The Season of Pumpkins and

Jack-O’-LanternsThe word pumpkin originated from the Greek word Pepõn which

means large melon. The word gradually morphed by the French, English and then Americans into the word “pumpkin.” Pumpkins and squash are believed to have originated in the ancient Americas. These early pumpkins were not the traditional round orange upright Jack-o’-lantern fruit we think of today when you hear the word pumpkin. They were a crooked neck variety which stored well. Archeologists have determined that variations of squash and pumpkins were cultivated along river and creek banks along with sunflowers and beans. This took place long before the emergence of maize (corn). After maize was intro-duced, ancient farmers learned to grow squash with maize and beans using the

“Three Sisters” tradition. The Three Sisters are squash, corn and beans which grow and thrive together. Corn serves as the natural trellis for the beans to grow on. The beans roots set nitrogen in the soil to nourish the corn. The bean vines help to stabilize the corn stalks on windy days. The squash plants shelter the shallow roots of the corn and shade the ground to discourage weeds and preserve moisture. Truly a symbiotic relationship. The early Native Ameri-can farmers were practicing an early form of sustainable agriculture. These early Native Americans roasted pumpkin strips over campfires and used them as a food source, long before the arrival of European explorers. Pumpkins helped The Native Americans make it through long cold winters. They used the sweet flesh in numerous ways: roasted, baked, parched, boiled and dried. They ate pumpkin seeds and also used them as a medicine. The blossoms were added

the monthly newsletter for rivercourt residences

ContactsSharon Amadon ext. 242Executive Directorsamadon@rivercourtresidences.com

Rya Bennett ext. 234Resident Care Directorrbennett@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

October/November 2016The

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Reflections’ Happenings What a surprise, our friend Michelle stopped by with her furry friends to visit one morning

Lois works on a puzzle with one of the students

Joe works on finishing the large puzzle with Elle

Mary and Nico (her Music and memory student) had a nice visit

conversing in French!

Weegie and Pat help make cookies for our furry friend Mr. Wilson’s birthday. He couldn’t wait to try one, he could smell them as soon as he entered

the building!

Pat meets Groton School stu-dents Michael and Tyler

Groton School Visits RC

Reflections In, Out, and About

The RiverCourt Singers held a Sing-a-Long at Apple Valley Center in Ayer

The RiverCourt “Rollers” enjoy an afternoon of bowling at Harvard Lanes

Linda was our “CPC” (clean plate club) winner!

Our lunch-out trip was to Barbers’ Crossing in Sterling. A feast was had by all, and there’s always room for dessert!

Carnival Day—With cotton candy, spin art, ice cream treats, giant Connect 4, corn hole, face painting, and prizes for all who came, the hit attraction was the dunk tank and a chance to send someone into the pool of cool water. The warm weather brought some unexpected volunteers to the target seat and kept the crowd of staff, residents, and families cheering throughout the fun-filled afternoon.

Sharon’s Stories—Autumn

I thought for this month’s newsletter, I would share some of an article that I read and enjoyed very much.Joy and happiness are up to us. We come from joy; as babies we come into life with a natural joy. Joy is inher-ent in every one of us, however, sometimes our physical selves forget we are meant to be joyful creatures. We need to rediscover that natural joy.We seem to be searching for our joy outside of ourselves. If only we could remember we carry it inside us. When we share joy and happiness, we give two of the most powerful healing medicines in the world.Speak with Joy—How do you respond when someone asks, how you are? Do you demur, “been better,” or

“still standing, not bad?” We are terrified to say, “I’m fabulous, thank you very much.” We don’t want people to think we are arrogant. I often pause for a moment, then respond with “out of 10, about a nine-and-a-half.” This will evoke a laugh from the other person, and they will respond in kindness. Affirm your joy with words.

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.

