Playhouse Square at Night © John Biliboaca
A lifestyle with all the advantages Spring 2015 IN THIS ISSUE
New Limousine Buses Add ‘Curb Appeal’ PAGE 2
Spring Open House PAGE 3
Reserve by April 30, Lock In Major Savings! PAGE 3
Breaking Ground for New Bistro, Pub & Colony Shop PAGE 4
Resident Satisfaction High, Latest Survey Says PAGE 5
Lifestyle Farmers Put Down New Roots PAGE 6
Mad About Mahjong PAGE 8
Make A Splash With Water Volleyball PAGE 9
Distance Learning with University Circle PAGE 10
Check It Out! Laurel Lake Library PAGE 12
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Laurel Lake Living I Spring 2015
New limousine buses add “curb appeal”
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icture this. You’re driving in Cleveland, trying to get to a Broadway show at Playhouse Square. You can’t find parking, the sky just opened up, and you’re running 15 minutes late. Now imagine the same scenario, only you’re riding in a comfortable shuttle bus driven by your favorite
drivers to ensure that residents get to their next concert, play or ball game, their medical center appointment, local worship service or shopping trip with ease. This Spring, Laurel Lake is pleased to announce the purchase of not one, but two brand new buses through a grant from the Laurel Lake Foundation. The first, a 2015 Ford Transit Extended Van, seats 14 passengers and is powered by an EcoBoost® engine that’s incredibly fuel-efficient. Our residents are already enjoying this van’s luxury seating, high efficiency climate control and smooth ride. The second new bus, a 29-passenger Odyssey XL Motorcoach, will be delivered later this Spring and will offer double row luxury seating, clear view windows, overhead storage and a driver, who drops you off at the wheelchair lift. Its Ford F550 theater’s front door and picks you chassis will ensure top notch road up there later. You barely get wet. stability, safety and dependability. At Laurel Lake, getting from So sit back and enjoy the point “A” to point “B” couldn’t be ride, Laurel Lakers. Let our easier. Our community maintains Transportation Department get a robust transportation fleet of you where you need to go—safely, buses and cars with well-qualified reliably, and in great style!
Spring Open House April 13 & 15, 2:00pm Do you have questions about Laurel Lake Retirement Community? We have answers! Come enjoy refreshments as you meet and mingle with residents who will share their insights about life in this vibrant community. Then, take a walking tour of campus amenities and see four beautiful resident homes.
Space is limited. To RSVP, please call 1-866-650-2100 today.
Reserve by April 30, lock in major savings!
Laurel Lake is now 96% occupied with a rapidly growing Wait List for all home styles. As the rising tide of Baby Boomers shows interest in Laurel Lake, it’s more important than ever to get your name on our Wait List! If you plan to make your move to Laurel Lake this year, you can choose one of TWO savings opportunities. Reserve an apartment or villa by April 30, 2015 (and move within four months of unit acceptance) to secure one of these savings options.
Option #1 – Reserve a onebedroom apartment and save $10,000 ($12,000 for couples). Or, reserve a two-bedroom Traditional or Classic apartment to save $12,000 ($14,000 for couples). Option #2 – Let us make your move easier with $7,500 for moverelated expenses (packing, moving, custom alterations and more). With demand for Laurel Lake homes nearing historic levels, make sure Northeast Ohio’s first and largest Life Care community will be ready for you when you’re ready for us! Call our Marketing team at 1-866-650-2100 to review your goals and timeline for accomplishing this smart move. 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 American Goldfinch is a ‘frequent flyer’ of Laurel Lake backyard birdfeeders. We suddenly notice them in Spring, when males develop their brilliant yellow and shiny black plumage to attract a mate. Laurel Lake Living I Spring 2015
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Laurel Lake to break ground for new Bistro, Pub & Colony Shop
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ere we grow again! Laurel Lake will break ground for the construction of a new Bistro, Pub & Colony Shop this April. The project is Phase I of a multiyear, multi-million dollar Town Center Expansion Project to enhance core campus amenities. Laurel Lake is working with conceptual designer Shekhar Bhushan, AIA, President of SB Architecture in Centennial, CO and Perspectus Architecture of Cleveland, OH on a plan to transform Laurel Lake’s existing Commons into a spacious new, amenity-rich Town Center. CASUAL DINING OPTION The Bistro & Pub will bring a new casual dining experience to Laurel Lake and increase the community’s on-site restaurants to three. The eatery will double as a coffee shop and larger pub—and occasional sports bar for those
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exciting “big game” days—serving wine, beer and spirits. The Bistro’s New England-style exterior will echo the stone-andshake architectural elements found throughout the campus. Inside, residents and their guests will be welcomed by a spacoius new Lounge with resort-style fireplace
and comfortable seating groups for gathering and socializing. The octagon-shaped Bistro will have dramatic high ceilings with exposed wood beams and wraparound windows to allow plenty of natural light. Bistro seating will easily accommodate 60 people with ample room for larger gatherings to
This conceptual drawing illustrates the size and shape of Laurel Lake’s new Bistro & Pub. Interior design decisions regarding color scheme, light fixtures, and furniture style have yet to be made.
