Woldenberg HappeningsWoldenberg Village Newsletter

3701 Behrman Place | New Orleans, LA 70114 | 504-367-5640 | www.liveatwv.com

3701 Behrman PlaceNew Orleans, LA 70114

This may go down in the ‘Believe It or Not’ file, but can any of us believe that we are now in the second quarter of 2014? When I was a small child, my very-elderly grandfather told me that the older one got, the faster time flew. Gosh, he was right, too right to be honest. I keep trying to put the brakes on Father Time, but he just keeps pushing the accelerator harder. Much has happened at Woldenberg Village during the first three months of the year.

The first note of importance concerns our annual survey at Willow Wood. As most of you know, nursing homes are surveyed unannounced each year by the State. The surveyors follow Federal guidelines. I am exceedingly proud to announce that Willow Wood scored

a zero-deficiency survey. Only 10 percent of the nursing homes nationally can boast of such a survey. Three years ago Willow Wood experienced multiple survey issues and caused our Five-Star Rating to drop to 2-stars. It takes three years for the bad survey to drop off. I truly expect that when CMS issues the updated ratings that Willow Wood’s standing in the rating system will be greatly improved.

Personnel changes are always a part of any organizations. Stephanie Mosley, our Business Office Manager, resigned to pursue other opportunities. I will miss Stephanie as she brought so much to our team, she truly will be missed. Also, Cindy Polt, our CFO, has been promoted to the same position at Touro Infirmary. Cindy has help put systems into place in our business office that helps us be both more efficient and effective.

By: Joe Townsend, Executive Director, Woldenberg Village

Spring 2014

Top to Bottom: Willow Wood: King David Lansou and Queen Marjorie Velten; The Azaleas: King Francois Gravois, Jr and Queen Bertha Fink; The Villas King Dick Hallenus and Queen Dottie Hallenus.

Village Notes

Upcoming Events!

May 7 University of Birmingham Jazz band May 16 Crawfish Boil May 17 Defamalies May 21 Veteran’s Program May 22 Ulrike Masakwoski June 11 Bert Sylvst entertains June 18 Ron Jones entertains June 19 Lunch and Learn June 28 The Villas Open House Wine and Cheese Soiree’June 30 NORD Band Performs

May 6 Elvis in the Building Impersonator May 9 Univ. Ala. Jazz Band May 11-17 National Nursing Home Week Events May 11 Margarita Warren for Mother’s Day May 13 Poetry with Jean Grau May 15 Charmine Neville May 18 Visitation of Our Lady Adult Choir May 25 Rausham Hammond Magic Show and Song

For more information about activities, call Woldenberg Village at (504) 367-5640 or visit www.liveatwv.com.

Willow Wood, Villas and Azaleas Villas

Willow Wood and Azaleas On March 4, The Royal Courts of Willow Wood and Azaleas were honored at a star-studded Mardi Gras Ball. Queen Marjorie Velten and King David Lansou represented the Krewe of Willow Wood and Queen Bertha Fink and King Francois Gravois, Jr. represented the Krewe of Azaleas. The festivities took off as entertainer Ronald Jones performed to a packed house of revelers and played musical hits such as “Walking to New Orleans” and “Mardi Gras Mambo.” The court was also honored by a personal visit from official New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians, Kevin Turner and his granddaughter, who displayed the amazing and elaborate costume and headdresses that his family has done for generations. Each intricate bead was hand-sewn onto each piece by Turner. At the conclusion of the ceremony, each member of the Royal Court received a plaque honoring their participation. Villas On February 16, the Royal Court of Villas was also announced and honored at a special Mardi Gras Ball which incorporated some traditional New Orleans customs and culture. The announcement and arrival of Queen and King Dottie and Dick Hallenus was very unique and traditional with a New Orleans flair. The Woldenberg Jazz Brass band formed a second line and escorted the Queen and King and their revelers to the festivities at the Villas auditorium. In the auditorium, Queen and King Hallenus and their court dined on a scrumptious meal accompanied with champagne, and enjoyed lovely musical entertainment by the brass band. This wonderful couple is very talented and shares some amazing history of their own. Queen Dottie Hallenus can play the organ and was a home economics teacher before she retired. Her husband King Dick Hallenus is a retired war veteran from the United States Navy and volunteered several years at the World War II Museum. Together they are an amazing pair and are wonderful ambassadors for The Villas.

