Senior Notes

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Named “Best Retirement Community” by What’s Up Eastern Shore

June 10, 2022 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon Leave a Comment

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that it has been named the “Best Retirement Community” by the readers of What’s Up Eastern Shore magazine for the seventh consecutive year.

“Londonderry is a special place, and we couldn’t be prouder to be recognized over the past seven years by our friends and neighbors on the Eastern Shore,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “It means the world to our residents and team that our community recognizes our commitment to creating a thriving campus that supports healthy aging.”

What’s Up Eastern Shore readers, as well as the general public, had the opportunity to vote for their preferred businesses, vendors and organizations earlier this year in a variety of categories.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Public Workshop on End-of-Life Planning

May 15, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

“I don’t want to talk about it.” “Not today.” Having a conversation about dying is not easy. Inevitably accompanied by complex emotions, discussions are easily avoided, postponed, set aside, sometimes until the opportunity has passed forever.

Yet, ultimately it is an extremely important gift you can give your family. And for you personally, the best way to reach a peaceful death is to plan ahead. Open a dialogue with your family about your wishes, and with your doctor. Studies show that over half of all Americans do not have wills. According to AARP, 78 percent of millennials (ages 18-36) and 64 percent of Generation Xers (ages 37-52) do not have a will. It is important for younger people to have wills, especially if they have children, to ensure that they’ll be cared for by the people the parents want as guardians in the event of their death. Two out of three have not completed (and shared) an advance directive, a document that will increase the likelihood that you will get the treatment you want.

The Kent County Commission on Aging and Mid-Shore Pro Bono are offering a free workshop on preparing for end-of-life on Wednesday, May 18 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center, 200 Schauber Road in Chestertown. Tim Abeska, Mid-Shore Pro Bono Volunteer Attorney, will cover topics such as wills, personal financial powers of attorney, health care advance directives, and Maryland medical orders for life-sustaining treatment.

Who will speak for you if you can’t? What are your goals at the end of life? What kind of funeral do you want, and how will it be paid for?

“You may not control life’s circumstances but getting to be the author of your life means getting control of what you do with them,” says Atul Gawande, physician and best-selling author of Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End.

Refreshments will be served. The Amy Lynn Ferris Center is located just off Morgnec Road past Peak Health Care. For information, call 410-778-2564.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Hosts Ladies Tea

April 14, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Londonderry on the Tred Avon hosted a Ladies Tea on Thursday, March 31^st for residents and family members. Catering was provided by the Londonderry Chef and culinary team and the menu featured tea sandwiches, quiche, scones and assorted teas.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Andrew Hollis Named Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging

April 13, 2022 by Upper Shore Aging Leave a Comment

Pictured is Andrew Hollis of Easton who has recently been appointed Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging, Inc.

Upper Shore Aging, Inc. (USA) has announced the appointment of Andrew Hollis of Easton as the new Executive Director of its organization. Hollis currently serves as Deputy Director of Delmarva Community Services, Inc. and before that as County Manager for Talbot County.

Upper Shore Aging is a nonprofit Area Agency on Aging, providing services for over 32,000 seniors in Caroline, Kent, and Talbot counties. The organization operates five Senior Centers, delivers Meals-on-Wheels, and provides a wide range of other programs and services aimed at helping seniors remain safe and thrive in their communities.

“When the Board of Directors was searching for a new Executive Director, we knew we wanted someone with a vision of what USA could be. We are proud of our heritage and the services we provide for our seniors, but there is so much more we could do. Andy has that vision. He understands the needs of the local senior community and has the leadership ability and consensus-building skills to help us achieve our goals,” stated Bill Shrieves, President of the Board of Directors of USA.

For the last 20 years, Hollis has held several key leadership roles in government and nonprofit organizations on the Mid-Shore. He has provided leadership in day-to-day operations, administration, and fiscal matters. As county manager, he was responsible for overseeing the preparation, approval, and implementation of multi-million-dollar operating and capital budgets.

“Andy’s leadership style and management experience will be critical to achieving our goals. His fiscal management experience will help us achieve our goal of sustainable cash flow. His name recognition in the communities we serve will help raise awareness of USA as the authority on quality senior services,” Shrieves comments.

“His membership on our Board, representing Talbot County, and his relationships with leaders in the three counties we serve, will allow him the hit the ground running. He has a passion for our senior population and will be a vocal advocate, giving voice to their issues and concerns.”

Hollis states, “Having served for many years in a prominent local government position, and worked with the Board and staff of USA, I have experience with the mission and related aspects of the agency. I now have the opportunity to use this knowledge, and my management experience, in a new and exciting way to benefit the organization.”

“The next executive director of USA will be tasked with implementing a strategic plan for the continued prosperity of the agency while positioning it for fiscal growth opportunities as well. My strong belief in the potential of USA, combined with my leadership experience, offers the opportunity to move the organization to even greater success. I look forward to accomplishing that by increasing the visibility of the organization, strengthening our relationship with community partners, and focusing on the needs of those we serve.”