“spill over” into the neighboring Lounge area. An attractive bar will offer both comfortable low seating and standing room, while a self-serve Coffee Station will give residents access to complimentary beverages 24 hours a day. The relocated and expanded Colony Shop will better serve its Laurel Lake customers as a minigrocery store and gift, card and snack shop. Construction is slated to begin in early to mid-April, weather permitting, and should take approximately 8-10 months. “Our innovative connected campus design has always promoted a close-knit community where residents are inspired to embrace life and stay active,” says David Oster, Executive Director of Laurel Lake. “Our Town Center improvements will offer an exciting blend of services, amenities, and atmosphere for current and future residents and their families to enjoy together.”
Resident satisfaction is high, according to latest Holleran survey
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aurel Lake has long been considered an exceptional community by anyone’s definition. Now, new numbers back up that claim, based on the views of those most qualified to comment: Laurel Lake residents themselves. New data from satisfaction surveys conducted late last year by Holleran Consulting reveals that a remarkable 97% of Laurel Lake residents are satisfied with their community. Over 94% said they would not hesitate to recommend Laurel Lake to family and friends. The community again received Holleran’s Highest Honors for achieving scores at or above the
90th percentile. Holleran’s database includes some of the nation’s most progressive senior living providers—302 communities in 36 states—and contains over 71,000 resident surveys. Laurel
Lake scores were significantly above the national benchmark for Daily Living (opportunities to engage in a variety of resident programs) and Medical/Clinical (quality of services provided by Laurel Lake’s therapy/
rehabilitation department). Residents also gave highest marks for the friendliness, courtesy, and support of staff overall; the comfort of Laurel Lake villas and apartments; the quality of assisted living; the quality of spiritual services; effective management of community changes and growth; fairness in administration policies; and Laurel Lake’s overall dining experience. “These are truly gratifying results,” said David Oster, Executive Director. “They confirm that we’re doing a lot of things well and we are moving in the right direction. The survey also helps us identify key areas where we can improve.” Laurel Lake Living I Spring 2015
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Jerry and Melinda Updegraff relax at home in their custom-designed kitchen.
Lifestyle farmers put down new roots at Laurel Lake
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erry & Melinda Updegraff know a thing or two about how to harvest lavender—or choose a healthy llama, for that matter! Before moving to Laurel Lake, the couple made their home in an 1880’s farmhouse nestled among 100 acres of rolling corn fields in the heart of Lock Haven, PA. Melinda, a certified Master Gardener, owned and operated her own business, Croak Hollow Herb Farm & Gift Shop, where she carried more than 100 varieties of herbs. She and Jerry also raised chickens and llamas—their small herd of the South American camelids numbered as many as 10 individuals at any given time. “We got into raising llamas because we heard they make great 6
Laurel Lake Living I Spring 2015
lawnmowers!” Melinda laughs. “But we soon fell in love with these charming, intelligent creatures.” The Updegraffs were what’s known as “lifestyle farmers”—those who mostly work 1 to 12 acres, and make up about half of the 2.1 million U.S. farms, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These enthusiasts choose to live closer to the land, growing crops such as beans, tomatoes, potatoes, fruit, herbs and summer veggies, and raising cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, alpacas or llamas—usually as a hobby while they continue their chosen professions. Jerry’s life work has been in higher education. He served the last 20 years of his career as Vice President of Advancement at Lock
Haven University in north central Pennsylvania. Prior to that, he was Director of Development for Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo. Melinda taught remedial reading at the secondary level, then took time off to rear their two children, Jay and Julie. Jay is now a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and commercial airline pilot who lives with his wife, son and daughter in Montgomery, Alabama. Julie, a CPA and compensation manager with Eaton Corporation, lives in Olmsted Falls with her husband and two sons. The high school sweethearts met in a cappella choir. Both graduated from Ohio University—Jerry with a degree in journalism, and Melinda
in education with an English literature major—before starting their married life together.
