A newsletter published by the Meadowood Residents Association Meadowood Senior Living, Worcester, PA 19490 May 2020 Volume 32 No. 5

Celebrating Centenarians

One courtyard with two residents turning 100 was definitely a cause for celebration! In early March—just before “social distancing” entered our lexicon—the resi- dents of Willow Way, with the help of Dining Services, turned the pop-up dining room into a 1920s speakeasy- ish venue—complete with a resident “flapper” who performed the Charleston. The March date was more or less mid-way between Paul Felton’s January birthday and Dottie Wild’s, which is coming up soon—May 19.

Paul Felton’s name is associated with our Wellness Walks, trees and trails. He knew at the age of 12 that he wanted to be a forester and, since his graduation from Penn State in 1942, has certainly followed his dream. The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation recently presented Paul with their highest honor “in recognition of his lifetime commitment to the health and wellbeing of Penn’s woods...and to our planet.” That same year, a tree was planted on our campus to recognize Paul’s “enduring commitment to keeping the ‘woods’ in Meadowood” since 1996 when he became a resident. In the trivia department, Paul was Acting Superintendent of Valley Forge State Park at a time when the Park hosted the Jamboree of 35,000 Boy Scouts.

Dottie Wild may be diminutive in stature (hard to see behind last year’s balloons), but she’s mighty in spirit and spunk! Dottie is perhaps the personification of a new centenarian stereotype—energetic, spirited, interested, charming, vivacious and, yes, sassy. While content as a young wife and mom living in Red Bank, New Jersey, Dottie felt a desire to pursue her grow- ing interest in the world of antiques. That subsequently led to the purchase of her own shop, which became an extremely successful enterprise. After moving to Meadowood in 2008, our Gosling’s Nest became the perfect setting for Dottie’s “second career.” For example, she saw the need to install a larger door that opened wide to invite shoppers inside to browse. She continues to decorate the windows for “fun and elegance.”

Awesome is a word that often seems overused; but, using Webster’s definition of “inspiring admiration,” it seems to be the appropriate description of these two awesome individuals.

Contributors: Janice Myers, Joyce Hutton; photos by Gene Miesse and Mary Miller See Bill Bourne’s cartoon on page 3

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Movies I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS, 2015*** Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama, starring Movies begin at 7:00 p.m. on Channels 1977 Blythe Danner, Martin Starr, June Squibb, or 1978 until further notice. Running times 1 hr 35 mins, (Fri., May 29) are shown. BLINDED BY THE LIGHT, 2019*** HARRIET, 2019*** Drama based on real life, Singer-Songwriters, Social Issue Drama, African-American Biog- UK, starring Viveik Kalra, Kulvinder Ghir, raphy, starring Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom, Jr., Meera Ganatra, 1 hr 58 mins, (Sat., May 30) Janelle Monáe, 2 hrs 5 mins, (Fri., May 1) Please check Channel 1979 and the movie board for schedule updates and a brief MILAGRO BEANFIELD WAR, 1988**** narrative; see preview on the MRA Intranet. Latino Drama, based on the book, Comedy, (Movies are subject to availability.) starring Rubén Blades, Richard Bradford, Sônia Braga, 1 hr 57 mins, (Sat., May 2) Movie Team

QUEEN OF KATWE, 2016**** Drama, Biography, starring David Oyelowo, Advance Notice Lupita Nyong’o, Madina Nalwanga, 2 hrs 4 mins, (Fri., May 8) Please note that the Meadowtalk team will, as usual, be taking a vacation in July. This means JUDY, 2019**** that any announcements for activities scheduled Musical, Biography, Showbiz Drama, for July—in addition to those events for June— starring Renée Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, will need to reach us by May 15! Finn Wittrock, 1 hr 58 mins, (Sat., May 9) We would like to devote a portion of the June THE HELP, 2011**** issue to ways in which our community has Social Issue Drama, based on contemporary come together during the COVID-19 virus. literature, starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Since its beginning, Meadowtalk has provided a Octavia Spencer, 2 hrs 26 mins, (Fri., May 15) historical record of our good times together, how our campus has grown, and the new resi- POMS, 2019*** dents we’ve welcomed. It seems appropriate Comedy, Dance, starring Diane Keaton, Jack that we also record how residents and manage- Weaver, Pam Grier, 1 hr 30 mins, ment have come together in this unprecedented (Sat., May 16) time.

