the monthly newsletter for rivercourt residences

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. It was the Red Sox fourth world championship in seven years and

their fifth overall.Little did those fans realize the ups, and mostly downs, they and generations of Sox fans yet-to-be-born would endure before a sixth world championship ban-ner would be raised at Fenway.The Boston Americans, began play April 26, 1901, with a 10–6 loss to the Bal-timore Orioles. Boston finished second that first season, third in 1902, and then won the first World Series in 1903, defeating Pittsburgh. These teams were anchored by legendary hurler, Cy Young.The Americans adopted the name Red Sox late in 1907 and hit their stride with world championships in 1912, 1915, 1916, and 1918 led by a legendary outfield. The Sox also unveiled a skinny nineteen-year old left-handed pitcher in 1914 who went 2–1 in four games. His name was Babe Ruth, and over the next six seasons he won eighty-nine games and posted an ERA of 2.19, making him one of the best southpaw pitchers in the league. He also began showing a prodigious talent to hit home runs and became a league phenomenon when he hit, a then-unheard of, twenty-nine homers in 1919.By the end of that year the finances of Red Sox owner, Harry Frazee, were spi-raling downward and in trying to right his financial ship, Frazee sunk the Sox. In the most infamous transaction in baseball history, Frazee got out of debt by 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

ContactsSusan Whitty-Kennedy ext. 242Executive Directorskennedy@rivercourtresidences.com

Sharon Amadon ext. 234Resident Care Directorsamadon@rivercourtresidences.com

Kim Landi ext. 227Reflections Program Director klandi@rivercourtresidences.com

Karen McKenzie ext. 222Director of Marketingkmckenzie@rivercourtresidences.com

Trisha McCaig ext 223Office Managertmccaig@rivercourtresidences.com

Cheryl Young ext. 240Activity & Volunteer Directorcyoung@rivercourtresidences.com

8 West Main StreetGroton, MA 01450www.rivercourtresidences.comp: 978-448-4122 f: 978-448-4133

April 2015The

Leatherboard

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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.

Reflections: Trees and Music

Madeline, Ethel and Rita help decorate the seasonal tree with the

Shamrocks they had painted.

Joe works on the finishing touches of the baby chicks and bunnies for our seasonal tree.

Jessie decorates the

Easter egg orna-ments with her favorite color,

purple!

Dr. Mary enjoys her brownie sundae.

Bill is the winner of the clean plate

club, again!

In, Out, and AboutThe March luncheon was at the Phoe-nix restaurant in Shirley.After the tubing watch, residents headed for the usual stop, an ICE CREAM cone!

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.

Erna with our newest therapy

dog, Darwin.

All shades of green came out for St. Patrick’s Day

We celebrated with Brian Corcoran, starting us off just before the day. Always a favor-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.

Jean took a try a playing the big harp with Kate’s encouragement

Jerry raises a Guiness at the social.

Molly got into the excitement of a funny

sing along song

Walter and Lois feel the emotion of

“Danny Boy”

Susan’s CornerThey say April shower’s bring May flower’s. I have a feeling that 107 inches of snow will bring May flow-ers. Spring is in the air. The temperature is mov-ing into the 50s and so we will see a lot of melting of snow—with lots of puddles. Be sure to go and look at the waterfall. It will be rushing quickly with the melting of the snow.We will soon be taking out the tables and chairs and umbrellas for you to enjoy sitting out and enjoying the beautiful warm sun. Soon we will be planting in the flower boxes and only vaguely remember what winter was like.As I mentioned at the last Resident Council meeting, I would like to have a Staff Appreciation Day in either May or June. I have a signup sheet at the front desk for those residents who want to help in organizing the party. It will be a fun day and a great way to say, “Thank you.” So, please if you would like to help sign up and I will let you know when the first planning meeting will be held.Enjoy the beginning of spring and see you in May.

