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February 3, 2023

The Chestertown Spy

An Educational News Source for Chestertown Maryland

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Senior Nation Portal Lead Senior Nation Senior Highlights

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

January 3, 2022 by Susan Covey

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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

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Reflects on 2021 and Shares Appreciation for Campus Community

December 30, 2021 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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The Londonderry on the Tred Avon Community is grateful for a successful and healthy 2021 amidst the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“2021 was our year to ‘get back to normal’,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry on the Tred Avon CEO. “Thanks to the commitment of our residents, their families and our team to everyone’s health and safety, we were able to accomplish that goal and reestablish a sense of normalcy on campus this year.”

Following a successful community vaccine clinic and improving COVID-19 metrics, Londonderry was able to reopen community dining and resume activities and wellness programs in March.

Londonderry residents Evelyn Graybeal and Nancy Collins with the “mirror man” at Londonderry’s 30th Anniversary Celebration.

“The hardest thing about COVID was the isolation, which is already a concern and challenge for seniors,” said Londonderry Activities Coordinator, Erica Hardeo. “It was a blessing to be able to reestablish a sense of connection and see everyone in person. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and the Delta variant, our campus remained open with a full activities and events calendar. This was only possible because our residents and staff prioritized the health and safety of each other and our entire community.”

Highlights from 2021 include Londonderry’s 30th Anniversary Celebration in October, Dream Flights for resident WWII veterans in August at the Easton Airport, the Summer Concert Series, Flavors of Fall Dinner, October Car Show and the return of off-campus trips.

“We are excited for 2022 and where our 31st year will take us!” said Hardeo.

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: Portal Lead Tagged With: local news, Londonderry on the Tred Avon, Senior Nation

Ask Irma: Londonderry at 30 Years Old

November 23, 2021 by The Spy

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While it might seem like Londonderry on the Tred Avon has been around almost as long as Easton itself, it was a bit starling to note that it only turned 30 years old. This innovative retirement community, which grew out of a group of friends connected to the Episcopal Church, started as an idea in 1990 and opened its doors in 1991-1992.

And like many new retirement facilities throughout the United States, Londonderry experienced some early growing pains in its first few years, but eventually, it became one of the most sought out residential communities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Indeed, it is now fully occupied with an impressive waiting list for those eager to settle there.

The Spy talked to Londonderry’s CEO, Irma Toce, to talk about those early days, what Londonderry has become now, and what might lay ahead for its future as one of the Eastern Shore’s most highly regarded communities of its kind.

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

Filed Under: Portal Lead, Senior Highlights

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates 30 Years with “Cirque du Londonderry”

October 21, 2021 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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More than 180 residents and community members gathered “under the big top” on Thursday, September 30th to celebrate Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s 30th Anniversary at a Cirque du Soliel themed party.

“After such a long wait due to COVID, it felt wonderful to finally gather together as a community to cheers to three decades of Londonderry,” said Rachel Smith, Sales and Marketing Director. “Londonderry is a very special place, and the events of the past two years have made us even more grateful for all our reasons to celebrate.”

The tented event was held on the grounds of Magnolia Manor on the Londonderry campus, and attendees were treated to entertainment from the Sweet Something Band, circus performers including a mirror man, LED juggler, and stilt walker, and food from Blue Heron Catering.

Easton Mayor Robert Willey and his wife, Betsy, signed the 30th Anniversary whiskey barrel top that was autographed by everyone in attendance.

In attendance were Senator Addie Eckardt, Delegate Johnny Mautz and Easton Town Councilmembers Al Silverstein and Ron Engle. Londonderry also received citations from Governor Larry Hogan, the Maryland Senate, the Maryland House of Delegates and the Talbot County Council.

Londonderry was established in 1991 as the Londonderry Retirement Community 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 over120 cottages, 26 apartments and more than 150 residents. Londonderry has also added more amenities and facilities to meet the needs of residents and their families, which include the Magnolia Manor House, Pool, Clubhouse, expanded green space and access to the Tred Avon River, and the new Community Center that was completed in 2018.

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.

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

Senior Nation: Balance and Fall Prevention by Susan Covey

October 6, 2021 by Susan Covey

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There are several systems that play a role in our balance and fall prevention. 

The SOMATOSENSORY SYSTEM is made up of proprioceptors embedded in our body’s muscle fibers which give us information about the surface we are standing on and can sense the need to adjust in order to remain balanced. It also provides information about the position of our body and our limbs and signals the need for movements to maintain balance.

Our VISION provides us with information about our surroundings and is the number one system used for balance when we are standing on unstable surfaces like walking in the grass or on ice. We also depend on our vision when we lack sensation in our feet.

The VESTIBULAR SYSTEM or inner ear provides information about balance when the signals coming from the other two systems are limited, such as when you are walking in the dark.