A suggestion has been made that camera- ALADDIN, 2019*** friendly folk take photos of us behind our Disney Family Adventure, Sci-Fi & Musical, masks so a collage for “identification” can be starring Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi printed. For ease of use in the newsletter, those Scott, 2 hrs 8 mins, (Fri., May 22) photos should be emailed to me at:

[email protected]. AIR FORCE ONE, 1997*** Action,/Adventure/Political Thriller, Call (1030) if you have any questions. Other- starring Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn wise, please remember to email me and/or put Close, 2 hrs 5 mins, (Sat., May 23) your written submissions in the Meadowtalk in- house mailbox by May 15.

Joyce Hutton, Editor

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Test for Older Kids (May is Older Americans Month)

1. “The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to ______.”

2. “Get your kicks ______.”

3. When the Beatles first came to the U.S. in early 1964, we watched them on The ______.

4. After The Twist, The Mashed Potato, and The Watusi, we “danced”: under a stick that was lowered as low as we could go in a dance called The ______

5. What takes a licking and keeps on ticking? ______Bill Bourne

6. “Satcho” was the nickname of America’s Ambassador of Goodwill. His name was ______. Plant Sale!

7. The cute little car with the engine in the back Happy spring! We hope that during these uncer- and the trunk in the front was called the VW. tain and challenging times you’re getting out- What other names did it go by? side to enjoy the colors of spring that abound ______and ______around our beautiful campus.

8. Hey kids! What time is it? The Grounds Department had intended to It’s ______. sponsor a spring flower sale on May 28 in front of the Schultz Community Center. Without 9. Who knows what secrets lurk in the hearts of knowing what the next six weeks will bring (at men? The ______knows! the time of printing), we can’t say with confi- dence that the sale will happen. Please stay tuned to the various communication tools that 10. A craze of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s was a Meadowood offers for an update on this event. large plastic ring that we twirled around our waists. It was called the ______. You can also call Horticulturist Patti Loughridge (3791) for more information.

(See page 6 for the answers—but don’t look un- til you’ve tried really hard to fill in the blanks without any help. You can do it!

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Fitness Corner Beading Studio Sale

Activity opportunities abound! Will it be or won’t it?

The Fitness and Wellness schedule is updated The Beading Studio usually holds its annual every week, and a copy is put in your in-house spring sale on the Wednesday right before mailbox. Consider joining one of the courtyard Mother’s Day. This year that would be May 6. workouts in the morning, or joining one of the The sale, for obvious reasons, might very well two Wellness Walks—either at 11:00 a.m. or at be postponed this year. But, if favorable winds 1:30 p.m. blow, look for us in the main lobby in front of the fireplace around the lunch hour. Exercise with the videos that are streaming on Channels 1977 and 1978 in the mornings. If Be well everyone! you have access to the MRA Intranet*, select Judy Lowry Activities, Fitness and Wellness/Fitness and Wellness Videos, and then the video you want.

Also on the weekly schedule are daily medita- Wellness Walk tion opportunities, virtual classes for brain health, and journaling and trivia opportunities. With the hope that the COVID-19 outlook will be better by May, Heike Kilgore will lead the Let’s keep active! walk on Thursday, May 21.

*If you haven’t already subscribed to our Intra- We will hike a section of the Schuylkill River net, now would be a perfect time to do so. Fol- Trail in Berks County beginning at the Union lowing these instructions: send an email to Bill Meadows West trailhead and walking south to Fox ([email protected]), with a copy to Jay the Morlatton Village in Douglassville. Morlat- Haines ([email protected]). Bill ton Village, originally a Swedish settlement, has will send you an email with instructions on how several restored 17th and 18th century buildings, to access the Intranet. including the White Horse Inn and the George Helene Boclair Douglass Mansion. Chairman, Wellness Committee During colonial times, refined iron from Penn- sylvania’s earliest furnaces and grains from the Oley Valley were transported down river to Trips & Travel – Cancellations Philadelphia. The trail follows the railbed of the former Pennsylvania Railroad. Just to make sure there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind, we’re officially announcing that the May A sign-up poster will be on the main bulletin 2 trip to see The Sound of Music at DeSales board about one week prior to the walk. The bus University has been canceled. pulls out promptly from the main entrance at 9:00 a.m. on the 21st and returns by noon. Also, The North Pennsmen’s spring “Road Trip” will not be taking place on May 15/16. Paul Felton

