The Piper

DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

Life Fulfilling Community®For all life can besm

Glenridge Receives Prestigious Planet Awardby Jane Goehrig

We have always admired

Katherine Lawless and appreciated

her efforts and knowledge in work-

ing with Valley Crest, our primary

landscaping contractor, to design

and maintain the beautiful land-

scaping at The Glenridge. Now we

have something more to celebrate.

The Glenridge and Valley Crest

have each won a Grand Award

from “Planet, The Voice of the

Green Industry.” Awards were pre-

sented at the Green Industry

International Expo in Louisville,

KY, and were given to commercial

landscaping companies and client

properties for excellence in land-

scaping. This is an international

award, not only for retirement com-

munities, but for hotels, corporate

headquarters, town centers, etc.

Only 38 grand awards were given

across the nation this year, out of

134 entries. The Glenridge also won

the Judges’ Choice Award, of

which only three were presented

nationwide this year. Grounds

Manager Katherine Lawless accept-

ed the awards on behalf of The

Glenridge at the quarterly meeting in

November. Katherine called her two-

man grounds team, Sergio Oviedo

and Roger Diaz, to the stage to recog-

nize their contributions to

maintaining our colorful, lush envi-

ronment.

Glenridge augments Valley

Crest services with other qualified

contractors: Aquatic Conservation

cares for the Glenridge ponds and

littoral zones, while Golden Leaf

Landscape has been hired to clean

up the seashell paths and trim

away unwanted invasive plants

from the wetland preserves.

“Preservation of the investment

members have made in The

Glenridge property must be my

foremost consideration,” said

Katherine. “Our grounds have

been significantly enhanced by the

efforts and care of the Grounds

Committee. You may have seen

Ted Marshall trimming the pesky

crinum lilies, or perhaps you’ve

seen Liz Jacklin and Susie Kinder

laboring long and hard in the mem-

ber gardens. Other Grounds

Committee members (Carol

Davenport, Jackie Pillsbury,

Roberta Wurts, Lois Feinberg,

Annalies Luppa, Jay Corbett) patrol

the property on a regular basis,

reporting back on any problems.

They are valued colleagues who

care deeply about the environment

and also deserve accolades.”

Thank you, Katherine. Keep up

the good work. Keep The Glenridge

on Palmer Ranch beautiful.

(L-R): Katherine Lawless, Sergio Oviedo andRoger Diaz accept an ovation from Glenridgemembers upon the presentation of the Planet

Grand Award.

Not to put too fine a point on it

but I’ve always felt that “balance”

made for a good philosophy of life.

It’s what one tries to teach youngsters

of all ages when given the opportuni-

ty. The compass can be used as a

great metaphor for the importance of

balance. When one fails to keep the compass bal-

anced the needle fails to point to magnetic north and

you can lose your way. In the same fashion, if life is

not kept in balance, one’s focus and direction is often

missing.

Let’s look at this yet another way! If one knows

not poverty, he knows not wealth; knows not sick-

ness, he knows not health; knows not bad, he knows

not good; knows not heartbreak, he knows not happi-

ness and so forth! Again, we see the relevance of

balance. It’s the Yin and Yang of life, everything in

balance.

These last two months have been a nightmare for

me. While no one really wants to hear a medical soap

opera, you deserve to know why I have been among

the missing this fall. The story is longer than it ought

to be, but aside from the medical mystery, it says

something about balance. Apparently, my endocrine

system went awry and it took a long time to figure it

out. We examined every aspect of the gastroentero-

logical system and literally came up empty. Simply

on a hunch, one of the members of the medical team

took a flyer and did a special blood test and there it

was. One shot followed by some daily pills and the

immediate difference was astounding. And I mean

immediate.

When you suffer for an extended period of time,

feeling “good” means much more than when you take

“good” for granted. That’s what I mean by balance.

The effect is that I feel very much better than I’ve

ever felt, even though that is probably simply having

felt so bad for so long. None of this need be confined

to health. I think it is useful to acknowledge that there

is always another side to a story and again, keeping

things in balance makes us far more tolerant and

understanding of an issue.

Finally, I cannot begin to express adequately my

very sincere appreciation for all your get well cards,

letters and messages. It was absolutely overwhelm-

ing. I look forward to seeing each and every one of

you in order to say thanks. Sally joins me in wishing

all of you good health, and Happy Holidays!

Howard

2

The Piper Member Editorial Board

Publisher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glenridge Board of Directors

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Howard Crowell, CEO

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Measer

Editorial Staff . . . . . . . Estelle Barrett . . . . . . Ken Bonwit. . . . . . Anne Calvert

Cynthia Cudworth Jane Goehrig Jan Linehan

Jean Minneman Joyce Morrison Maurice Shapiro

Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rennie Carter, Glenridge Member Services

Design & Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth McCaa, Graphic Designer

Letters to the Editor: Letters will be reviewed for suitability. Letters

must be no longer than 250 words. The Editor may condense letters to save

space, while preserving the basic substance. Letters must be signed and must not

defame or malign individuals or groups. Submit to Member Services.

All submissions to the Piper are due to Member Services by the 15th of the month.

We now accept items via email

at: [email protected]

The Piper is available on our

website at:

www.theglenridge.com

decEMBER 2009/january 2010

2008 Gold Awardfor the Best CCRC

GPAC HOLIDAY FILM FESTIVAL

More great movies to enjoy in your Theatre!Watch for schedule announcement.

Generally speakinG

Balance is Everything!by Howard Crowell, CEO

Around the GlenridgE

Enough Wild Animals to Start the Glenridge Zooby George Measer

3decEMBER 2009/january 2010

There are more than wild birds at

The Glenridge. Surprisingly enough,

there are enough four-legged wild crit-

ters here that The Glenridge could start

its own zoo.

What many members don’t realize is

that this area now known as our home

was once a vast salt water basin and then a tropical

forest dotted with bushes and trees. Dig a little, if you

can get past the clay, and you will find many salt water

shells and the occasional shark’s tooth.

Although I have seen deer in The Glenridge, the

sighting of a beautiful buck was quite a thrill. As a

large set of antlers bounced up and down, the animal

was quietly feeding on the grass bank across the

water behind my home. What a magnificent animal!

Not sure what scared him, but with a start, he bound-

ed back to the woods and out of sight. The buck

appeared to be a ballet dancer as he gracefully leaped

to the security of the trees.

