May 2007Volume 14 Number 5

Residents, Associates, Families & Friends www.asburymethodistvillage.org

A NEWSPAPER FOR ASBURY METHODIST VILLAGE

By Martin Moon, Diamond

S cott Brewer, chairman of the Coordinating Council of Asbury Methodist Village

(CCAV), believes the Asbury system depends heavily on resident volun-teers. So do the residents.

Virtually all of the people living on campus have some connection to or responsibility for Village oper-ations. That includes being active in one or more of the twelve Partner-ship Advisory Committees (PACs) that deal with dining, health, mar-keting, buildings and grounds, media (including AVTV Channel 95) religious life, entertainment, and legislation.

Scott says that much of Asbury’s success is the result of the strong

role of residents in floor, build-ing, and campus organization and management’s open working rela-tionship with residents. He credits CCAV with “nudging things along a little.”

No stranger to “nudging” for ser-vices to others, Scott joined the Bethesda Kiwanis Club some fifty years ago and is a past governor of the Kiwanis Maryland-Virginia-Del-aware District. He’s now directing some of that energy toward raising attendance at the CCAV meetings and the Montgomery Playhouse performances at Asbury. As Chair of the CCAV, Scott plays an important leadership role on this campus.

Scott worked for forty years Where there’s a wheel there’s a way. Scott and wife Carol prove it

all the time as they bike short and long distances alike!

Scott Brewer Believes in Asbury

Dolls Day OutBy Virginia Williams, Trott

Y ou’ve heard the term “all dolled up,” but one Saturday in March the community rooms at the Rosborough Center were all dolled up with real dolls! It was the

20th Anniversary Celebration of The Sugarland Searcher’s Doll Club of Maryland complete with luncheon and a precious array of col-lectible dolls and their proud “mothers.”

The Sugarland Searcher’s Doll Club of Maryland now meets at Asbury the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in Rosbor-ough Community Room C. All are welcome to attend.

By Al Tholen, Park View

I f you want to see your neigh-bors in the morning, one of the best places to be is at

the Rosborough Wellness center. Many of us have committed our-selves to improving our physical well being by enrolling in one or more of the many activities con-ducted by Shememe Williams and her talented staff. Just walking to Rosborough and back from your apartment daily could have earned

you significant credits in the “Exer-cise Across Japan” program held throughout April. Walking at a lei-surely pace of 5 minutes in each direction results in walking for 300 minutes per month or, if my math is correct, five hours. Just think, how easy it is to walk for five hours. If you kept that up for a year, you will have walked for 60 hours. If you wanted to accumulate more hours

Photo: Hal Gaut

Al Tholen exercises his brain with a puzzle at the Fitness Center.

Preserving Mind and Body

Continued on page 6

Continued on page 11

Billie Mah-aney, Alexis McKenzie, and Sharyn Grimm welcome Emmeline, a 19th cen-tury china head doll, to the 20th Anniver-sary of the Sugarland Searcher’s Doll Club meeting held at Asbury.

Continued on page 6

2 May 2007 VILLAGE LIFE

VILLAGELIFE

EditorLinda Williams Aber

Communications Publications Coordinator

Asbury Methodist Village201 Russell Avenue

Gaithersburg, MD 20877301-216-4106 • laber@asbury.orgGeneral information: 301-330-3000

Resident EditorsAnn Porter, MundMarilyn Gaut, Trott

Norma Barr, DiamondGordon Allen, 419

Position Open, Edwards-FisherAnita Taylor, Park View

Resident StaffKindley: Sally Shear, Melva Hiatt

Building 419: Genevieve Wimsatt and Mike Hua

Diamond: Marjorie McFarland, Ed Caffery, Martin Moon,

Edwards-Fisher: Joan Dunlop, Eleanor Cunningham,

Dorothy Welch, Paula Strain, Martha Hunt, Betty Savage

and Barbara Marrs

Mund: Judy Weaver, Jim Porter, and Bettina Curtis

Trott: Lois Lord, Marjorie Brugger, Virginia Williams and Hal Gaut

Villas: Reg Westlake, Marj McGuire, Mary Anstead, Dan Muller,

Jean Hubbell and Annabel Liebelt

Design/Layout:Mina Rempe @ Electronic Ink

Printing: Chesapeake Publishing Corp.

Village Life is published by Asbury Methodist Village

Communications Department

“The mission of Village Life is to provide timely, interesting and entertaining news about the lives, concerns and activi-ties of the people who reside, work and volunteer at Asbury Methodist Village.”

Executive Director’s Corner

David Denton, Executive Director, accepts AMV’s 5-year re-accreditation plaque from Kevin McFeeley, EAGLE Accreditation Com-

mission Chairperson. Asbury Methodist Village was recognized for their accomplish-

ment on Friday, March 9, 2007 at UMA’s 67th Anniversary & National Convention,

in Boston, MA. The Educational Assess-ment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence

(EAGLE) Commission accreditation is a quality enhancement program offered to

faith-based organizations providing care to older adults, children, youth and families,

community services ministries and hos-pitals and health systems. The intensive

self-assessment and peer review process encourages and recognizes excellence

in Christian mission and ministry. EAGLE accredited facilities are reviewed stringently

based on business practices, social prin-ciples as well as their Christian mission.

Relationships with the local community, the United Methodist Church and/or their faith-

based connection are considered as well.

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

Following the tragic incident on April 16th at Virginia Tech, I came across an e-mail a

friend had recently sent me that hit home. The e-mail was titled, “The mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of cof-fee.” Unlike most of the chain e-mails I receive, this one was worth saving. It serves as a reminder to remain focused on what is truly important when I begin to get lost in the more trivial elements of liv-ing that lead to anxiety, uncertainty and imbalance.

As we as a nation try to make sense of a senseless act and cope with the aftermath of the Blacks-burg, Virginia incident, it is my hope that we as a community of neighbors, family, friends, and col-leagues will do whatever we can to support one another when the chips are down. It may be as sim-ple as spending time connecting with someone over a cup of coffee. Here is how the story goes:

When things in life seem almost too much to handle, when 24-hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayon-naise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured

them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up every-thing else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous, “Yes.” The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. “Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents

your life.The golf balls are the important

things — God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions — things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter such as your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else — the small stuff.

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.”

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. So...

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children or grandchil-dren. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the gar-bage disposal. Take care of the golf balls first — The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

David DentonExecutive Director

VILLAGE LIFE May 2007 3

Alice Smith reports that the fifth floor residents of Mund were happy to celebrate the birthday of Auguste Schilling, a very young- at-heart and active 103 years old. You may meet her in the “arcades.” She walks every evening from Mund to Edwards-Fisher and back ten times! She plays chess, Scrabble and Boggle. Auguste was born in Marsberg, Germany and came to this country when she was a young woman. She came to live in Mund just 4 years ago at age 99!

20 April, 1944, Oxford, Eng-land ,Reg and Isabel Westlake, Villas, were married. The kindly Commanding Officer of the Brit-ish Army Medical unit in which they were both serving had given them a 48-hour pass. This was against the rules, because the invasion was imminent and all leave had been cancelled.

20 April, 2007, Asbury, U.S.A. They celebrate their 63rd anni-versary in the tranquil surround-ings of our retirement com-munity. Two children and four grandchildren, and much to be thankful for.

Villa resident Avis Moore writes from her family home in New Orleans where she has spent the past several months. “It’s astonishing how little has changed here in a whole year. Some insurance has been paid but most government money is still tied up. One friend lives in a trailer, another had to double up two families in one house, and yet another displaced person is living in my cottage. Only a few schools are available. We’ve had one tor-nado since we arrived with signif-icant damage to this home largely untouched since 1871.”

Oyster plates, sea shells, wood carvings—a stunning display of

objects, which are the property of Mund residents, are current-ly on display in the breakfront cabinet in the Mund lobby. The wood carvings have been created by Mund residents. The owners and creators of these pieces are Barbara Tenenbaum, Ruth-ie Swain, Lois Odle, Jim and Anne Porter, and Norman and Cathy Heim. The displays in this cabinet are being changed every four to six weeks. It will be hard to beat this collection, but keep watching.

