the monthly newsletter for rivercourt residences

Memories of Whalom ParkWhen it first opened in 1893, Whalom Park was a traditional English-style park of gardens and walking paths, created by a streetcar operator in Leominster and Fitchburg as a way to lure riders on weekends. Its carousel, with fofty-eight hand-carved animals, was installed in 1914. Animal exhibits, summer stock theater, and a dance hall arrived. The first roller coaster was built in the 1920s. After World War II, with the added excitement of skee-ball, arcades, a funhouse, and bumper cars, Whalom thrived. The park was iconic in Massachusetts. Satur-day morning commercials would call out to kids (to call out to their

parents) to “Come to Whalom Park for a whale of a time!” They had their own jingle and the commercials ran often on TV and radio.

If you need excitement, then come for the fun!Whalom Park, it’s for everyone!Amusement rides! And water slides!Whalom Park, it’s family sized!Picnic’s and good times! Rides, games, and shows!Whalom’s got it! C’mon let’s gooooooo!Great for the family! It’s one of a kind!Whalom Paaaark . . . for a whale of a time!

Whalom Park was the thirteenth oldest amusement park in the U.S. before it closed in 2000, and the second oldest of all remaining trolley parks at the time, credited with 107 years in operation. In addition to the Looff car-ousel, Whalom Park had an all-star line up of traditional classic rides, tilt-a-whirl, tumble bug, scrambler, fer-ris wheel, an Allan Herschell Looper (restored and now at Knoebels Grove in PA), octopus, satellite jets. Their train was a Allan Herschell iron horse, Bisch Rocco flying scooters, Hrubetz

ContactsSharon Amadon ext. 234Resident Care Directorsamadon@rivercourtresidences.com

Kim Landi ext. 227Reflections Program Director klandi@rivercourtresidences.com

Karen McKenzie ext. 222Director of Marketingkmckenzie@rivercourtresidences.com

Trisha McCaig ext 223Office Managertmccaig@rivercourtresidences.com

Cheryl Young ext. 240Activity & Volunteer Directorcyoung@rivercourtresidences.com

8 West Main StreetGroton, MA 01450www.rivercourtresidences.comp: 978-448-4122 f: 978-448-4133

June 2015The

Leatherboard

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The residents worked on Stars for our Troops com-munity service project. Stars are cut then put in plastic sealable bags with the verse, “Please carry me as a reminder you are not forgotten.” Over 150 stars were packaged for distribution to the Bedford VA hospital and local vets.

Reflections: Art Projects

The residents of Reflections enjoy the beautiful mantle decor that Robin Fadden has been kind enough to create. For the next few months we have the Patriotic theme going. Can’t

wait to see what she has planned for August!

Bill Ryan was given a star by one of the residents who worked on the project.

In, Out, and AboutThe monthly luncheon was at Devens Grill—full plates then full bellies!On an afternoon van ride we came upon the Storybook Cottage in Shirley.

May’s bowling trip to Harvard Lanes—Dr. Mary had the winning score, an 86!

Storybook Cottage

Volunteer Appreciation Reception A large group of our volunteers were able to join us for a reception to applaud and thank them for all the programs made possible because of their time given. We are fortunate to have many church volunteers, canine visitors, “friendly visitors,” an accordion musician, a BINGO caller, a “chaperone” for Indian Hill as well a number of high school students regu-larly volunteering their time for community service. Our community is richer because of this dedicated group and our appreciation is endless.

Susan’s CornerIt has been thirty-six years since I recited the Florence Nightingale pledge at my graduation. The last line in the pledge says, “With loyalty I will endeavor to devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.” I tried every day to accomplish this. My career has allowed me to care for others in many different aspects: civilian hospitals, the United States Air Force, consult-ing, long term care facilities, home care, and senior living facilities. I am grateful and humbled by the opportunities that have been given to me. On the advice of my orthopedic surgeon and the support of my hus-band, retirement has come sooner than expected. The last few words of the pledge “committed to my care” are the heart and soul of who I am. Because of my present health issues I cannot fully commit myself and for that I am truly saddened. My surgery is in July and after my recuperation my hus-band and I, with Sadie and Gretchen, with travel the United States, Canada, and Alaska in our motor home for the next couple of years. Please know that you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I promise to stay in touch.

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

Spanish guitarist, George Parker played for our Cinco de Mayo celebration.Bob and Pat enjoyed the nachos and sangria during our social while Jerry C. toasted the day with bless-ings to all amigos!

Staff Profile: Chase HertogChase Hertog was born October 29, 1990 in Minneapolis Minne-sota. He is the youngest of three children with a brother Jacob and sister Hannah. Chase and his family moved to Groton in 2000. Chase gradu-ated from Groton-Dunstable High in 2010, and attended Mid-dlesex Community College receiving a certificate in busi-

ness and support in 2013. Chase started at RiverCourt volunteering in 2005 and was hired in March 2009 as a dining room server. He assumes the “ambassador” role while serving the many outside groups coming to our community for their lunch meetings such as the woman’s auxiliary and area senior center groups. In addition, Chase volunteers at Lowell General in the mail room and has become a valued member of the team there as well. In his spare time Chase shares he enjoys mowing lawns, swimming in the family pool, and hanging out with his friends. Chase has enjoyed some “solo” trips to South Carolina visiting cousins and looks forward to more in the future with his next goal to visit Minnesota. Always with a ready smile and sincere greeting, knowing all his “customers” preferences Chase is a valued mem-ber of our RiverCourt dining room team.