That aroused my curiosity as to what four-legged

creatures called The Glenridge home. And who could

answer that better than Glenridge head of security

Bob Goerke, an avid fisherman and sportsman.

According to Goerke there are about 42 creatures of

various descriptions that call The Glenridge home – or

at least some of the land and some of the sky. Starting

with the inner lake, although asked not to, members

enjoy feeding the fish with some dinner rolls. Fish

scramble for these tidbits, churning the water and fight-

ing for morsels of Glenridge dough. There are quite a

few large fish. I believe these are mostly catfish and no

one is sure how they arrived without paying their

entrance fee. Besides catfish, Goerke knows from cast-

ing a rod in the adjacent ponds there are large mouth

bass, blue gills and tilapia.

For reptiles try alligators, turtles, tortoises, snakes

and lizards (geckos).

The list of mammals is even more amazing. The

Glenridge zoo could feature these: river otters, rac-

coons, armadillos, rabbits, bobcats (had one of these

in my backyard), panthers, foxes, feral cats, deer,

opossums and squirrels. For those of us from the

northern climes, ever notice how small these squirrels

are compared to their northern cousins?

Goerke claims there are about 20 bird species that

fly the Glenridge skies. These include eagles, ospreys,

herons, anhinga (snake bird), sand hill cranes, storks

and many more.

So as you walk the grounds of The Glenridge,

keep your eyes open for these wild, beautiful crea-

tures that also call our home their home.

Letter to the EditorWords cannot express the gratitude I feel for the

outpouring of care, concern and assistance extended

by so many people during Betty’s passing on Nov. 11.

From end of life blessings at her bedside by Jim

Harrington, to airport transportation for my children

provided by Jean and Ed Duffy and Marge Baruch, to

many other offers of help, they illustrate the reason

we knew The Glenridge was the place to be during

the most difficult time in our lives.

Very special thanks to our Memory Center staff

members who have been family to Betty and me for

the almost five years Betty was under their care: Bev

Bickel, who provided the guiding hand; Lena, Kim,

Jeanie, Paul and Susie, stalwarts almost since the

beginning; Debbie, Jackie, Jessie, Genevieve, Patti,

Josette, Gwen, Pauline, Daphne, each essential to

Betty during that 59-month challenge she endured;

and to Lynn, Karen, Sally, Tracy, Trudy, Islia, Dijana,

Shantell, and Marie, each of whom touched her life

in vital and compassionate ways. The tender, loving

and highly professional care of every one of this mar-

velous Memory Center staff made all the difference.

Additional thanks to Tidewell Hospice, in particu-

lar Sharon, Donovan and Tina, who helped us

weather these final months before and during Betty’s

passing. “Palliative” and “comfort” are the words

they use, but “peaceful” seems appropriate, too.

So many people made this difficult transition in

our lives easier to manage, and easier to bear. I will

forever be grateful.

Dick Torrey

4 decEMBER 2009/january 2010

Health Center Fills with Holiday Cheerby Karen Radcliffe, Activities Manager

The Holidays are HERE! The

Health Center starts getting busy

around the end of October and

does not stop! While we will con-

tinue with our favorite pastimes,

this month will be filled with holi-

day music and cheer! We will have

outside performers throughout the

month in addition to our very own

Glenridge Singers who will carol

throughout the Health Center. St.

Margrit’s of Scotland will return to

carol also. We will be decorating

Christmas trees, making holiday

cookies and crafts.

Family Night (our quarterly

program) will be held on

Herb Schiff passes out candy during Trick or Treat

Lisa Hessler greets visitors to The HauntedHouse

Hors d’oeuvre of the Monthby Mary Manegold

Brie with Kahlua

1 ripe Brie cheese

Brown sugar

Kahlua

Fresh berries

Place Brie on microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle

with brown sugar and pour Kuhlua over all.

Microwave on medium heat to heat cheese through.

Sprinkle with berries. Serve with crackers.

Buen Provecho!

Bon Appetit!

Lorraine Callaghan as 'The Butcher' and Kelly Welsh as 'TheVictim' in the Haunted House

The Andersons choose their meats from the butcher in theHaunted House

December 10 in Isle of Skye and

December 17 in The Highlands

and The Carroll Center.

On December 12 the Players

Theatre will return to offer their

holiday show. The performers’ age

range is 3-17 years; they perform

dance routines, songs and skits.

Their instructor is Steven Vincent

who conducts our bi-weekly exer-

cise program in the Health Center.

On December 15 Baila Miller will

be presenting a Hanukkah pro-

gram. Santa will be making a visit

on December 21. After all this

excitement, we need to relax, so

we will enjoy a Spa Afternoon on

December 30. On December 31 we

will have an early New Years Eve

celebration with music from Jim

Wood at 3 p.m. in the Carroll

Center dining room.

Wishing everyone a happy and

healthy new year!


Again this year, members will host a gift tree and

children’s party for children aged 9 and under who

live in the households of our staff. Santa has found

some time in his busy schedule and will join one and

all for the party.

This festivity is to show our appreciation to all our

staff and their families. They are our friends who

work hard helping to keep The Glenridge up to high

standards. We appreciate everyone’s efforts, and now

it is time to party and enjoy their wonderful children!

Look for our gift tree in the lobby near the

Reception desk in early December. On the tree will

be envelopes: red for boys and green for girls. Each

will be marked with the age of the child, e.g., Boy,

Age 4. This year we have 79 children. We will be

giving 1 gift to each child. Inside will be instructions

and a gift tag to place on your gift. In order for all

children to be treated equally, we suggest an amount

of $20-$25. If you feel this is more than you canspend this year please join with a neighbor or friendin purchasing a gift. And please, no clothes. Holiday

time is toy time!

Please, if you take an envelope and then change

your mind, place the envelope with all original contents

back on the tree as soon as possible. No child should be

left out. Bunny Nesbit will be available to help pur-

chase a gift for you if you so choose; please call her at

923-7748 no later than Monday, December 14, if you

need help. Members of the Social Committee will

assist in wrapping gifts for those who need assistance;

they will be in the Art Room on Wednesday, December

16, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Please deliver all wrapped gifts to Mac II on

Friday, December 18, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00

p.m. Do not wait until the morning of the party; the

committee must be sure each child has a gift by

Friday afternoon as we cannot risk a child not

receiving a gift the next morning.

