A lifestyle with all the advantages Fall 2014 IN THIS ISSUE
“Silver Tsunami” Drives Strong Demand for Housing PAGE 2
You’re Invited to a Holiday Open House PAGE 3
Here We Grow Again! Town Center Expansion PAGE 4
Energy Saving Renovation Project Underway PAGE 5
Fall Clambake Capital of America? PAGE 6
Geocachers Find Hidden Treasure at Laurel Lake PAGE 7
Encore Chorale Warms Up for the Holiday Season PAGE 9
Distance Learning with University Circle PAGE 11
Safest City in Ohio PAGE 12
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Laurel Lake Living I Fall 2014
“Silver Tsunami” drives strong demand for retirement housing
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emand for retirement housing is on the rise nationally, and especially in Northeast Ohio. Behind this, naturally, are Baby Boomers, who account for 23% of the U.S. population. Born between 1946 and 1964, they started hitting retirement age a few years ago, and in the next decade they’ll drive up the number of retiree households by 10 million. This rise in the number of Americans reaching retirement age means more competition for choice housing. The National Investment Center for Senior Housing & Care Industry (NIC) tracks this market and, in September 2014, reported significant increases in demand for five major markets: San Jose (CA), Orlando (FL), Las Vegas (NV), San Francisco (CA), and Cleveland (OH). Laurel Lake, a leader in active retirement living for the Greater Cleveland/Akron metropolitan
area, confirms this rising interest in our community. Year to date, over 45 apartments and villas have been claimed with their new residents either happily settling in, or planning moves within the next few months. This exciting influx of new members means that Laurel Lake’s inventory of available homes has tightened significantly, and the wait lists for all home sizes and styles are growing. With demand for Laurel Lake housing nearing historic levels, Marketing Director Kathy Chadwick is urging clients to take action now. “Every day, we talk with individuals and couples about how they can secure a highly sought-after apartment or villa in the timeframe they desire,” says Kathy. Are you ready to “take charge” and move to a community that can provide all facets of a healthy, enriched lifestyle for active older adults? Call us at 1-866-650-2100 to request a brochure and tour.
You’re Invited to a Holiday Open House! December 2 @ 2:00pm Usher in the Holiday Season with a festive occasion at Laurel Lake Retirement Community! Please join us for a Dessert Buffet and beautiful holiday music performed by jazz pianist Dr. Tom Scott. You’ll meet some of the people who are actively pursuing their dreams as Residents of Laurel Lake, and learn more about our exciting Town Center Expansion plans!
Then, enjoy a Walking Tour of The Commons and explore some of Laurel Lake’s most distinctive Apartment and Villa homes, showcasing unique custom design options.
Space is limited. To RSVP, please call 1-866-650-2100 today.
Expert computer help now available
Let’s face it—computers are here to stay. That’s either a good thing or a bad thing, depending
on who you ask and how their computer is behaving that day. To make computers easier to love, Laurel Lake has introduced two new services for residents. Laurel Lake’s own IT company, SperreTech, now offers expert support services to help residents diagnose and fix just about any problem they may encounter with their desktop computers, laptops, or tablets. Laurel Lake has also launched “Technology Buddies,” a project that teams residents with Hudson High School student volunteers to learn all those bells and whistles on their iPads and smart phones. on the cover
Laurel Lake Living Is published quarterly for the residents, family and friends of Laurel Lake Retirement Community. Please submit suggestions to: Laurel Lake Living 200 Laurel Lake Dr, Hudson OH 44236 (330)650-2100 www.laurellake.org info@laurellake.org
Laurel Lake strives to be the community of choice for adults who aspire to lead lives filled with meaning, purpose, and lifelong opportunities for growth and service. We are a not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offering multiple home styles on 150 acres in Hudson, Ohio. We are firmly committed to Equal Opportunity in both housing and employment.
The Eastern Screech Owl is common in Eastern North America and, more so than any other owl, has adapted well to manmade development. Its nocturnal habits make it harder, but not impossible, to spot at Laurel Lake. Laurel Lake Living I Fall 2014
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HERE WE
GROW
AGAIN!
