A lifestyle with all the advantages Summer 2013 IN THIS ISSUE
You’re Invited to an Open House! PAGE 2
Laurel Lake Announces Plan for Self-Ownership PAGE 3
Working on the Railroad: Former Pilot On Track for a Rewarding Retirement PAGE 4
Residents Make Beautiful Music with New Grand Piano PAGE 6
Another Zero-Deficiency Survey for Greenwood PAGE 7
Voice of the People: Democracy Thrives with Resident Association PAGE 8
Superman Turns 75 PAGE 9
Distance Learning with University Circle PAGE 10
Happenings PAGE 11
New & Noteworthy PAGE 12
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Fall 20102013 Laurel Lake Living I Summer
Summertime, and the living is easy! Now is the perfect time to explore your retirement living options at Laurel Lake. An active lifestyle, superb amenities and “Type A” Life Care make living here one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Please invite a friend and join us for one of these upcoming events! Space is limited and reservations are required.
To RSVP, call Julie at 1-866-650-2100 today!
June Open House
June 18 at 10 AM – Brunch June 20 at 2 PM – Coffee
August Open House
Aug. 13 at 10 AM – Brunch Aug. 15 at 2 PM – Coffee Come and experience Laurel Lake’s campus in full bloom! At each of these events, you’ll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with residents, enjoy gourmet treats and take a guided Walking Tour of the community. Get an exclusive “peek” into four furnished Apartment and Villa home styles with personalized design options.
Laurel Lake announces plan for self-ownership
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n March 27, 2013, the Board of Directors of Laurel Lake Retirement Community, Inc. approved a resolution to purchase Laurel Lake from its sponsor, Humility of Mary Health Partners, a member of Catholic Health Partners. The decision was endorsed by CHP senior leadership and has been David Oster approved by Executive Director the Boards of
CHP, HMHP, and The Sisters of The Humility of Mary. The Laurel Lake Retirement Community Foundation is now pursuing financing to acquire Laurel Lake, with the transaction likely to occur late in 2013. Once the sale is complete, Laurel Lake, Northeast Ohio’s first and largest Life Care community, will once again be independently owned and operated. “This is an exciting decision by the Laurel Lake Board,” said Jason Niehaus, President of Senior Health and Housing Services for CHP. “Laurel Lake has a strong,
Laurel Lake Living Is published quarterly for the residents, family and friends of Laurel Lake Retirement Community.
Laurel Lake is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering multiple home styles within 150 scenic acres in Hudson, Ohio.
Please submit suggestions to: Laurel Lake Living 200 Laurel Lake Dr, Hudson OH 44236 (330)650-2100 www.laurellake.org info@laurellake.org
Our community is committed to Equal Opportunity in both housing and employment.
experienced leadership team. I am confident this transition will ensure that Laurel Lake will maintain and grow its exemplary reputation into the future.” “Laurel Lake has enjoyed nearly 25 years of successful operation and growth, many of those years as part of HMHP and CHP,” said Laurel Lake Executive Director David Oster. “Our community is well positioned to continue the exceptional lifestyle for current and future generations of residents.” CHP’s decision to divest Laurel Lake follows the health system’s announcement (continued next page) on the cover It’s Spring, and beautiful Whitetail fawns are now appearing on our campus. Their mothers often “park” them in a safe spot until they’re old enough to outrun predators. Laurel Lake Living I Summer 2013
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continued from page 3
last year that it would move to a new Senior Health model of care, one in which its senior health and housing facilities will provide more highly coordinated post-acute care services for CHP hospitals. With self-ownership, Laurel Lake will retain its nonprofit status. While it will no longer be sponsored by a Catholic corporation, Laurel Lake’s commitment to faith-based, mission-guided principles of management and a spiritually rich environment sensitive to the diverse faith traditions of its residents will remain the same. In 1989, Laurel Lake became the first retirement community in Northeast Ohio to offer Type A “Extensive” Life Care, the most comprehensive form of long-term care coverage available today. Under self-ownership Laurel Lake will continue to offer Life Care, as well as other types of residency