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the monthly newsletter for rivercourt residences
A Closer Look at SnowLet’s embrace it, for we will get our fair share of the beautiful white stuff this year. The following is the story of a man who came to love snowflakes like no one else.
Wilson A. Bentley, The Snowflake Man
“Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were
miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by oth-ers. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated. When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind.”For over forty years, Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley (1865–1931) photographed thou-sands of individual snowflakes and perfected the innovative photomicrographic techniques. His photographs and publications provide valuable scientific records of snow crystals and their many types. Five hundred of his snowflake photos now reside in the Smithsonian Institution Archives, donated by Bentley in 1903 to
protect against “all possibility of loss and destruction, through fire or accident.”
Wilson A. Bentley was born in 1865 in Jericho, Vermont. Taught by his mother, he lived and worked on his family farm located in the “snowbelt,” where the annual snow fall was about 120 inches. From the time he was a small boy,
Bentley was fascinated by the natural world around him. He loved to study butterflies, leaves, and spider webs. He kept a
record of the weather conditions every day and was fascinated by raindrops. Bentley developed an interest in snow crystals after he received a microscope for his fifteenth birthday. Four year later, in 1885, equipped with both his micro-scope and a camera, Bentley made the first successful photograph of a snowflake.Bentley was a pioneer in “photomicrography,” the photographing of very small objects, especially of snowflakes. Snowflakes or snow crystals are difficult to
ContactsSharon Amadon ext. 242Executive [email protected]
Rya Bennett ext. 234Resident Care [email protected]
Kim Landi ext. 227Reflections Program Director [email protected]
Karen McKenzie ext. 222Director of [email protected]
Trisha McCaig ext 223Office [email protected]
Cheryl Young ext. 240Activity & Volunteer [email protected]
8 West Main StreetGroton, MA 01450www.rivercourtresidences.comp: 978-448-4122 f: 978-448-4133
December 2015
TheLeatherboard
continued back page
The residents of Reflections at River-Court Residences have an ongoing community service project called
“Stars for Our Troops and Veterans.” Stars were sent to the Bedford, VA Hospital, a few months ago and the veterans were so happy to receive them they wanted to express their thanks by coming to visit and spend time with the residents. A great afternoon was spent visiting and enjoying a game of “I Love America Jingo.” Snacks were provided and then the handmade cards and stars were distributed to the visiting vets. They were also sent home with 100 cards and 500 stars to share with their fellow veterans.
Reflections’ Happenings
Mary and Jessie create cards for our veterans.
Kathleen works on stars for our vets.
Jessie does a reverse trick or treating and hands out candy to all.
Reflections In, Out, and About
Playing “I love America Jingo” with our visitors from the Bedford VA Hospital.
November lunch trip was to the Phoenix in Shirley. There was so much food that we had no clean plate club members! Joe helps to pay the bill.
Monthly bowling trip. Ann won scoring 88 points!
The Eastern Sound Orchestra’s, Polka Band, returned for our Octoberfest. Plenty of OOM-PAH-PAH was had as we “Rolled out the Barrel” with assorted beers and warm, soft pretzels!
A very nice way to start off the holiday season! Gibbet Hill was set aside to welcome the residents of Groton, over sixty, for a holiday dinner presented by the Webber family and many community volunteers. Thank you to the police department for transporting meals to those unable to attend.
Exploring the AreaGroton Historical Society & Museum172 Main St. 978-448-0092Kimball Farms400 Littleton Rd.,Westford 978-486-3891Gibbet Hill Barn, Trails, and Restaurant61 Lowell Rd.Fitchburg Art Museum,free passes available at front desk978-345-4207 Carter Myseum of Groton HistoryLone Lane 617-823-5757 The Natural Market148 Main St. 978-448-5075Bliss Bakery134 Main St. 978-855-7562The Herb Lyceum (New American)368 Main St. 978-448-6499Filhos Cucina (Italian)235 Main St. 978-448-5664Main St. Café(Friday Night Entertainment )159 Main St. 978-448-9634
The Ladies Pizza Lunch-In crowd filled the Activity Room! Some new combos like Hawaiian, Greek, and a white pizza became the new favorites. Maybe next time we will explore some craft beer as well.
