INFORMER Friday, November 16, 2018

State Streeters Step-Out

One of our Mayflower Community neighborhoods of independent living residents calls

itself the “State Street Gang.” This is comprised of the 32 residents who live in the 19

Harwich Terrace patio homes near Grinnell’s State Street south and east of our Health

Center -- named “Harwich Terrace” because the Mayflower ship sailed to America from

the port of Harwich, England and the first homes on Park Street were built on sloped

land; “Patio Homes” because all of these contiguous and free-standing homes have shared

highly sound-proofed walls but are not duplexes, as they have all been custom-built to a

high standard of construction. Therefore, “patio,” as their residents can step outside into

or onto their own space without using the front door.

This self-named gang of folks living in the State

Street area has, for years, viewed themselves

a community within a community. They have

shared progressive dinners, social events,

outdoor croquet, and holiday celebrations.

Recently, they decided it was time for a

progressive dinner. The event included an

“open containers” feature on the patio of Sig

and Judi Barber and several courses at various

homes, topped off with a Nancy Reinecke

80th birthday cake produced by extreme

baker, Joyce Wubbels. “Open containers?”

Fortunately, all can WALK home!

Oh, what fun at Mayflower! -- Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director

Documentary & Discussion: Healthy Aging

Tuesday, November 20, 7 pm, Kiesel Theater

The sixth documentary in Nashville Public Television's Aging Matters series examines

broadly the pursuit of health and well-being as we age. What is it about age that changes

how we understand health? Two thirds of Medicare beneficiaries live with more than

one chronic disease. Join us for a 30-minute DVD & a discussion led by Harley Henry.

Mayflower Hosts the Chamber Ambassadors

On Tuesday, November 13, The Mayflower Community hosted the Grinnell Area

Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. They toured newly-remodeled spaces: The

Pearson business offices and conference room, the Caulkins Crossing, the Dawson Guest

Room, the Pearson/Buckley tunnel, and the apartment home of Alicemary Borthwick. On

the way, they spent time in the resident-operated Mini-Gift Shop and the warm and

beautiful Buckley Dining Room, hearing Director of Food Services, Scott Gruhn, describe

plans for all new “Open Dining.”

-- Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director

THANKSGIVING DINNER Thursday, November 22, at 12 noon Buckley Dining Room

Please make reservations with Food Service by

noon on Monday, November 19. Cost is $12.

Menu includes: Turkey, Ham, Mashed Potatoes &

Gravy, Corn, Squash and Apples, Dinner Roll,

Cranberry Salad, Fruit Salad, & Pie.

November Birthdays

1st Sue Drake 4th Sue Chasins 18th John Sadler 1st Wilma Vosburg 4th Connie Walton 18th Jeananne Schild 1st Debi Olson 5th John Mutti 21st Wendell Sleeuwenhoek 2nd Esther Adkins 7th Russ Schuchmann 22nd Delores Montgomery 2nd Don Beach 9th Paul Munyon 23rd Betty Moffett 3rd Greg Buntz 13th Chris Hunter 24th Kathleen Heffner 3rd Carmen Raffety 14th Dorothy Martinek 25th Elaine White 3rd John Graves 17th Jack Gustafson 25th Stanley Swann

December Birthdays

1st Roger Long 14th Dick Schild 20th Gerald Adams 1st Dona Emmert 16th Margery Graves 21st Jenny Erickson 7th Mary Schuchmann 17th Lorna Caulkins 24th Betty Anne Francis

8th Gaye Van Hamme 19th Netia Worley 25th Jim Dimit 29th Verlene Mitchell

MRA Movie Matinees

Saturdays at 2 pm in Kiesel Theater

November 17: The Greatest Showman

2017 Rated PG 1hr 45m

Behind "The Greatest Show on Earth" was one of history's

greatest showmen, P.T. Barnum. This musical biopic

centers on Barnum's creation of the three-ring circus and

his infatuation with Swedish songbird Jenny Lind.

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams,

Rebecca Ferguson

November 24: The Dressmaker

2015 Not Rated 1hr 59m

Accused of murder when she was a child, a dressmaker

(Kate Winslet) returns to her small Australian town to

seek revenge on the locals who did her wrong.

