SUNBEAMSTransitions Healthcare Sykesville, 7309 Second Avenue, Sykesville, MD 21784

Carnival Around the World

The Lenten season arrives on Ash Wednesday,February 18. It is traditional to participate in asymbolic and ritual fast during the 40 days of Lent,akin to the 40-day fast Jesus made in the desert whenhe endured temptations by the Devil.

The days leading up to this fast, however, have turnedinto a party known around the world as Carnival.Perhaps the most well-known day of this festival isMardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” which falls on February17. New Orleans hosts one of the largest Mardi Grascelebrations, complete with parades, masqueradeballs, beads, music, and plenty of overindulgence.After all, if sins are washed away during the season ofLent, what’s the harm in committing a few more on theTuesday before Ash Wednesday?

Carnival is Brazil’s most popular holiday, and Rio deJaniero hosts the largest Carnival in the world. Twomillion spectators crammed into stadium-style seatswatch a lavish parade with massive floats and wildlycostumed dancers swaying to the samba beats.

Not to be outdone, the Caribbean island nation ofTrinidad begins its Carnival at 4 a.m. on the Mondaymorning before Ash Wednesday. Called J’Ouvert,French for “day open,” the day begins with revelerstaking to the streets under cover of darkness, coveredin chocolate, mud, oil, and paint, and acting the role ofmischievous devils, demons, and monsters.

Binche, Belgium, is similarly famous for the clown-likeGilles performers, who wear costumes, wax masks,and wooden clogs as they beat away evil spirits withsticks. However, Italy is the birthplace of all Carnivalcelebrations. The day is firmly rooted in the ancientRoman festival of Saturnalia.

CelebratingFebruary

Canned Food Month

Time Management Month

African AmericanHistory Month

Groundhog DayFebruary 2

Thank a Mailman DayFebruary 4

Valentine’s DayFebruary 14

Pancake WeekFebruary 15–22

Mardi GrasFebruary 17

Chinese New YearFebruary 19

Single-Tasking DayFebruary 24

International SwordSwallowers Day

February 28

February 2015

Good to the Last Drop

Judges in Berkeley Springs,West Virginia, treat water likewine on February 21. Localconnoisseurs will examinewaters from around the worldand declare the world’s bestwater based on taste, aroma,appearance, mouth feel, andaftertaste. Not all water is madeequal, so water is divided intocategories: municipal (tap),

bottled, purified, and carbonated. A separatecategory for package design is voted on as aPeople’s Choice award.

Berkeley Springs has always attracted thoseinterested in water. George Washington ownedland in Berkeley Springs and visited often,perhaps lured there by the warm mineral springsbelieved to have medicinal qualities. Visitors canstill marvel at his bathtub, a stone-lined basindug into the earth that draws water directly fromthe mineral springs.

Saturday night brings high anxiety at the CountryInn of Berkeley Springs, where judges sip andsample before a crowd of spectators and waterpurveyors. Last year drew stiff competition in allwater categories. More than 100 different waterssourced from 14 countries representing all sixinhabited continents entered the competition.

The best tap water in the world was awarded toClearbrook, British Columbia, already a two-timegold medal winner in the category. Castle RockWater of Dunsmuir, California, narrowly edgedout bottlers from Colorado and Greece as theworld’s best bottled water. The title for sparklingwater went to Canadian Gold Sparkling MineralWater of Marchand, Manitoba, with runners-upcoming from New Zealand and Bosnia. It wasonly fitting that the best purified water hailedfrom Berkeley Springs, purified by MountainDrop out of Linthicum, Maryland. Was ithometown favoritism? Unlikely. The famedwaters of Berkeley Springs have attractedinternational attention for more than 250 years.

Chop Chop

Eating with two little sticks may seem like ataxing and complicated food delivery method,especially with forks, spoons, and knivesavailable. Yet more than a billion people (aquarter of the human population) use chopsticksevery day. This makes February 6, ChopsticksDay, a very big deal.

The old Chinese word for chopsticks is kuaizi,which means “quick little bamboo fellows.”However, not all chopsticks are made ofbamboo. The material, shape, and length ofchopsticks varies from place to place. They maybe made of wood, plastic, metal, jade, porcelain,ivory, or even bone. Chinese chopsticks areslowly tapered with blunt ends, while Japaneseversions are often shorter and more pointed.Also, not all chopsticks are used for eating. InJapan, long ryoribashi and saibashi (12 to 16inches) are used for cooking and dishing food,while shorter hashi are used for eating. Thosebrave enough to use chopsticks must alsoremember proper chopstick etiquette. It isimpolite to spear food, and one should neverpoint your resting chopsticks at another personat the table. Just remember, it is never impoliteto ask for a spoon if necessary.

