December 2013 I The Monthly Magazine of Northwood

The HalifaxChocolate

Affairesee more on page 5

LifeDecember 2013 I The Monthly Magazine of Northwood

Christmas Calendar – inside front

cover

The HalifaxChocolate

Affairesee more on page 5

Christmas Calendar – inside front

cover

Northwood Life Northwood Life

Sharing a Moment with Rick Kelly, CEO

1

www.nwood.ns.ca

information@nwood.ns.ca

Northwood is a not-for-profit, community based organization.

Northwoodcare Halifax2615 Northwood Terrace

Halifax, NS B3K 3S5

Tel: (902) 454-8311Fax: (902) 455-6408

Northwood HomecareSuite 1 South

130 Eileen Stubbs AvenueDartmouth, NS B3B 2C4

Tel: (902) 425-2273Fax: (902) 421-6313

Northwoodcare Bedford123 Gary Martin DriveBedford, NS B4B 0G7

Tel: (902) 407-8500Fax: (902) 407-8501

Tara DunnPublic Relations Officer

tdunn@nwood.ns.ca

Tel: (902) 454-3342

We’re Building Community.Northwood’s Life magazine is published 10 times per year by Northwood’s Communications Office. Life magazine is distributed to the staff, residents, families, clients, tenants, volunteers, and visitors of Northwood. If you have story ideas, photos or suggestions for the January/February issue, please call Tara at 454-3342 or send them to tdunn@nwood.ns.ca by December 15.

Northwood - live more

December 2013 December 2013

For Advertising Opportunities call 454-3377

December Holiday Events Schedule

Egad! December already! I sure hope that our winter months travel along as quickly as our autumn has. As a consolation however, we get to enjoy once again the vitality and energy that comes from the many events and celebrations held during the holiday season around and throughout the Northwood communities.

It is a time of year that brings together staff, volunteers, friends, family and the many people who call Northwood home. During the past few weeks, staff have been hard at work decorating our buildings and creating a sense of the holidays. During the month of December, we welcome various community groups who take the time to come in and help us celebrate the joy of the season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali or Kwanzaa, it is a time to stop and reflect. Check out our December calendar for a full schedule of events and, this year, consider spending some time with our community.

Chocolate extravaganzaNorthwood’s 10th annual Chocolate Affaire 2013 was another great job by Faye LeBlanc and Foundation team who continuously outdo themselves year in, year out. Nearly 400 chocoholics gathered at the Cunard Centre to eat chocolate and raise over $41,000 for Northwood. Over the past 10 years, this event has raised nearly $400,000!

True spirit and caringThe other day I was struck by and reflected upon the significant presence of emotional attachment of people throughout Northwood programs, services, communities, etc. I’m amazed with the magic that is inherent within so many who serve and are served. Day in and day out we witness so many instances of true spirit and caring that simply happen as our norms. Not unusual to see moisture in the eyes or a glint of a tear; Northwood truly is a gifted, unique and special community of great caring people.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

December 3The Paul & Bill Show… An evening of lively entertainment, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Shirley Burnstein Hall – Northwood at the Harbour

December 4Staff and Volunteer Holiday Luncheon, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Great Room – Ivany Place.

December 531st Annual Care Resident and Family Christmas Dinner, 6:00 p.m., Northwood at the Harbour. Tickets are $2.00 each for residents and $15.00 each for guests (maximum two guests per resident). Seating is limited and tickets can be purchased from the Recreation Programmer on each floor.

December 6Staff Holiday Dinner & Dance, 6:30 p.m., Holiday Inn Harbourview. Purchase tickets from the Business Office (Halifax/Ivany) or from Gillian Byce at Atboro.

December 7 Afternoon of beautiful orchestra music, presented by The Maritime Conservatory of Music and Recreation Therapy, 2:00 p.m., Shirley Burnstein Hall – Northwood at the Harbour

December 9 – 17 Individual Unit Christmas Parties, Northwood at the Harbour, Nursing Services will be hosting parties on each of the units throughout the month of December. Watch for invitations in the mail or contact your Clinical Leader for further information.

December 11Staff and Volunteer Holiday Luncheon, 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Shirley Burnstein Hall – Northwood at the Harbour

December 12Blue Christmas Service, Spiritual Care, 6:30 p.m., Northwood at the Harbour

December 12Coves Resident/Family Holiday Social, 6:30 p.m., Ivany Place.

December 14Staff & Family Holiday Movie – Disney’s Frozen, 10:00 a.m., Cineplex Dartmouth Crossing. Purchase tickets from the Business Office (Halifax/Ivany) or from HR at Atboro.

