2 Laurel Lake Living I Fall 2010

A lifestyle with all the advantages

Winter 2013

IN THIS ISSUE

Cold Winter, Hot Savings!PAGE 2

You’re Invitedto an Open House

PAGE 3

Former Educators“Ace” Retirement Living

PAGE 4

How Financially StrongIs Your CCRC? Eight

Questions to AskPAGE 6

Distance Learningwith University Circle

PAGE 8

Snapshots:Hot Dog Roast & Bonfire

PAGE 9

Snapshots:2012 Holiday Gathering

PAGE 10

HappeningsPAGE 11

Take the Fitness Plunge!PAGE 12

Families GiveCrown Center High Marks

PAGE 12

Cold Winter, HOT Savings!

It’s a new year—the perfect time to make positive changes in your life. By reserving a Laurel Lake apartment or villa today, you’ll take the first steps toward a more active lifestyle in a carefree home, with long term financial security and a “safety net” of services for the future, if needed.

For a limited time, choose your favorite Two-Bedroom Apartment at Laurel Lake and save up to $40,000!

Reserve today and take up to SIX MONTHS to make

your move, with no financial risk. Please note, this special promotion does not apply to Vista or Conversion apartments.

What could you do with that extra $40,000? Use it to decorate your new home and pay for moving expenses. Or, take advantage of these significant savings to set the most competitive asking price to help your home sell more quickly.

Don’t delay, this special promotion ends soon! Call 1-866-650-2100 to learn more about Laurel Lake’s risk-free reservation process and set an appointment to view available home styles. With so many sizes and styles to choose from, you’ll be sure to find one you love!

2 Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2013

Now’s the time to enjoy your retirement at Laurel Lake in Hudson. Our rewarding lifestyle, outstanding amenities and “Type A” Life Care option make living here one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your family.

Winter Open HouseFebruary 12 @ 2:00 PM

Join us for light hors d’oeuvres and a Panel Discussion with Resident Experts! Take a walking tour of The Commons and get an exclusive “peek” into select apartment and villa styles, each with personalized design options. Learn about Laurel Lake’s refundable residency options and how Type A Life Care can protect your nest egg.

Spring Open House

April 9 at 10 AM – BrunchApril 11 at 2 PM – Coffee

Visit Laurel Lake’s campus at the height of Spring! You’ll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with residents, enjoy gourmet treats and take a guided tour of the community, including some of Laurel Lake’s most popular apartment and villa home styles.

Space is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, call Julie at 1-866-650-2100.

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Laurel Lake LivingIs published quarterly for the residents, family and friends ofLaurel Lake Retirement Community.

Please submit suggestions to:Laurel Lake Living200 Laurel Lake Dr, Hudson OH 44236(330)650-2100www.laurellake.orginfo@laurellake.org

Laurel Lake is a not-for-profitcontinuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering multiple home styles within 150 acres in Hudson, Ohio.

Our community is firmly committed to Equal Opportunity in both housing and employment. Laurel Lake is a member of the Catholic Health Partners family of senior living and healthcare organizations.

on the cover American Bald Eagles returned to Northern Ohio several years ago and are starting to thrive. Some nest along the Cuyahoga River, just minutes from Laurel Lake.

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J im & Carol Stanley are fascinating, fun people—and

constantly on the go. So when this dynamic duo started looking at retirement communities, they wanted one with the same spirit.

“We looked for a place with lots of stimulating activities and learning experiences,” says Carol, 74. “One that exudes energy.”

“Making the move while we’re still young and active was a top priority too” adds Jim, 75.

It was love at first sight for this Copley couple and Laurel Lake, but they still did their homework before choosing the community. “For us, it was the perfect choice.”

Avid hikers and occasional skiers, the Stanleys loved the fact

that Laurel Lake is just ten minutes from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Boston Mills Ski Resort, and has its own 5-mile nature trail.

They were charmed by Laurel Lake’s historic Hudson hometown with its quaint greens and pedestrian-friendly outdoor shopping districts. As retired educators, they especially like the

Former educators “ace” retirement living

Exploring the National Parks is a passion for Jim and Carol Stanley—and a major reason they chose Laurel Lake. Here the couple visits Muir Woods, a redwood forest near San Francisco, during their 2011 vacation.