Too Many Valentines

While February 14 is widelycelebrated as Valentine’s Day,there is some confusion as towhich Saint Valentine this dayrefers to. According to theRoman Catholic Church, 14different saints are namedValentine. Some believeValentine honors the Bishop of Terni, in centralItaly, who was condemned by the RomanEmperor Claudius. Others believe Valentine wasa Roman priest who secretly married Christiancouples until he was discovered by the Romanauthorities and sentenced to death. Perhaps thereal identity of St. Valentine is unnecessary sincewhat is truly important is his enduring legacy oflove.

February 2015

When the Fat Lady Sings

With an explosion of new mediaoutlets available thanks to theInternet, some think that the fatlady is finally singing for the endof the opera as an art form.Operas have been entertainingaudiences for 400 years, so whynot give one a chance on OperaDay, February 8?

In its heyday, opera was the most exciting anddramatic form of entertainment imaginable. Thegreatest composers, musicians, and singersperformed in elaborate music halls. No expensewas spared on the grand sets and finecostumes. Opera was the perfect marriage ofmusic and theater. Opera was a thrill, even inAmerica. During the 1920s, throngs of youngfans (the 18 and younger crowd) would stoptraffic in New York City just to catch a glimpse oftheir favorite soprano. The kids screamed andwaved, threw flowers and ribbons, wavedAmerican flags, and acted in a manner typicallyassociated with fans of the Beatles. Yes, 100years ago, opera was like rock ‘n’ roll.

So which opera should one see, or hear, to feelthis exuberance of yesteryear? Many believethat the greatest opera is Mozart’s DonGiovanni, a masterpiece that is serious,frightening, and funny all at the same time.Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro and Rossini’s TheBarber of Seville are two parts of the samestory. Rossini wrote his opera as a prequel toMozart’s that gives more detail to the life of thewily comedic hero Figaro. Verdi’s La Traviata isthe most performed opera in the world todayand has come a long way from when it was firstcondemned as scandalous in 1853. Then thereis always Bugs Bunny’s What’s Opera, Doc?Elmer Fudd is hunting wabbits again, but thistime he is in full Viking gear in a parody ofWagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung.

If the human voice is indeed “God’s most beautifulinstrument,” then there may be no better way toenjoy it than listening to the opera. Sometimes thebest notes really are sung by the fat lady.

Cookie Power

It’s the weekend you’ve been waiting for all year:February 27–28 is Girl Scout Cookie Weekend!The “Super Six” flavors are all coming back: ThinMints, Samoas, Trefoils, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos,and the 100th anniversary cookie, SavannaSmiles. Two additional flavors are being offeredin 2015: Rah-Rah Raisin, which is an oatmealraisin cookie with yogurt chunks, and a gluten-free option called Toffee-tastic, a buttery cookiepacked with toffee bits.

This year, the price of Girl Scout Cookies willincrease by one dollar to five dollars a box.Amazingly, the cost of cookies has not increasedfor 11 years. And every extra dollar will benefit aprogram that is dedicated to building our nextgeneration of young female leaders.Furthermore, the Girl Scout Cookie programteaches Girl Scouts five invaluable life skills:goal-setting, decision-making, moneymanagement, people skills, and business ethics.Not to mention, scouts build courage,confidence, and character. It’s a wonderfulfeeling knowing that you can help achieve all thisthrough eating delicious cookies.

Winter Wonderland by Rail

Perhaps one of the greatest sightseeingadventures in the world is a four-hour train rideon the Bernina Express from Switzerland to Italythrough the Alps. There may be no better time totravel the route than in February, when the landis glistening white with snow.

What makes the journey sospecial? The railway, whichopened in 1904, crosses 196bridges, passes through 55tunnels, and climbs morethan 7,000 feet. This marvelof engineering is designed to

open isolated mountain villages to the rest of theworld. For these regions, the rail line has beengranted status as a UNESCO World HeritageSite.

February 2015

Beware the Calendar

As if triskaidekaphobia, thefear of the number 13, werenot enough, this February willalso strike fear into the heartsof those suffering fromparaskevidekatriaphobia, orthe fear of Friday the 13th.