The Royal Court of The Majestic Krewe of Woldenberg Village

During Mardi Gras Season, Willow Wood residents were treated to a sweet and unique activity - a King Cake cooking class. The cooking classes were conducted by Melissa O’Brien, Director of Woldenberg Village’s Dietary Department. The residents participated in the activity by helping to roll out crescent rolls into a circular shape, sprinkling cinnamon-pecan sugar inside the pastry, and then forming it into the traditional king cake oval. While waiting for their masterpieces to bake, the participants enjoyed some freshly brewed coffee. In New Orleans, King Cakes are part of the traditional Mardi Gras ceremonies brought from France in 1870. King Cakes are made with strands of cinnamon dough, covered in sugar, and decorated in three symbolic colors: Purple, which signifies “Justice”, Green for “Faith”, and Gold for “Power.” In the past, such things as coins, beans, pecans, or peas were also hidden in each cake. Today, a tiny plastic baby is the trinket of choice. “The residents had a blast helping make the King Cakes,” said O’Brien. “Not only was this a great, fun way to celebrate the Mardi Gras season, but it also allowed the residents to enhance their senses of sight, smell, taste, and touch throughout the baking process. ”

A Sweet Carnival Treat at Willow WoodWillow Wood host art exhibit for Martin J. Davis On February 20, Woldenberg Village, hosted an art exhibit honoring the works of Martin J. Davis, a resident at Woldenberg Village. Davis displayed and discussed his collection of various artworks ranging from oils to acrylics to an audience of residents, staff, and members of the community. Born in New Orleans in 1923, Davis discovered his passion for art at a young age. He soon became a self-taught artist specializing in both acrylic and oil painting. Even while serving in World War II, he would often sketch drawings. Later, he began painting and experimenting with oils on canvas and solid wood. With the commercial availability of artist’s acrylics in the 1950’s, Davis found his true love for this medium and began a new series of paintings which focused on still life, landscapes, and portraits. After retirement, he studied art at the University of New Orleans for many years. “The best art is that which comes from within more so than what is taught.” said Davis. Today at the age of 92, he still enjoys painting and sketching his favorite landscapes and portraits. “We hope that everyone appreciates this sampling of his work as much as he has taken the joy in creating each piece.” said Heather Davis, Davis’ daughter-in-law.

Artist Martin J. Davis sits in front of some of his many beautiful pieces of artwork which he has designed over the years. Resident Margaret and Dietary Director

Melissa O’Brien place icing on a homemade King Cake.

Valentine’s Day Dinner at The AzaleasLove was in the air at Woldenberg Village as the staff created a special Valentine’s Day dining experience for eight special couples. On February 14, The Azaleas Chapel was transformed into a formal dining room complete with beautiful table settings, flowers, balloons, and relaxing music. Residents enjoyed a table-service lunch featuring a delicious three-course meal consisting of a lovely garden salad, delicious entrée, tiramisu dessert, and complimented with wine and coffee.

“The couples enjoyed a moment to spend quality time together without any interruptions. It was a special time for them all.” said Rita Austin, Director of Activities.

Mr. Paul and Ms. Rosemae smile for the camera at the Valentine’s Day Lunch.

The soothing sounds of a string quartet echoed through The Villas’ auditorium March 21, as Woldenberg Village hosted “An Evening of Music” with the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra. The public event showcased an ensemble of some of New Orleans finest upcoming concert musicians. The hour-long concert featured an orchestra consisting of a brass quartet, woodwinds, a string quartet, and various chamber music selections such as “La Nouvelle Orleans.” “Our goal at GNOYO is to provide every willing young person in the area access to a quality and comprehensive orchestral program that is exciting, engaging, stimulating, challenging, and rewarding.” said Dr. Jean Montès, Music Director for the GNOYO. Following the concert, a private wine and cheese soiree was held for The Villas’ residents, guest, and the public. The evening was a chance to socialize and relax among friends and family. “An Evening of Music” is the first in a four-part Wine and Cheese Entertainment Series at Woldenberg Village. For more information about The Villas Wine and Cheese Entertainment Series, please contact Tina Bonstaff, Woldenberg Village Marketing Manager.

An Evening of Music at The Villas

Top: Students of The Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra perform to the Villas’ audience. Bottom: The Villas’ residents enjoy a lively conversation as they dine on a selection of wine and cheese.