Elliott Want and his family, who live in Damascus, visited his mother, Sarah Want, Mund, on Easter Sunday. Tom Want, North Carolina, visited a week earlier.

Virginia Peters, Trott, and Ellen Fenstermaker, Mund, are looking forward to an Asbury trip coming up in June. The group will go to Williamsburg and James-town, where the 400th birthday

of Jamestown is being celebrated this year. June 22 these two ladies will join an Arena Stage group and travel to Niagara-on -the- Lake where they will see a new play, “Mack and Mabel” directed by Molly Smith, artistic director of the Arena Stage.

April 9 Frances Stambaugh, Trott, hosted the Bookies, ten retired librarians who report on their recent reading.....The week-end of April 13 Reba Oheim, Trott, spent with her sister in Staunton, Virginia, the birth place of Woodrow Wilson… Virginia Peters, Trott, spent Easter week, with her brother, the Reverend Robert Peters, and his family in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.

The best gift that Bill and Connie Root, 419, received in 2006 was the return to the Cin-cinnati area of their older daugh-ter and her family. Meganne and Jim Bruck and their son Joe had

lived in Bellingham, WA, for eight years. The Roots are grateful to have the entire family, consisting of their four children and their spouses, seven grandsons, one granddaughter, a granddaughter-in—law and a great grandson, east of the Mississippi River and in the same time zone.

Bits and Pieces from Dia-mond: Betty and Tom Lewis went to Arizona to celebrate their birthdays with members of their family…Marilyn and Marshall Grotenhuis spent 8 days in Florida getting a grand-son married and visiting friends. They also visited Betty Goen and reported that she has adjusted very well to her new home, which is near her son’s home…Tom Hatzenbuhler came from Germany to be with his parents, George and Jean. Tom’s wife and son came while the boy was on Easter vacation. They lived in the Asbury Guest

House…Norma Barr visited Wilmington, Delaware, and said the flowers were beautiful and she especially enjoyed a meal at a waterside Restaurant.

Janice and Martin Moon went to Richmond to visit one of their sons over Easter…Many families had guests for the Easter dinner at Hefner dining room. It is always great fun to see the chil-dren at the buffet table choosing everything in sight. Buffets are great for children especially. They were delighted with the colored Easter eggs and the marshmallow eggs tucked into the napkins on the tables.

—Judy Weaver , Bits and Pieces Editor; Marg McGuire, Villas;

Gordon Allen, Bldg. 419; Marjorie McFarland, Diamond;

Reg Westlake, Villas.

Village Life Bits and PiecesWould you like to see your news listed in Bits

and Pieces? Keep it short, sweet, and neat. Simply write/type it and send it to Bits and Pieces Editor,

Judy Weaver. Campus mail address is: Mund 602; e-mail:judiweav@juno.com

Photo: Jim Porter

Active and young-at-heart, Auguste Schilling is 103.

By Peg Matzen, Bldg. 419

Genevieve and Keith Steele (419) recently celebrated their lives with ninety-

five guests, who represented their many friends from past and present varied interests and activities. The beautiful invitations, dispatched by their family, pictured the honored couple and read, “You’re invited to celebrate a life of caring, sharing, a love of endless giving together.”

The occasion celebrated the Steele’s 29th wedding anniversa-ry, Genevieve’s 85th birthday and

Keith’s 80th birthday. The Rosbor-ough Cultural Arts Center was the setting for the delightful food and service provided by Asbury’s cater-ing under the expert guidance of manager Tim Rinkle.

Appreciation of the Steele’s lives was voiced by their daughter Marty and their grandchildren. Grand-daughter Michelle (11 years) and Andrew (8 years) performed piano selections. A slide show depicting the lives of Genevieve and Keith was shown. Son Michael conclud-ed the festivities with song.

A Celebration of Lives

Keith and Genevieve Steele

4 May 2007 VILLAGE LIFE

Date Event Contact

May 2 Arena Stage Odor (x5522) “Heidi Chronicles”

May 8 Mt. Vernon Lunch Noto (x5242)

May 11 Kennedy Center Otto (x5299) National Symphony Orchestra

May 23 C and O Canal Barge Trip Allen (x6660)

May 30 Arena Stage Odor (x5299) “Peter and Wendy”

May 30-31 Longwood Gardens/Brandywine Otto (x5299)

June 2 Olney Theatre Allen (x6660) “13 Rue de L’Amour”

June 6 Toby’s Dinner Theatre Briggs (x6662) “George M.”

June 7 Strathmore Klepek (x5743) Baltimore Symphony

June 14-15 Jamestown, VA Otto (x5299) 400th Anniversary

June 20 Medieval Times Roney (x3143)

June 23-July 2 Canadian Rockies Otto (x5299)

July 22 Olney Theatre Allen (x6660) Jacques Brel

Travel and Theater Committee Trips

and ToursScheduled for 2007

By Ed Caffery, Diamond

Mary Ann Dimond, a Dia-mond resident, is the proud grandmother of

West Point Cadet, Kevin Kirby. Kevin is a graduate of Gaithersburg High School. Mary Ann is Kevin’s first tie to Asbury.

His second tie to AMV is as a waiter in the Crawford Dining Room during his last years in high school.

The third connection goes back a ways. During the early days of the Catholic Sunday mass in the first floor recreation room at WHCC, Kevin’s mother, Christine Kirby, often played the piano and led the singing during the mass.

Kevin Kirby, age 22, will graduate from West Point as a Lieutenant on May 25th, 2007; just four years after his graduation from Gaithersburg High School. Kevin earned a degree

in engineering from West Point and maintained a 3.6 GPA.

Asbury residents and his family are proud of Kevin’s accomplish-ments and wish him well in his career.

By Marjorie Brugger, Trott

Quite the opposite in fact. These two Mary’s are part of Asbury’s contingent of

angels hovering over affairs in the Apartment Center and the Craw-ford Dining Room — with unwav-ering smiles no matter what.

Mary Church, Apartment Recep-tionist at Crawford, was caught on an unexpected video clip at the end of Asbury View the last week of March. She was holding her hands over her ears. She dis-played earplugs too. The Crawford kitchen renovation has supplied

the deafening background noise of constant drilling, but through it all Mary Church shines her lovely smile.

Now our Crawford Dining Room Mary — Mary Vargas — although still a college student, comes early, 12:30 or so, to provide her services as supervisor of Crawford Dining Room (that’s a recent promotion) through this difficult renovation time. She knows every facet of din-ing services and pitches in wher-ever needed — also with a smile.

Our two Mary’s are greatly appre-ciated. We are so lucky!

Ties to Asbury

Soon to be West Point graduate, Lieutenant Kevin Kirby

Edwards-Fisher 30th Anniversary Party

By Paula Strain, Edwards-Fisher

The celebration in Parker Hall on April 14, 2007 was a fam-ily affair if one considers the current and past residents of the Edwards-Fisher apartment building a family. They were

gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Edwards-Fisher Building. Like so many family affairs, it was mostly conversation and food. There were about 125 current and past residents of Edwards-Fisher and invited guests gathered for the celebration.

The afternoon program opened with those attending the gala meeting, greeting, and reminiscing with the other celebrants, and sampling the lovely buffet of fresh fruits, coffee and tea. During this conversational period lovely background music was provided by E-F resident Lydia Skinner. Happy Birthday was sung to former resident Ruth Stetler (now residing in Kindley) and to the E-F building itself.

E-F resident Sandy Matthews presented a brief yet very nicely detailed recap of highlights of the past 30 years of the history of Edwards-Fisher, bringing to light events in the building’s history probably unknown to many of the present occupants.

E-F Council Chairman Whitney Coe made brief remarks to the gathering acknowledging the milestone which had been reached. All past chairs of the E-F council were invited to participate in the cutting of the ceremonial cake, which everyone then had a chance to sample.

As the afternoon concluded, those present had the opportu-nity to chat with their fellow neighbors and residents and reflect on the celebration of another milestone for the archives of the Edwards-Fisher Building.

Photo: Hal Gaut

Mary Vargas

Mary, Mary, Not Contrary!

