April The 2015 Leatherboard
March Winds and April Showers Bring Forth the Red Sox! On September 11, 1918, a happy flock of 15,238 fans filed out of Fen- way Park, having seen their ace right hander, Carl Mays, shut down the Chicago Cubs on three hits for a World Series clinching 2–1 win. Contacts It was the Red Sox fourth world championship in seven years and their fifth overall. Susan Whitty-Kennedy ext. 242 Executive Director Little did those fans realize the ups, and mostly downs, they and generations of [email protected] Sox fans yet-to-be-born would endure before a sixth world championship ban- Sharon Amadon ext. 234 ner would be raised at Fenway. Resident Care Director The Boston Americans, began play April 26, 1901, with a 10–6 loss to the Bal- [email protected] timore Orioles. Boston finished second that first season, third in 1902, and Kim Landi ext. 227 then won the first World Series in 1903, defeating Pittsburgh. These teams were Reflections Program Director anchored by legendary hurler, Cy Young. [email protected] Karen McKenzie ext. 222 The Americans adopted the name Red Sox late in 1907 and hit their stride with Director of Marketing world championships in 1912, 1915, 1916, and 1918 led by a legendary outfield. [email protected] The Sox also unveiled a skinny nineteen-year old left-handed pitcher in 1914 Trisha McCaig ext 223 who went 2–1 in four games. His name was Babe Ruth, and over the next six Office Manager seasons he won eighty-nine games and posted an ERA of 2.19, making him one [email protected] of the best southpaw pitchers in the league. He also began showing a prodigious Cheryl Young ext. 240 talent to hit home runs and became a league phenomenon when he hit, a then- Activity & Volunteer Director unheard of, twenty-nine homers in 1919. [email protected] By the end of that year the finances of Red Sox owner, Harry Frazee, were spi- 8 West Main Street Groton, MA 01450 raling downward and in trying to right his financial ship, Frazee sunk the Sox. www.rivercourtresidences.com In the most infamous transaction in baseball history, Frazee got out of debt by p: 978-448-4122 f: 978-448-4133 selling Ruth to the Yankees, giving birth to the “Curse of the Bambino,” a long- lamented reason given by Sox fans for the misfortunes that always seemed to overtake their teams at crucial times and derail their efforts for a championship. Thomas Yawkey, bought a dismal, down-and-out franchise in 1933, and imme- diately committed the money necessary to turn it around. He started by adding continued back page
the monthly newsletter for rivercourt residences Reflections: Trees and Music Bunnies, carrots, eggs, and baby chick ornaments decorate the Easter tree. In our new music program AlzAlive we added a drumming circle to the program. Rhythmic activities and therapeutic drumming circles are among the most effective tools we have for creating communal experience among residents with dementia. It allows the resi- dents to respond to one another with feelings of competence, living “in the moment,” and often times joy.
Joe works on the finishing Jessie touches of the baby chicks and decorates the bunnies for our seasonal tree. Easter egg orna- ments with her favorite color, purple! Madeline, Ethel and Rita help decorate the seasonal tree with the Shamrocks they had painted. Dr. Mary enjoys her brownie sundae. In, Out, and About
The March luncheon was at the Phoe- Bill is the winner nix restaurant in Shirley. of the clean plate After the tubing watch, residents headed club, again! for the usual stop, an ICE CREAM cone!
Erna with our newest therapy dog, Darwin.
After a long winter with cancelled van rides we finally got out for a ride to Nashoba Valley Ski area in early March. The residents enjoyed watching the snow tubing. All shades of green came out for St. Patrick’s Day We celebrated with Brian Corcoran, starting us off just Jerry raises a Guiness before the day. Always a favor- at the social. ite, he touched all emotions while singing, “Danny Boy,” and sharing funny stories about growing up in a very large Irish family. Kate Chadbourne delighted the crowd with her music, playing the penny whistle, the harp, and sharing her stories of old Ireland, Fairies, and Leprechans. Walter and Lois feel the emotion of “Danny Boy”
Molly got into the excitement of a funny sing along song
Jean took a try a playing the big harp with Kate’s encouragement Residents proudly show off their watercolor landscapes painted “en plein air” dur- ing a new class with Denise. Maybe soon we can move out to the Patio or the waterfal.