–Rudyard KiplingProtect your Joy—If you watch the 11 o’clock news before you go to bed, stop right now. You won’t miss anything you can’t learn in the morning, you will sleep better and you will feel more joyful when you wake up.Eat Joyfully—Eat sensuously, take small bites, and enjoy food so much more. Joy affects our metabolism. When we eat slowly, we get full on far fewer calories. Want to keep your brain happy and joyful? Eat mindfully.Choose Joyous Company—Stay away from people who make you feel you need to wear your emotional raincoat.Your mission over the next three weeks, if you choose to accept it, is to find out how much joy your friends can stand coming from you.Shared by Pat Nichol and extended to all

Dueling PianosClassical pianist Adam Bergeron faced off with honky tonk pianist, Ethan Stone as they challenged each other to play out of their usual style while also showcasing their strengths with solo pieces. The chemistry and humor of the two longtime friends added to the eve-ning’s enjoyment as well!

Staff Profile: Scott Turner, Maintenance AssistantAs often happens with connecting, Scott became aware of RiverCourt Residences through a coworker whose mother works here. Scott was working at Hanscom Airfield as a flight line manager when he learned of a job opportunity just around the corner from his new home in West Groton.He applied for and found a good fit for the job that entails much more than just mainte-nance repairs and upkeep. Scott also found a connection in his early years, in Lowell, through Tom Kinney, our main-

tenance director. Just a few years apart the two learned they grew up in the same city and had many friends in common, and both share a passion for music in playing drums and bass guitar. Scott was born in Pachaug, Long Island, NY and his family, including older brother and sister, moved to Lowell where when he was just 6-months old.Scott spent many years working in the construction trade before his time at Hanscom in Bedford, where he and his wife Kerry lived with daughter Abigail and their son Lincoln. In 2014 Scott and Kerry, who is a Real Estate Broker, bought a home just around the corner from RiverCourt. Besides his music hobby, Scott enjoys kayaking with a favorite spot being Pawtuckaway State Park in Raymond, NH.

Groton’s Finest Senator Eileen Donoghue addressed the crowd of seniors gathered at the Groton Fire Station for a lunch to honor our first responders of the Fire and Police Departments on the anniversary of 9/11. A very yummy meal was prepared by Groton residents Ebi and Desiree Masale-hdan, with music by John Murphy. For the service and dedication to the seniors of Groton this was one small gesture to celebrate Groton’s Finest. •

Game OnOn the first day of classes a group of students from the Groton School came to spend their afternoon with our residents. After introductions and sharing their varied backgrounds the stu-dents and seniors were challenged to a friendly game of Name 5. Both teams were challenged by a timer to come up with answers to some pretty unusual topics but in the end the score was tied. Perhaps next visit, a Trivia challenge?

Tom Boyden and Annemarie Powers both grew up in Brat-tleboro, Vermont in the 40s and 50s. In a small town they both knew of each other, and through their

grandmothers learned they were indirectly related. Both graduated from Brattleboro high school and Annemarie went on to nursing school at Cooley-Dick-inson Hospital in Northhampton, MA. Tom joined the Coast Guard and spent four years of service stationed in Boston. While working in Boston one weekend, Annemarie was in need of a ride home and called Tom as he was living there at the time. Something clicked on the ride home to Brattleboro and Tom asked Annemarie for a date. After five years of dating they married in 1968. Annemarie and Tom lived in Watertown for forty years and raised their two daughters, Debbie and Kim. Today they are proud grandparents of four. Annemarie returned to nursing at St. Elizabeth’s in Brighton after the girls were grown. Tom worked for

Jordan Marsh then the Lechmere Company, retir-ing in 1995 from his position as director of personnel. After retirement Tom took up motorcycling again and rode across country six times on his ever-improving Harley Davidsons. Annemarie was very supportive of Tom’s adventures and explored her own love of cars by acquiring a string of convertibles over the years as well as getting into part-time auto sales. Soon after moving to their South End condo Tom became instrumental in organizing neighbors for fun-draising, cleaning up, and revitalizing a neighborhood park named the Childe Hassam Park after the Impres-sionist artist from that area. (Hassam’s work Rainy Day depicts the area of 1885.)Annemarie and Tom remained in their South End condo after her retirement and frequented “the coun-try” where their daughter Kim lives with her family while appreciating the area, the activities with their grandchildren, and the quieter pace of living. In March of 2016 Tom and Annemarie made the move from Bos-ton to Groton along with Tom’s nineteen-year-old cat

“Wookie.”Tom and Annemarie, you are a welcome addition to our community!