The party will be held on Saturday, December

19, from 10:30 until 12:00 noon in Mac I & II. All

members are encouraged to attend. It is a joyous

occasion!

A Smidge of Bridgeby Jean Minneman

The con-

tract is four

spades. E-W

did not bid.

The opening

lead is the

heart 3. How

to make ten

tricks? Nine

tricks seem to

be there.

Where is the

tenth? We must

assume both

missing dia-

mond honors

are off side or

the hand would

be routine.

Solution, page 15.

HO HO HO!

Staff Children Invited to Have “Bagels and Cookies with Santa”by Bunny Nesbit

Holiday LightsTour

Tuesday, December 15Depart Glenridge 6:15 p.m.

See the best light displays in town from thecomfort of an enclosed Glenridge bus!

FREE!RSVP Concierge 552-5315Hurry! Space is limited!


You can protect your heart this

holiday season by controlling the

amount of trans fat you consume.

What exactly is a “trans fat”?

Food manufacturers know that

solid fats increase the shelf-life

and flavor stability in many baked

and processed foods and often

result in a better food product. As

a result they began changing liquid oils (such as corn

and soybean) into solids by adding hydrogen. This

process is called hydrogenation and results in a type

of fat called trans fats. Trans fats are different from

the saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated

fats that you probably know about. Trans fats have

the same effect on the heart as saturated fats: both

raise LDL-cholesterol levels (“bad cholesterol”) and

therefore increase your risk of heart disease. Trans

fats have been in the public eye in recent years for

this reason. As of January 2006 manufacturers are

required to include trans fat on food labels to make it

easier for consumers to know how much trans fat

they are eating.

What foods contain trans fats? Trans fat is found

in any food that contains hydrogenated vegetable oils,

including shortening and margarine. The major

sources in the diet are commercial baked goods

(cakes, cookies, crackers, pies, bread, etc), animal

products, margarine, commercially fried potatoes, and

snack foods like potato chips, corn chips, and pop-

corn. You can read the ingredient list on a Nutrition

Facts food label for the grams of trans fat (located

under Total Fat).

How much trans fat is safe to eat? Researchers

still don’t know exactly what level of trans fat is safe

to eat. However, they have suggested that less than 1

percent of your total calorie intake should be from

trans fat. This translates into 2-3 grams of trans fat

daily for those eating 2000-2500 calories per day.

How can I change my diet to eat fewer trans

fats? Plan to include more fruits, vegetables, whole

grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products

in your daily diet. Also include lean cuts of meat,

poultry without the skin, fish and dried beans and

nuts. Limiting your intake of baked goods, crackers,

and cookies made with hydrogenated vegetable oils is

one of the best ways to reduce trans fat in your daily

diet. Try to use healthier liquid oils like soybean,

canola, peanut, olive, or corn oil instead of solids like

butter or margarine.

References:American Heart Association Nutrition Committee.

Circulation 114(1):82-96. Accessed December 2006. Available

at http:circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/114/1/82

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Revealing Trans Fats. FDA

Consumer Magazine, September-October 2003, revised

September 2005. Available at

www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2003/503_fats.html

Melanie Miszewski

Eating Fine in 2009

Protect your Heart during the Holidaysby Melanie Miszewski, Dietary Manager

Miniature Village Takes Us Home for the Holidaysby Cynthia Cudworth

Our own holiday village on the

mezzanine is under construction

and will soon be one of the bright

spots in our Glenridge community

this season.

This village is here through a

generous donation last year from

Ginger Judge, a member of the

Glenridge Board of Directors, and

a more recent donation from Don

Gelbach, a former member of the

Board.

Jennifer Berkey, Executive

Assistant, Karen Ciemiega, Staff

Services Coordinator, and Marge

Simonson, Director of Staff

Services, are designing the layout

of the village with the help of the

Maintenance Team.

Our spirits will certainly bright-

en as we enjoy its beauty and we

hope that it brings back wonderful

memories of holidays past.


Art Acquisitions Enhance The Glenridgeby Jean Minneman

The Asolo Rep is collaborating

with four Sarasota County high

schools to create “live” docudra-

mas called “Lend Us Your Voice,”

to be presented on December 3, 4

and 5 at The Out-of-Door

Academy Arts Center in Lakewood

Ranch.

Students who attend Southeast

High School, The Out-of-Door

Academy and Booker High School

conducted interviews with mem-

bers of The Glenridge. Respec-

tively, the topics covered ageism,

social groups and scars – both

physical and emotional. The stu-

CATALINA ISLAND, a watercolor recently given

to The Glenridge by Jim Martin, is well mounted on

the freshly painted walls in the gossip corner of The

Fitness Center.

Between l994 and 2005, Jim was a chaplain for

the hospice serving all of San Diego County,

California. One patient whom he ministered for near-

ly a year was a man who had served in the United

States Air Force and whose wife was a gifted artist.

After the man’s death, his wife, J. B. Franklin, invited

Jim to visit her studio in La Jolla and offered Jim his

choice of any original in her studio. Catalina Island

was a special place to Jim, and thus he selected this

work. Catalina Island is one of the rocky channel

islands off the southern coast of California.

POLYNESIAN LADIES, also given to The

Glenridge by Jim Martin, hangs to the left of the

entrance to the Heather Dining Room. This canvas

was presented to the Martin family in 1938 by

“Uncle Jack” who was a career military man and

served in the U. S. Cavalry. The artist is unknown.

(Footnote: Jim remembers that “Uncle Jack” was

quite proud of his saddle’s appearance.)

“Lend US YOUR VOICE”

Glenridge Members are Resources for High School/Asolo Rep Productionby Anne Calvert

dents were very well-prepared

with probing questions. The stu-

dents then wrote original

ensemble works, brainstorming

scene ideas with directors from

the Asolo Rep: Leah Page, educa-

tion associate, and Emily

Freeman, education intern and the

granddaughter of Glenridge mem-

bers Dick and Joanne Freeman.

The students who conducted the

interviews and co-wrote the mini-

plays also serve as the actors; they

will “take on” some of the manner-

isms of the person they interviewed

during their performance.

Lakewood Ranch High School

students are also participating in

this ensemble work. Their topic

delved into afflictions that affect

children, such as autism, so they

interviewed children with autism

and their families in the Sarasota

community.

