TheTheThe CHATTERCHATTERCHATTER Homewood at Frederick

Volume 16 Number 10 October 2015

Catoctin Country Store Volunteers

Nichols’ Notes

Eric T. Nichols, Executive Director

A new bus has been a topic of conversation on our campus for

some time now. The Homewood corporate office’s Director of

Purchasing has been in contact with bus companies throughout

the northeast discussing types of vehicles and various purchase

options. He has begun working closely with Rohrer Bus in

Pennsylvania, the same company from which Homewood at

Frederick purchased the health care van last year. Rohrer Bus has

partnered with ABC Bus Company, a company that specializes in

new and used coach-style buses. ABC is a large dealer for that

type of bus. They will also bring both new and used buses to us

and allow us to “kick the tires.” Coach-style buses are expensive,

and the funding will need to come from three sources to be able to

make this a reality: Homewood, Resident Association funds and golf tournament proceeds. The timeframe to

purchase a bus will be the early months of 2016.

Later this year we will replace the boilers that provide the main Crumland Farms building with hot water. This is a

large project--to take out the old boilers and place new units in the mechanical room. Don’t worry, though; the main

building will still have hot water during this process because a temporary truck with a 100-horse-power boiler and a

500-gallon storage tank will be on campus to keep us well supplied with all the hot water we need. It will take a

month or more to change over to the new boilers.

Many of you have probably noticed the kiosks located in our IL dining room. These are for the Point of Sale program

that we will roll out on campus in the coming months. The Point of Sale system is an integrated system that connects

the billing that goes on in the dining room directly to the resident bill. The kiosks also function just like kiosks do for

the restaurants you frequent in Frederick. The food order is placed into them; the kitchen receives the order; and

finally, when the meal is finished, receipts are printed for the residents to keep for their records. The receipts are very

much like the ones you receive when you go to a restaurant in Frederick.

Our Health Care Center team is working hard to convert to electronic medication administration and electronic

treatment administration records. The charting in the Health Care Center has been electronic for a year now. With

this conversion our Health Care Center will be almost completely electronic for the residents that reside there.

HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE Nancy R. Hendricks, Counselor

The ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT is approaching for your review of Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). October

15- December 7, 2015 are the dates to check your prescriptions with the prescription plans that are available for

2016. Please keep in mind that the plans can change from year to year. Remember, even if your prescriptions have

not changed, there could be a better plan for you.

I offer a free service to meet with me to discuss these changes that may affect you. Call to schedule an

appointment. I am available every Wednesday. Call 301-644-5601 or X3333 or my home number in Gettysburg,

PA at 717-334-4414.

There are some upcoming proposed changes to Medicare – don’t forget to ask me about those possibilities.

NEW RESIDENTS Shirley Erdmanis

Ronnie and Herb

Janney moved into

Apartment 331 from

Frederick, MD in July

2015. They have one

daughter, one son and

two grandchildren.

Ronnie was born in

Baltimore, MD, and

graduated from Forest Park High School in Baltimore. She

attended junior college, but is mostly self-taught through

personal experiences and extensive reading of history, the

humanities and biographies. She was employed as

secretary and lab assistant on a special research project at

Johns Hopkins Hospital. Ronnie also served as secretary

and assistant to the Public Relations Director at Sinai

Hospital. She was also executive secretary to two vice-

presidents at St. Joseph Hospital in Phoenix, AZ.

She has been an active volunteer since the age of 16, mostly

at public schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Ronnie is a

member of Hadassah and the National Council of Jewish

Women. For the past 13 years she has also been an active

volunteer at Frederick Memorial Hospital. Ronnie’s

interests include volunteering, singing, writing poems,

reading and word puzzles.

Herb was also born in Baltimore, MD. He graduated from

Milford Mill High School in Pikesville, MD and the

University of Baltimore with a Business Administration

degree, and served in the U.S. Air Force. He has earned

numerous mainframe software certificates and has attended

many educational seminars. Most of his career was in

technical services supporting mainframe software. Herb

spent 21 years at Marriott’s computer center in Frederick

maintaining robotic software and resource analysis.

As a volunteer Herb developed a PC financial system for

Temple; participated in Junior Achievement in middle

school; and “ran” bingo for eight years in their condo

community. He also loves to tell humorous stories to those

who need a laugh. Herb’s leisure interests are reading; he

has covered ancient history through 1899 and is now

reading historical fiction from 1000-1899; and he enjoys

British comedies.

They had heard all the great stories about Homewood, and

after visiting several other communities, visited

Homewood. After their initial visit, they were convinced

this would be their choice for a retirement community.