The MUSCULAR SYSTEM is significant in maintaining balance for obvious reasons…balance requires adequate muscular strength, power and flexibility. 

Of course, the ability to recover from a loss of balance also requires adequate COGNITIVE FUNCTION. The brain is responsible for coordinating the movement patterns needed for appropriate reaction times and the processing speed needed to make movement adjustments for a quick balance recovery.

While all these systems play a role in balance and work together to do so, the feet are considered the first responders. They not only provide support for the body, but they initiate movement, especially when maintaining balance while walking. The feet house proprioceptors in the form of 8,000 nerve endings which is more per square inch than any other part of the body. They provide information about various surfaces, and based on that information, they initiate a normal walking pattern necessary to avoid obstacles and remain upright.

Enjoy a Fall-less Fall!

Susan Covey is the Director of Health and Fitness, Acts Bayleigh Chase

Filed Under: Portal Lead, Senior Highlights, Senior Nation

Mr. Chuck’s Garden: Londonderry on the Tred Avon Resident Tends Community Garden 

September 6, 2021 by Londonderry on the Tred Avon

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Mr. Chuck Andrews, Master Gardener, is the caretaker of Londonderry’s Community Garden

Five years ago, Londonderry on the Tred Avon CEO, Irma Toce, approached new resident, Chuck Andrews, and asked if he would plant a community garden. To her delight, and the delight of his fellow residents, he said “yes.”

It didn’t take long for the garden to be known as “Mr. Chuck’s Garden,” and over the years it has become a fixture on the Londonderry campus. Each summer, the entire community looks forward to the ripening tomatoes and maturing herbs, knowing that they will soon be enjoying them in dishes prepared by Londonderry’s Head Chef and Director of Dining Services, Chelsea Coombs.

“We all love Mr. Chuck’s Garden,” said Coombs. “This year has been a great season for basil, so we’ve had a lot of pesto dishes and marinara sauce. We also love the cherry tomatoes on our garden salads and tomato slices on sandwiches and hamburgers. We’ve also used other herbs to flavor and garnish roast chicken and other dishes. We use it all!”

Residents have also been known to snack on a few tomatoes as they walk by and trim bits of basil and other herbs for their own home cooking.

The garden is carefully planted and tended by Andrews, a Master Gardener, who can be found weeding almost daily. Once the summer crops have finished for the season, Andrews plants pansies and decorative cabbages for the fall, and there are daffodils in the Spring.

In addition to supplying the kitchen and residents with excellent produce, Andrews also supplies many laughs at resident meetings where his humorous garden reports liven up the agenda.

Andrews has always been a gardener, having created and maintained his own landscaping at his California home when he wasn’t busy at his day job as a high school English teacher and later, school counselor, in the Los Angeles area.

After retiring from his 36-year career as an educator, Andrews trained to become a Master Gardener in California and brought that knowledge with him to Londonderry when he and his wife, Susan, relocated to Easton in 2016 to be closer to their son and his young family.

“I didn’t waste any time asking Chuck to head-up a garden project, and I am so glad I did,” said Londonderry on the Tred Avon CEO Irma Toce. “The garden has thrived under Chuck’s care and become a beloved part of our campus. As the constant teacher, Chuck has taught us many gardening lessons while we share belly laughs and a delicious tomato.”

Filed Under: Portal Lead, Senior Highlights

Senior Nation: Barefoot in the Sand by Susan Covey

September 2, 2021 by Susan Covey

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Anyone for a stroll on the beach?  I would say most people would find that appealing, but not everyone may know all the associated health benefits of walking in the sand. So, I’ve listed a few to motivate you on your next trip to the beach!

  1.  Strength Training: Sand provides natural resistance to strengthen toes, ankles, and calves. Scientists have shown that it takes 2.1 to 2.7 times more energy to walk on sand than it does to move at the same pace on hard surfaces.  That energy is used to strengthen all the muscles of your feet and back, calves, quadriceps, and glutes. The dryer the sand, the harder the work. And, your foot can experience a full range of motion in the sand.

  2. Greater Calorie Burn: The energy used to strengthen all those muscles had to come from somewhere…according to Berkeley Wellness, you can expect to burn about 50% more calories by walking on sand than on paved ground.

  3. Improved Proprioception: Basically, good walking proprioception means your mind is in touch with the stimuli coming from your feet. This helps to connect you with the world around you and walking barefoot in the sand is a wonderful way to do tap into that neuromuscular activity. After all, you have as many as 7,000 nerve endings in each of your feet. Just think about feeling all those grains under the sensitive part of your arch or between your toes!

  4. Stress Reduction: Sand conforms to your feet without restricting them, so it’s like a walking foot massage…and it is free!