A Glenridge trip is being

arranged for the matinee perform-

ance on Saturday, December 5.

Call the Concierge at 552-5315 to

sign up for round trip transporta-

tion ($10) AND call the Asolo Rep

at 358-0810 to reserve your free

ticket.

George Davis has been Building K’s one

and only representative; his term ends in

January, along with his term as Glenridge

Advisory Council president. His constituents

and other friends marked the occasion with

a dinner party and roast. Pictured are

George and his “roasters” (L-R): Dick

Fleming, Jane Goehrig, Bill Cahill, Twinkles

the Clown, George, Randy Anderson, Kat

Mathews and Jerry Koenke.

Nurse Inez Outlines Swine Flu Prevention Stepsby Joyce Morrison

Swine flu, more accurately called H1N1, vaccina-

tion clinic schedules had not been published at The

Piper’s press deadline but school vaccinations had

already begun in the Sarasota area in early

November. Pregnant women and children seem to be

particularly at risk, while older adults may have some

immunity due to previous exposures, Nurse Inez

Vasquez of the Glenridge Wellness Center reported.

“H1N1 can be a devastating disease,” Nurse Inez

said, warning that anyone with the symptoms should

see his or her doctor as early as possible. The

Sarasota County Health department has said that both

seasonal and H1N1 vaccines are recommended and

the H1N1 vaccine is now available and being distrib-

uted throughout Sarasota County to doctors’ offices

and hospitals. Clinics for the general public to receive

the vaccine were expected by Thanksgiving.

The vaccine, the department emphasizes, is safe

for children, pregnant women and others in high risk

groups, and those who need it should feel safe to

receive the antiviral treatment and prevent what could

be a high-risk illness. The early November swine flu

toll in Florida stood at 139 deaths and at least 11 out-

breaks in Sarasota schools have reported five or more

students with flu symptoms in a 48-hour period.

Flu is now widespread in 48 states and some cities

that had cases of flu in the spring are experiencing a

second wave now, the department warned. The pan-

demic has been declared an emergency by President

Barack Obama so that hospitals

will be able to execute disaster

plans.

There are some simple precautions that everyone

should be taking, Nurse Inez cautions:

• Wash your hands (and children’s)

• Avoid contact with sick people

• Cover your sneeze and cough

• Stay home from work or school when ill

• Call or see your doctor when sick, especially for

breathing symptoms.

• Get vaccinated! It’s safe!

• Encourage family and friends to get vaccinated.

• Stay up-to-date with accurate information.

Accurate information is readily available from the

Sarasota County Health Department website:

www.sarasotahealth.org, or phone free Florida Flu

Information Line (24/7) at 1-877-352-3581.

People most at risk, Nurse Inez warns, are those

with pulmonary conditions, including asthma and

COPD; cardiovascular conditions (except high blood

pressure); renal disease; Diabetes Melitus; neuromus-

cular disease; hematological conditions and

immunosuppression.

Not all patients with flu infections will have typical

symptoms, she said, so rapid diagnosis requires med-

ical help. Antiviral treatment should begin as soon as

possible if symptoms last 48 hours. Avoid contact with

others during infectious period until 24 hours after the

fever ends. Do not return to work, school, child care

(or volunteering at hospitals) until 24 hours after the

fever ends, she cautioned.


PLEASE NOTE!Auditions for Second Stage

have been postponedIN MEMORIAM

“What a beautiful difference one single life can make.”

Betty Torrey

Cliff Messenheimer

Want to learn more about the

H1N1 flu or health care reform?

The December 14 meeting of the

Glenridge Men’s Club will feature

Dr. William Colgate of Sarasota

Memorial Hospital. The Emer-

gency Director will speak on the

national emergency of the pandem-

ic flu also known as “Swine Flu.”

Dr. Colgate is the Medical

Director of Emergency Services and Chief of Staff at

H1N1 Flu to be Topic of December Men’s Club Luncheon

Sarasota Memorial Hospital. He has also served as

the Vice President of Medical Affairs/Chief Medical

Officer at Sarasota Memorial Hospital (1999-2003)

and as President of the Florida College of Emergency

Physicians (2000-2001). Colgate is also active in

many other medical organizations.

The December meeting of the Men’s Club has

been moved to Monday, December 14, one week

earlier, because of the holidays. Call the Concierge

for reservations (552-5315). Invite a neighbor to join

you for this timely and informative luncheon.

Dr. William Colgate


A Tale of Two Kitties – Final Actby Jan Linehan

Dramatis personae: Daphne: gray,

lady-like (except when confronting

her brother), a distinctly soprano

meow not often heard. Jason: black,

aggressive (save when attempting to

face down his sister), restless, noisy,

with a demanding, loud “waah,

waah,” very masculine, hard to

ignore. The human: stage director,

props supplier, nominally the pro-

ducer of this drama.

Scene 1: Acceptance comes on little

cats' feet.

The actors enter, alert, taut, eyes

glowing, disdain for the stage direc-

tor evident. Breakfast is served in

two dishes; Daphne eats first, as

befits a queen, from whichever dish

meets her fancy; Jason takes the

leftovers, if they suit him, which

often they do not.

Then begins the caterwauling,

especially by Jason, who combines

it with tearing around the house in a

race-course pattern and scratching

the upholstered furniture (now con-

cealed for partial protection by a

hideous “throw” cover—did I really

opt to become an adoptive parent?)

The day progresses with uneasy

observations of the stage director,

combined with sleeping periods on

the crewel-covered dining room

chairs (why not the padded but ordi-

nary kitchen chairs?) or the chintz

comforters on the guest room beds,

where the distribution of gray and

black hair is generous.

But then come the magic few

moments of contentment signaled

when the director picks up the TV

remote and the curry comb, plus her

glass of wine, and sits on the sofa by

the coffee table. Dinner is in the

oven, and maybe all the personae can

tolerate each other for the length of

the weather forecast. With judicious

wielding of the comb to the left side

and the right—Jason works himself

into the corner where it is hard to

reach him, but he would not think of

foregoing this interval; Daphne,

briefly spared the rivalry, may even

put her head on the director's knee.

Too soon the period of calm is over

and the two go back to eyeing each

other and the boss

with great suspi-

cion.

