VILLAGE LIFEVOL. 4, NO. 1 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Brooke Grove Retirement Village (BGRV) ispleased to launch its 10th year of free, monthly

seminars for the community beginning inFebruary.

Designed to help participants navigate a variety of healthcare and personal challenges, this year’sLiving Well series seminars will continue to beheld on Wednesdays from 1-2:15 p.m. in the terrace level conference room of Brooke GroveRehabilitation and Nursing Center (BGRNC)and will be preceded by a complimentary lightlunch at 12:30 p.m. Caregiver Connection (formerly known as Support for the Caregiver)series seminars, created to encourage and educatecaregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia,will be offered on Tuesdays from 2-3 p.m. in thesame location.

Living Well community seminars kick off onFebruary 7 when Terrie Daniels, BGRV’s seniorfitness and wellness specialist, presents “MindfulMeditation.” On March 21, registered dietitianand nutritionist Jill Johnson of Suburban Hospitalwill take the podium to discuss “Tipping theScale to Health.” Other programs on the Winter-Spring 2018 calendar include “EverythingYou Need to Know about Long-term CareInsurance” and “Fighting Fraud Together.”

Caregiver Connection seminars feature topicssuch as “Changes in Intimacy and RelationshipsCaused by Dementia” with Mikki Firor ofTrovato Dementia Services on February 20, and“The Latest Advances in Dementia Diagnosisand Prevention” with Dr. Tabassum Majid,

2018 Community Seminars and Wellness ClassesOffer Guidance on Healthy Living

executive director of the Integrace Institute atCopper Ridge, on March 13. Additional presentations on the roster include “Visiting theDoctor: How to Make the Most of Your TimeTogether” and “Caregiver Response toElopement and Wandering.”

BGRV also offers Healthy Living classes instructed by Terrie Daniels and held in theGathering Room at BGRNC. These include“Mindful Meditation” sessions on Wednesdays,February 14 through March 21, from 11-11:30 a.m.and “Everyday Balance” on Mondays and

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:Nursing Assistant Classes 2

Adventure in the Sky 5

Honoring Our Veterans 6

Sights and Sounds of the Season 7

(continued on page 4)

PAG

E 2

| V

ILLA

GE

LIF

E

Brooke Grove Retirement Village is a division of Brooke Grove Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing quality care for seniors since 1950. Village LIFE is a bimonthly publication of Brooke Grove Retirement Village.

Board Chair, Thomas WetmorePresident, Keith GibbMedical Director, Ted Howe, M.D.Managing Editor, Lynelle SmithLayout/Design, Thomas Zgorski

Brooke Grove Retirement Village includes:• The Cottages Independent Living• The Meadows and The Woods Assisted Living • Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Other divisions of Brooke Grove Foundation:• Williamsport Retirement Village• Rest Assured Living Center

Brooke Grove Retirement Village does not discriminate in admissions, employment, contracting with consultants or acceptance of volunteers on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, sexual orientation or country of origin.

BGRNC to HostMontgomery CollegeNursing AssistantClasses

Beginning in March, Brooke GroveRehabilitation and Nursing Center

(BGRNC) will serve as a host site for both the classroom and clinical portions of theNursing Assistant Certification course offeredthrough the Montgomery College WorkforceDevelopment & Continuing Education program.

Students must be at least 18 years old, have a

social security number, attend an orientationsession, and pass mandatory reading and math assessments. Additional program details, including class dates and times as well as tuition information, are available at montgomerycollege.edu/wdce or by callingcustomer service/registration at 240-567-5188.

During the holidays, the focus is often on the things that money canbuy. Messages bombard us with ideas for the “perfect gift.” Yet, look

into your memories of the greatest gift you have ever received. Chancesare, it won’t be a thing you remember, but rather an experience, a sharing that brought the most happiness.