Cast: Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth

Mayflower Musicians Wanted

We are gathering musicians of all persuasions to help create a program for the Lyceum

on March 14th. We would like to have singers and anyone who plays an instrument,

solo or with others. You do not need to be perfect; you just need to be willing! The

Bell Choir will play several songs, and we want to fill out the rest of the evening with

a variety of musical offerings. If you would like to be included in this evening of music,

contact Karen Phillips by calling 236-8114 or by emailing: ksiglerphillips@gmail.com

Grinnell College Basketball Games

Johnny Khuu will be driving Lester the Bus, leaving from Pearson Circle 30 minutes

before the start of each game. Please sign up at the Activities Desk in Pearson Lobby.

Men's Basketball Games: Women's Basketball Games:

Nov 25, Sun, 1pm (Wright State Lake) Nov 17, Sat., 3pm (Waldorf)

Nov 24, Sat., 3pm (Nebraska Wesleyan)

SPIRITUAL CARE AT MAYFLOWER

The Mayflower Spiritual Care staff are rearranging their schedule to better accommodate

the needs of Mayflower Community. Christine Tinker remains as Spiritual Care

Coordinator and Len Eberhart will expand his role to Mayflower Chaplain, not limiting

his ministry to Beebe residents. He will continue to be on campus on Tuesday and

Wednesday from 9:00-2:00, and will be on call for Christine as needed. The following

phone numbers will put you in touch with the Mayflower Spiritual Care staff:

MAYFLOWER SPIRITUAL CARE – 641-990-9062 MAYFLOWER CHAPLAIN – 641-990-3861

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT MAYFLOWER

Sunday Morning 10:00 am Carman Center

MRA Chapel 10:00 am Carman Center Fellowship at 9:30

Unitarian Service 10:30 am Montgomery Lounge 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month

(contact: Marge Graves, or Warren Reinecke)

Eucharist (BCP) 3:00 pm Fireside Room 1st Sunday of the month

(contact: Sallie Verrette)

St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Grinnell Christian Church will bring communion to

members on campus who wish to receive it; contact their church offices if interested.

SPECIAL NOVEMBER & DECEMBER EVENTS

November 27: A Season of Thanksgiving and Remembrance. Like last year a

tree will be placed outside the Fireside Room near the Memorial Book on which we will

place decorated stars as symbols of our losses during 2018. It will remain there until

January 1, 2019.

November 27: 6:30 pm in Fireside Room – Evening Prayer and Reflection:

Several people have indicated they are interested in an Evening Prayer Service since it is

hard for them to get to morning services. We will hold this for the four Tuesday

evenings during Advent and will consider continuing it monthly in the New Year if

people are interested.

November 28: 10:30 pm in Carman Center – Advent Study: Rev. Len Eberhart

will lead a study for the four Wednesdays of Advent. (more info on next page)

Christmas Offerings Eucharist on Christmas Eve at 6:30 (Fireside Room) and MRA

Chapel on Christmas Day at 10:30 am (Carman Center) led by Rev. Bob Williams.

New Year’s Offerings Eucharist on New Year’s Eve at 6:30 (Fireside Room) and MRA

Chapel on New Year’s Day at 10:30 am (Carman Center) led by Rev. Christine Tinker.

Safer Living

The fifth Mayflower “A Matter of Balance” program wrapped up its final session on Friday,

November 9. This class, led by Mayflower’s Independent Living Activities Coordinator,

Anne Sunday, and our Wellness Specialist contracted through UPH-Grinnell Regional

Medical Center, Kayley Thompson, has met for 2 hours on Fridays since September 21.

The 17 participants have dealt with learning how

to control falls, setting realistic activity goals,

making changes to reduce fall risks, and

exercising to increase strength and balance.

Many positive vignettes have come from the

participants about how the class has helped

change their lifestyles to incorporate more safety

into their daily living. Likely, the class will be

offered again as demand warrants it. You may

contact Anne at asunday@mayflowerhomes.com

to let her know of your possible interest.