READERS THEATRE, OCT. 26 Priscilla Hart

The Readers Theatre fall production will

take place in the Multi-Purpose Room on

October 26 at 7:00 pm. Come and enjoy

the skits and short plays read by our

Homewood troupe. Doors will open at

6:45 pm for this popular humorous event.

Betty Lind moved into

Apartment 247 from

Johnsville (Union Bridge),

MD in August 2015. She

is a widow with two

daughters, one son, six

grandchildren and one

great-grandchild.

Betty was born in

Johnsville, graduated from

Liberty High School in Libertytown, MD and the

Executive Secretarial course at Hagerstown

Business College. She worked at Hagerstown

High School as a school secretary and cafeteria

bookkeeper, and as a secretary at Cambridge

Rubber Plant. Betty also worked at Fort Detrick in

administrative offices with the Department of the

Army and the Department of Agriculture.

She was active in her community as treasurer of

Johnstown Homemakers Club; Thrivent Financial,

Frederick Chapter; past president, Johnsville

Ruritan Club; Frederick Memorial Hospital

volunteer for eight years as treasurer and 17 years

in the Gift Shop. Betty was treasurer for six years

at Mt. Zion (Haugh’s) Lutheran Church at Keymar.

Her current interests are reading, cross stitching

and volunteering.

Knowing some of the residents influenced Betty’s

selection of Homewood as her retirement

community.

NEW RESIDENTS Shirley Erdmanis

Joining us from Middletown,

MD in Apartment 258 in

August 2015 is Nadia Taylor.

She was born in Hagerstown,

MD. Nadia has two daughters,

two sons, nine grandchildren

and nine great-grandchildren.

She is married to Donald

Taylor, a resident in the

Willows.

She graduated from Hagerstown High School and is a

Licensed Practical Nurse who graduated from

Baltimore City Hospitals. Nadia worked as a nurse

until she married and “children blessed our home.”

She then became a stay-at-home mom.

Nadia volunteered her service with 4-H All Stars,

Republican Women’s Club and Homewood Auxiliary.

Her interests and hobbies are crocheting, crossword

and jigsaw puzzles.

Homewood was selected as her retirement community

for several reasons: she attended the opening of

Homewood at Williamsport; she went to school with

the sons of Dr. Wagner who was the Administrator at

Williamsport; and her mother resided at Homewood at

Williamsport for six years.

LATE SUMMER BIRD REPORT Lane Hart Bird watching this summer has

been impaired somewhat by

the construction work across

the road and draining of the

lower pond which produced

opportunities to view a wide

number of species including a

resident Great Blue Heron and

a variety of ducks and other

birds close at hand. However,

all is not lost. Great Egrets have been observed in the

area where the lower pond existed, and there have been

several observations of a Bald Eagle in flight over the

campus. Otherwise the summer “regulars” have been

frequently observed. The Goldfinches have reverted to

their rather dull plumage and have returned to feeders

after the short late summer hiatus during which they

mated, laid eggs and hatched their fledglings. I assume

that when this issue comes out, most, if not all, of the

Humming birds will have headed south.

Now we should soon, if not already, be seeing the Slate

-Colored Junco (see photo) on the ground under

feeders. Maybe if you are lucky and strolling among

the old, thick barked trees by the children’s playground

on the southeast corner of the campus, you may catch

sight of a small brown bird climbing the trunk of one

of those trees. It is a Brown Creeper, a small, thin bird,

brown above and white below, about the size of a

White-Breasted Nuthatch. It will be climbing a trunk

or large limb often in a spiral. And don’t be surprised

if you see a Bluebird. Bluebirds are listed as

permanent residents in Maryland. Some years ago, we

saw a flock of them in January!

The October issue of Frederick magazine will feature an article by Kate Poindexter, with accompanying photos,

about the program held at Homewood in June concerning so-called “Death with Dignity.” It featured State Senator

Ron Young, sponsor of proposed legislation to legalize self-administered drugs to end life marked by intense pain or

other conditions. The program was sponsored by the group of retired clergy at Homewood. Be sure to purchase a

copy of the magazine, or later in the month, pick up a free copy in the fireside area outside of the chapel.

MAGAZINE FEATURES HOMEWOOD’S PROGRAM

Cliff Harrison

HALLOWEEN PARTY OCTOBER 30

The Hospitality Committee will host a Halloween

Party on October 30 at 7:00 pm in the MPR. All are

welcome. Please look for more information about the

party.

Music Listening Group Barbara Zentner & Avadna Coghill

ALOHA Nancy Manthey THE VISIONAIRES Mary Catherine Brake

The Visionaires will hold their monthly meeting on

Tuesday, October 6, in the ILAC room across from the

bank. Avadna Coghill will bring us up to date on the

progress of her telescope eye surgery. Norm Minich

will review two important articles related to eye care.