new retirement home by age 70. “As the bulk of baby boomers begin hitting retirement age, we knew that places like Laurel Lake would be at a premium,” says Jerry. “Construction of new CCRCs won’t keep pace with the demand, and the wait list for desirable properties like Laurel Lake will only get longer.”
albeit on a much smaller scale, and there’s even an alpaca farm close by—Whistler’s Glen Alpaca Farm in Hudson—where Melinda can get SEEDS FOR THE FUTURE her llama and alpaca “fix” whenever When Jerry retired in 2010, the she wants to. But these days, couple seriously evaluated their the Updegraffs spend more time retirement living options. cultivating their new friendships. “Our daughter lived west of “This is a very social Cleveland, six hours away, and community,” Melinda notes. “We we both grew up in the CantonREAPING THE REWARDS knew absolutely no one at Laurel Massillon area,” Melinda notes. The Updegraffs wasted no time Lake, but the residents were so “We initially looked at 55+ putting their name on the wait list welcoming and invited us to join communities but soon realized for a villa. They eventually got the them for cocktails and dinner. we’d be facing yet another move if deluxe two-bedroom, two-bath We’ve made many new friends with our needs change as we age. So we home with sunroom and forest such interesting backgrounds and spent the next two years visiting top views they were waiting for, and life experiences.” CCRCs in western Pennsylvania proceeded to make it their own. The couple’s calendar is packed and northern Ohio that we “We added skylights and with theatrical and musical events identified via internet search.” ceramic flooring to the sunroom, at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, One community, Laurel Lake in and installed hardwood floors Blossom Music Center, the Hudson, really stood out. throughout,” says Melinda. “We University of Akron, Kent State “We liked how convenient Laurel opened up the kitchen area and University, Hiram College, local Lake is to Ohio’s interstate highway installed new cabinets and marble high school productions, and system and airports—it’s easy to countertops, with a breaksfast bar.” concerts at Laurel Lake. Melinda get wherever you want to go,” says Melinda designed a built-in work sings in the Encore Chorale and Jerry. “Hudson is also close to major station in the kitchen’s sunny bay recently joined the Gardening shopping and entertainment areas, window area to accommodate her Committee. Jerry is active on another key advantage.” sewing and crafting activities. Both the Marketing and Building & Laurel Lake’s 150 acres of lakes bathrooms were also redesigned to Equipment Committees and enjoys and woodlands reminded the suit their individual tastes. daily fitness classes and every type Updegraffs of their rural home, “We love our new home!” says of card game. Both attend Laurel while the wide variety of home Melinda. “It’s peaceful and private.” Lake lectures taught by visiting styles, dining choices, on-site health Jerry adds: “Our favorite spot is professors from nearby colleges. services, and abundant fitness the sunroom. It’s great for watching “We’e so glad we made this and intellectual programs truly wildlife. We feed the birds and move when we did,” Jerry says. “It impressed them. deer, and even saw a pair of beavers wasn’t easy, but now we’re exactly The pair also had an important crossing our backyard one day.” where we want to be for this next goal in mind: To settle into their These former farmers still garden, important chapter of our lives.”
