October 2011 | page 1

EVENT{FULL}Monthly updates from your {FULL} Life community

TOUCHMARK ON SOUTH HILL Issue 11, 2013 | page 1

Let’s move, learn, connect

Active Aging Week included a variety of fun, educational activities. Residents and children from Green Gables gathered for an intergenerational walk. Officer Teresa Fuller, who also joined the walk, gave a safety presentation. Other activities: the Touchmark Dance, fitness testing, a one-mile walk in memory of resident Bette Gates, and a presentation by Dean Conger, who shared his fascinating stories and pictures he took as a National Geographic photographer (Dean lives at Touchmark’s sister community in Bend, Oregon). See more photos on page three.

TOUCHMARK ON SOUTH HILL Issue 11, 2013 | page 2

MargeCoalman, EdDVice Presidentof Wellness &Programs

I live, because I’m happy “I sing because I’m happy …” – Ci vilia Durfee Martin

Last month, this column focused on the happiness research, which is a bit startling and constantly changing. This month, the focus is on what works to make people feel empowered, engaged, and free from as many health/mental/environmental constraints as possible.

Aging brings its own complications—less muscle, reduced energy quotient, elevated (or lowered) blood

pressure, financial worries about resources to care for one self and/or spouse for as long as needed, loss of friends and family. The data, though, show that many people are living long and well—even into their 100s. How can that be?

Interestingly, the simple answer is “thankfulness.” We focus a lot on the word thankful during this season. One can be thankful in private, but that is only part of the formula for a good quality of life. Thankfulness accelerated by good works and generosity is the key component to the wellness prescription.

Even individuals who are physically impaired or cognitively challenged set themselves apart by being part of the solution to the unmet needs of others. The expanded vision of others and good works

can empower people who cannot volunteer in traditional ways.

Touchmark believes in philanthropy. The Touchmark Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity formed by Touchmark in 2002. Its mission is “to enhance the well-being of seniors.” The foundation is dedicated to providing programs to help ensure that seniors have what is necessary to make their lives comfortable, satisfying, and engaging. At this time of year, food boxes are given out at each Touchmark community to help families in need.

To be part of Touchmark’s Community Partners and Volunteer efforts, contact a member of the Full Life team.

Thank you for caring and sharing.

Concordia German Choir filled the lobby with the sound of polka and oom-pah music as residents and 36 guests gathered for an Oktoberfest Progressive Open House. They toured five apartments, enjoying a different German dish at each one.

Enjoying some German flavor and the {FULL} Life

October 2011 | page 1TOUCHMARK ON SOUTH HILL Issue 11, 2013 | page 3

Nineteen residents helped open the Coffee Café, which allows wine or beer to be served.

More fun from Active Aging Week and other festivities

Two local 5th graders graciously consented to answer multiple-choice questions during the Men’s Club “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” gathering, inspired by the TV show with the same name. The guys answered six questions correctly, but the kids won. The event finished with a round of “Are You Smarter than a High School Senior?” with student Anika Bair answering questions and pulling out a win. Chef Steven Mitchell served a well-received new dish Cioppino (a seafood stew with tomato sauce) over a cheesy polenta cake to the 35-plus people.

Residents and guests enjoyed beer, wine, and soda while watching Mark Starr, owner of David’s Pizza, toss some dough for fresh-baked pizzas. And, of course, everyone enjoyed the pizza, too.

Gathering around their map, a group celebrates the completion of this year’s walking challenge. The group “walked” from Spokane to the Florida Keys. From June through September, resident and staff participants turned in the distances (or times) that they walked. More than 30 residents covered 3,200 miles while 16 staff walked 1,400 miles. Throughout, the map featured interesting facts about locations the group “walked” by. For the celebration, everyone enjoyed a presentation with scenic photos by Don Griffiths, a local octogenarian who leads hikes and kayak and snowshoe trips. Coming soon: fitness center team members will create an indoor walking track.

© 2011 Touchmark Living Centers, Inc., all rights reserved

Contact a Full Life team member for additional details, including registration, transportation information, and participation requirements.

Thursday, Nov. 7, 5:30 pm Armchair Traveler visits France. Settle in for an evening of French-inspired food by Executive Chef Steven Mitchell and travel tales of two residents who just returned from a 15-day cruise on the Rhone and Saone rivers. Bon voyage—and bon appetite! Saturday, Nov. 9, 7:15 pm Evening out to the Spokane Symphony for SuperPops 2: Big Band.

Tuesday, Nov. 12 and 19, 11:30 am Cooking Demonstrations with Executive Chef Steven Mitchell. Enjoy lunch and

wine while learning fun food facts and tips for preparing easy and healthy luncheons. Call for reservations. Seating is limited.

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10:30 am - 3 pm Fall Book Fair. Lobby.

Saturday, Nov. 16, 7:15 pm Evening out to the Spokane Symphony for Classics 4: Dazzling Brilliance.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1 pmWellness Lecture Series. How new the health care act will affect seniors’ Medicare, presented by Statewide Health Benefit Advisor Kathy Dugan. The Forum.

See the full calendar of events online: TouchmarkSpokane.com/pdf/community-event-

calendar.pdf

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Tongue twisters require concentration and challenge pronunciation skills. For an added challenge, try memorizing and saying the twister out loud.

Betty Botter had some butter. “But,” she said, “this butter’s

bitter.”

If I bake this bitter butter, it would make my batter

bitter.

But a bit of better butter—that would make my batter

better.

So she bought a bit of butter,better than her bitter butter,

and she baked it in her batter, and the batter was not bitter.

So ‘twas better Betty Botterbought a bit of better butter.

BRAIN BUILDERS

TOUCHMARK ON SOUTH HILL2929 S Waterford Drive • Spokane, WA 99203

509-536-2929 • Touchmark.com(located at 29th and Pittsburg)

Home for the holidays

Imagine a lifestyle free of cleaning, cooking, and winter driving. Plus, you’ll have more time for hobbies, friends—and holiday celebrations! Call or stop by today for a tour.

Remember your flu shot

In addition to getting a flu vaccine, check out the CDC’s website for more helpful information. www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2013-2014.htm. Pictured is an appreciation certificate from the CDC for supporting the National Influenza Vaccination Campaign of 2012 to 2013.