If you could have looked behind the scenes during the recent holidayseason, you would have discovered many “gifts of the heart.” For some, itmay be hard to imagine that “magic” can be created in a continuing careretirement community or in a nursing home. But, I’ve seen that magic

time and again as the Brooke Grove team of employees, volunteers and visiting communitygroups enfold our residents in their arms as if they are family. It’s a magic that happens notonly during the holidays, but throughout the year as they share the gift of self that lasts not just for a day or just for a season, but for a lifetime.

Shared laughter, a warm embrace, gifts of music, companionship and caring. May your gifts of the heart bring magic to those you love in the coming year.

Message from the VillageFrom the desk of Keith Gibb, president, Brooke Grove Foundation

PAG

E 3

| V

ILLA

GE

LIF

E

Brooke Grove Retirement Village’s (BGRV)Walk to End Alzheimer’s® team of staff,

residents, volunteers, family members andfriends raised a record $33,416 to benefit theAlzheimer’s Association, announced TeamCaptain Janet Wright, BGRV’s director ofadmissions, during a December 5 AwardsLuncheon held at Brooke GroveRehabilitation and Nursing Center.

A top area fundraiser for many years, BGRVranked second for the 2017 Washington, D.C.Walk, bested only by the Alzheimer’sAssociation Board of Directors and Friendsteam. The National Capital Area Chapter ofthe Alzheimer’s Association passed the $1 million mark for the first time, which is

BGRV’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s® Team Raises $33,416

an additional reason for great celebration.

“Thank you to an amazing team! Your spirit is very inspiring,” said Ms. Wright. “We lookforward to the day when we see a field ofwhite promise flowers symbolizing the first survivors of Alzheimer’s. With your continuedsupport, we can make it happen!”

ATHENA® Award Nominations and ATHENA®

Scholar Applications Being Accepted for 2018

Nominations are now being accepted forthe 13th Annual ATHENA® Award for

Greater Olney-Sandy Spring. Presented inmemory of Brooke Grove Foundation (BGF)Founder Eleanor Howe Marston, RN, the program was adopted by BGF and the OlneyChamber of Commerce to recognize and honorwomen for their community service and professional and personal leadership. Fundraisingexecutive Pam Spears, a resident of Olney, was the 2017 ATHENA® Award recipient.

Particular consideration is given to nomineeswho have demonstrated a “dedication of selfand a generosity of spirit” toward the GreaterOlney-Sandy Spring community. The 2018ATHENA® Award will be presented at anafternoon tea on Thursday, May 3, at BrookeGrove Retirement Village.

Nominations must be received by March 2.The nomination form, which includes awardcriteria, is available in the News section ofBrooke Grove’s Web site, www.bgf.org, as wellas on the Olney Chamber’s site,

www.olneymd.org. Nomination forms may be printed and mailed to the Chamber orcompleted online at the link provided on both sites.

The application process is also open for seniorhigh school students who would like to beconsidered for the $1,500 ATHENA® Scholarscholarship sponsored by BGF and the OlneyChamber. An application is available on theChamber Web site and must be received byApril 13.

The ATHENA®

Award is represented by an original bronzeand marble sculptureinspired by the goddessof Greek mythology,who was known for her strength, courage,wisdom and enlightenment – qualities embodied inthe ATHENA®

Leadership model.

PAG

E 4

| V

ILL

AG

E L

IFE

Wednesdays, April 9 through May 16, from 10-10:30 a.m. A modest fee is requested forthese six-week classes. Ms. Daniels also leadsPFNCA Exercise for Parkinson’s classes onMondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.on an ongoing basis.

2018 Community Seminars and Wellness Classes Offer Guidance on Healthy Living (continued from page 1)

To register or request a Living Well, CaregiverConnection or Healthy Living brochure witha full description of seminars and classes, contact Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 ortdavis@bgf.org.

A Season of GivingBrooke Grove Retirement Village (BGRV)

residents, family and friends contributedmore than $31,000 to the 2017 Staff HolidayFund! Their generosity provided full-timeemployees with a $90 bonus, part-time staffwith $45 and less than part-time team memberswith a $22.50 gift.