Five-year, $5.5 million transformation of Laurel Lake Town Center starts with new Bistro, Pub and Colony Shop this spring
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ast month, Laurel Lake announced plans for a major Town Center Expansion Project. When completed, the five-year, $5.5 million construction and renovation project will position Laurel Lake to provide state-ofthe-art amenities and enhanced wellness services for current and future generations of residents. “This is an exciting time for our community,” said David Oster, Laurel Lake Executive Director. “This impressive new Town Center will offer the perfect blend of services, amenities, and atmosphere to support residents’ lifelong wellness goals.” A PLAN FOR GROWTH At Laurel Lake, one of the largest continuing care retirement communities in Ohio, demand for housing is strong and the community’s current occupancy rate is well above the national average. To better serve its booming resident population, Laurel Lake has partnered with
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nationally renowned conceptual designer Shekhar Bhushan, AIA of SB Architecture in Centennial, Colorado and Cleveland-based Perspectus Architecture to transform Laurel Lake’s current 100,000 sq. ft. Commons into a larger, amenity-rich Town Center. EXCITING NEW AMENITIES The “new and improved” Town Center will feature a new casualdining Bistro, expanded Pub and Colony Shop; the total renovation and expansion of Laurel Lake’s Fitness & Aquatic Center; the creation of a relaxing new Wellness Spa with added amenities and an expanded menu of salon services; a state-of-the-art, redesigned Therapy Center & Wellness Clinic providing on-site health services to residents; a bigger, better Community Center; and a new Arts & Crafts Studio with renovated gallery space. At a special meeting with Laurel Lake residents on October 10, 2014, Laurel Lake’s Board and
Senior Management Team shared details for Phase I: The Bistro, Pub & Colony Shop. Laurel Lake expects to break ground for this first Town Center project in April 2015, with a target completion of early October. The new Bistro & Pub, located at Laurel Lake’s main entrance, will provide a third dining venue on campus with casual cafe-style dining and take-out service. On the menu: Oven-fired pizzas, soups, salads, sandwiches—and ice cream for residents to enjoy with their grandkids. The new space will also double as a Coffee Shop, Pub and Sports Bar (on those big game days) serving wine, beer and spirits to residents and their guests. A resort-style, 360º copperhooded gas fireplace surrounded by comfortable seating groups will offer a cozy area for residents, family and friends to gather. The relocated and expanded Colony Shop will better serve the Laurel Lake community as a mini-
grocery store and gift, card and snack shop, with plenty of room for customers to browse. Details of each new phase in the Town Center project will be rolled out as they are finalized, says David Oster. “The project is being done in phases to minimize disruption for our community’s 475-plus residents as they await the completion of each area.” BETTER THAN EVER “The construction of a bigger, better Town Center is the latest example of Laurel Lake’s commitment to provide not just housing, but an optimal lifestyle for residents,” Marketing Director Kathy Chadwick shares. “Those who choose our community will confidently enjoy a fabulous home and lifestyle with friends their, at a reasonable price, for many years to come.”
Energy saving project now underway at Laurel Lake
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his summer, Laurel Lake launched a green renovation project to replace all original windows and sliding glass doors in the community’s Independent Living apartment buildings,
Eastwood and Westwood. The multi-phase project to upgrade windows in 280 apartment homes began in August and will continue over the next two years. As a community dedicated
to energy conservation and sustainable building practices, Laurel Lake is installing new ENERGY STAR™ vinyl windows and doors with insulated frames to help keep residences cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The spectrally-selective glass blocks radiation from the sun while still allowing high levels of natural light. This project supports Laurel Lake’s commitment to provide comfortable, attractive, energyefficient homes throughout its campus. The new windows and doors will reduce Laurel Lake’s carbon footprint and help hold down operating costs. This project also supports Laurel Lake’s longterm strategic goal to become a more sustainable, eco-friendly community. Laurel Lake Living I Fall 2014
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Priority Club
FALL CLAMBAKE
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Fall Clambake Capital of America? Northeast Ohio is regarded by many as the Fall Clambake Capital of America, according to a recent Plain Dealer article. Perhaps it’s due to our origins as a “second Connecticut” (Western Reserve lands were given to Revolutionary War veterans from Connecticut, and their seaside taste for clams may have moved inland.) Whatever the reason, Laurel Lakers love them too! On October 21, Laurel Lake’s Annual Fall Clambake attracted 45 Priority Club, Wait List and Pre-residency Life Care Members and their guests. On the menu: New England Clam Chowder, Steamed Little Neck Clams with Drawn Butter, Alaskan King Crab Legs, BBQ Chicken, Corn Bake, Cole Slaw, and Apple Crisp. Left to right – Carolyn Wieslogal and Ellen Freemal; Becky Scelza and Anita Scelza; Bill and Johanna Wooldredge; Heber and Mary Eleanore Hanson; Madeline LepidiCarino and Dr. Fernando Carino; Kathy Chadwick-Koke and Bill Koke; George and Cheryl Erdman; Nancy and Bob Nightingale.