options. Updates will be provided on the community’s website, laurellake.org, as the transition moves forward. For more information, please contact Kathy Chadwick, Director of Marketing, at 1-866-650-2100. Established in 1989, Laurel Lake is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) situated on 150 acres in Hudson, Ohio. Just one mile from Rt. 8 and the I-80 Ohio Turnpike, Laurel Lake is close to Cleveland and Akron. The campus offers independent living in 225 apartments and 66 villas; 59 apartments in Greenwood assisted living and Rosewood memory care; and skilled nursing and rehab in the 75-bed Crown Center. Amenities include two restaurants, a pub, fitness & aquatic center, library, bank, salon, gift shop, greenhouse, workshop, chapel, clinic and more. 4
Laurel Lake Living I Summer 2013
Wo Former pilot on track for a rewar
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ids clutch their parents’ hands and gaze in awe as the 130-ton engine rolls into the station. They squeal with delight as the whistle blows. Cyclists who biked the Towpath Trail in one direction queue up to ride the rails back. Nature lovers and train enthusiasts wait with tickets in hand, eager to step back into history. Now in its 31st year of service, the Cuyahoga Valley
Scenic Railroad transports sightseers over 51 miles of historic rail from Independence to Canton, winding through the 33,000-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With a year-round roster of trips that includes wine and beer tastings, the train sweeps past meadowlands, pinery forests, rivers and ravines, giving occasional glimpses of fox, beaver, deer, and nesting herons.
rking on the Railroad
War, George flew long-range P-3 Orion submarine tracker surveillance flights. Later as a “weekend warrior” Naval Reservist, he taught primary and formation flight to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard student aviators, retiring with the rank of Captain after 26 years of service. For most of those years George also worked as a pilot for United Airlines, flying mid to long-range jet airliners. By the time he fully retired in 2002, George had logged over 22,000 flight hours. Powering a train takes less “derring-do” than flying a plane, but it’s just the right speed for George at this stage of his life. “Being an engineer takes knowledge, physical and mental skills and a willingness to devote yourself to learning railroad rules, regulations and protocols,” says George. “It’s a challenge, but a satisfying one.” George is one of about 250 volunteers—engineers, trainmen, conductors, brakemen, and concession workers—who make the CVSR a success story.
Accentuate the Positive Life may be chugging along just fine for George now. But it took an unexpected turn last year when Jane, his beloved wife of 47 years and a former Hudson schoolteacher, died of cancer at age 67 following a brief but valiant struggle with the disease. The devastating reminder that life is short—and unpredictable— caused George to re-think his priorities for retirement. “I decided to do something positive about my future,” George shares. “I wanted more freedom to enjoy the things that matter most to me—family, friends, my work on the railroad, and boating.” So George did what experienced navigators always do. He assessed the situation, and adjusted his course. George sold his rambling, two-story Colonial in Hudson and moved to a two-bedroom apartment at Laurel Lake, one with plenty of living space but none of the headaches of home maintenance. His new home also came with (continued on page 6)
ding retirement It’s a journey that never gets old for Laurel Lake resident George Bleyle, 70, a volunteer diesel locomotive engineer who’s been “workin’ on the railroad” since 2003. “This is the perfect job for me,” laughs George. The lanky, 6’6” native New Jerseyan spent most of his working life as a pilot, making big machines go really fast. In the Navy during the Cold
Photo courtesy of Christina Getrost
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hundreds of classes, clubs and activities, on-site restaurants serving taste-tempting meals, well-appointed medical facilities, even a complimentary membership to Laurel Lake’s indoor pool and fitness center. But to be honest, while you may spot George at the occasional class, cocktail party or dinner with friends, most of the time he’s out in the world doing what he loves best. “While I’m still young, strong and healthy, I’m going to spend as much time as possible working on the railroad, and enjoying my boat,” George laughs.