“ALA Starred” Hudson Library, ranked one of the nation’s best.

But the real attraction was Laurel Lake itself.

“We attended a multitude of classes here and observed the energetic, warm interactions between residents and staff,” Carol shares. Her personal favorites are the aerobics dance class, Poetic Pursuits, Yoga and Mind Menders.

“We fell in love with a two-bedroom corner apartment and all the design options that are available,” she adds.

The pair took the plunge and moved into their corner apartment last August.

Ambition and EnergyJim and Carol have always led

eventful lives, including teaching careers that started in the late 1950s and the raising of two children, David and Linda.

Jim taught junior high and high school students before relocating the family to Bethesda, MD in pursuit of a doctorate at the School of International Affairs at American University. In 1969, the Stanleys returned to Canton, OH where Jim taught history and political science at Malone College for 14 years, spending one year at Hong Kong Baptist College on a Fulbright award.

In 1985 Jim joined the faculty of Kent State University to teach International Studies, U. S. Foreign Policy, Comparative Politics, and American Government. He was a guest lecturer at Lakeside, the “Chautauqua on Lake Erie,” for four seasons. In 1995 he moved to the University of Akron’s Political Science department and became Director of the Center for Conflict Management. Jim retired in 2001 but taught part-time at Cleveland State University until 2006, when he left the classroom to focus on

family, travel and his hobbies: Photography, hiking and fishing.

The Power of PlayCarol’s career evolved from

elementary classroom teacher (14 years) to school counselor (23 years). She eventually formed her own part-time private practice, became a clinical counselor supervisor, and served for a time as adjunct professor at Kent State and the University of Akron, working with future counselors.

Then in 1995, Carol experienced something that changed her professional life forever.

“I did a 2-week play therapy course with Dr. Violet Oaklander in Santa Barbara,” Carol recalls.

“On her patio, I experienced sandtray therapy for the first time. It had such a powerful effect on me that I decided I did not want to offer any other kind of therapy.”

Now a certified Play Therapist specializing in sandtray therapy, Carol helps grieving children and adults express themselves using toys as words, and play as a language for their innermost feelings.

“Sometimes there are no words to express what is felt,” she explains. “Sandplay is fun yet healing and empowering—a way to receive messages from within.”

At the Palliative Care Division of Akron Children’s Hospital, Carol volunteers for 6-week “Good Mourning” sessions every 2 months for children and, sometimes, their parents. Volunteers help her set up the trays and nearly 1,000 miniature toys she uses for sessions.

Carol is now piloting a sandtray program for Laurel Lake residents, too—when she’s not out jogging, biking, skiing, raising organic produce, and spending time with Jim, their children and “five awesome grandchildren.”

I’m Okay, You’re OkayToday the Stanleys are busier

than ever and have adjusted well to their new life at Laurel Lake.

“We never felt any anxiety about the move. No adjustment issues!” laughs Carol (and as a counselor, she should know).

“Moving to Laurel Lake just felt right for us. And it is right.”

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As a certified Play Therapist, Carol volunteers regularly with kids of all ages through Akron Children’s Hospital Palliative Care Division.

Moving to a continuing care retirement community isn’t

just about maintaining an active lifestyle and personal well-being. It’s also an important financial investment in your future.

When shopping for a CCRC, today’s consumers need to look beyond the amenities that make continuing-care developments like Laurel Lake so attractive at first glance—upscale housing, dining and fitness centers—and really dig into the community’s finances.

When you do, you’ll discover that Laurel Lake isn’t just another pretty face. It’s an

economically sound decision that gives you the comfort of knowing your investment will be stable and secure. Read on—you’ll see that we have the numbers to prove it.

Here are eight key questions that can provide important clues to the financial strength of any CCRC you may be considering, and its ability to honor the commitments it makes to you:

n Are audited financial statements available for review?