Exploring the AreaGroton Historical Society & Museum172 Main St. 978-448-0092Kimball Farms400 Littleton Rd.,Westford 978-486-3891Gibbet Hill Barn, Trails, and Restaurant61 Lowell Rd.Fitchburg Art Museum,free passes available at front desk978-345-4207 Carter Myseum of Groton HistoryLone Lane 617-823-5757 The Natural Market148 Main St. 978-448-5075Bliss Bakery134 Main St. 978-855-7562The Herb Lyceum (New American)368 Main St. 978-448-6499Filhos Cucina (Italian)235 Main St. 978-448-5664Main St. Café(Friday Night Entertainment )159 Main St. 978-448-9634

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.

Staff Profile: Brianna KeirsteadBrianna 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.

Flo Morgan, joined the dining room staff in 2007.

So long, farewell, auch wiedersehen, goodbye

Quickly and proudly Bill rattles off the names of his eight children; John, Billy, Steven, David, Patty, Maureen, Barbara, and Anne. Bill himself was one of 10 children born to his parents, who are both from Ireland. He was born November 17, 1929 in East Boston where he would attend school until he started working at a

young age doing “everything he could try out,” from shoe shining to longshoreman. Bill shares he enjoyed exploring work in all areas he could and learning from them all. Bill would also do a tour of duty in the Army.Bill, met his wife Millie, from Somerville, at a cousin’s wedding. One thing Bill liked right away about Millie was that she was a good cook. He and Millie mar-ried in 1952. They lived in Cambridge at the time and Bill worked for the city of Cambridge maintenance

department. After four kids came along Bill and Millie would move to Littleton in 1962. Bill continued work-ing for the city for forty-two years, working nights. Bill shares that their house was always “a very busy place,” adding four more children, and playing “Sonny’s Taxi service” bringing relatives and kids back and forth from the city where most of them remained. “It was always a full house and mom was always cooking”. Bill and Millie enjoyed bowling regularly and had a Friday night gang known as “the dirty dozen.” Billy’s eighty-fifth birthday party was held last year at the Harvard Lanes Alley with all the family joining in, including kids, grand-kids, and extended family. Bill continues to bowl every outing the Reflections group takes to Harvard Lanes and is still on top of his game. He is also known as the “Puzzle King” keep-ing the table regularly turning over with a new puzzle. Summing things up Bill, shares his greatest joys come from having a big family, a full house, and lots of good home cooking.

Resident Profile: Bill Cadden

April BirthdaysLois Hecker April 2David Kryger April 13Donald Stockwell April 16Dorothy Janel April 21Joseph Roche April 21Diane Clare April 22Roser Broderick April 25

April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks ‘Go!’

–Chris Morley

Carol

Peggy

Maddie

RiverCourt Residences Memorial Service

As We RememberMary BinghamIrene Collette

Mary FitzgeraldGerry Leitz

Marjorie MorganPaul NyquistRita ProulxBetty TaylorAl Tooker

Wednesday, April 15, 20156:30 p.m.First Floor Living RoomPlease RSVP to our Concierge at 978-448-4122

AprilSpecial Events and Entertainment at

RiverCourtResident 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 Parkinson’s Disease Month

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects your movement. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. But while a tremor may be the most well-known sign of Par-kinson’s disease, the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, your face may show little or no expression or your arms may not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson’s disease symptoms worsen as your condition progresses over time.Parkinson’s signs and symptoms may include:• Tremor. Your tremor, or shaking, usually begins

in a limb, often your hand or fingers. You may notice a back-and-forth rubbing of your thumb and forefinger known as a pill-rolling tremor. One characteristic of Parkinson’s disease is a tremor of your hand when it is relaxed (at rest).

• Slowed movement (bradykinesia). Over time, Parkinson’s disease may reduce your ability to move and slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk, or you may find it difficult to get out of a chair. Also, you may drag your feet as you try to walk, making it difficult to move.

• Rigid muscles. Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can limit your range of motion and cause you pain.