Planes, Trains and Boats By air, land or sea, this guy is always up for adventure. His newest way to get “from here to there” is a Symbol 45 ft. raised pilothouse trawler, a boat that George surveyed, sea-trialed and christened the Triple7. He’s bringing her up from Pamlico Sound off North Carolina to her new berth at Cedar Point Marina in Sandusky in May. It’s a journey up the Hudson River, then west on the Erie Canal to Lake Erie that will take him about four weeks, barring bad weather. “To the maximum extent
possible, I plan to live aboard her this summer.” Cruising solo or with friends, George looks forward to exploring the islands and ports of Lake Erie and other Great Lakes—or “sweetwater seas,” as the French explorers used to call them. So, what advice does George have for others on the subject of retirement planning? “None!” he says emphatically. “I’m reluctant to tell anyone else how to live, or what’s best for them. All I can say is that I like Laurel Lake just fine. It’s the right choice for me.”
Laurel Lake makes beautiful music with new grand piano Kawai grand piano enhances concert performances
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ith beautiful music, speeches and specialty desserts on March 21, residents and guests of Laurel Lake Retirement Community celebrated a new addition: a Shigeru Kawai III Conservatory Grand Piano. This truly spectacular gift to Laurel Lake was made possible
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through the generous support of many caring donors to The Laurel Lake Foundation during its 2012 Tribute Tree campaign. Perfectly sized and voiced for Laurel Lake’s Community Room, this $70,000 instrument will enrich the experience of music at Laurel Lake for many years to come. From solo performances by international artists to weekly rehearsals and concerts by the Encore Chorale, this instrument
raises the bar for artistic excellence at Laurel Lake. “The grand piano will support the spiritual life of the community and enable us to continue to attract quality performers of international reputation,” said Alisa Getzinger, Development Director for The Laurel Lake Foundation. Recent performances have featured Akron Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor
Another zero-deficiency survey for Greenwood, Rosewood
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ongratulations to Laurel Lake’s Greenwood and Rosewood assisted living team for achieving a zero-deficiency survey from the Ohio Department of Health in April. This is the second zero-deficiency survey awarded to Laurel Lake’s 59-unit assisted living and memory care neighborhoods in the last several years. The ODH regulates communities like Laurel Lake with a survey process designed to ensure that their assisted living centers are in full compliance with State regulations. In the survey process, representatives from ODH arrive unannounced to conduct a detailed review of Greenwood and
Rosewood operations, including the physical plant, nursing and ancillary services, maintenance, food service and disaster preparation. The outstanding survey achieved by Laurel Lake is just one of many reasons Laurel Lake is Northeast Ohio’s premiere active lifestyle community.
and concert pianist Levi Hammer; international classical pianist Shuann Chai with baroque violinist Shunske Sato; jazz artist Tom Scott; piano professors and gifted students from The Cleveland Institute of Music, Kent State University and The University of Akron; ensembles like the Hudson Chamber Players and The Cleveland Chinese Music Ensemble; and choirs including the Hudson High School Swing Choir, The Stairwell Singers, and Laurel Lake’s own 60-voice Encore Chorale. Laurel Lake Living I Summer 2013
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Voice of the people
Democracy thrives with Laurel Lake Resident Association
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his Spring at election time, Laurel Lake residents were once again buzzing as they studied candidate profiles posted on the windows of The Pub, a popular campus hang-out. “I worked with this fellow on a committee,” said one resident, tapping a photo. “He really knows how to get things done.”
Jackie Krabill, incoming President Resident Association Council
“Yes, but look at her business background,” another noted. “It’s pretty impressive.” Soon the small cluster of people was engaged in a friendly debate over the merits of their own favorite candidates.
By the People, for the People At Laurel Lake, residents and staff work together to make life in this 150-acre retirement community the best it can be, with systems in place to facilitate ongoing dialogue. Enter the Laurel Lake Resident Association. The Association, led by a democratically elected Resident Council, fosters teamwork and encourages residents to become more involved in their community. The Resident Council (RC) has liaisons working on multiple committees that interact directly with Laurel Lake department heads. Residents are elected to seats on the RC and serve 2-year terms. The Association also elects a pool
of candidates to be considered for appointment to a limited number of Resident Member seats on Laurel Lake’s Board of Directors. Incoming Council President Jackie Krabill has lived at Laurel Lake since 2005. She’s a TLC Caregiver, a Prayer Quilter, and a past chairperson of the Welcoming and Garden Committees. Now she’s ready to continue the good work of her predecessor, outgoing President Claire Truesdale, and lead the Council into an exciting new period as Laurel Lake prepares for self-ownership. “This should be a very interesting year,” says Jackie. “I have great expectations!” The energetic former teacher is eager to work with Council and the management team to share ideas and keep the lines of communication open. “We have such capable residents and staff. I’m confident we can meet any challenge.”
