From the Desk of the CEO Rod Burkett

When I write this column, it’s usually 2-3 weeks before it appears in the newsletter. As I write this specific edition, our whole team is neck-deep in the daily management of all the proactive measures and extra communication efforts that are being implemented in minimizing the risk of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Not knowing what may be

happening with the COVID scenario when this is printed, I felt compelled to share a poem by an early 1900’s Austrian poet, Rainer Marie Rilke:

“Let everything happen to you

Beauty and terror

Just keep going

No feeling is final.”

Our whole world has been impacted. It’s natural to feel the extremes of human emotions during challenging times… but there’s usually relief around the corner. You may feel, at times, helpless, lost or even isolated, but nothing is permanent.

God bless our residents, our families and our entire staff of heroic caregivers!

4882 N. Convent Street Bourbonnais, IL 60914

815-935-1992 www.gardant.com

At A Glance

Managed by

APRIL 2020

Coronavirus Precuations

Broken Glass Recipe

550 Kildeer Drive, Bolingbrook, IL 60440

1(630) 783-9640 | www.hw-bolingbrook-slf.com

BOLINGBROOK TIMES

IN THE NEWS Did You Know? Rick Banas

William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 and died 52 years later on April 23.

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and William Dawes occurred on April 18, 1775. Fourteen years later, on April 30, 1789, George Washington became the first President of the United States.

The first train crossed the Mississippi River on April 21, 1855.

By an Act of Congress, “In God We Trust” was added to all newly minted U.S. coins in April 1864.

Despite a veto by President Andrew Johnson, the Civil Rights Bill of 1866 was passed by Congress on April 9. The law granted blacks the rights and privileges of citizenship. Nearly 100 years later, on April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law. The law prohibits discrimination in housing, provides protections for civil rights workers, and expanded the rights of Native Americans.

A catcher’s mask was used for the first time in a baseball game in April 1877. Jackie Robinson entered Major League Baseball on April 11, 1947. On April 4, 1974, Hank Aaron tied Babe Ruth’s record of 714 home runs. On April 8, he hit number 715.

On April 4, 1887, Susanna Salter became the first woman in the United States to be elected Mayor. She was elected Mayor of Argonia, Kansas. The town reportedly is named after the Argonauts, a group in Greek mythology whose mission was to find the legendary Golden Fleece. On April 11, 1983, Harold Washington became the first African American to the elected Mayor of Chicago.

The first public showing of a motion picture occurred in April 1894. The musical “South Pacific” opened on Broadway in April 1949. General Hospital premiered on ABC-TV in April 1963.

After a break of 1,500 years, the Olympics were held in April 1896 in Athens, Greece.

The first Social Security checks were issued on April 27, 1937.

In April 1964, the Ford Motor Company unveiled the Mustang.

April is designated National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative brain disorder. Tremors, slowness, stiffness, and walking and balance problems are common. Symptoms generally develop slowly over years. Treatment options vary and can include medications and surgery.

More information on Parkinson’s disease can be found on the Parkinson’s Foundation website at https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research website at https://www.michaeljfox.org/parkinsons-101

PAGE 2

WELLNESS Recipe Corner

Broken Glass

Ingredients:

• One 3oz package cherry jell-o

• One 3oz package lime jell-o

• One 3oz package orange jell-o

• One 3oz package lemon jell-o

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1 cup syrup from canned pineapple

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Directions:

Dissolve cherry jell-o in 1 cup boiling water. When dissolved, stir in 1/2 cup cold water and pour into a square pan. Refrigerate until firm. Repeat this process with the lime and orange jell-o.

Mix lemon jell-o with the pineapple syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Set aside to cool until thick.

Once the cherry, lime and orange jell-o is firm, cut into cubes. Beat the whip cream into stiff peaks, and fold it into the lemon pineapple mixture. Fold the jell-o cubes into the mixture.

Pour the mixture into a buttered and graham cracker crumb dusted 9-inch pan. Chill for several hours before unmolding.

Community Precautions Amid COVID-19 Concerns Rod Burkett

In our ongoing efforts to be proactive during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) spread throughout the United States, we are doing everything we can to keep the residents at our community safe.

To ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of residents, family members and employees at our community, we are taking additional measures.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) have recommended a variety of steps that we have implemented to help minimize the potential for the virus to enter our building.

We are posting signs on our entryway doors to notify of the visitation policy and actively screening individuals, including staff, who need to come into our building. Individuals authorized to enter will need to be free of respiratory symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, cough and new shortness of breath; not have a history within the last 14 days of travel to areas, including here in the United States, where a COVID-19 outbreak has been confirmed; and not have worked in another healthcare setting with a confirmed coronavirus exposure. Anyone entering the building will need to wash their hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizing gel and frequently wash their hands while in the building.