Pictured during warm-up exercises, starting with

Kayley in the grey shirt and moving to her left

are: Marchele Haworth, Dottie Blazek, Janaan

Swann, John Saxton, Sue Ahrens, Gretchen

Isenberg, Jim McConnell, Montie Redenius,

Suzanne Redenius, Anne Sunday.

-- Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director

Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break

2018 Advent Study by James Moore

A four-week Advent Study will be led by Chaplain Len Eberhart

in the Carman Center, beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday,

November 28. Advent Christmas music videos will be used to

set the theme of the study each week. The study will be done in

a presentation style with Chaplain Len setting the theme, the

groups will view the video that accompanies the day and then

conclude with Holy Communion each week.

Persons who may wish to purchase a study book for their own

use may order from Cokesbury (see link below) or acquire a copy

from your preferred book store. https://www.cokesbury.com/product/9781501839986/christmas-gifts-

that-wont-break/?pr=105305681

A Season of Thanksgiving and Remembrance November 27- January 1

Once again, the holidays are upon us. The supposedly joyous stretch of time, in which we prepare for the Christmas Season which begins with the 1st Sunday of Advent, December 2, through New Years can be a festive time for many. But for others, it can be difficult with a certain amount of anxiety, fear, loss by death, divorce, illness, separation or the return of feelings of loneliness from past losses. It happens to all of us and the Spiritual Care team invites you to acknowledge with thanks those who have blessed your life, and whom you miss at this season through death or separation. A tree will be placed outside the Fireside Room near the Memorial Book. Mayflower residents and staff are invited to create a star ornament (materials provided) in honor or in remembrance of a person or persons or a beloved animal in their life whom they miss at this Season. We recognize that all losses are painful and you may wish for simply a decorated star without a name as a way to acknowledge any loss you have experienced that still gives you pain. The stars are symbolic of:

o Those persons who have touched our lives with the gifts of love, wisdom, and companionship.

o Animals who have blessed our lives. o Personal losses such as miscarriage, divorce,

unemployment, physical changes, broken relationships, or any loss that causes you pain.

We hope this simple act will aid in healing the many losses that often fill our thoughts during this season of the year. The stars may be taken home after the chapel service on January 1, 2019.

New Library Acquisitions:

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult LP

Dark Money by Jane Mayer

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick

On the Podium: 102 Favorite Paintings by Norman Rockwell —Robin Estes

Winter can bring social isolation. Looking for a way to beat the winter blahs? Going to a new group activity is much better than hibernating!

SIX-WEEK COURSE

Wine and Writing Monday Nights, 7:00-8:15 pm

Buckley Dining Room—Cost: $8 for the Course

January 7 through February 11

A variety of beverages will be available each week

Initial meeting will be in Buckley Dining Room on January 7.

Betty Moffett will give an introduction along with

gentle guidelines for writing short stories.

Participants will be invited to commit to a small group of 4 to 6 persons who will meet in the Game Room, J&B, Anchor Room and Bistro on five more Monday evenings. The purpose of the group is to offer gentle, cooperative, supportive listening to stories written at home by group members. They may be stories they remember about themselves, about someone else, stories they invent, or a series of vignettes that their kids or friends might enjoy having. Each week two group members who are willing are invited to bring a story, making copies available for all in their group. Those who volunteer to read aloud will receive feedback from the group. This is not criticism but reaction and response. If appropriate, the writer may wish to revise the story at home. Weekly readings should be no longer than 15-20 minutes. Registration Deadline is December 14. To sign up, call the kitchen at ext. 216 or email sgruhn@mayflowerhomes.com. For more information contact:

Betty at moffettb@grinnell.edu or Anne at asunday@mayflowerhomes.com

Neighborhood Groupings - Mondays at 12:00 p.m. in Buckley Dining Room

November 19 Harwich Terrace East, Pearson, Montgomery, Buckley 2

November 26 Altemeier, Edwards, Harwich Terrace North

December 3 Buckley 1st, Watertower 2 & 3, Harwich Terrace South

December 10 Harwich Terrace Southeast, Watertower 1, Buckley 3

Mayflower Celebrates Veterans Day

Thirty-six Mayflower veterans and spouses of deceased veterans were honored for their

military service in a program Monday, November 12, held in our Carman Center.