Photo: Hal Gaut

Mary Church

VILLAGE LIFE May 2007 5

For many of us, working with people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease would

be difficult, perhaps disturbing or even frightening.

What if that were me, hiding in a body no longer recognizable to family members as the person they once knew?

Barbara Mansfield, Social Worker in the Dementia Special Care Unit on 3 South of the Wilson Health Care Center, has a different view. “I really enjoy working directly with folks who have dementia,” she says.

That is obvious from the way she interacts with residents of the Alzheimer’s unit at Wilson: speak-ing in calm, comforting tones to one woman who appeared a bit uneasy and lost; gently offering a small teddy bear to a gentleman, exchanging it for the knife he was holding; listening intently, and responding, to a resident uttering ramblings that seemed to make no sense.

A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Mansfield has taught psychology and social studies, worked as an individual and group psychotherapist, done vocational training with developmentally disabled young adults and start-ed working in long-term care at another nursing home before com-ing to Asbury Methodist Village in October of 1993.

Mansfield is now one of a staff of ten in the Dementia/Alzheimer’s unit, who, she says, work as a cohe-sive team with the 36 residents on the floor. “

No doubt the experiences of Mansfield’s early years contributed much to her professional develop-ment. Raised in an Air Force fam-ily, she says “we moved around a

lot and I learned to adapt to new environments and experience the diversity of cultures and the uniqueness of individual people in this world.” Besides, she adds, “I had wonderful grandparents, and that has given me a special love of older persons.”

In a talk at Rosborough in late March on “Differentiating Demen-tia and Alzheimer’s,” Mansfield sketched out the differences.

The term “dementia” describes a whole collection of symptoms: memory loss, loss of language, apraxia (motor difficulties), agno-sia (inability to recognize familiar people or understand what an object is used for), disturbance in higher level functions of the brain (planning and organizing), behavior changes, and personality changes.

Among the degenerative diseas-es that may cause dementia are Alzheimer’s Disease, strokes, Par-

kinson’s, traumatic head injury and many others.

Treatable conditions that may cause dementia are Depression, drug reactions, infections, vitamin B-12 deficiency, folate deficiency, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, hypogly-cemia, electrolyte disturbance and tumors.

Mansfield emphasizes that Depression, which frequently afflicts the elderly, can be treated.

Age-associated memory loss is embarrassing, says Mansfield, but doesn’t keep you from function-ing.

Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, brings progressive memory loss to the point of not being able to func-tion. It may result in scrambled, dis-organized speech or simply pover-ty of speech. Decision making and judgment may be impaired. The filter for appropriate behavior is gone, which can bring combative-ness or inappropriate language.

“Dementia is a thief,” says Mans-field, “but in the end, dementia does not win out any more than any other illness. The ability to think, to reason, is only one part of what it is to be human. The other realm is of relationships: to feel, to love, to feel being loved, to express emotion.”

Mansfield cautions us all to examine our view of the person. “A person with dementia,” she says, “is a person who has brain dam-age. They aren’t intentionally try-ing to be difficult.” Furthermore, she says, “Remember that the indi-vidual who has dementia is ‘still in there’ more than you may realize. They simply have a hard time com-municating.”

For caregivers, Mansfield has words of consolation. ”Forgive your-self when you run out of patience,” she says, and “Get support.”

&HealthWellness

By Jeanne North, Trott

Counselor to Us All

Photo Hal Gaut

Social worker, Barbara Mansfield is a calming and comforting presence in the Dementia Special Care Unit of the Wilson Health Care Center.

“Living Well With Chronic Disease,” a free, 6-week course

developed by Stanford Univer-sity Medical School, is coming to Asbury on Tuesdays, May 22-June 26, 10:00 am-12:30 pm, in Con-ley Hall. Advance registration is required. An information and registration meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 15, 10:00 am, at the same location.

Enrollment is limited to 15 par-ticipants with any type of chron-ic disease who can attend at least four and hopefully all six classes. A free textbook and relaxation tape are part of the program.

Topics covered in the course are as follows: coping with frus-tration, fatigue, pain, and isolation; improving communication with family, friends, and healthcare providers; coordinating medical advice from multiple physicians; using medications appropriately; health and nutrition; and stress

reduction. The purposes of the course are to build participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their conditions and to help them to improve their health. At the close of each ses-sion, participants commit to initi-ate specific health improvement activities, such as making a doc-tor’s appointment or taking all prescribed medications or mak-ing dietary or exercise changes, and they make progress reports to the group at the following meeting.

The course has a 14-year docu-mented record of effectiveness at more than 400 locations in

the US, United Kingdom, and Ire-land.

The curriculum complements and does not conflict with ongo-ing medical care or disease-spe-cific education. Leading the course will be two peer coaches trained in Stanford methodology. Their role is motivational, sup-porting participants’ efforts to make challenging but important lifestyle changes, and they do not give specific medical advice..

For additional information and pre-registration screening, please call the Active for Life® Center of the National Capital Region, (301) 255-4205.

6 May 2007 VILLAGE LIFE

By Annabel G.

Liebelt, Villa

On March 30, Ros-borough’s

community rooms were filled with Asbury residents and friends who support the guild’s functions. Mary Waldron and Susie Altman gave infor-mation about what the guild has done for WHCC and Kindley residents and what the future plans are. Thank-ing everybody for their past support, they mentioned that they need continued finan-cial and volunteer support from all

Asbury residents.What a festiv-

ity! With sen-sational piano music from Nancy Hawes (Trott), delicious desserts, and socializing all around the rooms, the atmosphere was definitely joyous.

In addition to Mary Waldron (419), president for the 4th and final year, the officers are: Vice-president Joan Clower (419), secretary Cathy Hugh (Villas), trea-surer Russ Weber (Diamond). Susie Altman is President of the Campus Dis-trict, overseeing much of the guild’s work including

managing the work of reps from all buildings. Jean Hubbell, a past president and long-time operator of the Kind-ley Guild Gift Shop, has been a real Guilder for many years and was at the social with a table full of great gift items.

A tiny seed is cocooned in the soil and we expect that, in time, it will push upward

and break forth as grain or a flower or a tree. A caterpillar is cocooned on a branch and we expect that, in time, it will break forth as a bright and bold and beautiful but-terfly. Does a seed know it will become a flower? Does a caterpil-lar know it will become a butter-fly? Do they know… or does God surprise them?

Sinners cocooned in the expe-rience of God’s love, in time, are transformed into saints. Do we know…or does God surprise us?

Martha A. Brown, Director of Pastoral Care

Food for Thought

God’s Surprise

THE SEVEN LAST WORDSBy Mary Anstead, Villas

More than 1700 residents on our campus missed an inspiring, soul searching experience on Good Friday afternoon. Associ-ates and residents provided a beautiful ceremony for the SEVEN

LAST WORDS of Christ on the cross. The solo, “Mary Did you Know” sung by Rev. Dr. Martha Brown and the spiritual thoughts delivered by Rev. Dr. Warren Ebinger on the words “Woman, Here Is your Son” were par-ticularly meaningful to me. The solo of “What Wonderous Love is This” by Valencio Jackson, our pool lifeguard was a reminder that we need to know more about our associates and the talents they have hidden behind their daily tasks on our behalf. The undercurrents of affirmation by many in the congregation reinforced the messages delivered by our own chap-lains and the visiting ones. Dr. and Mrs. Heim accompanied the soloists and provided meditation interludes throughout the program. Of course, being in the Guild Chapel always contributes to the efficacy of a service. I hope this is a yearly offering for the residents.

Photo: Anabel Liebelt

Cathy Hugh (Villas) clowned around at the

Guild Social.

as a real estate broker specializ-ing in property management and appraisal. He and his wife of fifty-four years, Carol, have been mem-bers of Chevy Chase UM Church for most of their married life. The Brewers have three children and eight grandchildren.

Scott is that tall man you see bicycling around campus, some-times on a tandem with Carol. His hobbies include golf, tennis and

photography. He is a native of Indi-anapolis, Indiana and a graduate of Hamilton College. He served on the Asbury Board for twelve years before becoming a resident.