Last December, the Kings visited an elephant farm in South Africa with daughters Laurie, Bonnie and Bonnie’s three children. From left to right: Granddaughter Isabelle, daughter Laurie, Sue, Larry, grandson Desmond, daughter Bonnie and granddaughter Eleanor.
Geocachers find treasure at Laurel Lake
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orth 41° 14’ 32.489”, West 81° 28’ 15.801”. Sounds like an exercise in geography, right? But these are actually the GPS coordinates for a treasure that retirees Larry & Sue King recently discovered, and are glad they found. The Kings are geocachers— adventurers who enjoy hunting for hidden objects or “caches” throughout America and the world, using a global positioning system (GPS) device such as a smartphone. This increasingly popular sport combines puzzle-solving and detective work with the enjoyment of the great outdoors. There are currently 6 million geocachers and 2,519,115 active caches worldwide—and Larry and Sue have located their share. “As newcomers to Ohio, we look
forward to finding caches as a great way to explore our new home state,” says Larry. The Michigan natives married in 1960 and raised three children— Kevin, Bonnie and Laurie—while holding down demanding careers in the Washington D.C. area. Sue taught home economics to high school and junior high students and also taught preschool, while Larry worked as a systems analyst and project manager, first for the U.S. government and later for various consulting firms. Avid readers, writers and travelers, Larry and Sue lived abroad for several years and traveled to many exotic places, but they always loved coming home to Vienna, Virginia, where they lived within 18 miles of the White House. (Continued on next page...) Laurel Lake Living I Fall 2014
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The couple has been very active Hudson, Ohio, stood out. in their church, political and “Our friends, Bob and Susan volunteer circles and, as Sue puts it, Conrad, moved to Laurel Lake “we are super grandparents!” several years ago and absolutely loved it,” Larry recalls. “When we FOLLOWING THE CLUES visited, we were really impressed Now in their 70s, the Kings with the size of their villa for the began to give serious thought to price, and how easy it was for them where they wanted to live out their to make custom alterations.” retirement years. As you would Laurel Lake’s location was also a expect from a career analyst and big plus as it would put the Kings a teacher, they applied the same halfway between their family in common-sense methods learned Michigan and the grandchildren in over a lifetime to their search for Baltimore. Ohio’s cost of living was the ideal retirement residence. considerably lower, too. “Our children were scattered “Another wonderful serendipity around the world, in Thailand, was Laurel Lake’s close proximity Mozambique, and Seattle, to the Cuyahoga Valley National Washington, so we weren’t limited Park,” Larry adds. “We saw this as to where we could go,” Sue on maps, but didn’t realize the shares. “We loved our home, but opportunities for hiking with our not the time and energy necessary dog, Zoe, going on picnics, and to maintain it. Living in the exploring that this would provide.” Washington D.C. area was also All of these factors—home getting more expensive.” size, great location, exceptional The couple noticed that their lifestyle programs and continuing circle of friends was gradually education, plus the added value of shrinking as acquaintances moved Type A Life Care—“raised Laurel out of the area or encountered Lake quite above anything else we health problems. “We wondered had seen. We decided to go for it.” how we could maintain, or even improve, our quality of life as we “X” MARKS THE SPOT entered this next important phase Their decision made, the Kings of our journey.” wasted no time joining the Wait Fortunately, the Kings knew List for a Laurel Lake villa and at least 30 people who had putting their home on the market. already moved into retirement Three months after it sold, they are communities—including Larry’s living temporarily in a Laurel Lake 94-year-old mother, Katherine. guest suite while custom alterations All were eager to share their to their new home are completed. experiences. “We’ve added a small office “They all basically said the same to keep paperwork and projects thing: We should have done this a centralized,” says Sue. “And we’re lot sooner!” Larry laughs. building a sunroom to better watch the changing seasons and wildlife. THE HUNT IS ON Our daughter gave us the gift of a So Larry and Sue began decorator in Seattle. So, though we checking out CCRCs in earnest— have never met, we have an active including many of the best that email relationship while picking Virginia and other states have to out paint colors and other personal offer. One place, Laurel Lake in touches to make it our own.” 8