• Impaired posture and balance. Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance prob-lems as a result of Parkinson’s disease.

• Loss of automatic movements. In Parkinson’s dis-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 may be more of a monotone rather than with the usual inflections. A speech-language pathologist may help improve your speech problems.

• Writing changes. Writing may appear small and become difficult.

See your doctor if you have any of the symptoms asso-ciated with Parkinson’s disease—not only to diagnose your condition but also to rule out other causes for your symptoms.Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, but medications can help control your symptoms, often dramatically. In some later cases, surgery may be advised.Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, especially ongoing aerobic exercise. In some cases, physical therapy that focuses on balance and stretch-ing also is important.Living with any chronic illness can be difficult, and it’s normal to feel angry, depressed or discouraged at times.Parkinson’s disease presents special problems because it can cause chemical changes in your brain that make you feel anxious or depressed. Parkinson’s disease can be profoundly frustrating, as walking, talking and even eating become more difficult and time-consuming.Although friends and family can be your best allies, the understanding of people who know what you’re going through can be especially helpful. Support groups aren’t for everyone. However, for many people with Parkinson’s disease and their families, support groups can be a good resource for practical informa-tion about Parkinson’s disease.Also, groups offer a place for you to find people who are going through similar situations and can support you.

The Wellness Clinic is held every Friday at 1:00 p.m. in the Wellness Office on the first floor.

–Nicole Young R.N., CDP

Benjamin Johnson

Hayley Gowland

Family member musicians share their talents recently at two special offerings. Thank you so much!

Welcome New ResidentsHester NewburyFlorence Bessolo

Welcome New EmployeesTalita Lima, housekeeping

Natalie Bregh, resident assistantLauren McCaig, concierge

veteran stars such as; Jimmy Foxx and Joe Cronin, and during the next decade he mixed in home grown talent such as; Bobby Doerr, Johnny Pesky, Dom DiMaggio, and a fresh-faced slugger from San Diego, named Ted Williams. This lineup of sluggers became one of base-ball’s best teams in the 1940s.In 1960, Williams passed the slugging baton to Carl Yastrzemski and a new generation of heavy hitters that included; George Scott, Rico Petrocelli, Reggie Smith, and Tony Conigliaro. They in turn gave way to Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, Carlton Fisk, and Dwight Evans in the 1970s and 1980s.But this offensive firepower could not break the “Curse of the Bambino,” and for eight decades the Red Sox fell victim to some of the most heartbreaking near-misses any team and its fans have endured. The Sox earned World Series berths in 1946, 1967, 1975, and 1986, losing each series in seven games.Twice, the Red Sox played American League tiebreakers, both times at Fenway Park. They lost them both. The Sox also lost playoff series to the hated Yankees in 1999 and an especially tough one in 2003.Finally, 101 years after the Boston Americans won the first World Series, eighty-six years after Carl Mays won

the 1918 World Series, and eighty-four years after Harry Frazee’s fire sale, the Red Sox reached the promised land in spectacular fashion.Led by ace, Curt Schilling, and sluggers, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, they won the franchise’s eleventh pen-nant in 2004 by becoming the first baseball team to ever win a seven game postseason series after trailing 3–0. To

make the victory sweeter, they did it against the rival Yankees. They then dispatched the Cardinals in four straight in the World Series to raise their sixth World Champion-ship banner on the flagpole of Fenway and burying forever the Bambino’s curse.Continuing to contend throughout the decade, they returned to the Series again in 2007, vanquishing upstart Colorado in four straight.Finishing with a record of ninety-seven wins

and sixty-five losses, 2013 marked the first season since 2007 in which the Red Sox won the American League East. Boston recovered well from a disastrous 2012 cam-paign and won twenty-eight more games in 2013 than in 2012. The Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals in six games to win the 2013 World Series. The 2013 Red Sox became the second team to win the World Series one year after finishing last in their division.

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MeetAlicia

AmadonHere’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