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Mad about Mahjong M
ahjong, named for a Chinese word that means “sparrow,” may date as far back as 880 AD, but it is growing in popularity around the world. From college campuses to retirement communities, new generations of U.S. fans are flocking to the game, which has many different styles of play. The game of skill, strategy, and calculation closely resembles gin rummy. Instead of cards, engraved tiles of various suits, such as winds and flowers, are drawn and discarded to assemble a winning hand. Laurel Laker Maxine Shiffman learned how to play when she was 14, and still uses her mother’s set. “I love the challenge of forming a difficult hand,” says Maxine. “It’s a game of concentration, interspersed by periods of friendly chatter.” When Maxine first arrived at Laurel Lake, she found few residents who knew how to play her favorite style of mahjong—International. So she pulled together a dozen of her new neighbors, showed them the ropes, and they’ve been going strong ever since. “We play every Tuesday night!” Maxine laughs. “Anyone who wants to join us is more than welcome.” Another resident, Diana Yee, is now teaching 20 new recruits how to play Chinese mahjong. Her afternoon and evening “Mahjong for Beginners” classes are packed with enthusiastic learners. “I’ve taught students of all ages, but this group is especially fun to work with,” says Diana. “Some of the more experienced players are now co-teaching with me. We are all helping each other learn.” TINY TILES TEST GRAY MATTER Without question, mahjong is an excellent mental workout. The Hong Kong Medical Journal recently called it “cognitively demanding” and stated that it “involves substantial higher mental processing and outputs: memory, concentration, calculations, reasoning, strategies, sequential thinking, and planning.” Over and above its benefits for brain health, however, people are drawn to the game’s ancient lineage, the look and feel of its smooth tiles, and the sense of camaraderie players enjoy. “I find it relaxing and stimulating at the same time,” Diana explains. “It’s a great way to meet people.”
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Laurel Lakers make a splash at Water Volleyball
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ou can hear Water Volleyball in progress at Laurel Lake, long before you ever see it. It’s the sound of palms slapping against rubber beach balls, of the referee’s shrill whistle, of splashes, shouts of frustration, and peals of laughter. It’s a wonderful cacophony—the sound of people enjoying life. “What a blast!” says Bob Chapman, a chair volleyball fan who recently gave the water version a try. “You’d never know it, but that’s a real workout to move fast through the water and get to the ball.”
RELEASE YOUR INNER ATHLETE This aquatic sport alternates with chair volleyball at Laurel Lake, and has been especially popular during the cold winter months. Coed teams play refereed matches as they laugh, splash, and swat their way to better fitness while learning new skills. The pool isn’t deep, so it’s easy for players to stand upright. They are constantly in motion, stretching, diving and hustling after the ball. Despite all the taunting and teasing and occasional power plays, both sides leave the pool laughing. EXERCISE WITHOUT LIMITATIONS Water volleyball opens up many possibilities for residents, according to Laurel Lake aquatic fitness instructor Debbie Pekar.
“It’s good, safe exercise, ideal for those who’ve had knee or hip replacements or who suffer from arthritis,” Debbie asserts. “The water offers buoyancy, but you still get the benefit of resistance training, which builds muscle and bone density.” People who normally move around with care on land find that they can leap, stretch, even run without consequences in the pool. “There’s no need for fancy equipment,” Debbie adds. “Our teams use a lightweight beach ball and just have fun; there are no limitations.” The water volleyball matches are one of more than a dozen fitness programs offered weekly by Laurel Lake’s wellness team. Each is designed to help residents stay physically and socially active.
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This 224 sq. ft. “Tiny Home” is one-tenth the size of the average American home.
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.
of people’s relationships with technology. From the early days of personal computers to today’s robotics, artificial intelligence, social networking and mobile connectivity, discover how technology changes us.
n “Civil War Medicine” – March 30 @ 3:30 PM. Live from EarlyWorks Museum. In 1863, little was known about causes, cures, and spread of diseases. Soldiers who became ill had little chance of survival. However, Civil War medical practices and observations led to more effective methods of treatment. In this program, you’ll meet a battlefield nurse.
n “L’Art de L’Afrique” – April 13 @ 3:30 PM. Live from Cleveland Museum of Art. Africa’s former French colonies have a rich, complex history. Explore traditional arts of Mali, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Cote d’Ivoire and French influences on their culture.