Hollis previously served as Executive Director of Londonderry Retirement Community of Easton, Inc. and as Town Manager of St. Michaels, Maryland. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Urban Studies/Urban Planning from the University of Maryland, College Park. He resides in Easton with his wife Karen.

Londonderry Priority List and Homeownership Opportunities

April 2, 2022 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon Leave a Comment

Those considering making Londonderry on the Tred Avon their future home are encouraged to join Londonderry’s Priority List. Priority List members have the unique opportunity to preview life at Londonderry before purchasing a home and have first right of refusal on cottages and apartments as they become available.

“Our team recognizes that moving out of a long-time family home and relocating to Londonderry is a big decision,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “Joining the Priority List gives potential community members a chance to get to know our team and fellow residents, experience our campus and amenities and learn about all the benefits of the Londonderry lifestyle before making the move. It’s also a great way to ensure a smooth transition once new residents are all moved in.”

Those considering making Londonderry on the Tred Avon their future home are encouraged to join Londonderry’s Priority List to take advantage of the unique opportunity preview life at Londonderry before purchasing a home.

Londonderry is the region’s only 62+ cooperative living community where residents enjoy all the benefits of homeownership, without the demands of maintenance and upkeep. They also enjoy resort-style living on the peaceful, 29-acre campus along the Tred Avon River. Amenities include the community center, new clubhouse, pool and walking trails. Londonderry also offers daily farm-to-table meals, fitness classes and a wide variety of activities and events on and off-campus.

Members of the Priority List may enjoy a night in the historic Magnolia Manor on the Londonderry Campus, enjoy a meal once a quarter in the Tred Avon Tavern, participate in on-campus activities, receive regular community updates and have first right of refusal on cottages and apartments as they become available.

Currently, Londonderry has several cottages available, all of which will be updated to suit the tastes of its new owner(s).

For more information about joining the Priority List or available cottages, please contact Rachel Smith at rsmith@londonderrytredavon.com.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

HomePorts Entering Its 15th Year of Service

March 4, 2022 by HomePorts Leave a Comment

HomePorts, Kent County’s volunteer-based organization which helps older adults to live safely and comfortably in their own homes, is entering their 15^th year of service. Additionally, it is reviewing the entire program in hopes of meeting additional needs of the county’s seniors.

HomePorts is pleased to partner with Shore Regional Health’s new Aging and Wellness Center of Excellence. “We definitely see a synergy in working with HomePorts to help older adults stay safe and well in their own homes,” said Dennis Welsh, Vice President, Rural Healthcare Transformation and Executive Director of Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. HomePorts has strongly supported the University of Maryland Medical System in its plans for expanded services for seniors.

Members of the Homeports board of directors working to assist Kent County’s seniors.

“Nearly every day one of our volunteers is assisting a Kent County senior. Whether we are driving someone to the doctor, assisting with grocery shopping or just making a friendly visit, we strive to improve our members’ quality of life,” according to Karen Wright, Executive Director of HomePorts. “With the worst of the pandemic behind us, we are making plans to reinstate our social and educational activities to reduce isolation and create interpersonal connections and social support. Our monthly Dutch-treat luncheons will begin again soon”

In the past, HomePorts has offered free educational sessions to the public on a variety of subjects of interest to seniors. While those have been curtailed due to the pandemic, these too will be coming back. HomePorts will again organize the free Health & Wellness Expo in October.

HomePorts welcomes new members. There are several membership types available including a $100 six-month trial membership and a financial aid membership (for those who qualify). Further information is available from Karen Wright, Executive Director, by calling 443-480-0940 or emailing karen@homeports.org.

Upper Shore Aging Brings Senior Volunteer Program to Kent, Caroline, and Talbot

March 1, 2022 by Upper Shore Aging Leave a Comment

Upper Shore Aging Inc. was the recent recipient of three $75,000 grants from the federal agency, AmeriCorps. Founded in 1975, Upper Shore Aging, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that serves as the designated Area Agency on Aging for Kent, Caroline, and Talbot counties, operating five senior centers and providing services for over 31,000 seniors each year.

With this new funding, Upper Shore Aging will establish an AmeriCorps Seniors Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in each of the three counties. RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people 55 and over.

RSVP will partner with local agencies and recruit and place volunteers with the purpose of meeting critical community needs. Particular emphasis will be placed on the needs of seniors, such as access to care, transportation, social isolation, and food insecurity.

“RSVP will serve a dual purpose” said Mavis Jones, RSVP Director for Kent County. “RSVP will provide a high-quality experience for senior volunteers with opportunities that are tailored to their interests, skills and expertise, while meeting the mission of many organizations that use volunteers”.