Laurel Lake believes in transparency, so you won’t ever have to ask to look at our books. The last three years of audited financial statements and IRS 990 tax forms for Laurel Lake Retirement Community are posted on our website at www.

laurellake.com/

financial.html. Hard copies are available by request at any time by calling 1-866-650-2100.

n Does the CCRC have a positive net worth?

Yes, we do. Laurel Lake’s net worth has increased every year for the last ten years. At the end of 2012, Laurel Lake’s net assets totaled $6.3 million.

n In the past few years, have operating revenues exceeded expenses?

Yes, and by very comfortable margins. In 2012—a record-breaking year in which Laurel Lake welcomed 83 new residents—the community’s margin of revenues over expenses was 7.7%. Performance in previous years has been equally robust. Laurel Lake’s healthy occupancy levels across all levels of care and excellent cash flow (which has supported liquidity growth and robust debt

service coverage) helped the community weather the recent economic downturn with little problem. And, we were able to build a $3.1 million Crown Center expansion through

capital reserves and private donations alone.

n To what degree does the CCRC rely on non-operating income from donations, endowments and investments?

Laurel Lake does not have to rely on non-operating income to fund its daily operations. Our

How $TRONG is your CCRC?

carefully calibrated resident monthly fees take care of that. However, income from contributions and investments does help Laurel Lake enhance community services, expand and improve our facilities, develop new programs, and maintain our reputation as a leader in quality retirement living for Ohio.

n Do the CCRC’s financial ratios show it has the resources to provide services now and in the future?

Key financial indicators for Laurel Lake tell a very positive story. While the average CCRC maintains 300 days of cash on hand (the number of days a community can sustain operations without any further income) Laurel Lake reported 600 days of cash on hand as of January 2013. Laurel Lake’s fully funded status—the community’s financial ability to meet the cost of medical care for its residents based on actuarial statistics—has been over 100% for the last several years.

n What is the CCRC’s history of resident monthly fee increases?

Ziegler, the nation’s leading underwriter of financing for non-

profit senior living providers, reports that the average CCRC raised its fees by 3% in 2012 and will do so again in 2013.

By comparison, Laurel Lake’s remarkable history of rate increases over the past seven years averages just 1.3% per year, well under the industry norm. In three of the last six years, including 2011 and 2013, Laurel Lake did not raise its monthly fees at all. This speaks volumes about the community’s careful fiscal management.

n How are residents involved in strategic and financial decisions?

One of Laurel Lake’s greatest advantages is the extent to which residents are involved in business decision-making.

All residents are voting members of the Laurel Lake Resident Association, which deploys numerous working committees influencing everything from marketing strategies to budget planning and capital improvements.

Three residents are also elected to serve as full voting members of the Laurel Lake Board of Directors. Yes, our residents do have a strong voice.

n How long has the CCRC been operating successfully?

Longevity matters. Prudent financial management and stewardship have enabled Laurel Lake to meet and extend its mission for nearly 25 years. Laurel Lake’s Board of Directors and management team have invested wisely and controlled expenses while ensuring exceptional services and care. The community’s staff turnover rate is low, while resident and staff satisfaction metrics are high. A satisfied and stable CCRC is the strongest endorsement of the investment today’s consumers are considering.

Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2013 7

Do your homework before choosing a CCRC. Sharp fee increases (5%

or higher) can be a sign of financial trouble. Laurel Lake’s history of

modest annual increases, shown at right, reveals careful stewardship.

Laurel Lake is a smart investment, but is it the right

choice for you? Find out!Ask for a confidential

personal Cost of Living Comparison and Financial

Analysis by calling1-866-650-2100.

University Circle offers the following Distance Learning programs at Laurel Lake, linking you to world-class museums and educational institutions via live videostream. Funding is provided by the Laurel Lake Foundation. To register, call 1-866-650-2100. For a complete list, visit laurellake.org.

n “Tomb Culture of Ancient China” – Feb. 4

@ 3:30 PM. Live from The Cleveland Museum of Art. Survey

history from the late Neolithic (3,000

BC) era to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) through objects found in ancient Chinese tombs.