n Town Hall of Cleveland: Sherry Turkle – April 13 @ 1:00 PM. On April 13, Town Hall of Cleveland presents an evening forum with Sherry Turkle, the “Margaret Mead of Digital Culture.” Earlier that day, join us for a live video preview with this noted professor, author, researcher and clinical psychologist who has spent 30 years researching the psychology 10
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n “Contemporary Social & Political Conflict in West Africa” – April 20 @ 3:30 PM. Dr. Christopher Williams, Associate Professor of Pan-African Studies at Kent State University, will speak at Laurel Lake on modern conflict in West Africa. Competing rebel groups, foreign insurgents, and predatory neighbor states are struggling over a complex array of causes—disputes over land and resources, ideological clashes, ethnic strife and political grievances— that are contributing to regional instability and the spread of war.
n “Sustainable Architecture: Trends for the Future” – May 4 @ 3:30 PM. Live from Inspired Classroom. Tiny House, Net-Zero, Green Roof—these are just some of the newest trends in sustainable architectural design around the world today. What makes a building “sustainable”? Learn about amazing new projects, started or planned. n “Form, Function and Faith” – May 11 @ 3:30 PM. Live from Cleveland Museum of Art. Explore the relationship between building form and function in three Cleveland-area houses of worship: St. Theodosius Church, Temple Tifereth Israel, and Kirtland Temple, a 19th c. Community of Christ (Latter Day Saints) Church. n “Art Deco in Architecture” – May 18 @ 3:30 PM. Live from The Durham Museum. In the 1920s and 1930s, the Art Deco movement influenced everything from movies to advertising to appliance design. Learn how Art Deco inspired architects and see stunning examples of some of the most enduringly beautiful Art Deco buildings.
happenings a sampling of the events laurel lake residents will be enjoying this spring Kinky Boots April 18
Broadway’s Grammy® and Tony® winning, high-heeled hit at Playhouse Square. Addams Family April 23
Tuesday Musical March 31
Beethoven piano trios performed by David Finckel, cello, Wu Han, piano, and Philip Setzer, violin. Asiatown Cleveland April 8
Guided shopping tour of Cleveland’s “Little Asia” with lunch at Li Wah Restaurant. Cleveland Indians Home Opener April 10
Broadcast live on Laurel Lake’s ‘Big Screen’ with pre-game organ concert by Tom Zitkovic.
The Hudson Players bring the weird, wonderful Addams Family to life in this Broadway musical. Lakeside Sand & Gravel April 25
From Caterpillar crawlers to Euclid loaders, shovels and cranes, see 100 antique machines at this annual event in Mantua. Akron Derbytown Chorus April 26
Barbershop singers will perform music from The Fabulous 50’s. Cleveland Museum of Art April 29
A docent-guided tour of “Senufo: Art & Identity of West Africa,” with lunch at Provenance Cafe. On Safari: The Wilds May 12
A New Birth of Freedom April 11
Akron Symphony and Chorus presents Kurt Weill’s final work for Broadway, a triumph of beauty and stirring reflection on race relations. Ravel’s Bolero April 17
The Cleveland Orchestra with Jahja Ling and cellist Gautier Capucon will perform works by Ravel and Saint-Saëns.
Laurel Lakers go on safari to The Wilds, a 10,000 acre wildlife preserve in Southeast Ohio where rare and endangered animals roam freely.
I Love Lucy, Live on Stage May 17
Playhouse Square presents this hit show based on the most beloved program in TV history.
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
Check it out! Laurel Lake Library
Every day, our Library Committee keeps the Laurel Lake Library humming as volunteers sort and shelve donated materials. Nearly 11,000 items are housed there—including 9,000 books! You’d have to read a book a day for the next 25 years to get through the entire catalog. The ever-expanding collection includes a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction books, including many of the “hottest” bestsellers. Then there’s the media library, with music CDs and DVDs including classic movies, recent blockbusters, TV series, documentaries, and musicals. There’s even a special section of films appropriate for visiting youngsters. Laurel Lake also enjoys a great lending relationship with the amazing five-star Hudson Library & Historical Society and, through them, with CLEVNET, a consortium of 43 library systems in Northeast Ohio that connects patrons to more than ten million items. The Laurel Lake Library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Materials are loaned to Laurel Lake residents, staff and guests on the honor system. Stop by and browse!
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