We understand that connecting with loved ones is incredibly important, and there are a variety of other ways you might consider communicating with them during this time. Caremerge, our family engagement app, is a great tool that our community uses to provide general and individualized updates regarding your loved one. Other methods include phone, email, text message, video chat or social media. Our team has a variety of resources available and is prepared to assist in helping you connect with your family member in any way we can.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we continue monitoring the situation and working to keep everyone at our community as safe as we possibly can.

PAGE 3

LIFESTYLE Love from Afar

Mia Sanders

We may be separated from each other, but in many ways, we’re closer than ever before. Over the course of this month, Heritage Woods has received an outpouring of support from the Bolingbrook community and beyond. Our sincerest thanks to everyone who has reached out during this difficult time.

Deluxe Room Service & More!

We’re practicing social distancing in style at Heritage Woods. Our Dietary and Nursing staff is hard at work providing residents three meals a day of their choice direct to their doors! Incoming or outgoing mail is no problem, as mail is hand-delivered every day. Everyone has been lending a hand to make this time of separation as easy and fun as possible. But, what about activities? Direct-to-Your-Door brain games throw a new challenge your way every day, whether it’s Build A Word, Spot the Difference, or a thought-provoking question such as, “What would you do with one million dollars”. Our very own Deacon Gerry sends us inspirational scripture to review over the weekends. Residents also enjoy a Sweet & Savory Snack cart every Tuesday and Thursday. The hallways in Heritage Woods may be quiet, but there’s plenty going on behind each closed door.

Resident Birthdays

• Linda S. (4/03)

• Vivian B. (4/04)

• Lopa R. (4/05)

• Donna Y. (4/09)

• Judith “Judy” S. (4/11)

• Roberta “Bobbie” S. (4/20)

• Peter K. (4/20)

• Marijona K. (4/21)

• Virginia W. (4/22)

PAGE 4

• Audrey Miller, Lynda Obremski, and Peggy Donahoe-Rodriguez for making beautiful cloth masks for our staff.

• The sisters of Zeta Phi Beta, Alan and Lee Ann Hoffman from Oasis Senior Advisors, and Jessica for handwriting and sending notes of encouragement to our residents.

Horoscope

Aquarius (1/20-2/18) Avoid confrontations, as your emotions will get in the way. Pisces (2/19-3/20) Keep your mind open to suggestions that could be beneficial to you. Aries (3/21-4/19) Optimism connected to changes have been occurring in your area of shared resources. Taurus (4/20-5/20) Adaption should be key as changes are hard for you to take this month. Gemini (5/21-6/20) Your month will be filled with friends and charitable activities. Cancer (6/21-7/22) Trust yourself and what you know before you make decisions. Leo (7/23-8/22) You’ll be getting a philosophical outlook on life - where you are going Virgo (8/23-9/22) Inclination to act rashly should be curtailed. Call for prudence. Libra (9/23-10/21) Iron out disagreements early Scorpio (10/22-11/21) Seek clarification in poor communication of needs. Sagittarius (11/22-12/21) Remember that promises are only promises. Follow up. Capricorn (12/22-1/19) The spotlight is on your home base this month. Communication is key to sort out responsibilities.

PAGE 5

LIFESTYLE It’s Time to Get Creative

Mia Sanders

Often, when life is put on pause, we go back to the things that gave

us joy to get us through. Many of our residents are finding light in

turning to art. “I’ve already filled my sketchbook with cartoons,”

says Mario C. “I’m going to have to start using the back pages,

too!” For Anne C., she’s passing the time reconnecting with her

love of hardanger, a special kind of embroidery from Norway, that

she learned many years ago. The bright and beautiful pictures you

see were painstakingly colored by Linda S., who’s excited to dip

into her collection of colored pencils, pens, markers, and glitters. If

you’re feeling without direction, take a note form our residents: hit

the play button and get creative!

CAREMERGE 3 Simple Steps to Get Started With Caremerge:

To register for caremerge, contact our helpful staff and be prepared to share the following information with us:

1. Your First Name and Last Name

2. Your Loved One’s Name(s)

3. Your Relationship to Your Loved One(s)

4. Your E-mail Address(es)

Please note, an authorization form must be completed for all interested family members and must be signed by the POA and/or resident to participate. This step must be completed so that our community can send you an e-mail invitation to participate.

Caremerge is a secure, HIPAA-compliant communication platform that will give you a window into the exciting life of your loved one at our community. You can use it to:

• Receive updates about your loved one’s activities and involvement.

• Send and receive real-time messages from our community staff. Staff can share photos too!

• Access key care location information for your loved one, such as physician contact information.

• Peer into your loved one’s monthly schedule and see all the exciting activities they’re involved in.

For more questions, reach out to our Resident Services Coordinator.

PAGE 6

WORD SEARCH

PAGE 7

WORD SEARCH ANSWERS

PAGE 8