Scott is confident Asbury will continue to operate at full or near capacity well into the future. He backs his prediction with a real-tor’s sales pitch:

“We probably have more grounds, more medical facilities, and more exercise, lecture, and education programs than any other retire-ment facility in the area.”

BREWERContinued from page 1

The anniversary program’s theme was “My Anniversary Wish.” The wish was to be coordinated with one of the first 20 Wedding Anniversary Commeratives.

Although the emphasis was on china head dolls, many other dolls were represented, ranging from wooden and clay to paper. Each table had an original paper doll centerpiece, which had been cre-ated by Victoria Christopherson and dressed in calico by Billie Mahaney.

The star of the show was Emme-line, a quaint china head doll dressed in pale cotton cloth adorned with antique black braid. Emmeline’s

body was stuffed with sawdust. Her beautiful china head had been created in Germany during the 19th century. Emmeline was presented by Marion Ferguson who gave each member a signed copy of her original book, Emmeline.

Forty collectable dolls were donated by club members as a means for fundraising. The meet-ing/luncheon concluded with those dolls being awarded to lot-tery ticket holders. Sharyn Grimm, co-cordinator of the luncheon won six dolls, but our own Alexis McKenzie bought forty tickets and won none!

What are the Sugarland Search-ers searching for? Number 1: dolls; Number 2: knowledge of dolls; Number 3: Money to buy more dolls; and Number 4: Friendship and sharing the love for dolls.

DOLLSContinued from page 1

Asbury Guild Annual Dessert Social

Foundation president Doug Myers and Guild president Mary Waldron.

VILLAGE LIFE May 2007 7

Health Services PACDr. Bob Hartman, PAC Co-chair,

made an interesting and potential-ly valuable recommendation in his report to the April 17th meeting of the CCAV. He recommended that everyone prepare a list containing:

1. The names and dosage of the drugs taken (including eye drops, inhalers, and topical medications);

2. The names of non-prescription drugs taken regularly (aspirin or Bufferin, for example); and

3. The doctor’s telephone num-bers, which the patient uses for 24-hour contact.

This list should be carried with you at all times. If you have an unexpected medical problem or accident, the list will be very impor-tant for medical professionals to have. At a meeting of the Health Services PAC, Vivian Otto reported that, for the first time in 5 years on a trip she directed, a resident had a medical emergency. The resident had her doctor’s name and tele-phone number on her person. This enabled contact with the doctor who provided important informa-tion and suggestions for treating the resident.

Cultural Arts PACThe Annual Art Show, which

opened on April 30 in Hefner

Auditorium, takes a lot of planning and work by the members of the Cultural Arts PAC. However, the PAC members provide other exhib-its of special interest throughout the year.

The Rosborough Central Gal-lery, managed by Margot Dibble of Edwards-Fisher, features 16 display cases of original artwork and crafts by Asbury residents. The talent on exhibit in the Gallery runs a broad gamut and includes paint-ings (water color, pastel, and oil), latch hooking, quilting, knitting, and digital photography.

The Cabinets in Rosborough, managed by Jane Allen of 419, con-sist of 28 display cases of residents’ collectibles. With Easter just passed, the “Easter Eggery” includes nearly 30 beautiful items remindful of the world famous Fabergé collection of Margaret Merewether Post. The Rosborough collection belongs to Marcia White of Edwards-Fish-er. Down the hall, you will find a stunning display of ceramic birds.

On loan from Alma Coleman, the collection represents dozens of birds, each reproduced in beautiful detail. Both collections are well worth the stroll to Rosborough to enjoy. While you are there, spend a few more minutes to see the col-lections in the other 26 cases.

Security, Transportation, and Reception PAC

Sgt. Wagner from Montgomery County 6th Police District will con-duct a program “Watch Your Car” at Asbury on June 30 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. He will describe the pur-pose, operation, and advantages of the program and explain the pro-cess for joining. The program is for use by drivers who do not drive their cars between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Those who join the pro-gram are given a sticker for their car. This alerts the police to check out any car with this identification to ensure that it is in the posses-sion of the owner. Details of the meeting will be published in the

next issue of Village Life.

Dining & Nutrition Services PAC

The Crawford Kitchen project is moving along. Quoting Andrew Lindquist, “there have been few snags” and “the work should be done in seven months”. Mean-while, Park View has a new menu, which offers a wider selection of food. As of April 3rd, patrons of the Park View Dining Room can pay for their meal with the use of credit cards. Early reports indicate that this option has been used more that anticipated.

Media PACWarren Ebinger announced that

the new projector for Rosborough is operational. The first movie night will be on Wednesday, May 16th at 7:30 PM. “The Queen” will be shown. The fee will be $1.00, and popcorn will be provided. Warren is asking for three volunteers to help out at the showing.

Entertainment PACMay 6, 2007 – The Montgomery

Youth Orchestra - 2:30 PM in the Hefner Auditorium.

May 21, 2007 – Alex Hassan, pia-nist - 7:30 PM in the Hefner Audi-torium.

Peek the PACsatBy Al Tholen, Park View

The Keese School - See What You're MissingBy Annabel G. Liebelt, Villas

Have You Ever Wanted to Meet One of Our Former Presidents?

On March 1, the lecture was “Focus on Presidential Leadership: Theodore Roosevelt” presented by Paula D. Matuskey, Dean for Humani-ties, Social Sciences and Business at the Takoma Park Campus of Mont-gomery College.

The lecture focused on FDR the 26th President and Teddy, the man known for saying, “Walk softly and carry a big stick,” and whose accomplishments included :Har-vard grad—Phi Beta Kappa, Naval Department., Governor of New York, Nobel Peace Prize for mediat-ing the Russo-Japanese War, cattle rancher in North Dakota, spoke 5-6 languages, wrote 38 books, Nation-al Park Service, youngest in New York legislature, youngest in U.S. Presidency, Rough Rider in Cuba, Panama Canal, African Safari speci-mens contributed to the Smithson-ian, 41 antitrust suits, Bull Moose Candidate, and one of the faces on Mount Rushmore.

What Did We Learn From Katrina?

On March 5, Joseph Feinberg, Villas, gave an illuminating lecture entitled “Katrina: Implications and Future Challenges.” Joe is certified in city and regional planning. He worked for FEMA and lived in New Jersey for some 30 years.

Although “retired,” Joe still con-sults for FEMA. He was in St. Ber-nard’s Parish for the months of January through March, 2006 and in several other sites in 2005-2006, and knew about the threat of Katrina coming - a category 5 hur-ricane (165 mile/hour wind).

News coverage and FEMA efforts were good, but according to Joe, the leadership was not the best, some workers were not expe-rienced, communication broke down, and no plans were adequate. Over 1,000 fatalities, lack of food, water, proper facilities and medical supplies were major concerns.

What did we learn? Joe sum-marized: in this age of outstand-ing technology, but with threats of global warming and increasing numbers of more dangerous hur-

ricanes, most coastal cities would be extremely vulnerable. We have many squeezed metro areas instead of self-sufficient neighborhoods. The issue of the housing availabil-ity for residents remaining, return-ing or displaced, the hospital and nursing home preparations, the issues of insurance coverage for wind-blown rain, and the historic and cultural losses to our great cit-ies, all present major challenges .

Digital PhotographyMarch 29 - Harold W. Gaut, Trott

and John C. Villforth, Park View: “Digital Photography: Taking Advantage Of All Your Image Has To Offer”.

Hal was on the Health Physics staff at Argonne National Laborato-ry and at Atomics International in California, and later trained FEMA staff in many of the plans that he had developed.

John served in many capaci-ties in the government, USAF, U.S. Public Health Service, FDA, retir-ing as Rear Admiral and Assistant Surgeon General.

As a team, Hal and John empha-

sized the importance of getting one’s files of pictures, slides, nega-tives, etc. out of the shoe boxes, selecting the best ones, trashing the others and dating the impor-tant ones. They suggested keeping pictures of little kids, but not trips, and putting slides on disks.

