302623-939-9475 | glencroft.com