December 14Chebucto Christian Youth Choir, 10:30 a.m., Harbourview Lounge – Northwood at the Harbour

December 14Members of the Maritime Conservatory will be going to resident rooms to sing carols, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Northwood at the Harbour

December 16Landings/Points Resident/Family Holiday Social, 6:30 p.m., Ivany Place.

December 1711th Annual Holiday Luncheon for residents living on our special care units and their families: Spruce Lake (2C), Aldershore (6C), Birch Bay (7C), Pine Bay (8C) and Balsam Bay (9c), 11:30 a.m., Shirley Burnstein Hall, Northwood at the Harbour. Tickets are $5 per guest (maximum of two guests per resident). Residents attend at no charge.

December 18Hills Resident/Family Holiday Social, 6:30 p.m., Ivany Place.

December 19Tenant Holiday Social, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., SB Hall – Northwood at the Harbour

December 22The Christmas Story presented by the Spiritual Care department, 2:00 p.m., Northwood at the Harbour

December 22Christmas service and communion, 2:00 p.m., Chapel – Ivany Place.

December 23Christmas mass, 2:00 p.m., Great Room – Ivany Place.

December 25Eggnog by the Fire for residents and family members/friends, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Shirley Burnstein Hall – Northwood at the Harbour.

December 25Northwood will be serving Resident and Staff Christmas Dinners at both Ivany Place and Northwood at the Harbour.

December 31New Year’s Eve social, 2:00 p.m., Great Room – Ivany Place.

More events will be added to

the calendar, watch for posted

flyers.

Northwood Life Northwood Life 32December 2013 December 2013

To: Cindy PateyFrom: Gillian Lysyk & Centre Residents/StaffYou went out of your way to organize a craft with our residents. This was incredibly wonderful and thoughtful of you. The residents had a great time and they truly enjoyed participating! Thank you for your kindness.

To: Wassim KlaymeFrom: Anne LaugherI want to express my gratitude to Wassim Klamye for allowing me to job shadow him. His kind and tender care has truly touched my heart. Wassim is a wonderful role model who brings a smile to the faces of the clients he is caring for. Thank you Wassim.

To: Shelley, 7 CentreFrom: Jan & Pat GalipenShelley is a very friendly and professional individual. When we arrive at Northwood to see our mother, Shelley will be chatty, smiling and asking my mother if she would like something for a snack or beverage. Shelley is always pleasant and smiling at the residents on the 7th floor. When I ask her for something for my mother from the kitchen, she’s always willing to assist or help me or a visitor for my mother. Shelley is a valuable asset to your organization.

To: Cory ClaytonFrom: Cathy BlackburnAfter having a busy day, I had to go to Stores for a large item. Cory was there and said, “I’ll carry that upstairs for you no problem.” I just thought ‘what a gentleman and what a nice thing to do’. I totally appreciated it. Thank you Cory.

To: Sharon MooreFrom: Roger CurrieThanks to Sharon for her creativity and boost to staff morale related to her ‘special’ craft she made for the unit.

Diversity CornerSubmitted by Jacqueline Maloney, Social Worker & Member, Northwood Diversity Circle

As a fairly new member of Northwood’s Diversity Circle, I was honoured to be asked to write about it. When I started working here at Northwood last year, I was excited and inspired to contribute to the positive change that the Diversity Circle has been creating since 2009. In this article I will share my thoughts on how and why this initiative matters so much.

We are unique individuals, yet we are all connected, through participation with each other in our daily lives, as participants in groups and organizations, as friends, colleagues, family members, as members of a community, a city, a province, a country, a world. Our similarities and shared interests hold us together, and yet our differences – in race, culture, class, sexuality, gender, religion, language, age, education, physical and mental health, life experience, talents and gifts, and in so many other ways – indicate our individuality. Therein lays the richness of a community – the beauty of a multiplicity of identities, ideas, values, perspectives, ways of doing, seeing, experiencing and being.

At Northwood, we have the opportunity to create the kind of community where such uniqueness and diversity are recognized and celebrated. We strive to make our shared space one of nurturing and supportive relationships, of safety for everyone, and a place where individuality and difference is valued. The Diversity Circle represents our desire to make this a reality every day. We know that communicating across difference is not always easy. But we also know that we are always better for having participated in the conversation, learning

The Power of Diversitythrough listening, respecting each other’s perspective, and cultivating understanding. These values are reflected in the philosophy of person-centred care, which is at the heart of our care-providing work.

