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June 26, 2022

The Chestertown Spy

An Educational News Source for Chestertown Maryland

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Senior Nation Senior Notes

Londonderry Priority List and Homeownership Opportunities

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

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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

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.

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: local news, Londonderry on the Tred Avon, Senior Nation

Ask Irma: How to Say Goodbye

March 25, 2022 by The Spy Leave a Comment

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One of the greatest challenges of life is when one needs to say goodbye to a loved one facing a terminal illness. Be it cancer or some other dreaded diagnosis, these patients, along with their family and friends, are sometimes given an significant advanced warning that they should put one’s affairs in order with each other. But how?

While there seems to be significant progress in helping those with these grave conditions, many of that person’s extended circle still might struggle mightily with how to best express their love and support during this challenge time.

As part of our regular series Ask Irma, we ask Irma Toce, the CEO of Londonderry on the Tred Avon retirement community, to give us her thoughts on how all of us can navigate these delicate conversations.

This video is approximately three minutes in length. For more information about Londonderry please go here. 

Filed Under: Portal Lead, Senior Highlights

HomePorts Entering Its 15th Year of Service

March 4, 2022 by HomePorts Leave a Comment

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HomePorts, Kent County’s volunteer-based organization which helps older adults to live safely and comfortably in their own homes, is entering their 15th 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.

Filed Under: Homeports, Senior Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news, Senior Nation

Senior Nation: The Spring Reset Might Start with Boxing

March 2, 2022 by Susan Covey 1 Comment

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How about trying something new for spring?

My suggestion is boxing! Why? you might ask. Well, in a nutshell, throwing punches in the air is a fun mind-body workout without the risk of head trauma!

Boxing workouts are a combination of bodyweight exercises, speed training, agility, and balance. Boxing engages the entire body, focusing on muscle movement and memory.

As you age, you may find that your motor skills decline, meaning that your hands may not be able to perform tasks with the same accuracy and speed as when you were younger. According to recent studies, this happens due to age-related changes in the structure, function, and biochemistry of the brain. (Silver Sneakers)

Though aerobic exercises of any kind are associated with improved brain functions, boxing is known for improving hand-eye coordination because it involves reaching out to targets in space. This helps in real life by making it easier to respond to information from the world around us…picking something up off the floor or tracking a tennis ball.

All aerobic exercises have a neuroprotective effect that may help prevent cognitive decline and boxing requires you to constantly think. There are basic punches to remember, including their proper form.

Boxing will also help build total body strength because throwing punches starts at the feet. Power is driven through the lower body, up through the core, extending out through the arms. Therefore, you are working the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and glutes to provide a more stable foundation. This improved lower body strength will thus help prevent falls.

The speed and intensity are entirely up to you, a self-paced workout that can even be done in a chair. You just need to make those upper body movements big enough to keep your heart pumping!

Find a boxing class and have fun!

Susan Covey is the Fitness Director at Acts Bayleigh Chase

Filed Under: Portal Lead, Senior Highlights

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

March 1, 2022 by Upper Shore Aging Leave a Comment

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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!

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: Health, local news, Senior Nation

Property Tax Credit Assistance Available

February 11, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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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.

Filed Under: Senior Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news, Senior Nation

HomePorts Reviews Accomplishments, Elects New Board Members

February 2, 2022 by HomePorts Leave a Comment

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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 15th 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.

Filed Under: Homeports, Senior Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, local news, Senior Nation

Love Your Heart! National Wear Red Day Set for February 4th

February 1, 2022 by Susan Covey Leave a Comment

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Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year.  It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women.  In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack.  You can greatly reduce your risk for CAD through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.  

Since 1963, February has been celebrated as American Heart Month to urge Americans to join the battle against heart disease.  Since 2004, February also has been the signature month for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign and the message that heart disease is not only a man’s problem. This February the day falls on Friday the 4th.

So, why not celebrate by rocking your best red and embark on a quick energetic walk outdoors, culminating with a healthy red snack…raspberries, cranberries, strawberries, apples, watermelon, cherries, pomegranate, tomatoes, radishes, red peppers and how about a nice glass of red wine!?

Susan Covey is the Fitness Director Acts Bayleigh Chase in Easton. 

 

Filed Under: Portal Lead, Senior Highlights

Senior Nation: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Help Available

January 24, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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The Kent County Commission on Aging wants to remind you that residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities have the right:

To be fully informed and participate in their own care
To voice their concerns
To privacy and confidentiality
To make their own choices
To dignity and respect

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program protects the rights and promotes the well-being of residents of long-term care facilities. For Information and concerns by or for a resident in long-term care, call Megan Pinder, Upper Shore Aging Ombudsman, 410-778-1182 or 443-988-1000.

Filed Under: Portal Highlights, Senior Highlights

Senior Nation: Start The New Year Off On The Right Foot! By Susan Covey

January 3, 2022 by Susan Covey Leave a Comment

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Just a few things to make sure the New Year starts off on the right foot.

1) Make it a habit to be grateful and help others.  Every day, write down three things you are grateful for and one thing that you’ll do for someone else.

2) Add an extra serving of fruit or vegetables per day.  Find a way to eat one more than normal.

3) Stay on top of preventive care.  Physical exams, vaccines, blood pressure checks, etc.

4) Add 10 minutes of exercise to your day.  If you don’t already exercise, aim for 10 minutes each day.  If you do currently exercise, add 10 minutes to your routine.

5) Mind your manners.  “Please” and “thank you” can go a long way when interacting with others.

6) Stay in motion.  At home, pace, march in place or sit down and stand up when you’re on the phone or watching TV.

7) Correct your posture.  Your posture can affect both your physical and mental health.  Work on keeping your back straight, shoulders back and head up, as if you were balancing a book on your head.  Avoid slouching!

8) Try a new exercise…switch it up for the new year!

Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one!!

Susan Covey is the Director Health and Fitness, Acts-Bayleigh Chase Retirement Life Communities

Filed Under: Portal Lead, Senior Highlights

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