Laurel Lake Living by Laurel Lake Retirement Community

Laurel Lake’s 150 wooded acres make a a fun winter playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

A lifestyle with all the advantages Winter 2012 IN THIS ISSUE

Cold Winter, Hot Savings! PAGE 2

Winter Open House PAGE 3

This Feels Like Me: From Villa to Dream Home PAGE 4

An Evening to Remember PAGE 5

Boot Camp for the Brain PAGE 6

Distance Learning with University Circle PAGE 8

A Gracious Lifestyle You CAN Afford! PAGE 9

We’ve Got Free WiFi! PAGE 10

Happenings PAGE 11

Through the Eyes of the Artist PAGE 12

Fall 2010 Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2012

Cold Winter, HOT Savings! The race is on to save up to $40,000 by April 30! It’s a New Year – the perfect time to make positive changes in your life. By reserving a Laurel Lake Villa or Apartment today, you’ll be taking the first steps toward a more active lifestyle in a carefree home, with long term financial security and a “safety net” of health services for the future, if ever needed. Choose your favorite of a limited number of TwoBedroom Apartment homes by April 30, 2012 to lock in MAJOR savings!

Reserve the style you prefer today and take up to SIX MONTHS to make your move, with no financial risk. This special promotion does not apply to Vista or Conversion apartments. What could you do with that extra $40,000? Use it to decorate your new home and pay for moving expenses. Or, you could take advantage of these significant savings to set the most competitive asking price to help your home sell quickly. Don’t delay, this special promotion ends April 30, 2012! Call 1-866-6502100 to learn more about Laurel Lake’s riskfree reservation process and set an appointment to view available home styles.

Make this New Year one of your best ever!

Picture yourself living in a home designed with your future in mind – with amenities that offer the finest in convenience, healthy, active living and relaxation. Come and explore Laurel Lake for yourself!

Winter Open House

Spring Open House

February 16 @ 2:00 PM Find out why Laurel Lake is regarded as one of the most respected and “best value” retirement communities in the region. Start your tour with light refreshments as Residents share their experiences. Take a Walking Tour of our 100,000 sq. ft. Commons. Get an exclusive “peek” into select apartment and villa styles and personalized design options. Learn about refundable residency options, and how Life Care protects your assets and limits future costs.

April 10 & 12 @ 2:00 PM Visit Laurel Lake’s campus at the height of Spring! You’ll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with residents, enjoy gourmet treats and take a guided tour of the community, including some of Laurel Lake’s most popular apartment and villa home styles.

Space is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, call Julie at 1-866-650-2100. Friends & family welcome.

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 acres in Hudson, Ohio.

Please submit suggestions to: Laurel Lake Living 200 Laurel Lake Drive, Hudson OH 44236 (330)650-2100 www.laurellake.org info@laurellake.org

Our community is firmly committed to Equal Opportunity in both housing and employment. Laurel Lake is a member of the Catholic Health Partners family of senior living and healthcare organizations. Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2012

“This feels like me” When Joan Garro first stepped into her Laurel Lake villa, she immediately saw the possibilities. “The home had features I loved—a lake view, large kitchen and nice layout,” says the 71-yearold retired nurse, mother of six and grandmother of six. “But the design choices of the previous owner didn’t suit my taste. I wanted a family room, too.” So, in just six weeks with

Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2012

F R O M VI L L A TO DR EAM HO ME

the help of designer Alice Cook of Chez-Del Interiors, builder Scandinavian Signature Construction, and Laurel Lake’s own maintenance team, Joan set about transforming the twobedroom, two-bath condo into a bigger, brighter space that fits her personality and lifestyle. The result? “It’s absolutely beautiful. I feel like I live in a resort!” laughs Joan. “The family room is light and airy, with arched doorways that open everything up. I was able to host nineteen people comfortably for Christmas! My kids said they think the flow of this place is even better for entertaining than the house I left.” Joan selected fabrics, colors and custom touches like green granite countertops for her kitchen, and plush carpet

