June The 2015 Leatherboard Memories of Whalom Park When it first opened in 1893, Whalom Park was a traditional English- style park of gardens and walking paths, created by a streetcar operator in Leominster and Fitchburg as a way to lure riders on weekends. Its carousel, with fofty-eight hand-carved animals, was installed in 1914. Animal exhibits, summer stock theater, and a dance hall arrived. The first roller coaster was built in the 1920s. After World War II, with the added excitement of skee-ball, arcades, a funhouse, and bumper cars, Whalom thrived. The park was iconic in Massachusetts. Satur- day morning commercials would call out to kids (to call out to their Contacts parents) to “Come to Whalom Park for a whale of a time!” They had Sharon Amadon ext. 234 their own jingle and the commercials ran often on TV and radio. Resident Care Director If you need excitement, then come for the fun! [email protected] Whalom Park, it’s for everyone! Kim Landi ext. 227 Reflections Program Director Amusement rides! And water slides! [email protected] Whalom Park, it’s family sized! Karen McKenzie ext. 222 Picnic’s and good times! Rides, games, and shows! Director of Marketing Whalom’s got it! C’mon let’s gooooooo! [email protected] Great for the family! It’s one of a kind! Trisha McCaig ext 223 Whalom Paaaark . for a whale of a time! Office Manager Whalom Park was the thirteenth oldest amusement park in the U.S. before it [email protected] closed in 2000, and the second oldest of all remaining trolley parks at the time, Cheryl Young ext. 240 credited with 107 years in operation. Activity & Volunteer Director [email protected] In addition to the Looff car- 8 West Main Street ousel, Whalom Park had an Groton, MA 01450 all-star line up of traditional www.rivercourtresidences.com classic rides, tilt-a-whirl, p: 978-448-4122 f: 978-448-4133 tumble bug, scrambler, fer- ris wheel, an Allan Herschell Looper (restored and now at Knoebels Grove in PA), octopus, satellite jets. Their train was a Allan Herschell iron horse, Bisch Rocco flying scooters, Hrubetz continued back page the monthly newsletter for rivercourt residences The residents of Reflections enjoy the beautiful mantle decor that Robin Fadden has been kind enough to create. For the next few months we have the Patriotic theme going. Can’t wait to see what she has planned for August! Reflections: Art Projects The residents worked on Stars for our Troops com- munity service project. Stars are cut then put in plastic sealable bags with the verse, “Please carry me as a reminder you are not forgotten.” Over 150 stars were packaged for distribution to the Bedford VA hospital and local vets. Bill Ryan was given a star by one of the residents who worked on the project. In, Out, and About The monthly luncheon was at Devens Grill—full plates then full bellies! On an afternoon van ride we came upon the Storybook Cottage in Shirley. Storybook Cottage May’s bowling trip to Harvard Lanes— Dr. Mary had the winning score, an 86! Volunteer Appreciation Reception A large group of our volunteers were able to join us for a reception to applaud and thank them for all the programs made possible because of their time given. We are fortunate to have many church volunteers, canine visitors, “friendly visitors,” an accordion musician, a BINGO caller, a “chaperone” for Indian Hill as well a number of high school students regu- larly volunteering their time for community service. Our community is richer because of this dedicated group and our appreciation is endless. Spanish guitarist, George Parker played for our Cinco de Mayo celebration. Bob and Pat enjoyed the nachos and sangria during our social while Jerry C. toasted the day with bless- ings to all amigos! Exploring the Area Groton Historical Society & Museum Susan’s Corner 172 Main St. 978-448-0092 It has been thirty-six years since I recited the Florence Kimball Farms Nightingale pledge at my graduation. The last line in the pledge says, “With loyalty I will endeavor to devote 400 Littleton Rd., myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.” Westford 978-486-3891 I tried every day to accomplish this. My career has Gibbet Hill Barn, Trails, and Restaurant allowed me to care for others in many different aspects: 61 Lowell Rd. civilian hospitals, the United States Air Force, consult- ing, long term care facilities, home care, and senior Fitchburg Art Museum, living facilities. I am grateful and humbled by the free passes available at front desk opportunities that have been given to me. On the advice 978-345-4207 of my orthopedic surgeon