Communities throughout Nova Scotia and Canada face the hardships caused by unequal power.

We see this in the Elsipogtog Mi’kmaq Nation’s struggle for autonomy over

land and resources, in LGBTQI struggles for safety and dignity

against homophobia, in ongoing struggles against the disparities of wealth in our society, in the quest for reparations for the survivors of the Nova Scotia Home for Coloured Children, in the fight for adequate services to support survivors of sexual

violence, in movements against the indignities of poverty, racism,

and discrimination that so many experience.

The members of Northwood’s Diversity Circle strive to create space for these critical

conversations through monthly meetings where we plan educational programs, social activities, advocacy and consultation sessions with the goal of enhancing the safety, dignity, respect, and quality of life for all members of our community – residents, staff, family members, and guests. We welcome the wealth of racial, cultural, religious, and political values that are represented in our shared spaces, while advocating for those who have been marginalized, silenced, and disempowered. We strive to be loving and observant custodians of our community. Our power is in our diversity. And we channel that power to make Northwood a home, a place of work, and a space of leisure that is safe, inclusive and respectful for all.

Happy 100th Birthday!

Although she moved from Northwood nine months ago, Mary Biddiscombe wanted to let all her Northwood friends know that she’ll be celebrating her 100th birthday on January 17, 2014.

Mary lived on 2 and 3 Centre, and made quite a few friends at Northwood. She and her family were so pleased with the care she received and wanted to let everyone know that she’s doing fine in her new home in Cole Harbour.

Northwood Life Northwood Life 54

Introducing Ed BenvieResident, Northwood at the Harbour

December 2013 December 2013

Sherri Biddiscombe, WestJet presents the U-Pick

winning package of two tickets anywhere West Jet flies to

Arlene Marchand

Choco Café

Thank you to Chef Jean Luc Doridam and his students from NSCC for 10 years of participation in Northwood’s Chocolate Affaire.

Cocoa and Honey

The 10th annual Halifax Chocolate Affaire held on November 3 raised over $41,000 for Northwood, including $953 for our Care and Share program. The event featured chocolate creations from NSCC, Choco Café, Cocoa and Honey, Lindt, RCR Hospitality Group, Cherry Berry and Scotsburn, and this year’s sponsors included Lite 92.9, RCR Hospitality Group, Novacorp, WestJet, Sound Systems Plus and Municipal Group of Companies.

Choco Café

When visiting Ed Benvie, you’ll notice a sign on his door reading “warning man cave.” Although “man cave” is a good start, words cannot describe the atmosphere of Ed’s room. From the music blasting through a top-of-the-line sound system to the cool air of his air conditioner, it’s clear Ed is not your typical Northwood resident. Once you adjust to the coolness of his room, you’ll notice the display of musical instruments, specifically six guitars which includes a fender, a Yamaha 12-string, and a Yamaha electric hollow body. He also has a mandolin and a steel lap guitar, and plays the spoons! But his favourite instrument is his Fender.

Ed started playing guitar when he was 12 years old after a friend from Sydney, who was in a band, taught him some basic chords. He began playing rock and roll music, but over time his passion for country music emerged.

His favourite musicians are Hank Snow, Hank Williams, Hank Locklin and many more!

Originally from Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Ed moved to Charlestown, New Hampshire with his wife for a span of about 14 years. During his time there, he played in a band called “Silver Country.” The band was quite popular and put on concerts throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He has many fond memories of the band including the many skits they put on during their shows, like men dressing up as the Dixie Chicks. “I didn’t want any part in that, but one guy had legs like a woman!” A lot of Silver Country members are still playing today.

Ed moved back to Halifax to reconnect with his family, but his wife remained in New Hampshire. She sends him pictures of the band from time to time, but Ed would love to have a band reunion. Although his days in a band are over, Ed still enjoys playing the guitar and picks it up every now and then to play in the Harbourview or to jam with fiddle player, Sam from 5 Manor.

Ed has also discovered a passion for editing movies and his “man cave” is

equipped with a 64-inch television and all the latest electronic gadgets including software. He has been editing videos for about 10 years now and isn’t stopping anytime soon! When he isn’t enjoying the sanctuary of the man cave, Ed enjoys going down to the Rec Centre and giving the ladies a hard time. “I like to torment them. That’s why they call me trouble,” he says. He has been living at Northwood for almost four years and loves it. “The staff is awesome. Not just on six but also on three and four. They helped me when I first got here and worked hard to get me my own room. I appreciate that a lot.”