Exploring the Area Groton Historical Society & Museum Susan’s Corner 172 Main St. 978-448-0092 They say April shower’s Kimball Farms bring May flower’s. I have 400 Littleton Rd., a feeling that 107 inches of Westford 978-486-3891 snow will bring May flow- ers. Spring is in the air. Gibbet Hill Barn, Trails, and Restaurant The temperature is mov- 61 Lowell Rd. ing into the 50s and so we Fitchburg Art Museum, will see a lot of melting of free passes available at front desk snow—with lots of puddles. Be sure to go and look at the waterfall. It will be rushing quickly with the melting 978-345-4207 of the snow. Carter Myseum of Groton History We will soon be taking out the tables and chairs and Lone Lane 617-823-5757 umbrellas for you to enjoy sitting out and enjoying the The Natural Market beautiful warm sun. Soon we will be planting in the 148 Main St. 978-448-5075 flower boxes and only vaguely remember what winter was like. Bliss Bakery 134 Main St. 978-855-7562 As I mentioned at the last Resident Council meeting, I would like to have a Staff Appreciation Day in either The Herb Lyceum (New American) May or June. I have a signup sheet at the front desk for 368 Main St. 978-448-6499 those residents who want to help in organizing the party. Filhos Cucina (Italian) It will be a fun day and a great way to say, “Thank you.” 235 Main St. 978-448-5664 So, please if you would like to help sign up and I will let you know when the first planning meeting will be held. Main St. Café (Friday Night Entertainment ) Enjoy the beginning of spring and see you in May. 159 Main St. 978-448-9634 Staff Profile: Brianna Keirstead Brianna is one disciplined and determined seventeen year old. She came on board RiverCourt as an evening concierge in February, adding to her already busy schedule as student, model, horse woman, and teacher. Brianna has early memories of volunteering in the kitchen here, helping out with her Aunt Kerry at the age of six. Brianna was born December 10, 1997 in Leominster and lives in Shirley with her mom and aunt. Brianna is attending Middlesex Community College as a junior in high school in a special dual enrollment program where, upon graduation she will receive her associates degree in early childhood education as well as her high school diploma. At her mom’s preschool Brianna was like a big sister to many and developed her passion for teaching children. Brianna’s love of horses finds her riding at Pinefall farm in Lunenburg and teaching special needs equine physical therapy as her school schedule allows. In addition, Brianna models for Barbizon in Boston and recently won a competition hopefully leading to a scholarship contribution. Snowboarding in the winter, wakeboarding in the summer on Lake Monomanac are other favorite pastimes. Stop by to say, “Hi” to Brianna. You’ll find her at the front desk most weekday evenings.
It has been month’s since the Ladies could get out to lunch, but finally everything came together and we boarded the van and headed to Mango Grill for Chinese food. All our fortunes indicated many more good times ahead! Leeann Heiser, longtime evening concierge, began at RiverCourt in 2005 as a resident assistant in the Reflections program and moved to the front desk a few years later.
Two beloved staff members were feted with,Retirement , farewells last month. Both of these ladies will be sorely missed and we wish them well as they begin their next adventures, now having more time for family, and friends, and quality time for themselves.