Why is the number 13 considered unlucky?Some Western Christian traditions believe thatthe number stems from Judas, who betrayedJesus and was the thirteenth person to sit downto the Last Supper. Fear of 13 may also haveoriginated with the Vikings, for whom Loki wasthe thirteenth god in their pantheon. Loki oftencaused mischief for all the other gods and waseven believed to have instigated the murder ofBaldur, the god of light and purity. When Lokiarrived at Valhalla as an uninvited thirteenthguest to a banquet, he goaded another god intomurdering Baldur. Coincidentally, hosting 13guests for dinner is also considered unlucky byHindus and Italians.

When did people begin to consider Friday asunlucky? Again, Christian tradition tells thatFriday was the day that Adam and Eve werebanished from the Garden of Eden.Furthermore, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, aday since called, ironically, Good Friday. Not tobe outdone, the Norse again offer their ownorigin story of unlucky Friday. The word Fridaycomes from the name of the Norse goddessFreya, who powerfully ruled over beauty, love,fertility, gold, war, and death. Out of fear ofFreya, Friday was considered extremelyunlucky, especially for weddings.

It was not until the 19th century that the notionof an unlucky Friday the 13th becamewidespread. Of course, not all cultures fearFriday or the number 13. In Spain, for example,Tuesday the 13th is unlucky. Fear of the number4 is widespread in East Asia.

If you miss Friday the 13th this month, not toworry—there is another one in March.

February Birthdays

If you were born between February 1–18, youare Aquarius, the Water Bearer. Witty, clever,and honest, Water Bearers desire independenceabove all and are not afraid to deviate from thecrowd to pursue their own interests. Those bornbetween February 19–28 are Pisces, the Fish.Selfless, spiritual, and intuitive, Pisces swim onan inner journey. They are emotional,compassionate people who are always willing tohelp others.

Carole Kluge - February 1Emilie Wisniewski - February 2Bernard Rachuba – February 3Irene Peters - February 5Mary Siegel - February 18Martha Kirkendall - February 20Kenneth Garey - February 22William Bass - February 23

I Cannot Tell a Lie

On February 23, 1940, Walt Disney releasedPinocchio. In honor of the little wooden boy whocould not tell a lie without his nose growing,enjoy the quiz below. Can you determinewhether the statements are true or false?

1. Sugar makes children hyperactive.2. Diamonds form in coal.3. Bulls hate the color red.4. You can see the Great Wall

of China from outer space.5. Napoleon was very short.

ANSWERS: 1. False: Medical tests show no differencebetween children given sugar-full and sugar-free diets. 2.False: Diamonds do form deep underground underextreme pressure and intense heat. 3. False: Bulls cansee red, but they charge because they feel threatened bythe matador. 4. False: Many astronauts have debunkedthis myth, though other man-made structures can be seenfrom space. 5. False: Napoleon was actually five feet,seven inches tall, which was considered tall for his time.

February 2015

SYKESVILLE MANAGEMENT TEAM

JOHN WHITE, NHA – Senior AdministratorKIM DRAKE, AIT, RD, CSG, LDN – Administrator in Training

MARJORIE SIMPSON, PhD, CRNP – Vice President, Nurse Practitioner Services

LISA LIPMAN, RN – Director of NursingLINDA KARMALA, RN – Assistant Director of Nursing

IAN ROHE, LPN – Marketing/Clinical LiaisonKRISTEN ALLEN – Admissions Coordinator

TOM HOUSER, LPN – 1st Floor Unit ManagerDURAMANY SESAY, RN - 2nd floor Unit ManagerDEBBIE GRIGSBY, LPN – 3rd Floor Unit Manager

JANE OZOR, RN – Evening SupervisorROSE KELLEY, RN – Weekend Supervisor

GREG LORCH, DH-LPTA, MHA, CST – Director of Rehab Department

LISA TIMMONS – Director of Human Resources

MICHELLE MOORE, LCSW – Director of Social WorkMARISA COOKE, MSW, LGSW – Social Work

MEREDITH FARGNOLI, RD, LDN – DietitianRICHARD COLEMAN – Food Services Manager

IGAL QUINTANILLA – Maintenance Director

CARLOS SHARP – Housekeeping & Laundry Supervisor

SANDI McDIVITT – Business Office ManagerJENIFER SHOWER – Assistant Business Office Manager

DONNA BARNETT, AC-BC, ADC/MC, CDP, Editor “Sunbeams”Life Enrichment Director

Welcome to TransitionsHealthcare Sykesville

Community

Stella BaccalaAdela CloseChristy BlackIrene PetersSonja Skuhr

Beatrice BuckleyMichael Button

Evelyn HarkleroadPatricia HarrisGrace LandonNancy MannJulius NevekerFrederick Pahl

Staff, Family, Friends andVolunteers Express Their

Sympathy To The FamiliesOf…

Carmeno AlbertinoShirley Manuel

Francis McQuayMinnie LoweryVestal Yelton

Wanda KemperVerna CaulfordMary Vogelien

Donald WaltersHelen BeatonAlvin Vaughn

Kenneth HarrisonMary Gayhardt

In God Is My StrengthBy Helen Steiner Rice

My earthly load I could not bearIf you were not there to share

All the pain, despair, and sorrowThat almost make me dread tomorrow,

For I am often weak and wearyAnd life is dark and bleak and dreary.