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CREAM Events Every Sunday at 2:00 p.m All programs are shown on Channels 1977 or 1978. Note that days and times vary. (The Lady of the Lake), by , Teattro alla Scala Chorus Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Orchestra, conducted by . Concerts Starring Rockwell Blake, Giorgio Surjan, Chris Every Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Merritt and June Anderson. (May 3)

Sir Simon Rattle conducts Jean-Phillippe Ra- I Puritani, by , Metropolitan meau’s Suite from Les Indes Galantes; Wolf- , Chorus and Ballet, conducted by Patrick gang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A Summers. Starring Anna Netrebko, Eric Cutler, major, Menahem Pressler, soloist; Johannes Franco Vassallo and John Relyea. (May 10) Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 1 in G minor; and Aram Khachaturian’s From the Gayane Die Csárdásfürstin, by Emmerich Kálmán, Bu- Suite No. 1 Lezginka. (May 2) dapest Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Bert Grund. Starring Anna Moffo, René Kollo, Dag- Sir Simon Rattle conducts Edvard Grieg’s Even- mar Koller and Sándor Németh. (May 17) ing in the Mountains from Lyric Pieces; ’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Samson and Delilah, by Camille Saint-Saens, Vilde Frang, soloist; and Ludwig van Beetho- , Orchestra and Chorus, con- ven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat major (Eroica). ducted by James Levine. Starring Placido Do- (May 9) mingo, Olga Borodina and Sergio Leiferkus. (May 24) Yannick Nezet-Seguin conducts Carl Reinecke’s Concerto for Flute in D major, An- Opera & Ballet Favorites, Royal Opera House dreas Blau soloist; and Gustav Mahler’s Sym- Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet Gala Concert. Fea- phony No. 4 in G major, Christiane Karg, sopra- turing Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, no soloist. (May 16) Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Darcey Bussell and Leanne Benjamin. (May 31) Sir Simon Rattle conducts a varied program fea- turing works by well-known composers such as Claude Debussy, César Franck and Maurice Ravel, as well as those less well known: Betsy Life Lived At Meadowood Jolas's A Little Summer Suite (premiere of a work commissioned by the Berlin Philharmonic Every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Foundation) and Edgard Varèse's Amériques. Recordings from our archives of Meadowood (May 23) social activities and New Year’s Eve celebra- tions. Bernard Haitink conducts Wolfgang Amadaeus Mozart’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra Every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. No. 9 in E flat major, Emanuel Ax, soloist; Recordings of some our Trips & Travel activi- and Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E flat ties—set to music. major (Romantic). (May 30)

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Message from MRA President movies broadcast on Channel 1977/8 rather than be shown in the Auditorium. It is unclear at this Dear Fellow Residents, point in time whether we will be able to hold other events as planned. We will keep you in- As I write this, we are halfway through April formed. and still observing extreme care in order to be as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pan- During this unprecedented time, Council has demic. All of us, residents and staff, are wear- been working on your behalf; and I would like ing face masks in order to help stem the spread to take this opportunity to thank everyone for of the virus. To help in this regard, a number of their efforts and support. I also would like to our Meadowood residents have been making thank Meadowood’s Strategic Team and staff face masks so everyone will have the needed for their extreme loyalty to us and our welfare— protection. The masks have been completed and a big thanks to all who have worked to keep and distributed, with plans to make more if Meadowood a safe place, a place we can be necessary. I know you join me in a hearty proud of! thanks to these volunteers. Lorraine Lee