Superman turns 75 L
Off to Work We Go The Resident Council fields a variety of committees that work closely with Laurel Lake directors on everything from menu planning and marketing strategies to budget oversight and capital improvements. For example, the Building & Equipment Committee was recently tasked with ranking a list of campus-wide capital improvement projects in order of importance. “We asked for their feedback on which projects have top priority,” says Mike Rowe, Director of Environmental Services. “The Capital Committee evaluates their recommendations along with those of staff and our professional advisors to produce the capital budget. It’s a process that works well for Laurel Lake.” On the Marketing Committee, members host open house events, give tours, and dine one-on-one with prospective residents. But they also help Marketing develop new products like Laurel Lake’s innovative Preresidency Life Care option for adults 55-70, and act as a sounding board for new ideas. “Our resident experts are invaluable to this office,” says Director of Marketing Kathy Chadwick. “They give us insights on how we can better serve our market.” Communication: A Two-Way Street Not only does the RC help Laurel Lake communicate more effectively with residents, but it is also “the voice of the people” to administration. Compliments and concerns, issues and solutions flow both ways, and the council reports back to residents via regular forums, newsletter articles and personal contacts. “At Laurel Lake, we’re all encouraged to speak our minds and get involved,” Jackie adds. “This is our home, and every resident is part of our extended family.”
ook, up in the sky! It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Superman! It was 75 years ago—on April 18, 1938—that the Man of Steel first appeared on the cover of Action Comics No. 1. A mint copy recently sold at auction for a cool $2.2 million. America’s iconic superhero, the brainchild of Cleveland natives Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, is looking good at age 75. And he’s not the only one! Recently WKSU 89.7 reporter Kabir Bhatia interviewed Hudson resident David Hammes, 75, for a story on Superman’s 75th birthday. David and his wife Armela have just moved into a new Vista apartment at Laurel Lake this spring. This fitness buff says he likes to stay in shape the old-fashioned way—by eating right and getting plenty of rest and exercise, including biking, kayaking, and swimming. He’s big into riding the local bike trails on his recumbent trike: “It’s easy on the back, a great workout for your abs and legs, and it’s aerodynamic and stable.” His longest ride to date? A100-mile trip that he took with his son. In the interview, David freely admits that his own personal Kryptonite is “ice cream, and lots of it!” But lifting heavy vehicles is strictly off limits. “A famous Greek once said, ‘Give me a place to stand and I will move the world,’” David laughs. “But this Superman really needs a car jack.”
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2013 Summer School University Circle offers the following Distance Learning programs at Laurel Lake, linking you to worldclass museums and educational institutions via live video, on-site lectures and educational field trips. To register, call (866) 650-2100. For a complete list of programs, visit laurellake.org.