These objects shed light on daily life and show exemplary workmanship in jade, bronze, and ceramics.

n “The China Trade: Economics, Past and Present” – Feb. 11 @ 1:00 PM. Live from The Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia. Learn about the basics of commerce through Philadelphia’s China trade. You’ll begin with background history of the Silk Road and trade with the Far East, learn about the items traded and key figures involved.

n “Science and Technology Along the Silk Road” – Feb. 18 @ 1:00 PM. Live from The Inner Asian & Uralic National Resource Center, Indiana University. Consider the many contributions to math, medicine, science and technology

pioneered in Central Eurasia during the period known as the “middle ages.” The silk road did more than just link Europe to Central Asia and other parts of the world; it brought Europeans many inventions and scientific breakthroughs from the far corners of the Islamic world.

n “My Life As An Undocumented Worker” – Feb. 25 @ 1:00 PM. On

Feb. 25 at 6:00 PM at Playhouse Square, Town Hall of Cleveland

presents Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The Washington Post covering HIV/AIDS, tech and video game culture, and the 2008 presidential campaign. Earlier that day at 1:00 PM, Laurel Lake offers a preview with Mr. Vargas via live video conferencing. Vargas has written for the Philadelphia Daily News, San Francisco Chronicle, Rolling Stone and New York. He taught “Storytelling 2.0” at Georgetown University and served on the advisory board for the Knight-Batten Award for Innovations in Journalism, housed at American University. He is the founder of Define American, a non-profit organization that seeks to elevate the conversation around immigration, and is himself an undocumented immigrant to the United States.

n “John Hay: Cleveland’s Adopted Son” – March 4 @ 3:30 PM. Live from The Western Reserve Historical Society. John Hay, private secretary to Abraham Lincoln, and later Secretary of State under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt, married into one of the

leading families of Cleveland. A poet, diplomat, and author, Hay helped shape the United States as it entered the 20th century.

n “President Maker: Cleveland’s Marcus Hanna” – March 11 @ 3:30 PM. Live fromWestern Reserve Historical Society, Marcus Hanna, the man who made William McKinley president, was a Cleveland businessman who became a political leader. From attending school with John D. Rockefeller to taking over his father-in-law’s mining company, Hanna worked behind the scenes in 1896 to help shape national politics. Later, as a U.S. Senator, he helped pass the legislation to create the Panama Canal.

n “Presidential Historian Michael Beschloss” – March 18 @ 1:00

PM. On March 18, 6:00 PM at Playhouse Square, Town Hall of Cleveland presents Presidential

historian Michael Beschloss. Earlier that day at 1:00 PM, Laurel Lake offers a preview with Mr. Beschloss via live videoconference.He is author of eight books including NY Times best-sellers Presidential Courage and The Conquerors. He appears regularly on NBC News programs and is a regular commentator on the PBS NewsHour. He created and hosted Discovery Channel’s Emmy-winning “Decisions That Shook the World.”

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2013 Winter Classes

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snapshots I If outdoor living is what you seek, you’ll find it in abundance at Laurel Lake. Last October as the sun set over the tranquil waters of Rider Lake, residents gathered for a Bonfire & Hot Dog Roast. The final cook-out of the season attracted a big crowd of residents, staff and family members who celebrated the arrival of Fall in great style. Around the firepit, guests roasted hot dogs, toasted marshmallows for s’mores, and shot the breeze. Pegg Spring demonstrated the art of wind-powered model sailboating as her little sloop glided across Rider Lake. David Oster, Laurel Lake’s CEO, offered boat rides around the lake. A number of residents walked the trails or snapped photos of the changing foliage. The group sang “Happy Birthday” to one resident who celebrated his 86th birthday. As twilight fell, many lingered around the bonfire to tell stories and enjoy the ambience of a crisp, quiet autumn evening together.

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snapshots I On December 21 the first blizzard of the season turned Laurel Lake into a Winter Wonderland, but in the Laurel Lake Commons all was cheery and bright for the community’s 2012 Holiday Gathering. Hundreds of residents shared laughter and conversation along with a wine bar and amazing hors d’oeuvres, an elegant meal, and holiday jazz music provided by Tom Scott & Friends. The residents and staff of Laurel Lake wish you a happy, healthy New Year!