“There are many benefits to joining the RSVP network,”saidJones. RSVP will be considered a “one stop shop”, where volunteers looking for opportunities can be matched with organizations looking for volunteers. “It’s a win-win situation”. “Organizations will get the volunteer help that they need, and senio rvolunteers will have the chance to learn new skills, utilize the skills they have and become involved in activities that will benefit the local community”. Other RSVP benefits to the volunteer include volunteer recognition, supplemental automobile and personal liability insurance, and meal and mileage reimbursement while serving.

If you are a local agency looking for volunteers or if you are 55 years and older and are interested in volunteering, consider becoming involved with RSVP. There is no fee to join.

For additional information, call or email:

Mavis Jones, Kent County 410-708-6610/ mjones@uppershoreaging.org

Doris Mason, Talbot County 410 829-3463/ dmason@uppershoreaging.org

Paula Dixon, Caroline County 410 725-4275 / pdixon@uppershoreaging.org

Visit Kent County RSVP Facebook at www.facebook.com/RSVPKentCountyMD/

Website coming soon!

Property Tax Credit Assistance Available

February 11, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The State of Maryland allows credits against a homeowner’s property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the person’s gross income. Renters may also be eligible for a credit if rent exceeds a fixed amount in relation to total gross income.

Income from all sources and for all occupants must be reported. Net worth cannot exceed $200,000 (excluding home and retirement plans). All ages are eligible.

The deadline for current year applications for homeowners is April 15. Applications may be made on line after Feb. 15: https://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Homeowners%27-Property-Tax-Credit-Program.aspx. Applications for rental credit are due October 1. Applications must be filed each year. Applicants over 70 may apply for 3 prior years.

The Kent County Commission on Aging has volunteers available to help those who need assistance with completing the application form. Appointments will be available in both Rock Hall and Chestertown beginning Feb. 16. Please call Upper Shore Aging at 410-778-6000 for information.

HomePorts Reviews Accomplishments, Elects New Board Members

February 2, 2022 by HomePorts Leave a Comment

HomePorts, Inc., held its annual meeting on January 25 with a presentation by Tom Eager, Acting President, summarizing the organization’s 2021 activities. In its 15^th year, HomePorts is a grass-roots membership organization helping older adults to continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes and is modeled after “Villages” in many communities throughout the U.S.

According to Eager, there are now a total of 68 members, six of whose membership fees are covered by a financial assistance program. Local transportation is the most requested service.

“We were hit hard by the pandemic, but thanks to grants we have made it through financially. Our plans going forward are to increase our membership, strengthen our partnerships with other local non-profits, and expand our volunteer base,” said Eager.

New HomePorts Board members: Susan Eddy, Gale Drenning, and Stewart Seitz, all of Chestertown, and Lea Hunley of Coleman. Not shown is Jeanette Jeffrey of Chestertown.

New members elected to the board are Gale Drenning, a registered nurse case manager for Shore Regional Health in Chestertown; Susan Eddy, a retired newspaper reporter and researcher; Lea Hunley, a former Kent County Public Schools employee and active Lions Club member; Jeanette Jeffrey, Health Educator with the Aging and Wellness Center of Excellence at Shore Regional Health in Chestertown; and Stewart Seitz, retired health care manager and past President of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce.

Those eligible for membership include anyone over 55 living in the greater Kent County area. “If you have a friend or neighbor who could benefit from our services, I encourage you to call me,” says Executive Director Karen Wright. “Or if you don’t need any help now but want to get involved, we have opportunities for one-time projects and a real need for drivers to take members to local medical appointments.” Financial aid is available for seniors with a limited income.

Information about membership or volunteering is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling 443-480-0940 or go to www.homeports.org. The e-mail address is karen@homeports.org.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates 30 Years

February 23, 2021 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is celebrating 30 years of living “your life, your way” in 2021.

While COVID-19 precautions will delay plans for an in-person celebration, the community is planning a series of small, socially distant, and virtual events until a larger gathering is possible later this year.

“The success of Londonderry does not reside with one person, but with the countless residents and community members who have participated in growing our community to what we know today,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry on the Tred Avon CEO. “Thank you to everyone past, present, and future who knows that something great only comes from hard work and love.”

Londonderry was established in 1992 as the “The Retirement Community of Easton, Inc.” on some of Talbot County’s most historic land and remains the first resident-owned and operated independent living cooperative of its kind on the Eastern Shore.

Londonderry has grown from its first 15 individual cottages and 17 residents to a vibrant community of over140 cottages, 26 apartments and more than 180 residents. Over the years, Londonderry has added more amenities and activity space to meet the needs of residents. These include the Manor House, Pool, Community Center, expanded green space and access to the Tred Avon River, and the new Clubhouse that was completed in 2018.

Over the past three decades, Londonderry has overcome a multitude of challenges, which now include a global pandemic, to create an active, safe and welcoming community. Amidst thirty years of change, Londonderry’s commitment to the health, safety and wellness of its residents remains its guiding constant.

Londonderry looks forward to welcoming the community to celebrate and “cheers 30 years” later this year.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62 and over, offering a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Sections

More