But somehow when I realizeThat he who made the sea and skies

And holds the whole world in his handHas my small soul in his command,

Its gives me strength to try once moreTo press on toward the heavenly door

Where I will live forevermoreWith friends and loved ones I adore.

ManicuresTuesdays at 10:30 am

Game Room_____________________________

Sundae Sundays!

Sunday, February 22nd

2:30 pm

1st Floor Dining Room

Stop by and get aspecial treat!

Flowers

Saturday,February 14th

St. Joseph’s CommunityWill be making a flowerdelivery to all residents.

Happy Valentine’sDay!

Family Council NewsEleanor Armstrong

Family Council Leader

Time to get back into the swing and have monthly Family Council meetings!

Everyone is invited to the dining room to have a “treat” with eachother.

Bring your loved one along.

Sunday, February 15, 20152:30 pm

1st floor dining room

Family Council Meeting3:00 pm

Game Room

Eleanor ArmstrongFamily Council Leader

410-596-8868Ellie1790@yahoo.co

King – Queen and their Court will be announced at the ValentineSocial on Friday, February 13th at 2:00 pm

1st Floor Dining RoomEntertainment by: Melissa Christiansen

Ballot Boxes will be placed at each nurse’s station (1, 2, 3) to cast your vote

for the 2015 King and Queen. Voting closes Wednesday, February 11th at12 Noon! Please cast one vote per person.

RESIDENTCOUNCILMEETING

ThursdayFebruary 18, 2015

2:30 PMGAME ROOM

Looking forward to seeing all thefamiliar faces as well as new ones!

Resident CouncilOfficers

Matt Tiffany, PresidentRoom 109B

Ron Mattern, Vice PresidentRoom 109 D

Carole Kluge, Social SecretaryRoom 102D

Robert Richardson, ChaplainRoom 107 A

Let’s begin the new year on a high noteand have as many people who live at

Transitions be active in our THCResident Council.

Get involved in the life of ourcommunity. Come to Resident Council

and let your voice be heard!

“Our doors are open for yourlistening ears.”

RESIDENT BANKINGNEEDS

Business Office is locatedon the 3rd Floor

Monday – Friday Hours9:00 am – 4:00 pm

~Saturday – Sunday

See Front DeskReceptionist

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

A limited amount of cash is kept with thereceptionist to accommodate residents’monetary needs on the weekend.Residents must have an active ResidentAccount to request money on weekends.If you do not have an account, or needfurther information, please see the:

Sandi McDivittBusiness Office Manager

FebruaryBirthday Club

WEDNESDAYFEBRUARY 18, 2015

4:30 pm

1ST FLOOR DINING ROOM

EntertainmentJohn Schneider

Resident Council SponsoredSub Carry-in

Thursday, February 5th

4:30 pm1st floor Game Room.396.

Enjoy delicious sub from Subway!

Thank you Eldersburg Subway for a discounton this event! If you visit this Subway make

sure you tell them you heard about them fromTransitions Healthcare Sykesville.

French Fry FridayFriday, February 27th

2:30pm

Happy Hour!

1st Floor dining room

Rumor has it that theFrench fries will be fromSome place very special!

Volunteer, Carole Carlson’sLunch Bunch

Wednesday, February 18th

11:30 amAt kitchen area

Carole’s homemade chiliInvitations will be sent

Out that week!

Tuesday,February 17th

2:30pm

1st Floor dining room

Come watch

(or participate!)

in the

Team Pancake Race!

Random Act of

Kindness Week!

February 9th-15th

www.randomactsofkindness.orgThis also presents an opportunity to

“pay it forward.”

Kindness IsBy Alexandria Manor, Bloomfield, CT

Kindness is being wonderful to everyone.Its is the best way to treat human being.

Kindness is lending a helping handTo whomever you can.

Its is taking the time to reallyListen and to consider

How someone feels.Kindness is volunteering your

Time and talents.It is what we all need…. It is away of life.