The next leap-

ing about comes

with bedtime. The

rivalry over bed

position still is

being waged, but

in a less vigorous

manner. It all

depends on who

Please turn to page 12

gets there first, and as the weather

cools, can claim a position of

warmth near the otherwise dis-

dained director. And the director has

to concede that as the night air

freshens, a cuddly kitty can be com-

forting.

Scene 2: Absence makes the heart

grow fonder.

The stage director takes two

weeks' vacation, replaced by a pet

caretaker who comes in mornings to

feed and clean litter boxes (the kit-

ties refuse to share just one).

Weekends they fend for themselves.

Are they glad for their freedom?

Enjoying each other's company?

When the director walks in with

her customary “hello there, my

friends,” the cats turn their backs

12 decEMBER 2009/january 2010

A Tale of Two Kitties – Final Actcontinued from page 9

Member Ed Duffy to Speak at January Women’s Clubby Anne Calvert

and stalk away, and the director's

ego is bruised. What happened to

the affectionate greetings tendered

by offspring?

But the next day: a miracle!

Having decided, apparently, that a

familiar presence is better than

none, they circle against the produc-

er's legs, offer their heads and necks

for petting, and generally act toler-

ant of this human's existence. Their

loud cat conversations affirm the

state of comfort.

And so it goes over the next few

weeks, with progress in small incre-

ments. No such thing as lap-sitting,

of course, no spontaneous signs of

loving, but little markers of greater

acceptance, especially on Daphne's

part. She is stubborn, and does not

want to give the appearance of

responding to overtures, but gradu-

ally she is accommodating to a new

life-style (now nearly two years

old!). Jason is still a bundle of nerv-

ous energy.

Scene 3: A death knell rings.

In September Daphne has a

seizure. The next day she has two

more, and the director makes

arrangements to see a veterinarian

the next morning. By then, she is

having “events” almost without

pause. It is agreed that if the prog-

nosis is as bad as it appears, no

“extraordinary measures” will be

taken. The veterinarian calls within

the hour, and the decision to eutha-

nize is made.

For the first time in his long cat

life, Jason is left without a sister, an

antagonist, a rival, a friend. Will he

accept a human as substitute?

Epilogue

How does one know whether a

cat is lonely? Jason is just as loud

and full of “waahs,” though some-

times with a plaintive note, just as

nervous and jumpy. The cat bible

tells one not to allow bad habits to

The January 25, 2010, luncheon of

The Glenridge Women’s Club will be a

very special meeting, as member Ed

Duffy will be our guest speaker. His

subject will be an update on the finan-

cial markets and banks with a

world-wide approach.

A graduate of Syracuse University,

Utica College, with a BS degree in accounting, Ed

served as CEO and then Chairman of the Board of

Marine Midland Bank, as well as a director of the

Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

(HSBC). He was also a director of several large cor-

porations and a member of a number of financial

organizations.

At The Glenridge, Ed is chairman of the Finance

Committee. He and his wife Jean spend several

months each year at their home in the Finger Lakes

region near Cooperstown, New York.

Call the Concierge at 552-5315 to sign up for the

luncheon.

Ed Duffy

A few of the dogs awaiting their turn to strut their stuff in the Annual Glenridge DogShow. The show drew 21 adorable pooches and dozens of delighted spectators.

be indulged during periods of

mourning. But Jason lets me know

in very certain terms when it is time

to play with his toys, sit down for

his evening brushing, or most espe-

cially when I am staying up too late

and should hurry with turning down

the coverlet so that he can climb up

and be ready for his night's rest. He

is not a night owl, he tells me, and

needs me to go to bed to facilitate

cuddling in the darkness.

Most importantly, during the day

he now begs to get up in my lap –

and I welcome him!

decEMBER 2009/january 2010 13

OUT AND ABOUT

December Events Create a Feast for the Sensesby Anne Calvert

The holidays in Sarasota are

magic. One seldom gives pause to

remember the early traditions when

one could be stranded on Christmas

morning by a 23-inch snow (in

Denver) or later years when one’s

luggage didn’t arrive – the one

holding the gifts for the grandchil-

dren. There are new traditions to be

established here, and they involve

drives through neighborhoods to

see the homes decorated with col-

ored lights, music of all kinds, and

food…as well as the grandchildren

who have grown and now love to

come to Sarasota on their own.

Singing Christmas Tree

FirstSarasota,

the Downtown

Baptist Church,

hosts one of the

longest holiday

traditions in

Sarasota: the thir-

ty-sixth annual Singing Christmas

Tree. Just imagine a Christmas

tree decorated with more than one

hundred choristers, men and

women, filling the tree. An angel

flies across the sanctuary on a

wire to take her place at the top of

the tree. And then the traditional

Christmas music begins with

members of the Sarasota

Orchestra and a beautiful organ

accompanying the voices of the

choir. At that moment the magic

of the season arrives!

There will be nine performanc-

es between December 4th and

December 13th, with matinee and

evening performances available.

Tickets are ten dollars and are on

sale now.

FirstSarasota, the Downtown

Baptist Church

1670 Main Street 365-2846

www.firstsarasota.org

Community Carol Sing with

Belle Canto Singers

A tradition of seventeen years

at First United Methodist Church

continues with the Sunday,

December 13, concert at 7pm

when the community gathers to

celebrate Christmas. Every year

they are joined by members of the

Sarasota Orchestra and this year is

no exception. They will present

the beautiful music of John Rutter,

carols by Sir David Willcocks, and

so much more.

During the concert the church

will introduce Sarasota’s newest

professional ensemble – Belle

Canto, a celebration of women’s

voices. They will join with the

women of the First Church

Singers to present an exciting

piece for double women’s chorus,

brass, organ, and percussion. They

will also perform a John Rutter

favorite, Angel’s Carol.

The director, Liz Goldstein,

started her career as director of

music at First Church seventeen

years ago, and under her direction,

this concert has become a jewel of

the holiday season.

First United Methodist Church

104 S. Pineapple Ave.

955-0935 Free-will offering

2nd Annual Jewish Food Festival

In our neighborhood is a lovely

temple planning a day of fun and

good shopping on their grounds on

Sunday, December 6, from

10:30am to 3:30pm. They will

have authentic, homemade Jewish

foods (twelve were listed) that

will be served for breakfast and

lunch with take-out available.