Staff Profile: Rya Bennett, Resident Care DirectorRya joined the RiverCourt team in July 2015 and quickly filled this vital role with her knowledge and expertise in nursing, sharing her strengths in advocacy, support and resource for all our residents and family members as well as directing the supportive nursing staff.
Rya Zaharchuk was born March 18, 1978 in Augusta Maine. She grew up in West-minster, MA, with her brother Jon. A gifted student, she attended high school at the Mass. Academy of Math and Sciences at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. From there she earned her BS in medical biology at the University of New Eng-land, Biddeford Pool, Maine. Years of work at the Yale School of Medicine as a medical research assistant and at Fidelity Investments in NH became a foundation for her later turn into healthcare. Rya married James Bennett, in 2005. Rya left Fidelity in 2008 to care for her mother-in-law, and it was at this time that she returned to school, for a nursing
degree at Mount Wachusett Community College. Rya worked as a resident assistant on weekends at RiverCourt while in school. After graduating she worked at Seven Hills in Groton for two years assuming many roles including floor nurse, supervisor, and staff educator. In July, Rya was recruited to join the team at RiverCourt. Rya’s personal life is rich with the demands, interests, and activities of her family. Eight year old, Caden, plays football and basketball, and Kara is already a strong-willed and fashion forward young gymnast at the age of six.Their family enjoys hiking, snow shoeing, camping, skiing, and always look forward to their yearly vacation in Wells Maine. Their cockapoo, Percy is always along for their many adventures together. Rya also likes to travel and can list many destinations with varied purposes and events that stand out in her memory. (Peru being one of them.) Rya and her family live in Ashburnham, on Billy Ward Pond in the home that has been in James’ family for four generations now. Originally a fishing camp built in the 1800s, Rya has many stories to share including the storm in 2012 that took the roof off their home and left them in temporary housing for many months while they rebuilt. This is only part of Rya’s story. We are very happy she has chosen to be a part of the RiverCourt community to add more to her story.
Our First Pumpkinfest Was A Creative Success!
Delivered from Stillman’s Farm, we started with a huge pile of Jack-O-Lanterns in all shapes and sizes. Residents, family members, and staff picked their favorite and envisioned their designs. The carving started a few days before with many batches of seeds set aside for roasting. Our own, Tom Kinney, created the staging for the tiers of pumpkins. The end result was an array of pumpkins stretching from the driveway entrance down to the patio and along the walkways! All the pumpkins were viewed while enjoying a spread of all things pumpkin—brown-ies, whoopee pies, cupcakes, and hot cider, set out on the patio thanks to our wonderful kitchen team.
Marilyn was born May 16, 1930 in Westfield, New York, a small town near Lake Erie and south of Buffalo. She grew up with her older sister, Carol who recently came up for a visit from Gerry, New York. Marilyn met her husband Robert through a mutual friend. Among many, one thing that interested Marilyn was that Robert
played the bass fiddle. The two would marry in 1948 and two boys, Steve and Brian, arrived within a few years. Robert worked for Thompson-Ramo-Woolridge Inc., for many years.The family moved to St. Lois and Dallas, as Roberts’ job was transferred to these cities. After many years away they were ready for retirement and to be closer to family in New York. Upon a trip to Albany they
“toured around the area” and saw Rutland, Vermont
and decided that’s where they would retire. Robert continued to play the fiddle into his retirement and regularly played at the local country club with the Stu Snyder Band.Marilyn and Robert enjoyed thirty years of retirement in Rutland. At one point Robert decided he would build a par three golf course with his grandson first in mind as well as “regular” townspeople. He named it “Stone-hedge” as a reminder of the huge amount of stone he cleared to make way for the course. Robert worked at this project with their Golden mix dogs named, Birdie and Bogie always at his side.After Robert passed away Marilyn remained in Rut-land for a few years before she moved down to Bowers’ Brook apartments in Harvard where her son Steve lives. Marilyn moved to RiverCourt with her cat, Kitty, after a significant health event. At RiverCourt, Marilyn continues with her favorite activities of bridge, bingo, music programs, and meeting new friends. Marilyn is also happy to be near her son, family, grandkids, and great grandchild, Oliver, who will become big brother to twin boys in February.