We will also discuss and evaluate the Eye Care

workshop that was conducted on September 29, and the

possibility of attending another Eye Car workshop that

will be held in Frederick in October. Plan to be with us!

ALOHA (Active Ladies

of Homewood

Association) will meet

on Friday, October 23,

at 12:00 noon in the MP.

All Homewood ladies

are members of

ALOHA. There are no

dues and the only cost

each month is $10.23

for lunch, as it would be

in the dining room.

Ladies, please sign up

for lunch by 6:00 pm on

Thursday, October 22.

Everyone is welcome to

attend the program, which begins at 12:45 pm.

Our presenter will be June Main, a Homewood

resident, who will share, by pictures and words, some

of her huge collection of hedgehogs. In the process

she will teach us about these “lovely little creatures”

and tell us how she became involved with them.

She’ll also share stories associated with some of the

objects in her collection.

Leonard Bernstein appeared several times on the

1950s CBS television series Omnibus hosted by

Alistair Cook. One of Bernstein’s scholarly lectures

with musical demonstrations, “The Art of

Conducting,” described all aspects of conducting an

orchestra: the basics and the intangibles.

Why does an orchestra need a conductor? What are

the requirements of a conductor? What makes a great

conductor? These questions and more will be

answered during a one-hour DVD on October 15 at

3:00 pm in the ALACT Room. The Music Listening

Group recommends this program and welcomes all.

COMING SOON!

TREASURE CHEST CORNER AT THE

CATOCTIN COUNTRY STORE

There may be a market for decorative and

repurposed household items that people have

previously discarded. To test that idea, the

Independent Living Residents Association (ILRA)

has agreed, for a trial period, to setting up a

display space in a front corner of the Country

Store for the sale of such items. All of the monies

generated from these sales will go to support the

ILRA’s activities. We look forward to seeing

residents browse through the decorative items to

find a lovely gift or a useful object.

More information will be provided on Channel

970, and fliers will be placed in residents’

mailboxes or via email. If you have items to

donate, call Mara Dudrow at 301-644-4281.

SATURDAY NIGHT MOVIES

7:00 pm in the MPR (Subject to change) Nancy McIntyre

October 3 Selma, 2014

October 10 Light of the Silvery Moon, 2007

October 17 Unbroken, 2014

October 24 Jerry Maguire, 1996

October 31 Girl with a Pearl Earring, 2003

THE RESIDENT OPTIMIST Herb Hoffman, Guest

I love it when a resident appears wearing a

name tag. That helps me remember. I

know you don’t need memory

reinforcement, but the rest of us do.

Please wear your name tag.

JOIN THE KNITTING GROUP Mara Dudrow

Some residents at Homewood who enjoy knitting invite others to join us. We are sometimes affectionately called

the “Homewood Knit-Wits.”

Several interesting projects provide a focus for our activities. The organization, Knit for Kids, distributes sweaters

all over the world to children who need warmth. These sweaters are based on a very simple design that is easy to

learn for beginners, and offer an endless outlet for innovative creativity for everyone. Other projects include

“Comfort Dolls” for children, baby blankets and “Newby Caps” for gifts to the hospital for newborns, plus prayer

shawls and lap robes for the older set.

During the month of October, there will be a display in the main lobby of some of these knitting projects called

“Knitting for Love.” For more information or to make suggestions for possible meeting times and places for shar-

ing ideas, techniques, etc., please call Mara Dudrow, 301-644-4281, or Ginny Powers, 301-401-7787

OPERA MATINEE, OCTOBER 22 Dottye Ewing

The 1895 premier of Puccini’s La Bohéme in Italy was not a great success. Critics stated that it lacked “true art”

and that the music, while amusing, was “too light.” Even audiences were not overly enthusiastic. The response in

English-speaking countries, where the plot ran afoul of Victorian morals, was even more critical at first.

While there are still “highbrows” who cannot surrender to Puccini’s frank emotionalism, audiences have become

so moved by his dramatic genius and musical effectiveness that they have made La Bohéme one of the most

popular operas of all times. One modern critic said, “The man or woman who is insensitive to the spell of this

performance isn’t fit to live in civilized society for it is one of the wonders of the world.” (Lincoln Center STAGE

BILL)

Come on Thursday, October 22, at 1:30 pm to Homewood’s MPR to decide with whom you agree. The La

Bohéme which will be shown is the 1982 production by Franco Zeffirelli taped at the Metropolitan Opera in New

York. [The leading male role (Rodolf) is performed by the young José Carreras. If you know him only through

Three Tenor videos, you are in for a surprise!]