underfoot. Some walls were left bare for Joan’s “future finds” at Boston Mills Artfest, an annual show she tries never to miss. The spare bedroom now also functions as a craft area with plenty of room to pursue her passion for quilting. But Joan’s favorite new spot isn’t in the house at all. It’s the private patio overlooking the lake, golf course and a stand of trees. “I live out here all spring, summer and fall,” Joan smiles. “It’s nice to sit and read, have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with friends, and watch the wildlife.” Whether the projects are large or small, Laurel Lake’s flexible approach to home customization is good news for its residents. Nearly half have made some sort of alteration to their apartments or villas, ranging from designer

paint colors, custom closets and crown moldings to complete remodels and family or sun room additions. Residents who enlarge their homes may even claim a portion of the expense as a charitable contribution to this not-for-profit community. “Laurel Lake was really easy to work with,” Joan shares. “As long as it’s structurally possible, there’s quite a bit of freedom to make the changes you want.” Joan was especially impressed by how carefully Laurel Lake consulted with her neighbors

when designing the addition. “They were respectful of the needs and preferences of the people living around me, and how what we were building would impact them. Knowing that made me feel good.” Now well established in her new home, Joan keeps a busy schedule. She loves spending time with grandkids, traveling, church activities, classes at Laurel Lake, and volunteering in the Colony Shoppe. She’s also active in two quilt circles – one that handfinishes quilt tops for love gifts

donated to charity, and the Prayer Quilters, a Laurel Lake group that meets regularly to chat and stitch beautiful lap throws as gifts for individuals going through challenging times. But wherever she goes, it’s always a thrill to come home. “I can’t say enough about the lifestyle here,” Joan enthuses. “I was telling my daughter the other day that I wake up every day thanking God that I’m here. The sense of community and the optimism of the people at Laurel Lake is contagious.”

An evening to remember For the 21st year in a row, the 450 residents of Laurel Lake gathered for the fine holiday tradition of delectable food, music and dancing at the community’s annual Holiday Celebration. From door-to-door limousine service to a wine bar, appetizers and delicious “surf and turf” menu of salmon and beef tenderloin, the evening was a hit! Music filled the air courtesy of the Nice Jazz Trio.

Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2012

boot camp for the brain

rain health is a hot topic today, and folks who live at Laurel Lake are way ahead of the learning curve. Here, residents gather to play everything from Mah Jongg to Mexican Train, and academically challenging classes are part of everyday life. There’s no shortage of fun, fellowship and mental stimulation when you live at Laurel Lake – a sort of “boot camp” for the brain.

Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2012

that the brain can change in response to stimulation well into In a classroom down the hall, old age. Ingredients for brain the Tech Group listens intently health include challenging mental as their instructor demonstrates tasks, good diet, exercise, social features of the latest Kindle and Nook e-readers. These 35 students connection, stress reduction, and varied activities. may not know it, but they’re in the midst of a mental workout Eating their words that can literally change the What do a research chemist, brain’s structure and chemistry. a music professor, a librarian, a As they jot down notes and trade nutrionist and a Yiddish expert tips, tricks and jokes with their have in common? They’re all classmates, the students’ VerboManiacs, self-described neurons are busy sprouting “word nerds” who meet Fridays at new dendritic branches, Laurel Lake to study the origins synaptic connections of words, and how language are strengthening, and changes over time. neurochemicals are Members research word lists increasing. by theme, share photos and Research over the personal anecdotes – and see who last four decades has can work the most outlandish new produced the concept of words into casual conversation in neuroplasticity – the idea the dining room that evening.

Tech savvy seniors

“It’s the highlight of my week,” says Goldie White. “I absolutely hate to miss it.” This week the group analyzes words of ancient Aztec origin, like quetzal, mesquite and jicima. “Whenever possible, we try to eat our words,” laughs facilitator Susan Busko. “The next time we meet, I’ll bring jicima salad for everyone to sample.”