Ed is looking forward to the upcoming holiday season as this will be his second year as the Northwood Santa Claus. He describes his transformation into Santa as “turning his bahhumbugs into HO HO HO’s.” Ed enjoys dressing up as Santa and visiting the Manor and Centre, and cannot wait to wear the new suit they’re in the process of making.

~ Jaimee DobsonFourth year PR Student

Nobody does chocolate like Northwood

Northwood Life Northwood Life 76December 2013 December 2013

Hearing from the people we serve helps us provide better quality care and ensure our services continue to meet the ongoing needs of our clients. One way we ask for people’s input is by conducting regular surveys. They provide vital information on how we are doing, what we are doing well and where we need to improve.

Northwood recently conducted an in care resident survey at our Halifax location. Thanks to a trained team of volunteers, we heard back from 176 residents in all levels of care. The survey asked questions on the care we provide, our environment and on our support services.

Resident Survey results released“Residents are telling us that they are generally satisfied with the overall care we provide,” says Josie Ryan, Executive Director for In Care Living. “They had high marks for our staff in a number of areas”

Staff were seen as helpful and caring (89%), courteous and friendly (88%) and respectful (88%). They gave high marks for the cleanliness of our buildings (94%) and found Northwood maintained its facilities in good repair (89%).

Several areas received lower scores. Boredom was an issue for some (34%) and over 25% said that they

had seen their belongings lost. Food also scored lower with 69% saying they got to eat the foods they liked and 30% indicating that their meals were not served at the right temperature.

The results have been shared with the leadership teams and will be the focus of ongoing resident gatherings to develop priorities. The results are being incorporated into the information we use for the strategic planning process. Resident, family and staff will work together to develop action plans to respond to the priorities identified.

For the first time, Reboom programs are now being offered at Northwood’s Ivany Place. These programs are open to Reboom members, staff, families, residents, volunteers and the community at large. It’s a great opportunity to learn something new, meet new people or develop your skills.

I dropped by the social dance classes taught by the Edgett School of Dance to see firsthand. Over a span of six weeks students learn to Jive, Cha Cha and Slow Dance. As I walked in, sounds of laughter and Elvis filled the air. Tonight’s class was the second class focusing on the jive. “Movement is very important. Great for your mind, body and spirit,” says dance instructor, Marilyn Boyle.

When talking with participants of the dance class, it’s evident that everyone is having a great time. “We joined with a group

of friends. We know three other couples here. It’s fun to do stuff together and dancing is a thing to do as a group!” As I walked around the room, I saw a couple roaring with laughter as they stumbled through the jive. When I asked what sparked their interest in the classes, the husband replied: “I don’t know how to dance. My wife loves to dance. It’s her favourite thing to do. I wanted to share that with her.”

Not even 20 minutes into the class, the doors are busted open to let in some cool air. Everyone is working up a sweat and having a lot of fun doing it. As the class continued, you could see the improvement of the couples. Not only are they exercising but they’re having a great time laughing with friends both old and new.

~ Jaimee Dobson, Fourth year PR student

Tripping the Light Fantastic

Remembrance Day 2013

Northwood Life Northwood Life 98

Hello, my name is Cheryl Conrod-Bakerand I’ve been an LPN at Northwood at the Harbour for the past 20 years.

Northwoodcare:6422, 14216

If one of these numbers matches your ID number, you’ve just won $20!! Take your ID and a copy of Life to the Business Office to collect your prize.

Northwood Homecare:32151, 32549

If you see your number, leave a message for Debbie Rines at 421-7309 and we will mail you your $20 prize.

Northwoodcare Bedford:55309

If this is your employee number, please see Bill Ryan in the Business Office to collect your $20 prize.

Winning Employee Numbers for December Sponsored by your SMART Committee

December 2013 December 2013

I first started working at Northwood in 1985, but left after five years because I was moved to Ontario. When I returned to Nova Scotia a couple of years later, I came back to Northwood. It was familiar to me and I missed the camaraderie. I worked at other places while I was gone, but they didn’t have the standards that Northwood does.

Northwood has been great over the years with continuing education. I just completed an advanced foot care course and will soon be Northwood’s in-house person for referrals around diabetic foot care. I’m also in the process of preparing to start my own foot care business on the side. I’ll begin with baby steps but I have a five-year plan that includes continuing to work at Northwood. My business will cover the areas between Dartmouth and Ship Harbour.