Sue at the Phoenix Restaurant in Shirley treated us like royalty on our recent Ladies Lunch Out. The sandwiches were too big to finish but somehow we

managed room for the ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Monthly ArtsMusic, movement, relaxation along with creating and appreciating art are regular programs with their popularity growing. This month our resident assistants will be joining the Powerful 3 music and therapy group along with the activity staff now that we have all have gone through training. The drums circle continues a favorite!

Experiences of their world-wide trav-els are one of many things to learn from Bob and Pat. Not only their own but of the many visitors they guided for nine years as escorts for

AAA tours around the States. Bob and Pat met in high school in Lowell and frequented the Rainbow and DeMolay church dances. They mar-ried in 1950 and raised three children, Donna, David, and Donald at their home on Long Pond in Tewksbury.Pat shares, she took tap dancing lessons early on “as a kid.” She would take up that interest again in her 60s. Continuing into her 80s, Pat only stopped because her teacher “retired.” If she can find a class for seniors in the Groton area she’d be back on the tap floor. Pat worked for years as a floral designer in a local shop while the kids were in school and then for Middlesex Bank for a number of years until her retirement.

Bob worked as an electrical engineer for Mass. Electric, retiring after forty-two years of service. Bob started carving in his 40s after taking a class in the art and realized he had a liking and keen eye for the craft. Indeed, Bob’s works are a true artists’ quality, not only for the carving but the detailed and realistic painting of his pieces. From birds, bears, and ducks to people and Santas, his works are gallery-worthy!Bob and Pat both retired at sixty-two and continued their love of traveling, visiting China just a few years ago. Thirty years of travel have taken them to Europe, Russia, on many river and Caribbean cruises, as well as all over our fifty states. Bob and Pat moved to RiverCourt March 28, and immediately joined in with our art classes, music pro-grams, museum trips, ladies lunch, and can always be found “taking up the hat” at our many theme parties. Between their travels and Bob’s artistry this activity director is already thinking of a couple of new pro-grams for all our residents to appreciate. Thanks for joining us and for your additions to our community Bob and Pat!

Resident Profile: Bob and Pat Whittemore

June BirthdaysBert Raymond June 7Walter Paterson June 9Margaret (Josie) Dubois June 12Dorothy (Peggy) Braat June 17Miriam MacKenna June 17

A life without love is like a year without summer.

–Swedish Proverb

Virginia W.

Virginia K.

LoisKatherineFrances

Viva Italia!Our recent theme day took us to Italy where we feasted on a menu from soup to cake of some creative Italian dishes. Rick, Liz and Jess went all out with a pasta fagioli soup, Caprese salad a penne with peas and prosciutto, veal saltimbocca, sautéed chicken with artichokes and for dessert we were treated to Cassata cake made by Mrs. G, (Frances). Deliciosa!! After lunch it was the red team against the yellow playing Bocce. We enjoyed Italian ices after all that energy was spent with some tough competitors. The Italian

“Crooner” Mark serenaded us before dinner with so many favorites includ-ing, That’s Amore.

Assisted & Independent Living

Ciao everyone!

JuneSpecial Events and Entertainment at

RiverCourtEyewitness to the events of April 19, 1775 ...... Wed, June 3, 2:30 pm

Pianist, Steve Staines .......................................... Thu, June 4, 2:30 pm

Men’s Lunch Out ....................................................... Fri, June 5, noon

Country Singer, Tim Barrett ..............................Tue, June 9, 2:30 pm

ZUMBA with Sharon .............................. Thu, June 11 & 25, 2:30 pm

Piano Student Recitals...................................... Sun, June 14, 2:00 pm

The Traveling Boutique ....................................Mon, June 15, 1–4 pm

Silent Movie Night with Richard Hughes .....Wed, June 17, 6:45 pm

Bach’s Lunch at Indian Hill............................Thu, June 18, 11:45 am

Polish Theme Day:

Music of the Eastern Sound Group ............ Thu, June 18, 3:00 pm

Special Polish Dinner .................................. Thu, June 18, 5:30 pm

Ladies Lunch Out .................................................... Fri, June 19, noon

Annual Strawberry Festival .................................Sat, June 20, 2–4pm

A Closer Look at Poland with Ron ................ Tue, June 23, 10:30 am

Harpist, Rebecca Swett .....................................Tue,. June 23, 2:30 pm

Watercolor Class with Denise....................... Wed, June 24, 10:30 am

Pianist, Dick Sawyer ........................................... Fri, June 26, 2:30 pm