So long, farewell, auch wiedersehen, goodbye
Flo Morgan, joined the dining room staff in 2007. Resident Profile: Bill Cadden Quickly and proudly Bill department. After four kids came along Bill and Millie rattles off the names of would move to Littleton in 1962. Bill continued work- his eight children; John, ing for the city for forty-two years, working nights. Bill Billy, Steven, David, Patty, shares that their house was always “a very busy place,” Maureen, Barbara, and adding four more children, and playing “Sonny’s Taxi Anne. Bill himself was service” bringing relatives and kids back and forth one of 10 children born from the city where most of them remained. “It was to his parents, who are always a full house and mom was always cooking”. both from Ireland. He was Bill and Millie enjoyed bowling regularly and had a born November 17, 1929 Friday night gang known as “the dirty dozen.” Billy’s in East Boston where he eighty-fifth birthday party was held last year at the would attend school until Harvard Lanes Alley with all the family joining in, he started working at a including kids, grand-kids, and extended family. young age doing “everything he could try out,” from shoe shining to longshoreman. Bill shares he enjoyed Bill continues to bowl every outing the Reflections exploring work in all areas he could and learning from group takes to Harvard Lanes and is still on top of his them all. Bill would also do a tour of duty in the Army. game. He is also known as the “Puzzle King” keep- ing the table regularly turning over with a new puzzle. Bill, met his wife Millie, from Somerville, at a cousin’s Summing things up Bill, shares his greatest joys come wedding. One thing Bill liked right away about Millie from having a big family, a full house, and lots of good was that she was a good cook. He and Millie mar- home cooking. ried in 1952. They lived in Cambridge at the time and Bill worked for the city of Cambridge maintenance
April Birthdays Lois Hecker April 2 Carol Maddie David Kryger April 13 Donald Stockwell April 16 Dorothy Janel April 21 Joseph Roche April 21 Diane Clare April 22 Roser Broderick April 25
April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks ‘Go!’ –Chris Morley
Peggy RiverCourt Residences Memorial Service
As We Remember Mary Bingham Irene Collette Mary Fitzgerald Gerry Leitz Marjorie Morgan Paul Nyquist Rita Proulx Betty Taylor Al Tooker
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 6:30 p.m. First Floor Living Room Please RSVP to our Concierge at 978-448-4122 April Special Events and Entertainment at RiverCourt Resident Council Meeting...... Wed, April 1, 2pm Ceramics with Diane...... Wed, April 1 & 15, 10:30am Pianist, Steve Staines...... Thu, April 2, 2:30pm The Easter Bunny Visits...... Sat, April 4, 1-2pm Watercolor Painting with Denise...... Wed, April 8 & 22, 10:30am Silent Movie Night with Richard Hughes...... Wed, April 8, 6:45pm ZUMBA with Sharon...... Thu, April 9 & 23, 2:30pm Art in Bloom at Worcester Art Museum...... Fri, April 1:30-3 pm Men’s Group with Ron...... Tue, April 14, 10:30am Memorial Service...... Wed, April 15, 6:30pm French Theme Day: Pianist, Lis Leal...... Thu, April 16, 3:30pm Dinner...... Thu, April 16, 5:30pm Ladies Lunch, destination TBD...... Fri, April 17, noon Country Singer, Lyle Pierce...... Tue, April 21, 2:30pm Volunteer Appreciation Reception...... Wed, April 22, 3:30pm Men’s Lunch, destination TBD...... Fri, April 24, noon ART Matters, Cassat and Degas...... Tue, April 28, 10:30am Birthday Party with Ted Powers...... Tue, April 28, 2:30pm Memoir Writing with Thatcher Freund...... Thu, April 30, 2pm April is The Wellness Clinic is held every Friday at 1:00 p.m. Parkinson’s Disease Month in the Wellness Office on the first floor. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects your movement. –Nicole Young R.N., CDP It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. But while • Writing changes. Writing may appear small and a tremor may be the most well-known sign of Par- become difficult. kinson’s disease, the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement. See your doctor if you have any of the symptoms asso- ciated with Parkinson’s disease—not only to diagnose In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, your face your condition but also to rule out other causes for may show little or no expression or your arms may your symptoms. not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson’s disease symptoms worsen Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, but medications as your condition progresses over time. can help control your symptoms, often dramatically. In some later cases, surgery may be advised. Parkinson’s signs and symptoms may include: Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, • Tremor. Your tremor, or shaking, usually begins especially ongoing aerobic exercise. In some cases, in a limb, often your hand or fingers. You may physical therapy that focuses on balance and stretch- notice a back-and-forth rubbing of your thumb ing also is important. and forefinger known as a pill-rolling tremor. One characteristic of Parkinson’s disease is a tremor of Living with any chronic illness