A harmonious brain vitamin

Albert Einstein, they say, would take a break and play the piano or violin whenever he was stumped. Then he’d go back to his work with fresh new ideas. The 70 singers who comprise Laurel Lake’s Encore Chorale agree wholeheartedly: Singing recharges the brain. “After an intense practice, you feel a sense of accomplishment,”

says alto Donna Sechrist. “It’s a great source of mental and emotional stimulation.” “These singers are constantly adjusting tempo, tone, style, rhythm and phrasing, even as deep breathing increases oxygen flow to their brains,” says choir director Donna Anderson. “They are essentially training their brains to become incredibly good at organizing and multi-tasking.”

The world is your classroom

With over 100 classes, clubs and fitness programs to choose from at Laurel Lake – including Distance Learning with University Circle and Off-Campus Studies with Case Western Reserve University – there’s no shortage of brain stimulating activities to enjoy. On-site lectures

and high-definition digital videoconferencing bring visiting professors and experts to cover a world of subjects that stimulate thinking and inspire creativity. The greatest benefit, though, is the ease with which residents can make new social connections. “This is such a good way of getting acquainted with people,” says lifelong learner Nancy DeMent. “With the climate controlled walkways, even in awful weather everyone shows up. We don’t have to worry about slogging through the snow.” “My husband and I thought we were happy in our condo, but this is even better. We’ve become friends with people we met in the hallways, at dinner, in classes, and at the Game Night events that I help organize. It’s wonderful!” Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2012

2012 Winter Classes University Circle offers the following Distance Learning programs at Laurel Lake, linking you to world-class museums and educational institutions via live videostream. Funding is provided by Laurel Lake Foundation. To register, call 1-866-650-2100. For a complete list, visit laurellake.org.

n “Sunken Treasures: Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes” – Feb. 6 @ 3:30 PM. Live from Bathysphere Underwater Biological Laboratory (BUBL) Project. Over 20% of the world’s fresh water is contained within the Great Lakes, the resting place of over 5000 shipwrecks. Study the past through these relics and learn about the storms, wars, navigational challenges and human error that caused them.

n “People of the Three Fires” –

n “American Exceptionalism:

Is America Still a Land of Opportunity?” – Feb. 6 @ 1:00 PM. Town Hall of Cleveland and CWRU are bringing radio/TV host Larry Elder to Cleveland for an evening presentation at Ohio Theater. Earlier that day, Mr. Elder joins Laurel Lake for a preview via live videoconference from the studios of WVIZ/PBS ideastream. The nationally syndicated columnist and talk-show host is author of The 10 Things You Can’t Say in America, Showdown: Confronting Bias, Lies and the Special Interests That Divide America, and What’s Race Got to Do with It? Why It’s Time to Stop the Stupidest Argument in America. He is also the television host of “Moral Court” and “The Larry Elder Show,” and the creator, producer and director of Michael & Me, a documentary which examines the use of guns in America.

Feb. 20 @ 3:30 PM. Live from The Cranbrook Institute of Science. An extensive collection of artifacts offers insights to the history and culture of the “People of the Three Fires” – Objibway, Ottawa and Potawatomi tribes of the Great Lakes.

n “Designing the Future: Climate

Change Transition in Northeast Ohio” – Feb. 27 @ 3:30 PM. Live from The GreenCityBlueLake Institute. Join David Beach, Director of The GreenCityBlueLake Institute, for a discussion about the design of ecological cities and how human beings can live sustainably on Earth in the 21st century. Find out what it takes to develop greener cities that consume fewer resources and produce less waste and pollution. What’s in store for NE Ohio?

n “Backstage With...The Cast of

MEMPHIS” – March 6 @ 1:00 PM. Live from Playhouse Square and WVIZ ideastream, go backstage with the cast and crew of the Tony Awardwinning musical, MEMPHIS. Learn about their backgrounds, training and paths to the stage.

n “MEMPHIS: The Musical” –

March 11 @ 1:00 PM. Board the bus for the Palace Theater to enjoy a matinee performance. From

Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2012

the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis comes a hot new Broadway musical with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical! Matinee tickets: $20. Priority seating reserved for Laurel Lake residents; call Betty Presti at 330-655-1492 to inquire about availability.

n “Printmaking Techniques” –

March 12 @ 3:30 PM. Live from The Cleveland Institute of Art. Explore printmaking techniques of Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn with Maggie Denk-Leigh, head of the Printmaking Department at CIA. See the evolution of printmaking from a traditional technique to experimental contemporary art.

n “Self Portraits” – March

19 @ 3:30 PM. Live from The Cleveland Museum of Art. Learn how luminaries from Rembrandt to Picasso represented themselves, and explore the artist’s personal statements and technical approaches.