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Meanwhile, the Kings are jumping right into community life. Larry, a tenor, sings with The Encore Chorale and is attending lectures. Sue is swimming laps in the early mornings and getting active in the David Hudson DAR Chapter. The pair are exploring local churches together. “We had a wonderful day with our new neighbors on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and there have been Happy Hours at The Pub and other events at the Barlow Pavilion,” Larry notes. “Thanks to our friends Bob and Susan Conrad, Frank and Pegg Spring, and our welcoming couple Bev Bierbusse and Paul Campbell, we have met a ton of new friends and had many opportunities to laugh and share experiences.” The Kings will take possession of their new villa on November 15. They can hardly wait! A TREASURE MAP FOR OTHERS Choosing a retirement community is a major decision. Larry, an analyst to his fingertips, has documented the decisionmaking process in a special paper, A New Adventure: One Couple’s Experience in Moving to a Life Care Retirement Community. If you’d like Larry to send you a copy, call 330-655-1436 or send an email to info@laurellake.org. “Do your research and check out a number of facilities, but don’t wait too long,” Larry advises. “As we get older, decisions get tougher. Our move to Laurel Lake has already improved our quality of life, and it will continue to do so.” And those GPS coordinates mentioned earlier in this story? They mark the latitude and longitude for the “treasure” that Larry and Sue recently discovered. It’s Laurel Lake, of course!
Encore Chorale warms up for the Holiday Season
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hat’s the holiday season without a little cheer? Soon, the halls will echo with songs sacred and secular, traditional and eclectic as the Laurel Lake Encore Chorale presents concerts for residents, family and friends.
Donna Anderson launched and directs the 80-member chorus, which expects to “sell out” its two free performances on December 15 & 16 (reservations required). This year’s holiday music fest will feature favorites like Pat-apan and The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, plus a jazzy Manhattan Transfer arrangement of Snowfall, Tchaikovsky’s Russian Dance sung entirely on ‘fa-la-la’ and ‘plum,’ and a joyous sing-along of Holiday Favorites accompanied by members of The Metro Parks Ensemble. Chorus membership has exploded in recent years as new singers flock to join. There are no auditions, and the group welcomes anyone 55 or older, Laurel Lake residents and non-residents (“townies”) alike.
Some “townies” eventually decide to move in themselves. Every Tuesday at 3 p.m., the group meets to rehearse a fun, challenging repertoire in fouror-more-part harmony. Donna’s mother, Ruth Anderson, is the group’s talented accompanist. Its percussionist is none other than Laurel Lake fitness instructor Jill Rango, whose band, The Jillettes, is part of the local music scene. Gerry Jones has sung with Encore Chorale for five years and loves the challenge of learning new music. “Donna never ‘dumbs it down’ just because we’re older,” Gerry laughs. “We learn the very best in choral music and come away from rehearsal feeling inspired, stimulated, happy and proud.” (continued next page) Laurel Lake Living I Fall 2014
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PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER According to Chorus America, 32.5 million adults now sing in choirs across the U.S., up 30% from six years ago. In 2009, Laurel Lake’s chorus became the first national affiliate of Encore Creativity for Older Adults (www.encorecreativity. org), the fastest-growing choral network for seniors in America. Now 800 singers strong, Encore has fourteen Chorales in the Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania area, and Affiliate Chorales in Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Utah. It runs choral institutes at Washington College and The Chautauqua Institution and “Singing At Sea” cruises, and its affiliates have unlimited access to a vast and evergrowing library of sheet music. MIND-BODY-SPIRIT BENEFITS As the popularity of choral singing grows, scientists are working to explain why it makes people feel
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so good. What researchers have discovered is that singing calms you down, lifts you up, and promotes a host of health benefits. Studies show that group singing releases endorphins, a hormone associated with feelings of pleasure. It boosts oxytocin, another hormone that alleviates anxiety and enhances feelings of trust and bonding. Singers also have lower levels of cortisol, indicating lower stress. Still more studies have demonstrated that seniors who participate in choral singing fall less often, take fewer medications, and require fewer doctor visits. Breathing, posture, mood, concentration and social connectedness—all are improved through singing. A SONG IN YOUR HEART “At age 88, this choir really keeps my Irish eyes smiling!” says local Hudson resident Joe Scott, a longtime Encore Chorale member. An enthusiastic singer who
comes from a musical family, Joe says his advancing age and duties as caregiver for a handicapped spouse had limited his ability to participate in church music programs. When he heard about Laurel Lake’s choir, which rehearses during the day and has a flexible attendance policy, he decided to give it a try. “It’s the highlight of my week!” Joe shares. “I’m proud of the difficult four part harmony that we sing very well. I have also enjoyed forming new friendships with eighty other senior citizens who blend their voices in song.” Joe, who uses a walker and is glad he can sit for rehearsals and performances, says singing is one thing he can still do very well. “Even when sports like golf, tennis, swimming and skiing are no longer physically possible, I can still wheel my walker into the Community Room, and sing bass harmonies for my Laurel Lake Encore Chorale.”