can be difficult, and your hand when it is relaxed (at rest). it’s normal to feel angry, depressed or discouraged at times. • Slowed movement (bradykinesia). Over time, Parkinson’s disease may reduce your ability to Parkinson’s disease presents special problems because move and slow your movement, making simple it can cause chemical changes in your brain that make tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps you feel anxious or depressed. Parkinson’s disease can may become shorter when you walk, or you may be profoundly frustrating, as walking, talking and even find it difficult to get out of a chair. Also, you may eating become more difficult and time-consuming. drag your feet as you try to walk, making it difficult Although friends and family can be your best allies, to move. the understanding of people who know what you’re • Rigid muscles. Muscle stiffness may occur in any going through can be especially helpful. Support part of your body. The stiff muscles can limit your groups aren’t for everyone. However, for many people range of motion and cause you pain. with Parkinson’s disease and their families, support groups can be a good resource for practical informa- • Impaired posture and balance. Your posture may tion about Parkinson’s disease. become stooped, or you may have balance prob- lems as a result of Parkinson’s disease. Also, groups offer a place for you to find people who are going through similar situations and can support • Loss of automatic movements. In Parkinson’s dis- you. ease, you may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smil- ing or swinging your arms when you walk. You may no longer gesture when talking. • Speech changes. You may have speech problems as a result of Parkinson’s disease. You may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Your speech Hayley Gowland may be more of a monotone rather than with the Benjamin Johnson Family member musicians share usual inflections. A speech-language pathologist their talents recently at two special may help improve your speech problems. offerings. Thank you so much! continued from page 1 the 1918 World Series, and eighty-four years after Harry Frazee’s fire sale, the Red Sox reached the promised land veteran stars such as; Jimmy Foxx and Joe Cronin, and in spectacular fashion. during the next decade he mixed in home grown talent such as; Bobby Doerr, Johnny Pesky, Dom DiMaggio, Led by ace, Curt Schilling, and sluggers, Manny Ramirez and a fresh-faced slugger from San Diego, named Ted and David Ortiz, they won the franchise’s eleventh pen- Williams. This lineup of sluggers became one of base- nant in 2004 by becoming the first baseball team to ever ball’s best teams in the 1940s. win a seven game postseason series after trailing 3–0. To make the victory sweeter, they did it against In 1960, Williams passed the slugging baton the rival Yankees. They then dispatched to Carl Yastrzemski and a new generation the Cardinals in four straight in the World of heavy hitters that included; George Scott, Series to raise their sixth World Champion- Rico Petrocelli, Reggie Smith, and Tony ship banner on the flagpole of Fenway and Conigliaro. They in turn gave way to Jim burying forever the Bambino’s curse. Rice, Fred Lynn, Carlton Fisk, and Dwight Evans in the 1970s and 1980s. Continuing to contend throughout the decade, they returned to the Series again in But this offensive firepower could not break 2007, vanquishing upstart Colorado in four the “Curse of the Bambino,” and for eight straight. decades the Red Sox fell victim to some of the most heartbreaking near-misses any Finishing with a record of ninety-seven wins team and its fans have endured. The Sox earned World and sixty-five losses, 2013 marked the first season since Series berths in 1946, 1967, 1975, and 1986, losing each 2007 in which the Red Sox won the American League series in seven games. East. Boston recovered well from a disastrous 2012 cam- paign and won twenty-eight more games in 2013 than Twice, the Red Sox played American League tiebreakers, in 2012. The Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals in six both times at Fenway Park. They lost them both. The Sox games to win the 2013 World Series. The 2013 Red Sox also lost playoff series to the hated Yankees in 1999 and became the second team to win the World Series one an especially tough one in 2003. year after finishing last in their division. Finally, 101 years after the Boston Americans won the first World Series, eighty-six years after Carl Mays won
Welcome New Residents Welcome New Employees Hester Newbury Talita Lima, housekeeping Florence Bessolo Natalie Bregh, resident assistant Meet Lauren McCaig, concierge Alicia Amadon Here’s what is said about Alicia, from one of our resi- dents, and echoed by many others. Alicia, seems to have endless energy and observation. She has a won- derful personality and willingness to be of help. Her attention to needs and her responses are very good. We really enjoy her presence. She has a way of being at the right place at the right time with an attitude to be cooperative. When she is around she is helpful and enjoyable. Congratulations Alicia! Employee of the Month