I really enjoy geriatrics and see foot care as just another service; the same as cleaning someone’s dentures or brushing their hair. I know personally that if my feet hurt, I’m no good. I’m here for the residents and try to go above and beyond as much as I’m able.

My husband Mark and I have been married for four years and have a seven-year-old son name Gabriel. Mark owns his own construction company and Gabriel (or as we call him, Tazman) is in grade two, loves

hockey and soccer and is a rough and tumble kind of guy. I also have a 23-year-old son named Christopher who is musically inclined and currently dabbling in construction and life in general.

I have a creative side and enjoy doing arts and crafts, particularly ones I find

on Pinterest. Mark and I like to throw parties and we also enjoy camping every summer and spending time outside. We usually go south every year due to our dislike of winter, so this coming winter, we’re planning a trip to Mexico.

Remembering Colleen RobicheauAfter a courageous battle with breast cancer, we now say goodbye to friend and coworker, Colleen Robicheau. Colleen began working as an LPN at Northwood in September 1985, spending most of her time on 8 Centre. Colleen was a gifted nurse who provided compassionate, skilled care to her residents and infused kindness into everything she did.

Outside of Northwood, Colleen’s life was full of love. Although she lost her husband Dan in 2006, Colleen continued to put her family first and loved spending time with her four children and seven grandchildren. She enjoyed sunny days at the beach and was passionate about travelling the world.

Colleen will be missed greatly by her Northwood family.

Ingredients 1/2 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow cream 3/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon evaporated milk 2 tablespoons butter 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup milk chocolate chips 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup chopped nuts 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions 1. Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside. 2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil, and cook for five minutes, stirring constantly. 3. Remove from heat and pour in milk chocolate chips and semisweet chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for two hours, or until firm.

Aunt Teen’s Creamy Chocolate

Fudge

Northwood Life Northwood Life 1110

Reboom registration line: 454-3351

Kitchen BridgeWe are a relaxed bridge group who plays a modified contract game and are always welcoming new members. You must have some prior bridge knowledge to play with this group. Please register prior to first attendance. When: Begins in January - Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. Where: Shirley Burnstein Hall Cost: $2 drop-in fee

Lunch BunchJoin us for lunch out! We make the reservations, provide the transportation or you can meet us there. The group gathers at Northwood for 11:40 a.m. departure. Lunch cost and transportation fee is participant’s responsibility. When: Wednesday, December 18Where: The Argyle, 1575 Argyle St.Cost: $10 per person for transportation plus cost for lunchTo register, contact the Reboom office

Meditation MondaysMeditation helps alleviate pain, improves circulation and digestion and is a great way to relax the mind. Register prior to first attendance.When: Begins in January - Mondays at 10:00 a.m.Where: Shirley Burnstein HallInstructor: Robbie MacCormack, Art of LivingCost: $2 drop- in fee members $3 non-members

Reboom New Year’s Day Bash - Featuring Sam Moon and Terry MainNew Year’s Day is a time to celebrate the past year and look ahead to the year to come. Friends, neighbours, a cash bar and great entertainment will ensure a spectacular New Year’s Day Bash.When: Wednesday, January 1 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.Where: Shirley Burnstein Hall Cost: Tickets are $10.00 eachFor tickets, contact the Reboom office

December Entertainment in the Harbourview Enjoy great sounds of local talented musicians and dance the night away in the Harbourview Lounge. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. Regular dance fees apply. December 11: Alex VaughnDecember 18: Graham Bowser

Movie on the Big Screen:Jingle All the WayWatch a movie on a big screen with friends and snacks. All are welcome and no registration is required.When: Sunday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m.Where: PenthouseCost: Donations welcome for snacks

Coastal Chorus in ConcertWhen: December 8 at 2:00 p.m. Where: Shirley Burnstein HallCost: $5 members $10 non-membersFor tickets, contact the Reboom office

December 2013 December 2013

Let the Sun ShineLet the Sun ShineLet the Sun Shine

Winter is a season that can play havoc on our lives. We brave icy cold temperatures while trying to navigate our way on slippery sidewalks and narrowly plowed streets. Winter in Canada is a time of year that is loved by plenty enthusiasts, while dreaded by many others.

Among the latter are 2-6% of Canadians who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition with symptoms ranging from feeling sad, moody, and anxious, to full blown depression. It was first diagnosed in the early 1980s by Dr. Norman Rosenthal as the “winter blues” however; it is still not fully understood by the medical community.