Many donors also enclosed holiday greetingsand notes of thanks, which was even moregratifying to the entire BGRV family ofemployees. “We continue to be grateful foreach of the team members who enrich ourlives in his or her own special way. It is clearlyevident that the team works together to createthe unique and wonderful community that weenjoy all through the days of the year,” wroteone donor. “You should feel very proud of

the help and kindness you give to all your residents. I truly think you are all ‘angels onearth,’” wrote another. Staff members alsojoined residents and family members in reaching out to the community by respondingto Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and NursingCenter’s Thanksgiving food drive for OlneyHelp, a local food bank. In addition, they contributed scarves, hats, gloves and othercold weather items for the annual Scarves forSeniors initiative of the Grass RootsOrganization for the Well-being of Seniors(GROWS) and the Housing OpportunitiesCommission. These gifts were wrapped by residents and staff and distributed by GROWSto low-income seniors in Montgomery Countyin time for the holidays.

(r to l) Mark Teltelbaum, a volunteer from OlneyHelp, collects BGRV's food donations from Directorof Volunteer Services Nancy Ochsenreiter.

Members of BGRV's marketing and admissions teamdeliver Scarves for Seniors gifts to the GROWSHoliday Breakfast on December 7.

PAG

E 5

| I

ND

EP

EN

DE

Nt

LIV

ING

An admitted risk taker, independent livingresident Lois Sutton was totally on board

for a high-flying, skydiving adventure with hergrandsons, Hunter (18) and Shawn (24). Infact, the once-in-a-lifetime experience was her idea!

The trio took to the air this fall, delighting in the ultimate rush during a tandem jumpoffered by Skydive Baltimore. A thrilling, two-mile high, 120 mph freefall before theparachute opened was followed by a moreleisurely descent, with spectacular views of theChesapeake Bay and Baltimore before asmooth landing at Harford County Airport.

“I was strapped to an instructor who was barefoot – but I don’t know why! It was amusing,” laughed Ms. Sutton. “It was such afun experience, and I am so proud of my certificate. I don’t know why more peopledon’t want to try it!”

Adventure in the Sky

Lois Sutton shares proof of her adventure.

(l to r) Billie Rice celebrates the holidays with TerrieDaniels, BGRV's senior fitness and wellness specialist.

While independent living (IL) residentseach celebrated the season with their

own traditions and families, they also greatlyenjoyed the opportunity to spend time withtheir Brooke Grove family.

Thanksgiving dinner, held on November 17 at Westbrooke Clubhouse, featured an elegant,bountiful meal prepared by Chef VictorCamacho and his team.

Residents gathered again on December 2 forthe annual Holiday Party hosted by theIndependent Living Resident Association atNorbeck Country Club. In addition to a delicious meal, the festive and lively partyincluded an enchanting musical program bythe Magruder High School Chamber Choir, a dance act by the IL community’s ownBrookettes (and one Brooker!), and a visitfrom the radiant Mrs. Claus (June Thomas).

Other December activities included a livingChristmas tree lighting at Westbrooke, a

Holiday MagicHoliday Brunch, Strathmore’s Children’sChorus Concert, and the Academy of St.Cecilia Youth Orchestra Winter Concert atthe F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.

PAG

E 6

| A

ss

ist

ed

Liv

ing

Honoring Our Veterans

Surrounded by his loving family, admiringstaff and housemates, assisted living

resident Roy Ackley (92) was honored for alifetime of military service during a NovemberVeteran Pinning Service held in his home atThe Meadows. An Air Force communicationsofficer who flew on bombing missions inWorld War II, Mr. Ackley was shot downtwice during combat and went on to work inthe Office of Legislative Liaisons, frequentlytravelling overseas with congressmen on AirForce One.

Assisted living’s annual Holiday OpenHouse, held on December 10 in each

home of The Meadows and The Woods,brought residents and their loved ones together for a special celebration. Festivitiesincluded live musical entertainment, a delicious array of holiday treats, and a DVDpresentation that invited onlookers to pause and remember the year just past as photographs of residents and staff rolled across the screen.