n “Healing Plants” – June 3 @ 3:30 PM. Live from Royal Botanical Gardens of Canada. Plants are the essential ingredients in medicines for traditional systems of healing, with over 50,000 species of vascular plants used in remedies, food, personal care and perfumery. But only 100 species contribute significantly to modern drugs. Study these plants, their biodiversity and sustainability. n “Good Things Come From Trees” – June 14 @ 3:30 PM. Live from Royal Botanical Gardens of Canada. What plants have you used today? From the moment we rise to the time we go to bed, we use plants. Explore common (and not so common) plants and how they affect our daily lives. n FIELD TRIP: The Holden Arboretum – June 19 @ 2:00 PM. The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio is a haven for bird watchers, hikers, gardeners and nature enthusiasts. At 3,600 acres it’s one of the largest arboreta in the U.S. with more than 120,000 plants. Go exploring with us! Priority bus seating reserved for Laurel Lake residents; call Donna at 330-655-1436 for details. n “Calls from the Wild: Exploring Animal Communication” – July 1 @ 3:30 PM. Live from The Minnesota Zoo. Have you ever heard 10
Laurel Lake Living I Summer 2013
a dog barking or a bird chirping and wondered what they’re saying? Researchers have, too! Explore examples of critter communication in the animal kingdom—how bees dance, how prairie dogs use “grammar,” and how crows spread rumors—and look at the creative ways scientists are “cracking the code” of animal chatter. n “Engineering from Animals: The Science of Biomimicry” – July 8 @ 3:30 PM. Live from The Minnesota Zoo. Nature in all its forms can inspire new solutions to human challenges. Today more scientists, engineers and inventors are looking to animals and nature than ever before. Get a hands-on demonstration of the fascinating ways nature is shaping how humans design, build and innovate for our 21st century world. n “MAESTRO: Leonard Bernstein” – July 22 @ 3:30 PM. Conductor, composer, pianist, author, teacher, librettist, TV star—for Leonard Bernstein, boundaries simply did not exist. This July, Hershey Felder returns to Cleveland Play House with “Maestro: Leonard Bernstein,” an extraordinary journey through the life and career of this musical icon who broke through every artistic ceiling to become the world’s musical ambassador. In this live videoconference, join CPH artistic associate Corey Atkins for a behindthe-scenes look at how Bernstein used his music and podium to advocate for social change.
Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” with The Joffrey Ballet at Blossom on August 17
happenings
a sampling of events laurel lake residents are enjoying this summer Memorial Day Parade May 27 – Laurel Lakers march in honor of our nation’s veterans. The Towpath Trail May 29 – Hiking from Frazhee House to the Canal Visitor Center. The Cleveland Zoo May 31 – Touring the Rainforest, African Savanna and more. Ernie King & The Fat Tuesday Big Band June 9 – Summertime Concerts on the Hudson Green are back!
Cedar Creek Grille June 11 – The Lunch Bunch heads to Beachwood for classic American cuisine and great conversation.
Sarah’s Vineyard June 13 – Wine, wood-fired pizza and music in the Cuyahoga Valley. The Book of Mormon June 22 – We’ve got tickets to the smash hit Tony Award winner at The Palace Theatre! The King and I June 25 – Laurel Lakers head to Wooster for the Ohio Light Opera production.
Much Ado About Mozart July 20 – The Cleveland Orchestra with floutist Joshua Smith at Blossom Music Center. Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring August 17 – The Joffrey Ballet with Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom.
Akron Aeros Game June 27 – It’s $1 draft beer and hot dog night! Akron Aeros take on the Altoona Curve at Canal Park in downtown Akron. Heroic Beethoven July 6 – The Cleveland Orchestra with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet at Blossom Music Center.
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Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE
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Cleveland, OH PERMIT NO. 491
A lifestyle with all the advantages 200 Laurel Lake Drive Hudson OH 44236 1-866-650-2100 www.laurellake.org
New & Noteworthy
“We’re so proud that Marsha is a member of our team,” says PNC Hudson Branch vice president Laura Goodman. “She is our shining star!”
Fifteen Laurel Lake veterans travel to Washington D.C.
Award winning service
Congratulations to Marsha Kota, customer service associate for Laurel Lake’s own full-service branch office of PNC Bank. She has been singled out as an “All Star” in PNC’s Northern Ohio Market because of her extraordinary service scores, unmatched in the region.
On May 29, fifteen Laurel Lake veterans flew to our nation’s capital as guests of Honor Flight Cleveland. Fourteen World War II veterans, a Korean War veteran and their volunteer escorts toured the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Viet Nam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, Air Force Memorial, the Marine Memorial-Iwo Jima, and Arlington National Cemetery, where they laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Since 2007, more than 2,300 U.S. veterans have benefited from an Honor Flight Cleveland adventure. To learn more, visit honorflightcleveland.com.
Winning never gets old!
The National Senior Games come to Cleveland July 19-August 1 as athletes compete in 22 sports ranging from archery to volleyball. Laurel Lake will be there too, one of several active lifestyle communities exhibiting in The Village at the new Cleveland Convention Center. For details, visit www.nsga.com.
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