What about digital images? Put these on CD’s, share with others by e-mail, use for greeting cards, puzzles, calendars, quilting, jour-nals, slide shows and genealogy, and make DVD’s. All of these techniques are only limited by your imagination. A handout sug-gested some of the common tools such as Picasa (free) and Adobe Photoshop.

Future EventsMay 24 - END-OF-THE-YEAR-

CELEBRATION in Hefner Audi-torium at 2:30 p.m.

The Keese School Annual Cel-ebration will include giving the awards to those outstanding asso-ciates in the dining rooms.

WATCH AVTV and other campus media for more information, or call any officers listed in your catalog.

8 May 2007 VILLAGE LIFE VILLAGE LIFE May 2007 9

The Nature of Asbury

The trees in full bloom—we welcome the hope that they bring.

By Al Tholen, Park View

The flowers that bloom in the spring, Tra la,Bring promise of merry sunshine –

As we merrily dance and sing, Tra la,We welcome the hope that they bring.

From the MikadoBy Gilbert & Sullivan

T he words from the The Mikado song are entirely appropriate when describing the Asbury campus in the springtime. The

rebirth signified by the breaking forth of jonquils and tulips, of cherry and magnolia trees, and of new life in the greening of the expanses of win-ter induced dormant lawns, all do bring feelings of renewal in “the hope that they bring.”

It is difficult to find any other retirement cam-pus of this size, that is so beautifully landscaped

and maintained. Green is recognized as a restful color. Is it an accident that there is so much of it in nature? And here at Asbury, its 130 acres are dominated by green: by the lush expanses of lawn that grace the undulating hills and enfold the ponds, and the mature trees that soften the sharp angularity of the buildings.

We can enjoy all of this grandeur of nature whether we are relaxing on a balcony, strolling the grounds, or simply looking out of a window. We do not have to get into our cars and drive to a municipal park or an arboretum; beauty is here for us to savor. Other wildlife, predominately deer and birds share our habitat. The bucolic sight of deer grazing suggests a sense of peace. Birds are a special attraction, especially to the bird watchers on campus.

Reginald Westlake, an avid bird watcher wrote the following: “The villas are something of a bird

sanctuary. We have a stream at the back of us with lots of trees and bushes, and trees in front. We have been living here since 1995 and have made a note of the many different varieties seen from our villa”. His list numbers 51. He added that some “are just one-time appearances, many are daily customers.” Lydia Page of Park View is also an avid bird watcher. She and Reg recently compared lists and the combined total exceeds 70 varieties. She noted that she “has a different view (of the campus) altogether, not a cozy back yard, but fields and ponds and lots of sky.”

Come out and enjoy the spring at Asbury. You will meet many of your friends strolling around the ponds or just sitting outside on benches breathing in the fresh air, absorbing some of the sun’s rays and, of course, enjoying the gorgeous landscape. Tra la.

Spring Arrives at Asbury

Photo: Carroll Creitz

The flowers that boom in the spring, tra la!

By Minette McCullough, Diamond

A s I am writing this, the cherry blossoms and jonquils are saying good-bye until next spring, and the tulips and dogwoods are greeting us. Along the parking

lot sidewalk we see the cheerful pansies who have been with us all winter long. They are now joined by wildflow-ers, purple deadnettle, henbit and, of course, the ever-pres-ent dandelions all claiming their spaces. (Don’t call them “weeds,” they are only flowers out of place.)

Many birds are proclaiming it is spring. Early in the morning the robins let us know they are back singing “Cheer up Charlie.” Then next sings the cardinal with his “Pretty girl, pretty girl.” And maybe you will hear the song sparrow singing, “Hip, hip hooray boys, spring is here!” (Birders have good ears and even better imaginations.) We had a very special treat early Easter morning when we saw a dozen cedar waxwings in a tree outside our dining room window.

Friends ask if I don’t miss having a yard and I tell them I have over a hundred beautiful and well-kept acres where I can truly enjoy the trees, flowers and birdlife. I hope all of you are rejoicing in the beauty of spring.

Spring Comes to Diamond

By Lois Lord, Trott

O ur Creek (Asbury’s Creek) on the far side of the little pond, with its gaze-bo invokes many memories from my

years of residency here. I remember strolling along the path to a bench, which backed up to brambles and thickets. Behind was a mix of saplings and mature trees. Before me was a strip of lawn and the path edged with tall, plumed grasses, concealing red-wing black-birds. Listening intently, beyond the lively twittering of many birds, I thought I detected a gurgling sound. Searching for an opening in the greenery, I peered downward to get my first glimpse of a hidden stream. What a delightful discovery! I could make out the shag-gy growth, protecting the stream bank from erosion. Further on, the stream-bed widened as water flowed over a rock ledge to flattened, worn stones beneath, creating the sound I had heard. The stream varied in width; sometimes wide, and then narrow. The area was hum-ming with wildlife. It pro-vided the perfect habitat! In fact, I startled a nesting bird, which swooped over my head.

Even in the summer heat, I found a slimmer rib-bon of water; the shelter-

ing foliage cooling the vegetation and ground beneath. Rainy down-pours were slowed by the heavy foliage, dripping below to be trapped by the numerous roots, and soaking into the ground. The sound of any nearby traffic was muffled by the wall of bushes and trees. I felt a sense of serenity. Spring dis-played clumps of golden daffodils. In the fall, golden-orange and brown leaves glittered as they drifted into the stream, or were caught among the brambles. Gnarled trees clung to the further bank and gracefully arched over the stream which was being unveiled by autumn winds. In winter the linear silhou-ettes of bare trees and bushes resembled an

etching in black and grays, sometimes soft-ened by snow.

Others have shared by enjoyment of this area; the early morning birders, Carroll Creitz with his camera, my nephew’s children dart-ing over to make their own discoveries, stroll-ers, joggers, and pausing cyclists. As the geese are grazers, they are drawn to grassy areas, avoiding any dense growth.

I’m delighted that this wildlife area and the little creek, with its many natural habitats, may become part of a campus bird sanctuary as proposed by Park View’s residents. This special environment is our heritage. How blessed we are to have a creek to care for.

Sans Souci (Carefree)Towering trees for my rooftopWindowed with patches of blueOpening on April’s fresh morning skyWhere sunlight comes shafting through.

Pale gray ribbon my pathwayWinding through militant treesStrait-standing proud wooden soldiersHappy toys for the dawn’s wind to tease.

Symphony sounds to beguile meAnd swirl like the mists through the airThen my car and the road join the trees and

the skyAs we joyously ride—free of care!

—Selene Smith, Bldg. 419

A Creek to Care For

Photo: Carroll Creitz

A Carroll Creitz-eye view of a beautiful scene.

Phot

o: C

arro

ll Cr

eitz

10 May 2007 VILLAGE LIFE

Mac and Zil

Idle ThoughtsBy Reg Westlake, Villas

In this spot you shall find a variety of ponderings from a man who hails from the other side of the “pond.”

We’re glad he’s on this side of the pond now!

The way of a man with a ………

“The way of a man with a maid,” one of the four things which the writer of the Proverb said he knew not. There’s not much call for instruction in that department these days, the knowl-

edge apparently often being acquired at school age. Besides, there do not seem to be all that number of maids around in this modern age. What would be more useful would be an instruction manual on the way of a

man with a microwave. Why not look in the book that came with the microwave? Can’t find it. So it’s man versus machine.

There are 35 buttons on the oven, includ-ing 10 numbers and 25 captions. They include COOK, MICRO COOK, TEMP COOK/HOLD. Which to choose, bear-ing in mind the old adage that too many

cooks……….. Then there’s something called POWER LEVEL and two buttons HI and LO. When do these come into play?

Let’s see what the box with the frozen sausages says. “Place on micro-wavable plate” – but how to know what are microwavable and non-microwavable plates? After that it says heat on HIGH for 40 seconds. There is no button which says HIGH and there is one which says ADD 30 SECONDS but all the other numbers presumably stand for minutes. So how to get 40 seconds? Is it all that critical anyway?