Resident Profile: Marilyn Davenport Matson
December BirthdaysKATHLEEN HORGAN DECEMBER 1TOM GIANACAKES DECEMBER 10CRAIG GUSTAFSON DECEMBER 10JOEL SEARCY DECEMBER 17HENRY SUGRUE DECEMBER 20KITTY D’ENTREMONT DECEMBER 28MARJORIE MORGAN DECEMBER 30
January BirthdaysBARBARA BOISSEAU JANUARY 7GEORGE HECHT JANUARY 9PATRICIA SAISI JANUARY 10PAT WHITTAMORE JANUARY 13PATRICIA MCLAUD JANUARY 20BETSY SEARCY JANUARY 20ANN CALLAHAN JANUARY 23RITA DEVRIEZE JANUARY 25DICK MORGAN JANUARY 26JOYCE OLSEN JANUARY 29
Happy Birthday
Al Martino Bob Whittemore Mary Cooke Pearl Tucker
Enough cannot be done or said for our veterans and their time given and sacrifices made. Lead by Groton’s Veterans Service Officer, Bob Johnson, we at RiverCourt Residences honored our veterans and surviving spouses on Veterans Day with a cere-mony of ritual, song, recognition, and gratitude to all.
Assisted & Independent Living
U.S. Army/Air Force /Army AirCorps William CaddenPvt Evin DeLislePvt John FreebergSergeant Walter PatersonTech Sergeant Donald StockwellSergeant Jerome CallahanSergeant Norman Faunce1st Lt Richard MorganCorporal Wayne PorterSergeant Winthrop Sherwin
U.S. MarinesCorporal Thomas GianacakesCorporal Wendall Finneault
U.S. Navy Ensign Ed DuBoisSignalman 1st Class Charles ElwoodPetty Officer 3rd Class Craig GustafsonNurse Corps Dorothy HarrisonLt JG Miriam MacKenna Aviation Cadet Eugene McLaudSeaman 3rd Class Bertrand RaymondJoseph Roche
U.S. Naval Armed Guard1st Class Seaman Alfred Martino
UpcomingSpecial Events and Entertainment at
RiverCourtCrooner, Art Caponi ...........................................................................Wed, Dec 2, 2:30 pmA reading of, “A Christmas Carole,” with Steve Collins .................... Fri, Dec 4, 2:30 pmHoliday Craft Fair ........................................................................Sun, Dec 6, 1:00–3:00 pm A A Closer Look at Holidays Around the World with Ron F. .......Tue, Dec 8, 10:30 amCountry Singer, Lyle Pierce ................................................................ Wed, Dec 9, 2:30 pmGuitar School Players, Rob Compagna.............................................. Fri, Dec 11, 6:30 pmHoliday Music with Andy Ross ........................................................ Sun, Dec 13, 2:00 pmJewelry by Diane ...................................................................... Tue, Dec 15, 10:00–3:30 pmIrving Berlin’s, “White Christmas” Songs
at Indian Hill .............................................................. Thu, Dec 17, 11:00 am & 1:30 pmSilent Movie Night with Richard Hughes ........................................Thu, Dec 17, 6:45 pmResidents and Families Holiday Party (with special guest) ......... Mon, Dec 21, 2:30 pmPianist, Lis Leal .................................................................................. Wed, Dec 23, 2:30 pmHarpist, Rebecca Swett ...................................................................... Thu, Dec 24, 2:30 pmNew Years Eve Party .......................................................................... Thu, Dec 31, 4:00 pmPianist, Archie Richards ........................................................................Tue, Jan 5, 2:30 pmA Closer Look at the Tropics with Ron F. .......................................Tue, Dec 12, 10:30 am“Aging Backwards with Classical Stretch,” premier of
a new exercise program with Sharon P. ............................. Wed, Jan 13 & 27, 2:30 pmA Taste of the Tropics Theme Day with the Big Kahuna .................................Thu, Jan 14Birthday Party with Heather Marie ................................................... Tue, Jan 19, 2:30 pmBach’s Lunch at Indian Hill ...........................................Thu, Jan 21, 11:00 am & 1:30 pm
What You Should Know About DiabetesDiabetes is one of the leading causes of dis-ability and death in the United States. One in eleven Americans have diabetes—that’s more than 29 million people. Diabetes is a disease that causes to you to have too much glucose (sugar) in your blood.Your body depends on glucose for energy. When you eat, the food turns into glucose. Your blood carries the glucose to other parts of your body.When you have diabetes, your body has trouble turning glucose into energy. Instead of being used by your body, the glucose builds up in your blood. The rest of your body is starved of energy.If it’s not controlled, diabetes can lead to:• Blindness• Nerve damage• Kidney disease• Heart disease• Stroke
What are the signs of diabetes?Many people with diabetes do not know they have the disease. Some signs of diabetes include:• Being very thirsty or very hungry.• Feeling tired for no reason.• Urinating (going to the bathroom) more
than usual.• Losing weight for no reason.• Having cuts or bruises that are slow to heal.• Having trouble seeing (blurry vision).• Losing feeling or having tingling in your
hands or feet.