Also in December, residents delighted in holiday baking and decorating, a trip to theFestival of Lights, a performance by TheBrookettes of Brooke Grove RetirementVillage’s independent living community, a visitfrom a local Brownie troop, and a variety ofother holiday programs filled with yuletide joy.

Yuletide Celebrations

(l to r) Bernice Rankin (99), one of the first 100women to join the United States Marines, accepts abeautiful, handmade quilt from Ella Marstaller.

Resident Doris Horst (center) joins her loved ones forsome holiday hilarity.

Air Force veteran Roy Ackley

Headlined by entertainer Brad Mandell,Veterans Day celebrations at The Meadowsand The Woods on November 11 had thecrowd tapping their toes to patriotic favorites.Each veteran resident of The Woods assistedliving was also saluted with the gift of a handmade quilt from former housemate EllaMarstaller.

PAG

E 7

| R

EH

AB

ILIT

AT

ION

& N

UR

SIN

G C

EN

TE

R

The halls of Brooke Grove Rehabilitationand Nursing Center were alive with the

sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season!

During an evening of cherished moments onNovember 16, skilled nursing residents joinedfamily and friends for a “Gratitude in LivingColor” Thanksgiving Celebration. Entertainersserenaded the group with classical music whileguests enjoyed a delicious buffet of savoriesand sweets and posed for a keepsake photo.

Whether joining a party, participating in aprogram or taking time to remember the reason for the season, residents and rehabguests went on to celebrate the holidaysthroughout the month of December.

A Night Before Holiday Family Gatheringprovided an opportunity to spend quality timewith loved ones. Special visitors, includinglocal school and church groups, offered theirsmiles, gifts and beautiful voices.

Other programs included a campus-wideHanukkah service and luncheon, an excursionto see the Winter Lights at Seneca CreekState Park, a Nutcracker ballet performance, aWinter Wonderland coffee lounge and a NewYear’s Eve party.

Sights and Sounds of the Season

Staff and residents (seated, l to r) Renee Cochran,Josephine Santisi and Vivian Harris share someChristmas joy with Santa during a shopping trip toColumbia Mall.

Holiday visitors from the youth group at Olive BranchCommunity Church arrive amid December snow flurries to spread Christmas cheer with carols, handmade cards and gifts for residents.

Residents Emily Thompson (above, center) and SilviaPasaron (below, second from left) celebrateThanksgiving with their loved ones.

UPCOMING EVENTS

18100 Slade School RoadSandy Spring, MD 20860

www.bgf.org

Community Seminars

and Classes

Offer Guidance on

Healthy Living

see page 1

“Mindful Meditation” Living Well SeminarWednesday, February 7, 12:30-2:15 p.mBrooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center18131 Slade School RoadFree. To register, contact Toni Davis, 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org, by February 5.

“Mindful Meditation” Healthy Living ClassWednesdays, February 14-March 21, 11-11:30 a.m.Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center$20 for six-week session. To register, contactToni Davis,301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org, by February 11.

“Changes in Intimacy andRelationships”Caregiver Connection SeminarTuesday, February 20, 2-3 p.m.Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing CenterFree. To register, contact Toni Davis, 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org, by February 18.

Inova Blood DriveThursday, February 22, 2:30-7 p.m.Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing CenterAppointments preferred, but walk-ins welcome.To schedule, contact Nancy Ochsenreiter,301-570-7081 or nancyo@bgf.org.

“The Latest Advances in Dementia Diagnosis and Prevention” Caregiver Connection SeminarTuesday, March 13, 2-3 p.m.Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing CenterFree. To register, contact Toni Davis, 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org, by March 11.

“Tipping the Scale to Health” Living Well SeminarWednesday, March 21, 12:30-2:15 p.m.Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing CenterFree. To register, contact Toni Davis, 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org, by March 19.