Lack of sunlight in the winter months is believed to be the leading cause for SAD. Our bodies regulate internal daily rhythms to be awake during daylight and asleep during darkness. Melatonin, a sleep hormone, is secreted during the darkness; hence we have more of it during winter months. This presents huge problems for people with SAD as it interferes with their daily life,

employment, relationships, sleeping patterns, over eating (an intense craving for carbohydrates develops) and ultimately one’s own health and sense of wellbeing. Low energy levels increase with the onset of winter, and seem to diminish with the beginning of spring.

SAD can be genetically passed from one generation to another and in many cases this has been found to be true. It is not uncommon for siblings or a parent/child to share this condition. Stress has also been identified as a contributing factor to SAD. Leading a stressful life can have devastating effects on our bodies and minds with lasting results. Stress should be reduced whenever possible for optimal health.

It is important for people who think they have SAD to not diagnose themselves or begin any treatment without first seeing their doctor for a proper medical diagnosis. Artificial light therapy has been proven to be effective in treating persons with SAD. However, it should be noted that persons with existing eye conditions

as well as those on medications should pay particular attention to side effects when considering light therapy.

Educating yourself on SAD will help you make the right choice for treatment. Getting plenty of rest and exercise, avoiding alcohol, and eating a healthy omega-rich diet will also aid in overcoming the debilitating effects SAD can have on your life.

And don’t be a stranger to natural sunlight. There are plenty of winter days that are warm enough to be outside reaping the numerous benefits of the sun. Sunshine is a natural mood elevator as it stimulates the production of endorphins; it strengthens the cardio vascular system, and improves blood circulation, to name a few. Sunlight is our lifeline. Without it we could not exist. Spending some time in the sunshine is good for the body!

Don’t be a prisoner of winter this year. Talk to your doctor and find help. It’s your health and your peace of mind.

~ Brian Beazley, CCA, Northwood HomecareWatch for the new Winter/ Spring 2014 Reboom Get Guides coming mid-December.Registration week for Reboom’s Winter Programs starts January 6.

Northwood Life Northwood Life12 13December 2013 December 2013

This year marks the sixth season students from the Maritime Conservatory of Music have put on regular monthly concerts for residents. Each performance features a variety of music and dance and showcases the talents of students from a range of programs offered at the Conservatory. The concerts are coordinated by Olga Milosevich, board member, Natalia Pavlovskaia, Maritime Conservatory of Music and Ashley Penton, Recreation Therapist at Northwood. Popular with students and residents alike, these concerts offer a unique opportunity for the Conservatory to contribute to our community.

Students bring Music to NorthwoodThe holiday season is a special time for both the Conservatory and residents. During the month of December the students will be visiting Northwood twice. On December 7, the Conservatory Chamber Orchestra will play in the Shirley Burnstein Hall starting at 2:00 p.m. On December 14, Conservatory Carolers will visit the resident floors starting at 2:00 p.m. to sing a variety of holiday music. The Maritime Conservatory of Music is just one of the highlights this season. Check out the December calendar for other events happening during the month.

I am pleased to have this opportunity to communicate in Life magazine to all the various stakeholders of the Northwood Group – staff, residents, clients, family members and friends of Northwood. My purpose is to extend a sincere thanks to all the staff members who were involved in the strategic planning process. Their efforts over the past five months culminated in an extraordinary wealth of information and ideas that will inform and guide staff and the Board of Governors as we move forward with confidence over the next five years.

Recently the Board had the opportunity to meet in a retreat format to review and discuss the contributions and outcomes made by many staff and coordinated by the Strategic Planning Steering Committee. Their efforts allowed the Board to have a well informed agenda for discussion resulting in a series of strategic directions that will guide the Board in its work. The Board has passed its draft recommendations and thoughts back to the Steering Committee to make sure that we have agreement and alignment with the staff’s

thinking. We believe this is essential to a successful planning process. Once this is completed the Board will receive a presentation at its December meeting. From that meeting a new and comprehensive strategic plan will be confirmed and will guide us as we enter 2014.

Again, I want to convey to everyone involved our sincere appreciation for a job well done.

Patrick FlinnChair Board of GovernorsNorthwood

Message from the Chairman Northwood Board of Governors

Halloween 2013Halloween 2013

As an employee of Northwoodcare, you already qualify for exclusive group rates and benefits on your home and auto insurance.

INSTANTLY WIN 100 GAS CARDS WORTH $150 EACH!

$50,000 IN pRIzES!*

What’s a wuzzle you ask? A wuzzle is a saying/phrase that is made up of a display of words, in an interesting way. The object is to try to figure out the well-known saying, person, place, or thing that each wuzzle is meant to represent.