Resident Profile: Annemarie and Tom Boyden

October BirthdaysAlfred Martino Oct. 4Bob Whittemore Oct. 10Caroline Cummins Oct. 11Sarah Bosley Oct. 18Mary Cooke Oct. 21Pearl Tucker Oct. 24Atherleen Brady Oct. 27

November BirthdaysNancy Smith Nov. 2Ervin Delisle Nov. 8Madeline Sergi Nov. 13Lynn Neal Nov. 24Dr. Mary Curnen Nov. 25Wendall Finneault Nov. 25

Annemarie Boyden Charlie Elwood

Pru King

Ethel Dalton

Jerry Callahan Lois Watt

Assisted & Independent Living

Our annual Lobsterfest filled every room available with diners enjoying the full array of

food, drinks, and desserts available. To set the record straight, lobsters have ten legs, so with 125 lobsters (and not counting the additional twenty-two lbs. of lobster

meat served.) That’s a lot of legs!Lots of human legs were moving furiously behind

the scene to fill orders as well. What a great job, kitchen team!

Lobster Fest

Harpist, Rebecca Swett ...................................................................Tue, Oct. 4, at 2:30 p.m.The Music of Andy Ross ................................................................. Sun, Oct. 9, at 2:00 p.m.Memorial Service with Father Bob ...........................................Wed, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m.Jazzy Pianist, Ethan Stone ........................................................... Thu, Oct. 13, at 2:30 p.m.The UpBeats Band ........................................................................ Mon, Oct. 17, at 2:30 p.m.“A Closer Look at Germany and Austria” with Ron Falong ..... Tue, Oct. 18, at 1:30 a.m.October Birthday Party with Ted Powers ..................................Tue, Oct. 18, at 2:30 p.m.OctoberFest Celebration with The Eastern ................................Sat, Oct. 22, 2–3:30 p.m.

Sound OrchestraSpecial Halloween Silent Movie/Costume Parade ....................Tue, Oct. 25, at 3:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Middlesex Bank’s 10-year AnniversaryPumpkinFest Celebration ............................................................ Thu, Oct. 28, at 2:30 p.m.Guitarist, George Parker ............................................................... Tue, Nov. 1, at 2:30 p.m.

“A Closer Look at Veterans Day” with Ron F. ........................... Tue, Nov. 8, at 10:30 a.m.The Traveling Boutique .................................................................Wed, Nov. 9, 1–3:30 p.m.Veterans Day Ceremony .................................................................Fri, Nov. 11, at 1:30 p.m.The Music of Andy Ross ...............................................................Sun, Nov. 13, at 2:00 p.m.Classical Pianist, Adam Bergeron .............................................Mon, Nov. 21, at 2:30 p.m.Art Matters Presents “The American West” ........................... Tue, Nov. 29, at 10:30 p.m.

Upcoming

Special Events and

Entertainment at

RiverCourt

October is National Bullying Prevention Month!

Historically, bullying was viewed as an unfortunate “childhood rite of passage” that somehow made kids tougher. However, bullying can have devastating, long-term effects, such as the loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression. While the topic of “bullying” may appear to be an odd choice for our wellness column, it is an important one!Bullying is a valid concern for seniors, especially those living in senior communities. Researchers find that senior-to-senior bullying tends to most often take place in senior centers, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. These are places where seniors spend a lot of time together and share both space and resources, including seats in the dining room and at activities. It is estimated that 10–20% of seniors have experienced some type of senior-to-senior aggression in these community settings. Men and women are equally likely to experi-ence bullying and to exhibit bullying behavior. Women tend to gossip and whisper while men tend to be more direct and “in your face.”Bullying impacts those that are the target of the unkind behaviors, as well as those that witness these behaviors. If someone feels that they are being singled out unkindly, or sees someone that is being singled out, they should bring their concerns to a nurse or to a member of the management team. On Wed, October 19, 2016, individuals across the nation are invited to participate in Unity Day, where they can send out a message of support, hope, and unity. By wearing the color ORANGE on October 19th, you will make the statement that you are not only against bullying, but that you believe in pro-moting kindness, acceptance, and an attitude of inclusion amongst people of all ages.