During the time of the pandemic, the MRA has been actively working on the problems and concerns that such a situation engenders. Hugh Trumbull and I have been meeting almost daily with the Strategic Team in order to express res- idents’ viewpoints and concerns regarding the Answers to the Test for Older Kids situation. The MRA Executive Committee also has been working, making plans for future op- (found on page 3) erations of the MRA and adjusting our sched- ules appropriately. We have been preparing a 1. protect the innocent budget for the next fiscal year, reviewing the MRA By-laws for some much-needed changes 2. on Route 66 (to be voted on at the next Stated Meeting), as well as discussing the Spring Appeal and how 3. Ed Sullivan Show the current economic situation in our country will require that we very carefully make finan- 4. The Limbo cial plans. 5. a Timex watch You might be wondering how MRA activities have changed. We did cancel the April meeting 6. Louis Armstrong of Council but plan to hold a virtual meeting for May. Our MRA Stated Meeting, which was 7. Beetle or Bug scheduled for May, will most likely be held in June or July. The dinner to honor our graduat- 8. Howdy Doody Time ing seniors will not be held; however, we will be sending service awards to each of those sen- 9. The Shadow iors. Many of our MRA activities have been either cancelled, postponed, or adjustments 10. Hoola hoop made so that they can go on, such as having

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Who Was Mark Emerson?

In Memoriam Mark Emerson was a resident who years ago lived in Spruce Run—where Hubie Bishop now Molly Bracht March 18 resides. Elsie Heller March 23 “Freddie” Schoff April 3 He is best known for his establishment, back in 1989, of a 10 x 60 foot planting bed to display “I waited patiently for the Lord; about a dozen native flowering wildflowers and he inclined to me and heard my cry.” a few non-flowering leaf plants and ferns across the Spruce Run at bridge “C.” (This bed is now Psalm 40:1 tended by Woods & Trails’ gardener, Jane An- derson, who has expanded the original bed in spots along the banks of the stream.)

Emerson, the eternal “plantsman,” located tree seedlings along the stream. One of his highly Memorial Day Program successful plants was a bald cypress seedling that he located in the narrow front bed of his Compliance with the requirements for social home. It grew so well that by 1996 it was push- distancing precludes audience participation in ing the ceiling of the walkway. our Program of Remembrance for those who served and died protecting our freedom. The Grounds crew dug it up and replanted it in a more spacious location at Cedar Crossing in A “virtual” program will be broadcast on front of Sally Cahill’s unit. There it died, was Monday, May 25, at 11:00 a.m. on Channels cut down, and ended on a burn-pile. Believe it 1977 and 1978. or not, the next spring the root system sent out a sprout that has now become a handsome 45-foot Further details will be provided on our Intranet, tree. It even provides the writer with a couple of Channel 1979 and bulletin board postings. bags of pink-colored needles each fall to cover his garden. Gene Coughlin This is from a species best found in the swamp- Camera Club lands of faraway Louisiana and Texas. Unusual? You bet! Exhibition and Photo Boards

The lower level gallery in the Schultz Commu- Paul Felton nity Center will be featuring the Camera Club’s annual exhibition this month.

Paul Felton’s board titled “Emerson’s Wild- flower/Fernery” is on display in the corridor across from the Bistro. (See opposite for more information about Mark Emerson.)

Bill Jacobs’ board, “Riviera Holiday— Philadelphia Flower Show, 2020,” may now be seen in the corridor leading to the Health Center, near the entrance to Resident Care.

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⬧⧫⬧⧫⬧⧫ Birthdays ⧫⬧⧫⬧⧫⬧

Date Apt. # Date Apt. # 4 Gerda Weingart HHS 18 Letitia Schultz LH 4 Paul Gamble 192 19 Dottie Wild 85 8 Stephen Finkbiner 452 19 Angelo Borzillo 504 9 Jean Poehlmann 182 20 Fran Tyson 307 10 Dorothy Williams 231 22 Brooke Aker HHS 12 Evy Godshall 501 23 Geri Marcolina 718 13 Eleanor Aspen LH 25 Dot Aker 221 14 Gene Ferguson HHS 25 Bruce Ferguson HHS 14 Rita Riccardelli 248 26 Rita Rocco 701 14 Ginny Bourne 187 28 Dot Enright 14 15 Pat Schaum HHS 28 John Emery 603 16 Susan Harobin 131