Super Bowl XLVII February 3The Pub becomes a sports bar as the Ravens take on the 49ers.

Music at Sarah’s Vineyard Feb 6Great wine, appetizers and The Alan Greene Band at Sarah’s Vineyard in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Bach’s Brandenburgs Feb 9 Apollo’s Fire director Jeannette Sorrell conducts the Akron Symphony Orchestra at E.J. Thomas Hall.

Pearl of the Orient Feb 12The Lunch Bunch heads out for Chinese cuisine in Shaker Heights.

Laurel Lake Library Tea Feb 17Annual social highlights The Library’s ever expanding collection.

Verdi’s Rigoletto Feb 16The Metropolitan Opera presents this classic in live HD digital video to theatres across the country.

Antonín Dvořák’s New World Symphony Feb 22Herbert Blomstadt conducts The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance.

The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma March 14This celebrated ensemble returns to the Tuesday Musical stage at E.J. Thomas Arts Hall.

Sister Act March (date TBA)Broadway’s “ridiculously fun” musical at Playhouse Square.

The Rite of Spring April 13GroundWorks Dance Theatre and the Akron Symphony Orchestra to perform Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” and Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8.

The Canadian Brass April 16Five tremendous brass musicians–each a virtuoso in his own right– perform at E.J. Thomas Hall.

Under the SeaThe Greater Cleveland Aquarium features a million gallons of water and thousands of living creatures, from the Ohio-native brook trout to ferocious piranhas and tiger sharks. It’s also home to the SeaTube®, an exciting underwater walk-through experience. Located in the First Energy Powerhouse on the West Bank of the Flats in downtown Cleveland, Laurel Lakers will

visit Ohio’s only free-standing aquarium this Winter.

Laurel Lake’s monthly Event Calendar is action packed! To see a sample calendar, call us at 1-866-650-2100 today.

Happenings

here’s a sampling of events that residentsare enjoying this Winter and Spring.

Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2013 11

YES, I’d like to save $40,000 on a Two-Bedroom Apartment! Please give me a call.I’d like to receive more information about:

Mr & Mrs I Mr I Mrs I Ms Name

Address

City State Zip

Phone Email

Please send information to my friend(s):

Independent Living at Laurel LakeCost of Living ComparisonInvitation to Next Open House

Priority Club / Wait List MembershipNew! Pre-residency Life Care MembershipPlease remove me from your mailing list

A lifestyle with all the advantages

200 Laurel Lake DriveHudson OH 44236

1-866-650-2100www.laurellake.org

A Member of Catholic Healthcare Partners

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PAIDCleveland, OH

PERMIT NO. 491

Clip & mail to Laurel Lake Information, 200 Laurel Lake Drive, Hudson Ohio 44236.

Bits & PiecesTake the Fitness Plunge!

A swimming pool is more than just a playground—it’s a safe, fun workout. The buoyancy of water supports the body’s weight and reduces joint strain. It’s resistance training because water is harder to move in than air; strength training

through the use of foam “weights”; balance training without fear of falling. Water exercise classes are social, offer a soothing massage, and increase feelings of well-being.

Laurel Lake residents, Priority Club and Wait List members are thriving on aquatic exercise programs. AquaFit is a 45-minute class to improve cardio endurance, strength and flexibilty. AquaLite is 45 minutes designed for those with arthritis and related conditions. WaterWalking is 30 minutes of walking using a variety of steps and patterns to build endurance. And WaterBlast is an aerobics class with a high concentration of cardio endurance and strength training.

To learn more about the amazing

array of wellness programs at Laurel Lake, call 1-866-650-2100 today.

Family members give Crown Center high marks

The Ohio Department of Aging 2012 Resident Family Satisfaction survey results are in, and Laurel Lake’s Crown Center scored an outstanding 91.62% overall rating, one of the highest reported for any major Ohio retirement community.

The Crown Center provides advanced therapy and restorative programs for residents so they can quickly recover after injury or surgery—at little extra cost, thanks to their Type A Life Care contract—and get back to their homes and normal routines as soon as possible.