Children are welcome to visit

the Jewish Children’s Book Fair

as well as a flea market. They

have thought of everything!

Temple Sinai

4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road

(off Proctor Road)

Phone: 924-1802

Sounds of Christmas

Lee Bingham will once again

present a very exciting program to

celebrate the holiday season on

Friday, December 18, at 3:30pm

in The Glenridge Theatre. The

lights will dim and once again we

will see a 42-voice chorus

resplendent in their red jackets

and bright smiles, ready to share a

program with many joyous sur-

prises. The season would not be

complete without their loving

gifts of song!

Glenridge Performing Arts

Center

552-5325

Free; Reservations Required

Holiday Lights Tour

Our own Transportation

Department will conduct its annu-

al tour of the area’s best

Christmas lights displays on

Tuesday, December 15, departing

at 6:15pm.

Glenridge Concierge

552-5315

Free; Reservations Required

And to our faithful readers, we

wish one and all a happy, healthy,

hearty holiday season!

Dining Services Team Spices Up Mealtimes and Parties

Garry Franko, Director of Dining Services

Garry Franko has twenty-nine years experience in

food and beverage management and operations.

Throughout his career, he has worked in management,

catering and food and beverage operations for resorts,

clubs and hotels across the United States, including

his previous position at the Don

Cesar Beach Resort & Spa in St.

Petersburg.

Garry has been with the

Glenridge since 2003. He began

work in the construction trailer

and watched as the Commons

building was being built. There

were many pieces of the dining

operation that needed to be com-

pleted prior to opening. All of

the major cooking equipment had

been installed but the remainder of the preparation

and cooking utensils as well as service items needed

to be purchased. With the help of the Dining

Committee, the existing china, glassware and flatware

patterns were chosen for service in the dining rooms.

Also during this time our Executive Chef, Tim

Pheasant, was hired along with several other staff

members. The existing menu concepts were put

together so that the first members that moved in could

begin enjoying meals in the dining room immediately.

“Over the past six years many changes have taken

place which have helped improve the dining experi-

ence in all facets of the operation,” states Garry. “The

Comment Card system has been a vital asset in giving

feedback to the likes and dislikes of the general mem-

bership.”

Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Garry has

lived in Lakewood Ranch since 2000 after moving

from Wisconsin.

Timothy Pheasant, Executive Chef

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is

Timothy Pheasant and I am the Executive Chef here

at The Glenridge. My culinary career spans over 20

years, working in some of the most elite restaurants

across Florida.

My crew and I prepare over 600 meals a day –

300 in health services and 300 in the independent

dining rooms – not including functions that are

booked in the Sterling Room or either of the

MacIntyre Rooms. I manage a staff of twelve cooks,

two Sous chefs and nine utility aids who prepare all

meals, keep the kitchens clean

and the dishes washed. When

The Glenridge first opened I had

a staff of six people serving

lunch and dinner in the

Hawthorne room, roughly total-

ing forty meals. Since then we

have more than quadrupled our

budget and have increased our

standards and quality of food.

To meet our standards of

quality, we purchase from specif-

ic purveyors: a dairy company for our milk, a

seafood company for our fresh fish (purchasing 250-

300 pounds of fish weekly), and a meat purveyor out

of Tampa who deals directly with a breeder of cattle

that is specific to its own breed, meaning that the

price of beef isn’t reflective of the open market. This

saves money because their prices stay steady year

round and assures freshness and quality. We also use

a produce company out of Tampa that buys directly

from the farms, and a main grocer that supplies us

with everything else we need or could want.

It takes a lot to bring our organized confusion to

your table and we have come a long way. I am very

happy and proud of the work my team and I accom-

plish here everyday.

Bon appétit!

Claire Pelletier, Dining & Catering Manager

Claire Pelletier was born in Hartford, CT, and par-

ticipated in a number of interesting career endeavors in

the 70’s and 80’s, including owning a 7-11. She also

started a small company that made sandwiches and

delivered to health food stores around the greater

Hartford area and down to the Shoreline. She relocated

to Key West, FL, in 1991. “Life was good on the tiny

(L-R) Garry Franko, Claire Pelletier and Tim Pheasant

Please turn to page 15decEMBER 2009/january 201014

In the third in our series of articles on Glenridge departments, we focus on Dining Services. In this issuewe feature Director of Dining Services Garry Franko, Executive Chef Tim Pheasant and Dining & CateringManager Claire Pelletier.


Dining Services...continued from page 14

island,” Claire says, “but after 13 years on a 2 by 4

mile strip of land, it was time for a change. No particu-

lar reason except that life is short and change is good!”

Coral Gables, the beautiful suburb of Miami, sat-

isfied her interest in beautiful architectural homes.

Claire worked as the Food and Beverage Manager at

the Miami City Club on the 54th floor with a 360-

degree view of Florida. The move also located her

closer to her elderly parents in Venice. After a time it

became apparent that they needed her nearer to them.

So once again, all was sold and she was on the move

to Venice.

This relocation brought her here to The Glenridge.

“What a beautiful place to have stumbled upon!”

exclaims Claire. “Much work was needed in the

Dining Rooms, like supervision and training. This, as

you well know, is an ongoing, non-stop daily

process.”

Many of you know Claire also creates beautiful

jewelry, each piece a unique work of art.

Story of Chicago Cop Slated for January Men’s Club

One of

“Chicago’s

Finest” will be

the guest

speaker for the

Glenridge

Men’s Club

luncheon on

Monday,

January 18.

Glenridge member Walter Vallee

spent 25 years with the Chicago

Police Department, rapidly rising to

one of the most prestigious posi-

tions in the department. As Deputy

Chief of Special Operations, Vallee

headed the Helicopter Unit, the

Canine Unit, the Marine Unit, the

Mass Transit Unit and bodyguards

of visiting VIPs.

During this time, Vallee was in

charge of some of Chicago’s most

sensational cases. A book detailing

his experiences, “The Night

Chief,” tells of his record of

courage and integrity in a danger-

ous profession.

Reservations for the January 18

luncheon may be made at the

Concierge’s desk or by calling

552-5315.

Hence, we need an elimina-

tion and endplay…and we must

keep West off the lead lest he find

the killing diamond shift.

Therefore:

Duck the first heart trick to

East. Take whatever he returns,

draw the trumps, take the heart

ace, and ruff dummy’s remaining

heart. Cash any remaining clubs.