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Chaplain Shelley Weakly

Recently my family and I stopped at a classic car show. We enjoyed wandering around and looking at the old-time

vehicles, and I was surprised to find some cars that I remembered from my childhood. While seeing the

beautifully maintained cars was a lot of fun, the best part was watching and listening to the owners and enthusiasts

“talk shop” as they compared notes and shared stories. Their smiles and laughter were contagious.

Shared interests foster a sense of community. Whether we enjoy mah-jongg, choir or reading, we can form new

bonds through our interests. We also have the opportunity to learn something new from others who might have

different hobbies than we do. God has given us many different gifts so that we can learn from one another. How

blessed we are to be a part of the Homewood community where our gifts and interests are so varied.

Religious Life Committee Paul Mellott, Chair

[Editor’s Note: In future issues The CHATTER will attempt to introduce and familiarize all readers with each

Standing Committee of the Homewood at Frederick IL Residents Association and its purpose, composition and

needs.]

What it does: The Committee supports the religious life programs at Homewood at Frederick by assisting the

chaplains’ work. This involves helping with all of the various worship services and Bible study. The Committee

advises the chaplains on all aspects of religious life at Homewood. The Committee, with the support of the

Homewood community, supports a number of charitable organizations throughout Frederick County, i.e., The

Religious Coalition Food Bank & Homeless Shelter; Frederick Rescue Mission; Hospice of Frederick County; and

Elementary School Lunch and Food programs at Brunswick, Middletown and Walkersville schools. Other

Committee activities involve specific services that vary depending on the chaplains’ needs.

When and Where: The Committee meets every other month on the first Tuesday at 2:30 pm.

Meetings are held in the Chapel and notices are published in the monthly calendar and on Channel 970. Our next

meeting will be October 6, 2015.

Resident Participation: The Committee strives to have at least 10 members from all areas of Homewood at

Frederick (Crumland Farms and Willow Ponds) apartments, cottages and patio homes. All residents that are

interested in joining the Committee are welcome to attend the meetings. For additional information contact the

chaplain and/or Paul Mellott, chairperson.

SAVE THE DATE FOR BASKET BINGO

On Wednesday, November 11, Basket Bingo night will be from 6:15 pm until the completion of 20 games in the

IL dining room. Doors will open at 5:15 pm. The cost will be $10.00, with extra cards at $5.00 per set. Large-

print cards will be available. The event is open to all residents, staff, relatives and friends. Ticket sales begin in

October. Watch for more details.

THE CHATTER NEWSLETTER STAFF

Editor……..…………………………….Pat Morgan

Reporters………Shirley Erdmanis, Vernon Rippeon,

Leslie Hobbs

Final Proofreader………………………Paul Mellott

Photographers………..Lane Hart, Shirley Erdmanis,

Vernon Rippeon, Roland Hobbs

Circulation Assistant…………………..Sylvia Little

Production Manager……………………Julie Norris

Ex-Officio…..………….President, Residents Ass’n

Contact Info: Pat Morgan, Editor

Email: patgmorgan@comcast.net

In-house: Box 213; Phone X 5810

THE MYSTERY OF THE DISAPPEARING CATERPILLARS

Story and Photos by Barbara Brakebill

This past summer I planted a small herb garden in a large flower pot on my third floor balcony. The pot

contained basil, thyme, rosemary and curly parsley. The herbs were a nice compliment to the geraniums, coleus,

vinca, tomatoes, bell peppers and cat grass (for my pet).

One morning in early September I discovered something else growing in my herb pot: eight beautiful green

caterpillars with black stripes, and a few yellow dots that a friend told me were the larva stage of the Swallowtail

Butterfly. The caterpillars had eaten every leaf of the parsley plant, leaving only stubs of the stems. Before I had

a chance to purchase more parsley, the caterpillars disappeared.

I did a little research and learned that the caterpillars may have gone looking for more parsley, or a safer place to

morph into the chrysalis stage before emerging as Black Swallowtail Butterflies. A third possibility I don’t even

want to consider: the caterpillars may have been eaten by the little birds nesting in the holly tree by my balcony.

If we see beautiful black butterflies flying around campus in a few weeks, perhaps the caterpillars survived after

all.

Day 1: Look closely to see the Day 2: Very fat caterpillars Day 3: The caterpillars are

‘parsley worms.” gone and so is the parsley!

--WANTED-- A CHAIRPERSON

TO ORGANIZE COMMITTEE WORK FOR A YARD SALE IN APRIL 2016

AT HOMEWOOD

Contact Richard Petre President, Homewood

IL Residents Association At 301-644-4290