The Ladies Lunch-out group enjoyed the menu at the Phoenix restaurant in Shirley recently while the men took in the sights and menu at Nancy’s Café at the Minute-man Airfield in Stow. Chinese cuisine is the next request.

The Wellness Clinic is held every Thursday in the second floor living room.

Welcome New ResidentsMarilyn Guest-Harris, Apt. 278

Pat teDuits, Apt. 14BJim and Caroline Cummins, Apt. 211Joe and Mardell McDonald, Apt. 206

Welcome New EmployeesAndrea Fei, Reflections RAHeather Holmes, serverSuzie Nesbitt, housekeeperRachel Adams, conciergeSusan Titus, activity assistantKathi Crowley, outreach marketing

Gail

to stews. Dried pumpkin could be stored and ground into flour. They dried the shells and used them as bowls and containers to store grain, beans and seeds.Indians introduced pumpkins and squashes to the Pil-grims. Pumpkins were an important food source for the pilgrims, as they stored well, which meant they would have a nutritious food source during the winter months. It is documented that pumpkins were served at the sec-ond Thanksgiving celebrationWhen mentally picturing an early Thanksgiving, we usually think of a Pilgrim woman in a bleached starched white apron holding a pumpkin pie with a perfectly fluted crust . The truth is in fact, quite the opposite. The Pilgrims cut the top off of a pumpkin, scooped the seeds out, and filled the cavity with cream, honey, eggs and spices. They placed the top back on and carefully buried it in the hot ashes of a cooking fire. When finished cook-ing, they lifted this blackened item from the earth with no pastry shell whatsoever. They scooped the contents out along with the cooked flesh of the shell like a custard.Without pumpkins many of the early settlers might have died from starvation. The following poem is a testament to the Pilgrims dependence upon pumpkins for food:

For pottage and puddings and custards and piesOur pumpkins and parsnips are common supplies,We have pumpkins at morning and pumpkins at noon,If it were not for pumpkins we should be undoon.

–Pilgrim verse, circa 1633

There are many theories as to the origins of Jack-o’-lan-terns and Halloween. Early Jack-o’-lanterns were carved from turnips and potatoes by the Irish and Scottish and carried in Celtic celebrations. The English used beets. Lumps of coal were lit on fire and placed inside the hol-low root vegetables. When European settlers arrived in America, they found that our American pumpkin varieties were well suited to being carved as a “Jack’s” lanterns. In America a traditional Jack-o’-lantern refers to a vari-ety of pumpkin grown for its suitability for carving. They are fairly large in size, have upright strong walls, and most importantly a large hollow cavity. In the late 1800s there was a movement to turn Hal-loween into a celebration emphasizing community and neighborhood activities and parties. This is the Hal-loween we know and celebrate today, abound with pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns

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Chase

SeptemberChase Hertog

ServerIn the seven years that Chase

has worked at RiverCourt he has proven to be a dedicated, hard-working

employee who shows great empathy and compassion for our residents. He is always will-

ing to cover other shifts even at the last moment. He is wonderful with the residents and other employees and

always on time for work.

OctoberGail Chalmers

Reflections PorterGail goes the extra mile to respect, care, and love the residents, each individually. She

finds what makes each resident smile and does all she can do to make them feel at home. She is patient, understanding, and overall a great person to have around. She takes the saying

‘it’s the little things’ to a whole new level. She not only brightens the residents’ day, but brightens the day for just about everyone. She always laughs with the residents and gives them hugs which they

love. You can tell she truly cares for the residents and is very compassionate.

Employees of the Month