Now with the hearts and clubs

eliminated, lead a low diamond to

dummy’s jack. East wins, and has

another diamond trick …but he is

snared. If he leads a diamond,

your other diamond honor wins;

if he leads a club or a heart, you

discard a diamond from hand and

ruff on the board. Ten tricks. (Note, if declarer takes the first heart with the

ace, draws trumps, and then leads a heart, West can defeat the contract by

winning that heart trick and leading the obvious diamond nine.)

Bridge Solutionfrom page 5

Walter Vallee


Management’s Effort Yields $61,000 Tax Reductionby Joyce Morrison

CEO Howard Crowell was wel-

comed to the podium with a

thunderous standing ovation as he

opened the Quarterly Meeting

November 5 in the Theatre. He

responded to the applause greeting

his return after an illness with a

compliment to the staff, saying “A

leader is best rewarded if his staff

performs just as well when he’s

away. And in this case, they cer-

tainly did.”

The upbeat mood continued as

Larry Blackburn of Valley Crest,

Glenridge’s primary landscape

contractor, took the stage to

announce that The Glenridge had

earned a Grand Award as well as a

Judge’s Choice Award given by

Planet, the Professional Landscape

Network, at their national meet-

ing. (See story, page 1.)The Glenridge’s own Grounds

Manager, Katherine Lawless, was

ushered to the stage to receive the

Grand Award. She quickly brought

Roger Diaz and Sergio Oviedo to

the stage. “It was all the dedicated

work of the department that made

this possible,” she said, sharing

the award, applause and cheers of

the members with her team.

Then Praxeis CEO and presi-

dent Jim Cater came to the

podium to assess the financial

standing of The Glenridge and

relate it to the industry as a whole.

“The industry is stable,” he said,

“but it is not keeping up with the

population growth.”

He called complexity, regula-

tion and risk the three key factors

deterring growth. The weak econ-

omy has kept sales figures down

since the housing crisis began.

However, Glenridge occupancy

rates, now at 92%, are above the

state average, as are the assisted

living (91%) and skilled nursing

(90%) occupancy rates.

As property values decreased,

the millage was raised, he noted,

creating a serious tax increase for

The Glenridge. However, manage-

ment’s appeal of the increase

resulted in a $61,000 reduction,

maintaining our average tax bill at

$3,806. While this is an increase

in 2009 tax bills for members, it is

substantially below the original

assessments, he said.

Overall, monthly fees are

down, while operating expenses

are up over 2%. In assessing the

line items, management deter-

mined that an additional 3%

monthly assessment would be

needed, but the board decided to

budget for 1.5% now and an addi-

tional 1.5% in July as needed,

Cater said.

Roberta Snell-Garland, sitting

in for Gen. Crowell during his ill-

ness, reported that residential

occupancy stood at 277, with

numerous settlements scheduled

for December. The Carroll Center

was slightly below budget owing

to the number of members who

had required services there.

Members pay a lesser fee than out-

side patients, so revenues were

down, she noted.

However, anticipated increases

in residential occupancy, and con-

tinuing high performance by the

Highlands and Carroll Center are

expected to keep Glenridge mov-

ing ahead, she said.

Snowflake reports gave the din-

ing staff outstanding ratings, while

Transportation, Housekeeping,

Maintenance and Member Services

all kept their departments at excep-

tional performance levels.

• that the GPAC box office has a bookcase full of movies you mayborrow. Select your movie, sign the notebook, view the movie athome, return within 2-3 days and sign the notebook return col-umn. The box office is open 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday.

• that the Member Business Center (mezzanine) has computers, ashredder, a fax machine, a copy machine, a paper cutter, sta-pler/staple remover, etc. A mini office for everyone's use!

• that all our committees need help. You are welcome to sit in onany meeting as an observer and then you can decide if that com-mittee is of interest to you.

Did you know?by Cynthia Cudworth

Member Anne Calvert was

named “Carnation Girl of the

Year” by the local alumni

chapter of her sorority, Alpha

Chi Omega. Anne was recog-

nized for her lifetime of

giving to others, including

teaching, service to her soror-

ity and volunteering in her

community.

Anne CalvertHonored


by Kery Helmer, Fitness Center Manager

Share the gift of health with your friends and

loved ones this Christmas by giving gifts that pro-

mote healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

Fitness

• Inspire your friend or loved one to nurture the body

with a gift certificate for Massage, Reflexology,

Acupuncture, or Personal Training. If they’re

local or coming in for the holidays you can fulfill

this part of your “Shopping List” right here at the

Glenridge Fitness Center. We’re offering great dis-

counts through the holidays.

• Give a gift certificate to a healthy class. Consider

low-fat cooking classes as well as yoga, aerobics or

belly dancing classes. Include yourself for this gift

too!

• Pack a gym bag with exercise gear such as hand

weights, a sweatband, a pedometer, an exercise video

or a jump rope. Include a gift certificate to a store

that sells athletic clothing. Consider the Fitness

Center Retail Shop for items to add. 25% off every-

thing in our retail shop through December 24th.

Green Thumb

• Fill a straw hat with packets of herb seeds, a pair of

garden gloves and a book on cooking with herbs.

• Plant a seed in a decorative pot with care instruc-

tions. Anticipation of what’s to come when it

blooms is half the fun.

• Make a basket of assorted herbal teas. You also can

include a mug and tea infuser.

• Give a live plant with a watering can. Plants bring

life to any home or office.

• Herbal diffusers provide not only a welcome

aroma; they can also have therapeutic effects.

Lavender and rosemary are calming. Lemongrass

and coriander are energizing.

Flavors

• Fill a basket with a variety of fresh fruit. Line the

basket with a colorful kitchen towel and a small

cutting board with a knife.

• Fill a new salad bowl with low-fat salad dressings

and flavored vinegars. Include your favorite salad

recipes.

• Load up a colander with various packaged pastas

and include a pasta cookbook or several of your

favorite pasta recipes.

• Combine several varieties of dry beans and lentils,

such as pinto, northern, black-eyed peas and soy-

beans. Repackage them in decorative jars or tins.

Supply your favorite recipes, seasonings, and add a

wooden spoon.