and the support of my hus- Carter Myseum of Groton History band, retirement has come sooner than expected. The Lone Lane 617-823-5757 last few words of the pledge “committed to my care” are the heart and soul of who I am. Because of my present The Natural Market health issues I cannot fully commit myself and for that 148 Main St. 978-448-5075 I am truly saddened. My surgery is in July and after my Bliss Bakery recuperation my hus- 134 Main St. 978-855-7562 band and I, with Sadie and Gretchen, with The Herb Lyceum (New American) travel the United States, 368 Main St. 978-448-6499 Canada, and Alaska Filhos Cucina (Italian) in our motor home for 235 Main St. 978-448-5664 the next couple of years. Main St. Café Please know that you will always be in my (Friday Night Entertainment ) thoughts and prayers. I 159 Main St. 978-448-9634 promise to stay in touch. Staff Profile: Chase Hertog Chase Hertog was born October 29, 1990 in Minneapolis Minne- sota. He is the youngest of three children with a brother Jacob and sister Hannah. Chase and his family moved to Groton in 2000. Chase gradu- ated from Groton-Dunstable High in 2010, and attended Mid- dlesex Community College receiving a certificate in busi- ness and support in 2013. Chase started at RiverCourt volunteering in 2005 and was hired in March 2009 as a dining room server. He assumes the “ambassador” role while serving the many outside groups coming to our community for their lunch meetings such as the woman’s auxiliary and area senior center groups. In addition, Chase volunteers at Lowell General in the mail room and has become a valued member of the team there as well. In his spare time Chase shares he enjoys mowing lawns, swimming in the family pool, and hanging out with his friends. Chase has enjoyed some “solo” trips to South Carolina visiting cousins and looks forward to more in the future Sue at the Phoenix Restaurant in Shirley treated us with his next goal to visit Minnesota. like royalty on our recent Ladies Lunch Out. The sandwiches were too big to finish but somehow we Always with a ready smile and sincere greeting, knowing managed room for the ice cream with chocolate sauce. all his “customers” preferences Chase is a valued mem- ber of our RiverCourt dining room team. Monthly Arts Music, movement, relaxation along with creating and appreciating art are regular programs with their popularity growing. This month our resident assistants will be joining the Powerful 3 music and therapy group along with the activity staff now that we have all have gone through training. The drums circle continues a favorite! Resident Profile: Bob and Pat Whittemore Experiences of their Bob worked as an electrical engineer for Mass. Electric, world-wide trav- retiring after forty-two years of service. Bob started els are one of many carving in his 40s after taking a class in the art and things to learn from realized he had a liking and keen eye for the craft. Bob and Pat. Not Indeed, Bob’s works are a true artists’ quality, not only only their own but for the carving but the detailed and realistic painting of the many visitors of his pieces. From birds, bears, and ducks to people they guided for nine and Santas, his works are gallery-worthy! years as escorts for Bob and Pat both retired at sixty-two and continued AAA tours around the States. their love of traveling, visiting China just a few years Bob and Pat met in high school in Lowell and frequented ago. Thirty years of travel have taken them to Europe, the Rainbow and DeMolay church dances. They mar- Russia, on many river and Caribbean cruises, as well as ried in 1950 and raised three children, Donna, David, all over our fifty states. and Donald at their home on Long Pond in Tewksbury. Bob and Pat moved to RiverCourt March 28, and Pat shares, she took tap dancing lessons early on “as a immediately joined in with our art classes, music pro- kid.” She would take up that interest again in her 60s. grams, museum trips, ladies lunch, and can always be Continuing into her 80s, Pat only stopped because her found “taking up the hat” at our many theme parties. teacher “retired.” If she can find a class for seniors in Between their travels and Bob’s artistry this activity the Groton area she’d be back on the tap floor. director is already thinking of a couple of new pro- Pat worked for years as a floral designer in a local shop grams for all our residents to appreciate. Thanks for while the kids were in school and then for Middlesex joining us and for your additions to our community Bank for a number of years until her retirement.