And so, pressing on regardless, we put the frozen sausages on an ordi-nary plate and stick it in the oven, close the door, press START (at least that’s easy to understand) and then number 1, which presumably is for 60 seconds, and then see how it turns out. Surprise, surprise – it’s fine. The plate didn’t crack and the food is the right temperature. One lesson learned. But what about cooking something more ambitious? There’s no doubt that if the author of the Proverb were writing today he would be adding a fifth thing to his list.

seem to be all that number of maids around in this modern age. What would be more useful would be an instruction manual on the way of a

cooks……….. Then there’s something called POWER LEVEL and two buttons HI and LO. When do these come into play?

It’s A Guy Thing

By Dan Muller, Villas

In early April, the copy machine in the Administration Building that I usually use for Media PAC

business was out of order. Linda Aber kindly introduced me to Mike

Abell who operates the Copy Center in the basement of the Administration Build-ing. Mike had his left arm in a sling and the soft cast essentially immo-

bilized his arm

from the elbow to the fingers of his hand. We asked what happened, he told us, and the conversation turned to recuperation. Mike said that he may see the doctor once to ensure that the wound is heal-ing properly. We asked about the

stitches. Mike said that when he’s had injuries over the years that required stitches, he removes them himself with tweezers and a nail clipper. He doesn’t like to go to doctors for something as minor as removing a few stitches. Guys are like that, aren’t they?

My thoughts then turned to Joan who is now recuperating (very well, thank you) from a nasty fall in which she needed a number of

stitches to repair damage to her face. A great deal

of care is being taken to ensure that the d a m a g e

is healing properly. She and I have

been to the doctor twice in the last month and at least two more visits are scheduled. We both feel reassured that she is getting the best possible treatment.

There must be some message here about the level of treatment that guys want and gals get.

Resident Facility Date of DeathPhyllis Moehrle Kindley/Trott March 13, 2007Gertrude Calvelli Kindley March 14, 2007Esther Alexander Kindley/Trott March 15, 2007Marie Clarke WHCC March 16, 2007Lois Heath Creitz WHCC/Mund March 16, 2007Minnie Bradley WHCC March 17, 2007Muriel Bristor WHCC March 19, 2007Elizabeth Bauer WHCC March 21, 2007Louise Collins WHCC March 22, 2007Burton Rush Trott March 22, 2007William Lenz WHCC/Kindley March 28, 2007Ida Casey WHCC/Asbury Home March 28, 2007Thelma Adams 419 March 28, 2007William Lenz WHCC March 28, 2007Richard Seely WHCC March 29, 2007Myrtle Wippurfurth Edwards-Fisher March 31, 2007John Hubbell Villas April 1, 2007Betty Schock Edwards-Fisher April 3, 2007Marie Linahan WHCC April 4, 2007Edna Green WHCC/Kindley/Trott April 7, 2007Lucy C. Brightman Diamond April 9, 2007Thomas Wilkinson Villas April 14, 2007

In Memoriam

the Copy Center in the basement of the Administration Build-ing. Mike had his left arm in a sling and the soft cast essentially immo-

bilized his arm

from the elbow to the fingers of his hand. We asked what happened,

like that, aren’t they?My thoughts then turned to Joan

who is now recuperating (very well, thank you) from a nasty fall in which she needed a number of

stitches to repair damage to her face. A great deal

of care is being taken to ensure that the d a m a g e

is healing properly. She and I have

been to the doctor twice in the last month and at least two more

VILLAGE LIFE May 2007 11

By Jeanne North, Trott

There is no end to the craftsmanship and skill that Rex Nester brings to his work as an artisan. A tour of the

Asbury villa that he and his wife Phyllis share is virtually a visit to a museum.

Commanding the living room is his favor-ite piece, a tall roll top desk in the Hepple-white style, complete with glassed breakfront, a carved phoenix and two finials atop, and tapered legs. At either end of the sofa is an end table with intricately carved decorations. A number of chests of drawers, a long buffet or sideboard, card tables that open up, with a swinging leg to support one half of the table, a round revolving “tea table” that is hinged to drop flat, other small tables with drawers and hidden compartments, made especially for granddaughters who wanted someplace “to hide something”—these works and more show that there seems to be no end to Nest-er’s imagination and fine workmanship.

One of his sculptures can be found in the gallery of the Gaithersburg City Hall, and other creations, two altars and a pair of flow-er stands, make their home in the National Cathedral. Nester’s most recent project is an altar commissioned by the Pastoral Care Department that he crafted for a niche in the chapel of the Kindley building. Built to fit

exactly in the designated spot and to desired specifications,

the altar is 30 inches wide, rolls easily

on castors, has storage space inside, and has a crucifix attached to the front. Working with another cabinetmaker/woodworker, Jack Swanson of Edwards-Fisher, Nester spent about five weeks in the Trott work shop putting together the mahogany altar. The dedication date remains to be set.

Nester’s early years seemed to give no hint of the blossoming of artistry that would come in later years. Raised in Pennsylvania, he flourished with, as he says in a brief bio, “all the comforts and privileges” that went with prosperity. The depression changed things, and he left school a year before finishing high school to take a full-time job.

In 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and spent five years there, serving in three major campaigns in the Pacific and receiving several citations. After his

separation from the Marine Corps, Nester resumed his formal education and ultimately graduated with a B.S. in Foreign Service. He then had a long career in the investment department of a life insurance company and after retiring conducted a financing and appraising business under the name of Rex Nester Associates. To improve his wood work-ing skills, he began taking courses at the Corcoran School of Art under the famed Bert Schmutzhart. Later he taught cabinet making at two local community centers. He and his wife Phyllis have traveled the world, visiting museums and estates, “just to look” and to learn about classical furniture.

An example of his work from his days at the Corcoran is the life-size nude statue of a woman, hair piled on her head, arms folded at her waist, who stands shrouded with a sheet in the Nesters’ garage. Finely carved and polished to a high sheen, hiding as modestly as the talent that is Rex Nester’s, she too per-haps someday will come out into the sunlight to be recognized for the beauty she is.

exactly in the designated spot and to desired specifications,

the altar is 30 inches wide, rolls easily

Wood That He Could, and He Can!Altars, Sculptures, Sideboards and More

Photo: Hal Gaut

Photo: Hal Gaut

per month or year, you could sim-ply walk slower.

I don’t want to sound like a great athlete, but not only do I walk back and forth; I make good use of my time while I am at Rosborough. However, my routine is a little dif-ferent than most of my friends. At about 10 AM, I amble to Rosbor-ough, pick up a cup of coffee in the Café, go to the Wellness Cen-ter, and sit down with my coffee and work on the jig saw puzzle

just outside the entrance to the gym. A sign above the table with the jigsaw puzzle reads “Exercise your brain while you wait to exer-cise your body.” That sign makes me feel as though I am really accomplishing something. Another benefit of sitting at the table with the jig saw puzzle is the visibil-ity I get by exercise enthusiasts as they slowly come out of the locker rooms exhausted from their pool or gym workouts. I am still cool and relaxed moving puzzle pieces around and sipping my coffee. I also get comments like “haven’t you finished that puzzle yet?” Or, “I wish I had your ability to spend so

much time with a puzzle.” At other times, however, someone sits down with me to discuss politics, or seri-ous business activities. Sometimes, I even become involved in helping someone resolve a sticky problem they have. One time, someone told my wife “I saw Al holding court at the jig saw puzzle in Rosbor-ough.” Nothing like having friends who tell your wife every move you make.

I must hasten to remind you that I do walk back and forth from Park View and as noted above, that adds up over a period of a year. Occa-sionally, I even go into the gym and exercise, usually if I get stuck with

the puzzle. So, Rosborough offers the opportunity to exercise one’s brain doing the puzzle, and one’s body walking back and forth to do the puzzle.

The other day one of my friends called out from the reception desk as I headed for the lobby door, “where are you going?” I replied that I was going to Rosborough to exercise my mind and body. As I approached the door, she said in a rather loud voice “we know that you don’t have to exercise your mouth.”

Such is the life of an exercise fanatic.