• Bake up a batch of whole grain, low-fat muffins or

a mini-loaf of your favorite quick bread. Place in an

antique mixing bowl with a container of low-fat

cream cheese.

Give the

Gift

of Health


The Glen Men Singers, under the direction of Lee Bingham, entertained with songsof war time at the Veterans Day Luncheon.

LOW VISIONGROUP

4-Session Daily Living Course

Instructor: Sally Meyers

Lighthouse of Manasota

Tuesday, Dec. 1 – Mac II

Friday, Dec. 4 – Art Room

Tuesday, Dec. 8 – Mac II

Friday, Dec. 11 – Art Room

All Sessions 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Sally will cover topics of interest to all:

Medication Management,

Money & Time Management,

Reading & Writing Aids, Telephone Skills,

Talking Books and More!

January Low Vision GroupRegular Meeting:

Friday, Jan. 8, 1:30 pm – Art Room

Preview of Winter Programs

Come, Care and Share!

Glenridge member Dale Grove (left) washonored at the 2009 Veterans Day Luncheon.

Grove served 24 months overseas andreceived two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star,

five Bronze Battle Stars, a CombatInfantryman’s Badge and a unit Presidential

Citation. At right is George Measer, whoserved as luncheon master of ceremonies.


Thursday, December 3 . . . . . 10:30a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florence Hesler – USF Speaker . . . . . . . Theater

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Magical Realism in Gabriel Marquez’

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “100 Years of Solitude”Saturday, December 5 . . . . . . 1:00p depart . . . . . . . . . . Sarasota Opera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Off-site

Sunday, December 6 . . . . . . . 1:30p depart . . . . . . . . . . Sarasota Orchestra – Van Wezel . . . . . . . Off-site

Sunday, December 6 . . . . . . . 3:00p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suncoast Youth Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theater

Monday, December 7 . . . . . . 7:30p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GPR Players - Second Stage Auditions. . Art Room

T & Th, Dec 8 & 10 . . . . . . . 8:00pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “The Santa Class” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theater

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida premiere of this holiday comedyWednesday, December 9. . . . 6:00p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main Floor

Thursday, December 10 . . . . 3:00p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GAC Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theater

Friday, December 11. . . . . . . 3:00p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee Appreciation Gathering . . . . . Thistle Stop

Friday, December 11. . . . . . . 4:30p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chanukah Candle Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . Living Room

Fri & Sat, Dec 11 & 12. . . . . 8:00p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jazz Juvenocracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theater

Friday, December 11. . . . . . . 6:00p depart . . . . . . . . . . Ditchfield Singers Holiday Show . . . . . . Off-site

Monday, December 14 . . . . . 11:30a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Men’s Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MacIntyre

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. William Colgate – H1N1Tuesday, December 15 . . . . . 6:15p depart . . . . . . . . . . Christmas Lights Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Off-site

Wednesday, December 16. . . 1:30p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Birthday/Anniversary Party. . . . . . . . . . . Thistle Stop

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victorian Christmas - Special Musical PerformanceWednesday, December 16. . . 7:30p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bingo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MacIntyre

Friday, December 18. . . . . . . 3:30p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glenridge Singers “Sounds of Christmas”Theater

Saturday, December 19. . . . . 10:30a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bagels & Cookies with Santa . . . . . . . . . MacIntyre

Sunday, December 20 . . . . . . 2p & 7p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarasota Chorus of the Keys . . . . . . . . . . Theater

Monday, December 21 . . . . . 5:00p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glenridge Singers – Caroling . . . . . . . . . Health Center

Thursday, December 31 . . . . 7:00 - 9:00p . . . . . . . . . . New Year’s Eve Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MacIntyre

The January Calendar will be distributed by January 1, 2010

Here’s a sampling of the exciting events and trips coming up in the New Year:Southeastern Guide Dogs Tour & Lunch

St. Armand’s Circle Shopping & Lunch

Trips to Many Performance Venues

Music & Dancing in the Thistle Stop

USF Series – “The Future Ain’t What it Used to Be”

Men’s & Women’s Luncheons

“Managing Your Memory”

Mardi Gras Party

Oscar Night

Games – Trivia, Bingo and Bridge

Horse Racing – Tampa Bay Downs

Glenridge Players - Second Stage Production

4th Annual Glenridge Art Show

Sailor Circus

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!


GPAC MOVIES FOR DECEMBERby Ken Bonwit

Tues., Dec. 1, 8pm: ANGELS & DEMONS (2009)Drama/Mystery/Thriller; PG-13 - violence, disturbing images, thematic material; Run time: 138 min.Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, Stellan Skarsgard, and Pierfrancesco FavinoThe Pope has died. Four candidates for the papacy are kidnapped and murdered one by one. Robert

Langdon (Hanks) must decipher sculptural symbols and architectural clues to a conspiracy that includes a

powerful weapon placed in the Vatican by the old and supposedly extinct Illuminati.

Tues., Dec. 15, 8pm: THE LAST OF THE BLONDE BOMBSHELLS (2000)Drama; PG-13 - some strong language; Run time: 84 min.Judi Dench, Ian Holm, Leslie Caron, Olympia Dukakis, Cleo Laine, Joan Sims and Millie FindlayAfter her husband dies, Elizabeth (Dench) begins to play her sax again and remembers the almost all-girl

band she played with during World War II. Elizabeth seeks the members of the band, some of whom are

dead or mentally unfit. The sound improves when singer Gwen (Laine) is added.

Tues., Dec. 22, 8pm: UP (2009)Animated Adventure/Comedy/Family; PG - some peril and action; Run time: 96 min.Voices of Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson and Delroy LindoSeventy-eight-year-old Carl (Asner) is finally ready to fulfill his dream of going to South America but he

is forced to go to a retirement home. Before they take him he and his house fly away. He has a young

stowaway, Russell (Nagai). They meet talking dogs, an evil villain and a rare bird.

Tues., Dec. 29, 8pm: THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123 (2009)Crime/Thriller; R - violence and pervasive language; Run time: 106 min.Denzel Washington, John Travolta, Luis Guzman, Victor Gojcaj and John TurturroFour armed men led by Ryder (Travolta) hijack a subway train in New York City and demand one million

dollars in one hour or they will kill the passengers. Transit dispatcher Garber (Washington) uses his knowl-

edge of the subway system in a battle to outwit Ryder and save the hostages.

Documents

The Piper