Not everyone who has diabetes has these signs. If you have any of these signs or think you may be at risk, talk with your doctor about getting tested for diabetes. Steps to Prevent Diabetes include:• Eating healthy foods can help you control
your weight—and prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Choose foods low in fat, choles-terol, and salt.
• Getting active can lower your risk. Aim for two-hours and thirty-minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, like walking fast or biking.
If you have a health condition or disability that interferes with daily exercise, be as active as you can be. Your doctor can help you choose the best activities for you.
The Wellness Clinic is held every Friday at 1:00 p.m. in the Living Room on the second floor.
–Nicole Young R.N., CDP
“Heroes Remembered,” a ceremony honoring World War II veterans
was held at the Hall of Flags at Fort Devens with special guest speaker, Governor Charlie Baker. A very
heartfelt and moving ceremony with many personal stories, united all pres-
ent with pride and gratitude.
Welcome New ResidentsBarbara Slack–Apt. 211A
Margery Williams–Apt. 209
Welcome New EmployeesAshly Dennis–resident assistant Mayumi Krajewski–porter ReflectionsJames Cremins–dishwasherWill Levensailor–dishwasher/serverJackson Malone–dishwasherAsley Solar–resident assistantJason Vellen–business managerChris Wright–dishwasher
photograph because they melt so quickly. However, Bentley developed the equipment and techniques to take photographs of individual snowflakes. After many failed attempts at drawing the details of the snowflakes, he connected his camera to a microscope in order to create photos that showed intricate details of each snow crystal. Bentley stood in the winter cold for hours at a time; waiting patiently until he caught falling flakes. Once a snowflake landed, he carefully handled it with a feather to place it under the lens. The apparatus was set up outside so that the delicate specimens would not melt, and after a minute and a half exposure, he captured the image of a snowflake.From that first photograph in 1885, Bentley photo-graphed more than 5000 snow crystals until his death in 1931. From gathering this large collection of snow-flakes, Bentley learned that every single snowflake was unique and in the year of his death he, along with Wil-liam J. Humphreys, a physicist with the U.S. Weather Bureau, published these findings in Snow Crystals, a volume containing 2300 of his photographs for all to study and enjoy. Throughout his life, he also published sixty articles in various scientific and popular journals. While most of his articles discussed snow crystals, he
also photographed and wrote about frost, dew, and other atmospheric phenomena.In 1903, he donated a collection of 500 of his snowflake photographs to the Smithsonian Institution to ensure their safety. In his correspondence with the Smithson-ian Institution’s third secretary, Samuel Pierpont Langley, Bentley offered positives and slides of his photos, writing that he was “deeply grateful for your (Langley’s) kindly help in thus placing my collection of snow photographs beyond all possibility of loss and destruction, through fire or accident.” His photographs remain in the Smithsonian Institution Archives, safeguarded from any misfortune.Bentley remained in Jericho, Vermont, throughout his life. Ever dedicated to his work, he died there in 1931 after having caught pneumonia from walking through a blizzard.
continued from page 1
Taylor
Tom
A “Dendrite Star” Snowflakes Photo-
micrographed by Wilson A.
Bentley,c. 1890.
NovemberTaylor Panarelli
Dining Room ServerTaylor is wonderful with all of
the residents in the Dining Room. She always has a smile for everyone
even when things get hectic. Her smile and demeanor remain constant even in the most
challenging situations. She is a joy to work with.
DecemberTom Kinney
Maintenance AssistantSince he started here at RiverCourt, Tom has always been helpful to every-
one, staff, residents and families. He is always so friendly with the residents. He has worked extra hours many times to stay and fix things. He is always quick and
efficient in repairing things and does everything without complaining. He is always on the go making sure everything gets done even if it means coming in early or staying late.
Employees of the Month