Featured speaker was local attorney, Mayflower Trustee, and Vietnam War veteran, Don

Schild. Don spoke about the impact veterans have on our country with 8% of the U.S.

population currently serving. He also talked about the burdens carried by military

veterans who come home with physical and mental health issues.

Veterans were introduced. After each branch of service—Army, Navy, Air Force,

Marines, and Coast Guard—their official song was played by pianist Dot Anderson while

attendees sang along. Twenty of those introduced (present or in absentia) are Mayflower

independent living residents or their spouses, sixteen are Mayflower healthcare residents

(Health Center and Beebe Assisted Living) or their spouses.

Mayflower Harwich Terrace resident, Jim Ahrens, was presented with a folded American

flag on behalf of the government of the United States by VFW representative, Ron Davis.

Jim served thirty-two years of active duty as a Lt. Col. in the Army and a history instructor

at Wentworth Military Academy, Lexington, Missouri.

The solemn service was closed by the playing of taps by American Legion representative

George Fowler. Mayflower’s Activity Director, Chery Nelson, served as master of

ceremonies.

-- Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director

9,000 Piece Puzzle!

Last summer, the daughter and granddaughter of

Mayflower resident, John Noer, give him a 9,000-

piece puzzle (really, 9,000!) as a combination

Father’s Day and birthday present. Ironically, John,

who is an active puzzler, had been contemplating

the purchase of a similar-sized puzzle.

It came in a plastic tub. There were two bags full

of pieces. With the help of granddaughter

Elizabeth Peart of Littleton, Illinois, John tore into

the bags and started looking for the border pieces.

After all the pieces were collected in bowls, John

read the puzzle box and discovered that one bag

of pieces was for the left side of the puzzle and one was for the right side. Too late! They

were all mixed by that time.

John set to work on the puzzle on two side-by-side 10-foot tables covered with butcher

paper in the Mayflower Basement Craft Shop. His goal was to complete the puzzle by

Christmas. Working an average of six days a week for about six months, he beat that!

By late October, the puzzle was finished with no leftover pieces.

Then, John used two coats of Elmer’s Glue on the front and one on the back to fix the

pieces. With the assistance of Jim Beckman, owner of Grinnell’s Beckman Gallery, John

mounted a wire-reinforced whiteboard backing on the puzzle. Jim and John then framed

it with a special frame made out of slate.

The puzzle now hangs proudly in the Mayflower Carman Center….A tribute to tireless

effort and much encouragement by John’s wife Dorothy and other Mayflower residents!

Railroad Crossing Safety

The newly-installed railroad crossing signals on the Union

Pacific tracks between Park and State streets on Grinnell’s 1st

Avenue look to be ready to go. The protective wrap has been

removed. The mechanical site work has ceased. Watch for

the signals to announce an approaching train at this important

intersection on the Mayflower campus.

-- Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director

Master Sculptor

The artwork of Mayflower Community resident, Merle Zirkle, will be on special exhibit

at the Grinnell Arts Center beginning Thursday, November 8 and lasting until December

20. Entitled “Merle & Glen Zirkle Retrospective Exhibit,” the show will include sculptures,

carvings, and ceramics in walnut, redwood, steel, and limestone created by Merle and her

late husband Glen. Both were art professors at Grinnell College beginning in 1961.

The show was announced in the November 5th edition of the “Grinnell Herald-Register.”

Merle moved to a Mayflower Harwich Terrace

home in 2001 and from there to a Buckley

building apartment in August 2018. Working

with Mayflower resident and free-lance artist,

Netia Worley, the two women comprise the

Mayflower Art Committee with responsibility

for the artwork in independent living common

areas. As a result, Mayflower has a number of

“mini-art galleries” all around campus.

In 2009, Merle was engaged by the daughters of

Elizabeth Ernst to sculpt a metal piece in tribute

to Elizabeth who died in 2007. She had lived at

Mayflower for 35 years, the longest period of

residency of any resident in our history.

“Facets of Elizabeth” (pictured at right) now

stands majestically in the Buckley Courtyard just

outside the Buckley Dining Room glass doors.

-- Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director

Notices

Do You Use Combivent Respimat? I was sent one by mistake and the

pharmacist will not allow me to return it. It is listed as $460.99 and I would like

what I paid for it: $133. It is unopened. If interested, contact me at 641-236-4757

--Netia Worley

FOR SALE: Top-of-the-line Flexsteel upholstered swivel rocker; beige pattern; like

new. Cost $600, will sell for $150. Contact me at 641-236-4757 --Netia Worley

Mayflower Mini-Gift Shop Holiday Open House

Mayflower’s renowned “Mini-Gift Shop” will celebrate

the holidays with a special open house on Thursday,

December 6, 9:30am to 4:00pm. (Think: One week

after Thanksgiving!)

In preparation, the Shop will be closed December 3rd

through the 5th. During that period, it is available by

appointment by contacting any of the Steering

Committee members (listed below).

This open house provides an opportunity to put everyone in a festive mood. The Shop

will be decorated with trees and garlands, refreshments will be served, and according to

Committee members, “We can show off our wonderful wares...some unique things you can't

find anywhere else, some practical, some just beautiful, toys for children, books and CDs.”

A wide selection of Christmas cards will be available. The card pictured above, Peagreen

Snowy Landscape is from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (no artist named.).

The Mini-Gift Shop is a project sponsored by the Mayflower Residents Association and

supported 100% by volunteers. The current committee includes Bonnie Buntz,

Chairperson; Bev Anderson, Suzanne Redenius, MJ Zimmerman, Dottie Blazek, Kathy

Herman, and Esther Bethel. Another 32 residents volunteer as shopkeepers. They have

pledged their 2018 profits to Mayflower’s Open Dining project, staff education, and to the

Human Needs Endowment Fund.

-- Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director

BETWEEN THE BOOKENDS

George and Lizzie by Nancy Pearl

George and Lizzie come from opposite ends of the

spectrum. George grew up in a warm and loving family. Lizzie

was the product of two famous psychologists who regarded

her as their developmental psychology project. Lizzie decided

to participate in the Great Game, thinking it might wake them

up enough to finally see her. George and Lizzie's marriage is

flawed due to her inability to forget a past

boyfriend. However, confronted with the possibility of

actually seeing her long lost love, Lizzie faces some hard truths

about herself.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Book Club Friday, November 16, 1pm, Game Room: An American Marriage by Tayari

Jones. All are welcome!

MRA Movie Matinees Saturdays, at 2pm, Keisel Theatre

November 17: The Greatest Showman; November 24: The Dressmaker

Documentary & Discussion Tuesday, November 20, 7pm, Kiesel Theater

Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday, November 22, 12 noon, Buckley Dining Room

Evening Prayer and Reflection Tuesdays beginning November 27 thru Advent,

6:30pm, Fireside Room

Four-week Advent Study Wednesday beginning November 28, 10am, Carman Center

Lyceum Thursdays, 7pm, Carman Center: November 29: Piano music including duets by

Mary Fopma & Al Ricks December 6: Shults & Co. Holiday Music Spectacular

Informer Deadline Monday, December 3, 4pm; email ehaas@mayflowerhomes.com

Reminder: NO Informer on fifth Friday of month

Mini Gift Shop Holiday Open House Thursday, December 6, 9:30am-4pm (the shop

will be closed December 3-5 to prepare for the open house)

SE*ED: Senior Education Program Mondays at 10am, Drake Community Library

December 10: A Piano Concert of Seasonal & Holiday Music with Kevin Emge, DO

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

Theraband Mon, Wed, Fri 11am Beebe Activity Room

Bell Choir Monday 1pm Health Center Conf. Room

Senior Strength Mon, Wed 2:15pm Sports Room

Women’s Table Tennis Monday 4pm Table Tennis Center

Walking Warriors Tues, Thurs 8:15am meet by Health Center

Chair Yoga Tues, Thurs 11am Montgomery Lounge

Game Night Wednesday 6:30pm Anchor Room

Active Aging Thursday 1pm Fitness Center

Koffee & Konversation Friday 9:30am Buckley Dining Room