  5. Grounding/Earthing: The theory behind grounding or earthing is that electrical energy from the earth can be absorbed through your feet when you walk barefoot, especially on wet or moist sand which then may lead to a multitude of benefits. Even if you are not sold on this theory, few would disagree that walking barefoot (without your cell phone) can be a meditative activity that will help you feel mentally grounded and centered.

  6. Natural Exfoliant: Wet sand acts as an exfoliant that helps peel dead skin cells from your body.  Try walking in the loose sand first and then wander into the path of shallow waves to wash it off.

  7. Vitamin and Mineral Boost: Besides reaping the many benefits of Vitamin D from being in the sun, like calcium absorption, autoimmune response, and mood, it has also been found that it leads to reduced stress and improved sleep and appetite. On top of that, if you are on a salty beach, then the water also contains a multitude of healthy minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iodine.  Many of these minerals are used in topical anti-aging products, so why not step into the waves and get a free dose?

  8. Gait analysis: Curious about your foot strike? A simple glance at your footsteps in the sand can tell you quite a bit. Wherever you see a deep indentation is where you are striking the ground.  For instance, if you see a heavy imprint from both the heel and the toe, then you may be landing on the heel, rolling to the toes and pushing off too harshly. This information would more likely appeal to runners than walkers, but interesting nonetheless.

Enjoy your day at the beach!

Susan S. Covey is the Director of Health and Fitness Bayleigh Chase-Acts

 

Filed Under: Portal Lead, Senior Highlights

Senior Nation: The Beauty of Water Workouts

August 2, 2021 by Susan Covey

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Did you know you can get all the cardiovascular, muscle strengthening and flexibility benefits you need in water? Done correctly, water workouts can give you the same fitness gains as land workouts, including improving balance.

Water’s buoyancy supports the body’s weight and significantly reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, bones and muscles. For those with injuries, the pressure of the water also reduces swelling. If the water is warm, then the heat relaxes muscles and eases joint stiffness.

We all need resistance training to keep us from losing muscle and strength as we age. Water offers that resistance which strengthens our muscles as we move through it. And get this, simply walking in water will strengthen those hard-to-work abdominal muscles! That not only beats doing sit-ups but may offer greater benefits because the abdominal muscles are being strengthened in the same way we naturally use them—by holding our bodies in an upright position.

Water workouts can help us reach our fitness goals without pain or injury. They can add cross-training variety to our existing routine or offer a safe and fun way to start an exercise program.

So, come on in, the water’s fine!

Susan Covey is the Director of Health and Fitness at Acts-Bayleigh Chase in Easton

Filed Under: Portal Lead, Senior Highlights

Senior Nation: Strive for Independence, Not Just on the 4th Of July!

July 6, 2021 by Susan Covey

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Like most people, you’ve probably heard that activity and exercise are good for you. The frailty and decreased energy often associated with aging is largely due to muscle loss.  (Here’s where I can’t resist adding the old adage “Use it or lose it”.)  So true.  

Being physically active on a daily basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself.  As a matter of fact, exercise is THE key to maintaining your mobility and prolonging your INDEPENDENCE!  It is central to daily functioning…think about it.  Your daily activities like getting out of bed, rising up out of a chair, standing in the shower, carrying groceries, walking down the hall.  They all require strength and energy, and one of the best ways to keep muscles healthy and strong and to increase the body’s vigor is with mobility-enhancing exercises.  Also called strength training or resistance training, these exercises are among the best ways to fight weakness and frailty that can come with age.  If done regularly they will build bone and muscle, and help preserve your INDEPENDENCE.

So, let’s make our founding fathers proud, take back our freedom of movement and refuse to surrender to the tyranny of aging!  We may be born into a life of liberty, but we must not ever remain idle. After all, the key to INDEPENDENCE (and therefore happiness) lies in the pursuit.

Susan S. Covey is the Director of Community Center for Health and Fitness at Bayleigh Chase-Acts

Filed Under: Portal Lead, Senior Highlights

Adult Activity Center Re-Opened

June 25, 2021 by Spy Desk

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Upper Shore Aging, Inc., has announced the full re-opening of the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center, 200 Schauber Rd., in Chestertown, Monday through Friday, 8-3 p.m.

A variety of free activities are offered including Bingo, crafts, blood pressure screenings, medication management, and lunch daily for a nominal price, by reservation. Maintaining a continuing emphasis on wellness, the Center holds a number of senior exercise classes. Beginning in July, Zumba Gold, adapted for senior fitness, and Line Dancing classes will take place as well as an evidence-based program called Staying Active and Independent for Life. No experience is necessary. Registration for each is required. New exercise equipment is also available by appointment.

Ever wonder what local senior services are available? Have a question about eligibility? Maela Rider, Information and Assistance Program Manager, is available to refer Kent County residents to agencies that can help.

Attendees can pick up a copy of the monthly events calendar and newsletter at the front desk. For more information, call 410-778-2564.

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

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