MIND & BODYContinued from page 1

12 May 2007 VILLAGE LIFE

Asbury Volunteers

By Reg Westlake, Villas

Asbury is a beneficiary of the Special Education program operated by

Montgomery County in its pub-lic high schools. The program aims at equipping its students to work after they leave school. Damascus High School is in this program and Laura Acuña is the school�s Special Education Para-educator. Every weekday she brings three of her students on the school bus to Asbury where they perform valuable service while learning skills that will equip them for later life. Laura is rightfully proud of her protégés, who are all 11th grade students in the Learning for Independence program at the school, and has given us the following bios of them.

Chelsie Inman has been a volunteer at Asbury in the Wilson Health Care Center since January 2006. Her work is on the 4th floor where she enjoys working with the residents, for which she has a special gift. The caring and lov-ing environment has been a place where she has flourished and developed valuable job skills and much independence. Although she worked with her job coach closely in the first year she volunteered with activities, Chelsea now works

independently with only period-ic checks by Laura. When asked about her future career, Chelsea is interested in pastoral care, being a companion to an elderly friend, or nursing care. This is the fruit of her work at Asbury and the very posi-tive and caring role models she has been privileged to interact with.

Jeff Miller is in his first year at Asbury and he has enjoyed it very much. In the fall he began work under Mr. Ricky in the Café but it became very clear with his very social personality that he needed

to be interacting with residents in their activities program. Jeff is a source of great information on a variety of topics and he has done very well on the 2nd and 4th floors in the WHCC. He is an avid NASCAR fan and enjoys music and travel-ing with his family. He brings all these experiences to his work at Asbury and is an interesting con-versationalist and visitor. The work has been invaluable for his growth and development as he learns many new skills and develops indepen-dence. The kindness and care all

have shown Jeff during his on the job training at Asbury have helped Jeff develop the confi-dence he needs to lead an inde-pendent and interesting life in the future.

William Hammond is also in his first year at Asbury. He works in the Café under the care and lead-ership of Mr. Ricky. Previously he had had lots of experience in food service work after success-fully completing two years of on the job training in the Damascus HS cafeteria. William is a dyna-mo! He is focused on the job that Mr. Ricky has for him to do and he works quickly and metic-ulously. He is a super volunteer and takes his job very seriously. Asbury has been a place where William can build on his food service skills and develop them to a level that he can use in his

life after High School. There is no doubt that his time at Asbury has deeply impacted his ability to be independent in the future.

Three cases where Asbury has helped and been helped. Asbury has recognized the valuable con-tribution they make by conferring on all three the Asbury Volunteer of the Year Award. To them, and to Laura Acuña their Special Educa-tion Para educator, Asbury offers its grateful thanks for their contribu-tion to our volunteer program.

Asbury’s Volunteers of the Year

Photo:Hal Gaut

Chelsie Inman, Special Education Paraeducator Laura Acuña, William Hammond, and Jeff Miller volunteers at Asbury.

Bernice Egbert Mund 206, x5769

As a lifelong Methodist, Bernice had known about Asbury for many years, and since she has no children, the continuing care available was an important factor in choosing to move here. She moved in February, 2007 from McLean, Virginia.

Bernice was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where her father was a breeder of purebred Guernsey dairy cows. She attended both the University of Wisconsin and Whitewater State Teachers College, but did not earn a degree. Her first position was with the Social Security Board, then she spent over a year in Italy with the O.S.S. during and just after WWII. When she returned to the U.S. she went to work for the CIA, where she wrote the first pay-roll. Her retirement marked 32 years of govern- ment service.

She met her future husband, Leslie, at the CIA and was married in 1972, at which point she retired. After he retired they had a small antiques business dealing mainly in paint-ings, silver and linens. Leslie also restored old paintings.

Bernice was an avid square dancer and belonged to a square dance exhibition set in Chicago, where they frequently performed on WLS radio shows. She studied art at NOVA and did all the art work for Wesley United Methodist Church’s newsletter and also some editing for 15 years. She also volunteered at the Methodist Home in D.C.

With her husband, she has traveled exten-sively in Europe and England and has toured China and Japan. Winters were spent in Florida hunting antiques and avoiding the cold. Ber-nice is looking forward to living out her days at Asbury.

—Anne Porter, Mund

Welcome New Residents

Photo: Jim Porter

VILLAGE LIFE May 2007 13

Welcome New Residents

Leona Miller-Hart Edwards-Fisher G-6, X5525

The first request Leona Miller-Hart made after moving into apartment G-6 on Septem-ber 13, 2006 was, “Please call me Lee.” We Edwards-Fisher residents are more than happy to comply.

Born in Washington, DC, one of six children, Lee graduated from Boonesboro High School and attended Strayer College before she started her government career. She went to work for the Treasury Department and was surprised to be selected one day to take the mail to the White House. Since this was war time she was forced to swear not to speak of what she saw or heard until after the war was over. Lee met President Roosevelt and was thrilled to stay for

lunch complete with coffee. Along with both a grand and a great grand-

child, Lee also has the loving support of her nieces who encouraged her to share her story. She comments that she has had a wonderful life, hopefully with many years to go. Since the Washington area has always been her focal point, the move to Asbury was an appropriate choice.

—Joan Dunlop, Edwards-Fisher

Richard Goyne Edwards-Fisher 112,X5780

March means a St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the beginning of spring, and the arrival of all the

beautiful blossoms in the area, but to Edwards-Fisher residents it is significant because on March 9, 2007, Richard Goyne moved into apart-ment 112.

Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Richard graduated in mechanical engineering from Drexel University and earned a BA and MA from Villanova. After retirement he received a Master of Sacred Theology at the Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

While working for several engineering firms in Philadelphia, he was an engineer on Ship-penport reactor; the first nuclear commercial power plant. Richard worked on the Manhattan Project which developed the atomic bomb. He prepared Quality Assurance Manuals for nuclear power plants and took part in their inspection. He was supervisor of the design of the U.S. Deep Submergence Chamber to test models of submarine hulls. The chamber was the world’s largest pressure vessel.

Richard is the author of the book Roots and Branches of Christian Belief. His volunteer work was church centered where he served as an elder, taught adult Bible class and acted as a Parent Aide to assist troubled families. Richard attends Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gaithersburg.

A widower, Richard has a son and two daugh-ters plus three grandsons and three grand-daughters. Two great grandchildren complete this wonderful family circle. After giving it much thought, Richard chose to move to Asbury because it seemed to best fit his needs.

The first robin was timidly land-ing on the Asbury lawn when Jan and Joe Lafleur moved into apartment 414 in Edwards-Fisher. We won’t mention that the snow that followed must have made the bird question its instincts.

Jan was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio and attended Miami-Jacobs Business College in Dayton. At Northwestern University and Michigan State she took summer courses in organization manage-ment. After beginning her work-ing career as a Methodist church secretary and youth director, she went on to work for 3 associa-tions in Ohio specializing in pub-lic relations, meeting manage-ment and editing trade journals.

Joe was born in Ville Platte, Loui-siana. Engineering is his field and he holds a BS from the US Military Academy, an MS from Iowa State University and a doctorate from Catholic University. Joe served as an army combat engineer in the Korean War and supervised construction of our strategic air

base on Okinawa. He played a key role in the development, con-struction and operation of small nuclear power units for remote bases and space vehicles. He was the USAEC representative at the US Embassy in Paris and the NRC manager of International Coop-

eration in nuclear safety informa-tion exchange.

This is the second marriage for both Jan and Joe so they are blessed to share many children and grandchildren. World travel is of great interest to the Lafleurs. They have visited 125 countries,

74 for Joe and 51 for Jan (44 visit-ed by both). Joe has built a cabin on the Shenandoah River and also enjoys reading. Jan loves to garden, but will now limit herself to balcony plantings. She is a collector and has assembled over 200 thimbles as well as a beauti-ful collection of demi-tasse cups and saucers. She is also a music lover.

Jan volunteers at the Health Care Center gift shop and has for several years. A life-long Method-ist, she has served in many vol-unteer jobs at Faith United Meth-odist Church in Rockville and has been active in community associations.