Birthday Party with Joe Foster .........................Tue, June 30, 2:30 pm

Keeping HydratedSummer is upon us! I am sure that many of us were feeling as if warmer days were not approaching fast enough! One thing that I would like to point out that is extremely important during these hot summer days is HYDRATION. Many of us do not realize just how important it is to drink fluids, preferably water to stay ahead of dehydration. This is especially impor-tant for our elderly population because they are more susceptible to dehydration, which if left untreated can lead to much more serious complications. A recent study conducted by the University of Chi-cago Medical Center found that 40 percent of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were among people over 65. Dehydration is also one of the top ten causes of hospitalizations in the United States (www.aplace-formom.com).Dehydration is caused by several different things; the first is simply from lack of adequate fluid intake. Other causes include sweating which we all too often fail to realize just how much fluid we lose in the sum-mer months, through sweat. Some medications such as diuretics or more commonly called the “water pill” can also cause dehydration if you are not drinking enough while taking it. And of course vomiting or diarrhea also account for fluid loss which often can result in dehydration.Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth and tongue as well as feeling like your saliva is thick. Headaches, fever, dark or deep colored urine, cramp-ing in the arms or legs, weakness or a general feeling of being tired, dizziness, and the inability to urinate are also some of the common symptoms of dehydration.

With this being said fluid intake is key! Healthy older adults should aim to drink 1.5–2 liters, which is 6–8 glasses of liquid intake per day. You should try and avoid beverages such as soda, tea and coffee as they contain caffeine which acts as a diuretic causing you to lose more fluid. A common concern I have heard several residents verbalize when talking about increasing fluid intake is that drinking more unfortunately results in more frequent hurried trips to the bathroom to urinate! While I can understand the inconvenience of the extra bathroom trips, as well as issues with inconti-nence, it is still very important to make sure we are drinking enough in these warmer weather months. If this is a concern please come and speak with me and we can brainstorm some ideas to help alleviate these concerns. So while we are enjoying these warmer months please treat yourself to a tall glass of water and have a great summer!Also, a reminder that if you have any health related questions or concerns that are not of an urgent matter please take advantage of Wellness Fridays and make an appointment by calling the concierge today! I have also put out several new brochures outside the Well-ness Office on various health related topics. Please feel free to come down and help yourselves!

The Wellness Clinic is held every Friday at 1:00 p.m. in the Wellness Office on the first floor.

–Nicole Young R.N., CDP

We celebrated our nurses during National Nurses Week with an ice cream sundae

social. That brought out the crowd to honor our dedicated team including (L–R) Kim

Landi, Reflections Program nurse, Nicole Young, Wellness nurse, and Sharon Ama-

don, Resident Care director joined by a very appreciative Mimi McKenna.

Welcome New ResidentsAnn CallahanAlfred Martino Dorothy (Dottie) RoachPrudence KingWendall and Lou FinneaultJoel and Bets Searcy

Welcome New EmployeesLauren McCaig–lead concierge

Mary Schroth–Reflections porter

paratrooper, Mangels whip, and atop them all, the PTC Philadephia Toboggan (Coasters) Co., ca. 1940 Fly-ing Comet roller coaster, a figure eight double out-back designed by Vernon Keenan. It was demolished in 2006.The Whalom Park Circa 1909 Charles I. D. Looff Menag-erie Carousel was sold off piece-by-piece on April 15, 2000. Whalom is the last grand American “Golden Age” carousel to be broken up at auction and sold off figure-by-figure. Other grand historic carousels have been to auction since, but all have sold intact.Many of our residents and staff hold memories of Wha-lom Park, from company outings and school trips, to family picnics all with a favorite ride or area of the park in mind. Lois W. shares, “I remember my first time going on the rollercoaster. By the end of the ride I was on the floor hugging my friends’ legs. I said never again Tina, and don’t you tell a soul!”Anna G. recalls, “I used to take the bus from Ayer with my sister-in-law to Whalom to go roller skating.” Bessie S. chuckles now, but “On my eighteenth birthday, I went to Whalom Park and went on the rollercoaster. It was a rickety old wooden thing. When I got off I lost my lunch. I have never been on a rollercoaster since.”

Like so many other small amusement parks at the turn of the century, Whalom began as a weekend destination for streetcar riders. Quickly the park developed into a recreational gathering place with an abundance of rides, food vendors and first-rate entertainment. Sadly, with the combination of poor management and the emergence of big theme parks, Whalom would begin to decline in the late twentytieth century. The Park eventually closed its gates for the last time in the fall of 2000. Today the thirty acre site of the former park has been developed into a 240 unit condominium community. Things change, nothing stays the same and life goes on. Thank goodness for our memories.

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Julia Pitre

These words and many others like it were shared

about Julia Pitre. Julia truly is the example of a worthy, employee of

the month.Julia is exceptional at her job, more than a team

player. She takes on every challenge, every change. She is very professional and she makes the residents’ needs

her utmost priority. As a team player she is a go-to person. You can always count on her. She adapts to changes and challenges

all the time. She is someone you always look forward to working with, always smiling and willing to extend herself.

She goes out of her way to help other employees. For example when one washing machine was broken (in one area) she called to ask if she could do any of the laundry for us.

Congratulations and thank you Julia!

Employee of the Month