DISTANCE LEARNING WITH UNIVERSITY CIRCLE University Circle, Inc. offers Distance Learning programs at Laurel Lake, linking you to world-class museums and educational institutions via live video and on-site lectures. To register, call 1-866-650-2100. For a complete list of programs, visit laurellake.org.
n “Epidemiology” – November 10 @ 3:30 PM. Live from Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, Marian University. The Centers for Disease Control provides lifesaving information about epidemics that may impact our nation and world. Start with the basics of life and learn about microscopic organisms that affect our cities and well-being. Trending topics in the news will guide our discussion. n “Genetically Modified Organisms” – November 17 @ 3:30 PM. Live from the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab. Humans have been genetically modifying organisms for years. Study the science involved and find out why researchers developed these techniques. How are they being used in the world today, and how might they impact the future? n “Cloning & Stem Cell Research” – November 24 @ 3:30 PM. Live from Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab. Delve into the amazing, sometimes controversial science behind stem cell and cloning research. How are scientists using these principles to improve the quality of life for humans?
n “Triangular Tree: The Origins of Christmas Trees” – December 1 @ 3:30 PM. Live from the Ohio Historical Society. Many of our traditions in America originated in other countries and were brought by those who immigrated here. In this program, we’ll follow the story of the Triangular Tree from the forests of Germany to modern American homes. The very first tree in America was not a tree at all! n “From Jerusalem: Chanukah, the Festival of Lights” – December 8 @ 1:00 PM. Live from Jerusalem EdTech Solutions (JETS) in Israel. In this highly interactive discussion, examine the observances and ritual objects associated with Chanukah, Festival of Lights. Come explore the historical, agricultural, and religious/ ethical significance of this holiday. n “Immigration and Migration to Cleveland” – January __ @ 3:30 PM. Join Dr. John Grabowski, Senior VP of Research and Krieger Mueller Historian at Western Reserve Historical Society, for an onsite lecture on the role immigration and migration played in our region’s history. Northeast Ohio is home to over 120 ethnic groups. How did our city and region, once an outpost of New England, become a
global community? What attracted migrants and immigrants here; what pushed them out of their homelands? n “Ethnicity and Local History” – January __ @ 3:30 PM. Why do ethnic groups form arts and cultural organizations, sports clubs, and charities which highlight their differences? How do these groups operate within larger, national ethnic groups and help us negotiate our identities as citizens and members of religious communities, and/ or other nations? Are these groups encouraging future generations to identify with the ethnic group? Join Dr. Sean Martin, Curator for Jewish American History at WRHS for an on-site lecture at Laurel Lake. n “Europe: Immigrants and Immigration” – January __ @ 3:30 PM. Live from EURO, University of Indiana at Bloomington. Study immigration to, from, and within the European continent, with a particular focus on trans-European migration. We’ll look at problems, benefits and solutions, and two case studies (Italy and Germany).
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Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
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
Safest City in Ohio
Real estate expert Movoto recently named the 10 most secure places in Ohio, with Laurel Lake’s hometown of Hudson ranked No. 1. Movoto came up with its rankings by analyzing crime statistics including murder, robbery, assault, burglary, and theft. Of Hudson, the site boasts: “If you’re looking for a place that’s violence free, safe for your stuff and incredibly welcoming, you couldn’t do better than Hudson.” Hudson had no murders or assaults in 2012, just nine robberies per 100,000 people and 104 burglaries per 100,000 people.
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