Knowing about Asbury for 40 years, and having known many people who have lived here and

many who are now current resi-dents, made the decision to join the Asbury family an easy one. Edwards-Fisher welcomes the Laf-leurs.—Joan Dunlop, Edwards-Fisher

Photo: Barbara Marrs

Jan and Joe Lafleur Edwards-Fisher 414, X5545

Photo: Barbara Marrs

14 May 2007 VILLAGE LIFE

Welcome New Residents

Odette Ludecke Mund 109, x6458

Odette was born in Les Cayes, Haiti, and speaks French. One of nine children orphaned by the deaths of their father and mother, she was adopted by relatives who raised her with a strong Methodist faith.

In 1959 she went to New York to visit a brother and decided that she would like to live in the United States.

In 1962 she moved with her three children, two boys and a girl, to Washington, where a brother was a military attache. Her children readily got jobs while Odette went to night school to learn English. She then worked as a nanny for many years. Her husband joined them five years later., They lived in Silver Spring until his death.

Odette has six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

—Judy Weaver, Mund

Marcia Goldman Diamond 708, x5154

Marcia was born in New York City. She attend-ed Walton High School and got a B.S. in the School of Commerce of New York University.

As a housewife, she had two children and cared for elderly and disabled parents. Mar-cia has three grandchildren. Her husband has passed away since they moved to Asbury.

Marcia enjoys travel. As a volunteer at N.Y.U. she belonged to a Student Service Organization. She started and ran a Date Bureau there. She also was a Job Corps volunteer (a training cen-ter for poor youths). She also was a hospitality volunteer and hosted embassy wives.

Marcia says she has a lovely apartment with a special view, and besides that, she doesn’t have to cook!

—Marjorie McFarland, Diamond

Irene Macey Diamond 919, x5733

Irene was born in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. She was graduated from West Chester State Teachers College with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. As a result, she taught first grade in Florida and Kindergarten in Bethesda.

While National Geographic was in Gaithers-burg, Irene worked there. She likes to knit, read and watch TV. She is a member of Cru-sader Lutheran Church in Rockville an has done much church work.

Irene has two children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. What a great family!

—Marjorie McFarland, Diamond

Photo: Jim Porter

Arthur and Rose were born in Mount Vernon, New York. Both attended public schools in Mount Vernon. Art attended and graduat-ed from the Academy of Aeronau-tics and the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, both in Long Island, New York, earning a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. While Art was in college, Rose graduated from high school and later attend-ed New Rochelle College, to gradu-ate as a teacher of English.

Their families are of Italian descent: Art’s dad was a building contractor in Mt. Vernon, married Marianina Opiciella, and raised four children. Rose’s dad was an electrician, who married Lucy Tri-cinelli and raised two children. Art and Rose were married in 1952 and raised 5 children, who raised 8 grandchildren. One of their chil-

dren lives in Gaithersburg, the oth-ers, in Ohio and Virginia.

Following high school, Art served with the Air Force for two

years. He returned to attend col-lege, and following graduation he joined the Fairchild Aircraft Com-pany on Long Island. Eventually

he became Vice President of Air-craft Manufacturing, Quality, and Testing. In 1975, he resigned from Fairchild and joined a Value Engi-neering company for the balance of his career. (Value Engineering finds ways to minimize engineer-ing costs.)

In 1960, while Art was work-ing for Fairchild in Germantown, MD, they built a house in Goshen Estates in Gaithersburg. They are Catholic and were parishioners of St. Martin’s and St. John Neu-mann Church in Gaithersburg for 60 years. Now they are looking for a church to attend near Asbury. Rose occupies herself chiefly with television while Art works with the computer and writes short sto-ries for pleasure. They moved into Asbury on December 28, 2006.

—Gordon Allen, Bldg. 419

Photo: Mike Hua

Arthur P. and Rose H. Coletta Building 419, Apt. 419 x5558

VILLAGE LIFE May 2007 15

Joe and Ann moved into Asbury on January 5, 2007, from Potomac, where they had lived in the same house for 42 years. Ann was born in Robersonville, N.C. on Dec. 18, 1928, and attended public schools there.

In 1951 she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, which was then named Woman’s College of U.N.C. majoring in English. She taught school for a year, then worked for an Insurance firm for four years.

Joe was born February 19, 1925, in Osage City, Kansas, where he lived until leaving for Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. He graduated in 1946 with a BS in Physics, then continued in physics to get an MS in 1948. He joined the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee as a development engi-neer in the Instrumentation Divi-sion from 1948 to 1952. He left to join the Physics Department at North Carolina State University as a research associate and reac-tor supervisor for the first nuclear reactor on a university campus. He obtained his Ph.D. in phys-ics while there. He then worked three years in Canoga Park, CA

and four years in Wilmington, MA, where he changed to space pro-grams. Moving to Washington, DC, in 1964 he joined NASA Headquar-ters as manager of Skylab Experi-ments. When the Skylab program ended he joined the Research Division. In 1981 he transferred to the Goddard Space Center as a manager in the Advanced Mis-

sions Analysis Office. He retired from NASA in 1986.

Joe and Ann met in Raleigh, NC, married in 1956, and the next year moved to California. Their two sons were born in 1957 and 1960, and in 1975 Ann started to work in the Montgomery County Department of Public Libraries. Ann has held several volunteer

positions in their church, Bethes-da United Church of Christ, and has volunteered at the Bethesda Cares luncheon program. She also volunteered at the schools her sons attended. She reads myster-ies and biographies, some fiction, and plays bridge. Joe has run the Men’s Group at the church since 1992 and has held a number of offices there. Ann and Joe were active as volunteers together in the Coast Guard Auxiliary from 1985-1995, Joe as Flotilla Com-mander for two years. Since 1995 Joe has been a volunteer consul-tant on communication systems for the Montgomery County Police, Technology Division. .

They owned a travel trailer from 1963 to the1980s, traveling about 50,000 miles with their sons. They have toured Spain, England, Ire-land, Scandinavia, and in 1972 drove through France, the Neth-erlands, Germany, Switzerland and Italy on a 31-day trip, from which Joe returned with 1000 color slides. He has been active in the Capital PC Users’ group and the North Bethesda Camera Club.

—Gordon Allen, Bldg. 419

Photo: Mike Hua

Joseph and Ann Lundholm Building 419, Apartment 302, x5577

Welcome New Residents

Marjorie Gould Diamond 314, x5556

Marjorie was born in Columbus, Ohio. She went to high school there and had two years of college at Ohio State University. While there, she played clarinet in the Ohio State Marching Band.

For ten years Marjorie was a volunteer librar-ian. Then for 30 years she was employed as a librarian in the Montgomery County Public

School system.She has many hobbies: gardening, reading,

sewing, swimming, and she raised many genera-tions of cats!

Marjorie was a member of Hughes United Methodist Church for 54 years and she taught Sunday School there. Since coming to Asbury, she transferred membership to Grace United Methodist Church.

Marjorie was married to John Hamilton Gould for 43 years. They had three sons: John (aka Jack), Richard and Robert. She has two grandchildren: Lila and Bridgette. She has many friends at Asbury and she enjoys the many activities available.

— Marjorie McFarland, Diamond

Robert “Bob” Pfaff Diamond 7-4, x5759

e-mail: UBoB99@aol.comBob Pfaff was born in Rochester, New York. He

got a B.S. and M.S. in Electronics and Business at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His career concerned large business systems often national in scope. He managed software and advanced product planning. He is part holder of the patent on airline reservations. He served as an Air Force Lieutenant.

Bob says he is never bored. He prefers to look forward, seldom backward. His hobbies are in computers, piano, history and investing. And

he helps a son with his small but nationwide business.

Bob has two sons who live in Bethesda. His daughter lives in Madison, Wisconsin. And he has three grandchildren.

Bob is new to Maryland, having spent most of his time in New York, California and Mas-sachusetts. He says he can’t imagine any place better than Asbury, but that Asbury can be even better.

—Marjorie McFarland, Diamond

16 May 2007 VILLAGE LIFE

Asbury Methodist VillageCommunications Department201 Russell AvenueGaithersburg, MD 20877-2801

Non-ProfitOrganizationU. S. Postage

PAIDRockville, MD

Permit No. 4297A NEWSPAPER FOR ASBURY METHODIST VILLAGE

Honk if you love Asbury!

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