Visit www.laurellake.org for a complete list of programs.

A gracious lifestyle you CAN afford

id you know that the odds of winning the Ohio Powerball jackpot are 1 in 195.2 million? Fortunately, you won't need to win the lottery to afford the rewarding lifestyle that Laurel Lake offers. As northeast Ohio’s premiere Life Care community, Laurel Lake is a smart financial choice for middle-income retirees. Many Ohioans don’t realize how affordable this prestigious community is until they call 1-866-650-2100 to request a free information kit and talk to a representative about the fees and what they cover. The truth is, Laurel Lake was designed for people at many income and asset levels – retired teachers, military, ministers and professionals of all fields – who understand the importance of planning ahead and want exceptional value for their hard-earned dollars. Here are some important facts when considering Laurel Lake: Fact #1: Laurel Lake is affordable for many homeowners.

For your retirement, financial stability and predictable monthly expenses are important. At Laurel Lake, your daily living expenses are

bundled into one monthly fee so costs stay predictible all year long. Residents write just one check each month for a service package that includes all utilities (except phone), basic cable TV, housekeeping, property taxes, trash collection, home maintenance, lawn care and snow removal, scheduled local transportation, major repairs, 24-hour security and emergency response, meal plans, leisure activities, fitness club membership, unlimited assisted living or skilled nursing if ever needed, and more. Ron Lee, a retired high school teacher, and his wife Hildegard, a finance/personnel specialist, did their homework before choosing Laurel Lake. “We checked out several communities and crunched the numbers before deciding that Laurel Lake offered the best value. We knew one thing for certain – the financial security of Life Care was a must for us, and our children.” To compare actual expenses in your current home with Laurel Lake, call 1-866-6502100 to request a Cost of Living Comparison Worksheet and Financial Analysis.

Fact #2: Laurel Lake helps you protect your nest egg.

“What if I outlive my resources?” It’s a question that keeps many people awake at night when they live in a house or a condo. With Laurel Lake residency, however, comes peace of mind. Here you’ll have an attractive home for life, an active lifestyle that promotes longevity, and an unlimited “safety net” of health services on site if ever needed, no matter what happens with your health or finances in the future. Type A “Extensive” Life Care at Laurel Lake covers assisted living, Alzheimer's/memory care, rehab and skilled nursing whenever needed, for as long as you need it, without a significant increase in your monthly fee, protecting your capital against catastrophic costs. If you already have long-term care insurance, Laurel Lake offers a plan with reduced entrance and monthly fee costs. You can also choose a 50% or 94% refundable plan. And Laurel Lake puts its promises in writing. All costs and guaranteed lifelong services are outlined in the Residence Agreement. ...continued on page 10 Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2012

Fact #3: We’re an open book.

As a well-managed, not-forprofit continuing care retirement community backed by Catholic Health Partners, one of the nation’s top rated health systems, Laurel Lake is commited to transparency and always ready to share information about its financial strength, operations and future plans. Just ask – we will be pleased to provide audited financial statements, a history of rate increases, annual survey results, and any other financial or quality indicators that you (or your financial advisor, if desired) require in order to make a sound decision for the future. One of Laurel Lake’s greatest advantages is the extent to which residents are involved in decision-making. All residents are voting members of the Resident Association, which sponsors numerous committees influencing everything from Dining and Health Services to Programming and Finance. Three residents are elected to serve as full voting members of the Laurel Lake Board of Directors. Get the facts!

Schedule an appointment today by calling 1-866-650-2100. Find out if you can afford Laurel Lake with a confidential personalized Financial Analysis that shows what your future income, assets and expenses will be if you move to Laurel Lake. Come and explore this beautiful campus, welcoming community and wide range of home styles. Get answers to specific questions for a "plan of action" to continue your successful lifestyle – no matter what the future may bring!

Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2012

We’ve got WiFi! Here’s good news for Laurel Lake residents and their friends and family who visit our campus. Laurel Lake now offers FREE wireless Internet service in most of the community’s public spaces, making it easier for people on the go to stay connected. When we say free, we mean free. There’s no network to join, no security passcode required. Residents and their guests can bring their laptops, e-readers and other wireless devices to any of the many “hotspots” scattered throughout Laurel Lake’s campus and start sending emails, surfing the Internet or downloading the latest books, magazines or videos. Free Wi-Fi is now available in most Laurel Lake Common spaces, including The Pub, Fireplace Area, Library, Mixing Place, lounges and classrooms, and both Eastwood and Westwood apartment building Atriums and Business Centers. Residents who prefer a traditional desktop PC can still find these in the Mixing Place and Business Centers. They may also choose high-speed Internet with wireless capability in their own apartment or villa through Time Warner Cable’s Roadrunner network.

here’s a sampling of events that residents are enjoying this winter. indicates a coming event is open to guests. sign-up is required. Call (330) 650-2100 FOR DETAILS.

Happenings

Vogler Quartet / Ute Lemper

March 20

Orchid Mania: The Seductive Orchid

February 2012 - Date TBA

Super Bowl XLVI

Cleveland Botanical Garden’s annual ode to nature’s most exotic plant.

The Laurel Lake Pub becomes a sports bar as Giants take on Patriots.

The Cleveland Orchestra

February 5

Get the Most of Your eReader Feb 9

Hudson Library shows you how to download books and compares the most popular devices.

February 24

Severance Hall performance of Weber’s “Ruler of the Spirits,” Schubert’s Symphony in C major (“The Great”). Jennifer Chiaverini February 24

NY Times bestelling author Jennifer Chiaverini returns to Laurel Lake with her new book, Sonoma Rose.

Tuesday Musical presents the Vogler Quartet & cabaret artist Ute Lemper for “Berlin Nights, Paris Days: The Art of Chanson.” Come Fly Away

May 19

Smash hit at Palace Theatre combines the seductive vocals of the legendary Frank Sinatra with the dazzling choreography of Twyla Tharp.

Coming This Spring:

Educational Tours of Fannie Mae Chocolate Store and Whistler’s Glen Alpaca Farm, both in Hudson!

West Point Market February 29

Ode to Joy

February 18

Akron Symphony performs Beethoven’s 9th Sympony. Bistro on Main February 21

Lunch Bunch heads to Kent for Chef Aaron Ruggle’s innovative cuisine.

Residents stock up on gourmet foods, wines, cheeses and more at this iconic Akron market.

“A Girl’s Guide to Coffee”

March 4

Actors’ Summit production about a coffee barrista who elevates the humble bean to hitherto unknown heights. Chad Hoopes, Violin

March 17

Akron Symphony along with teen violin sensation Chad Hoopes performs Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky. Laurel Lake Living I Winter 2012

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

A Member of Catholic Healthcare Partners

Through the Eyes of the Artist

Laurel Lake offers the free art history lecture series, “Through the Eyes of the Artist” with funding provided by the Laurel Lake Foundation. The series is open to the public at 200 Laurel Lake Drive in Hudson. To register, call 1-866-650-2100. “Through the Eyes of the Artist” is the brainchild of Hudsonbased art historian Felicia Zavarella Stadelman, who uses music, prints and powerful images to tell each artist’s story.

February 23 – Pablo Picasso Far from the mainstream, his powers of invention and execution spanned 80+ years. March 29 – Suzanne Valadon She transformed herself from artist’s model to popular artist. April 26 – Jack Vettriano His prints outsell Monet and Van Gogh, yet none of his work appears in national galleries. May 24 – Odd Artists Drama, passion, obsession, tragedy: Explore the hidden lives of famous artists. Many lived on the edge of chaos, where all good art is born.

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