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The fountains at The Albemarle in the News
Haney said he loves the classes because they keep his mind sharp, make him feel younger and present an opportunity to meet other residents.
“It is something to do besides sit around and vegetate. It is to get out. It is something that is not prepared. It is enterprising,” said Haney, 86. Providing activities or classes designed to keep the mind sharp is an important part of life in independent- and assisted-living facilities and nursing homes, said Abigail Harper, regional ombudsman for Wilson County with the Upper Coastal Plain Area Agency on Aging.
Depending on the residents, their interests and their level of mobility, activities will vary in each facility, Harper said. But the goal always should be to improve the quality of life for residents. “It is important for individuals to understand that just because they are seniors doesn’t mean they have to stop learning. Everybody knows the saying, ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,’ but you can,” Harper said.
A facility’s programs are chosen by its activity director, but they are supposed to be based on the interests of the residents, Harper said. She wishes more facilities were proactive about providing activities that not only amuse or divert their residents but challenge and stimulate them. Watermark University, a program offered at The Fountains, is designed to keep residents active in mind and body and show they never are too old to learn, said Connie Pike, community life director. Each quarter, the facility creates a catalog of classes open to the residents in independent and assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care.
The fall semester’s offerings include music therapy, jewelry making, tai chi, Italian, acrylic painting and Famous and Infamous Women, a lively history class, Pike said. The courses are taught by employees, residents or volunteers from the community. “When they first heard about it, it was like, ‘What is this? We have already been through college.’ But I think once they saw what it was, they really embraced it,” Pike said. So many residents have knowledge and skills that they would love to pass on, Dawn Guy, activities director at Brekenridge Assisted Living in Rocky Mount. At her request, one of her residents, Russell Messer, teaches a music appreciation class for a group of homeschooling students. The class also is open to residents.
“You think when you get to a certain age that you have given everything you have and you don’t have anything to give anymore. You find yourself in a retirement community and are like, ‘What do I have to offer?’ I think this gives them an opportunity to realize you are never too old to give back to the community,” Guy said. It would be wonderful for the residents if people were willing to come in from the community and teach classes, Guy said. Brekenridge has an art class once a week and has offered edible art food demonstrations.
If you give them a chance, residents can surprise you by their deep understanding and ability to learn, said Barbara Bozelle, activities director at Autumn Care of Nash in Nashville. Craft projects can be difficult at the facility sometimes because many of the residents only have the use of one arm. She was surprised how many of them took to an activity that only would require one arm: learning to play the Wii. It took awhile for some of the residents to put together the connection between the controller and the action on the screen, but since they became used to it, games such as Wii shuffleboard, baseball, darts and bowling are a regular activity every Monday, Bozelle said.
“It keeps them from just sitting around and dwelling on their sicknesses. They go in depression a lot of times because they can’t do the things they used to do. ... This kind of helps them keep their minds sharp,” Bozelle said. Technology and incorporating things such as the Wii, computers and exercise DVDs is not as intimidating to older adults as the general population might assume, Harper said.
Staff Writer The Daily Southerner
The Daily Southerner — "It's awesome."
Those were the words that SouthWest Edgecombe Cougar gold medal track winner Catherine Armstrong used to describe the new wheelchair that was donated to her by the Fountain of The Albemarle retirement community Watermark for Kids program Tuesday.
The gift came 18 days after Armstrong was awarded gold medals in the wheelchair 100 and the 200 meter dashes at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2-A track meet in Greensboro.
Armstrong, who used her conventional wheelchair to compete in that race, rolled a personal best in both races by clocking 30.94 in the 100 meter dash and 1.09 in the 200 meter dash. She is already talking about returning next year.
"I'm excited," Armstrong said. "My goal is to beat the time that I ran this year."
If it is done, it will take lots of practice and she has plenty of time to practice. For now, just maneuvering her new contraption is a chore.
SouthWest Edgecombe Athletic Director and girls basketball coach, Sandra Langley, said she expects Armstrong to workout on the track this summer and when spring rolls around next year the rising sophomore will be ready to compete in the state meet again. During a recent interview, Armstrong expressed that, "I wish I had a racing wheelchair."
Little did she know at that time the stars were aligning and her wish would become a reality.
The stars began aligning after paper work pertaining Watermark For Kids criteria was mistakenly placed in Langley's box at school. After reading the criteria, which consist of writing and essay and strong leadership skills and the willingness to help other, Langley immediately thought of Armstrong. She approach Armstrong and told her about the program and encouraged her to send in an essay.
Armstrong wrote an essay detailing her dreams of wanting to participating in high school sporting events and she also listed the clubs she in and other volunteer work that she has done at school and at home. Another criteria included the recipient must have financial needs. Armstrong met all the criteria. She sent an essay to the Fountain of The Albermarle cooperate office and asked them for a racing wheelchair and the rest is history.
Armstrong's application was the only one submitted to Tarboro's Fountain of The Albermarle which started participating in the program in February. The SouthWest Edgecombe student is the first to win the Watermark for Kids Award in Edgecombe County.
Sara Warren, of Health Care Equipment, brought the $3,200 three-wheel racing machine to SouthWest and assured that it fitted properly. Armstrong was all smile when she tested it on the school's track.
She was honored with another gift by the Pilot Club of Tarboro which donated a racing helmet and gloves.
Armstrong was diagnosed with Spina Bifida when she was 3-months old, which took away her ability to walk normal. She uses crutches and a wheel chair to get around.
SouthWest Edgecombe’s Catherine Armstrong practices on the school track with her new $3,200 wheelchair that was donated to her by the Fountain of The Albermarle Watermark For Kids program Tuesday in Pinetops. Photo/Calvin Adkins Calvin Adkins
The organization will hold its first fundraiser in Tarboro on Monday at Pizza Inn from 5 to 9 p.m. All are welcome.
According to event organizers Beth Parrisher and Connie Pike of The Fountains at The Albemarle, Pizza Inn has agreed to donate 10 percent of sales during this period to Watermark for Kids.
Armstrong, a ninth-grader at SouthWest Edgecombe High School, was born with spina bifada. Doctors told her parents she would never walk. After eight surgeries, she proved them wrong. She walks today although she requires a wheelchair for most activities, including competing in track, the first sport she has been permitted to join. Being a contributing member of a team is very important to the teen.
After learning of being selected as a Watermark Kid before track practice one day last week, Armstrong told Pike she would like to order her sports wheelchair in blue to match her team colors. She aspires to compete in the paralympics and continue her athletic pursuits in college.
“We saw how motivated this young lady is as she was eager to get on the race track so she could practice,” said Pike.
Armstrong’s Watermark for Kids Coach, Sandra Langley, added that Armstrong wants to be recognized for her ability, not her disability, and that the racing chair will allow her to score points for her team, since the North Carolina High School Athletic Association has added wheelchair events to outdoor track. Armstrong also stated in an essay that she hopes she can inspire others with similar disabilities to thrive and use wheelchair racing to improve their health and quality of life.
A devoted Girl Scout, Armstrong has dedicated many hours in service to others in need. She is currently earning her Gold star by making quilts for cancer patients.
In addition to pizza profits, donations will also be accepted on behalf of Catherine Armstrong by Watermark for Kids at the Pizza Inn event on Monday, and at The Fountains at The Albemarle. For more information, contact Beth Parrisher at 823-2799.
By Laura McFarland
Friday, February 11, 2011
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TARBORO — When Doak Worsley looks at his wife, he doesn’t see the changes time has made.
It has been 67 years since the couple married on Nov. 25, 1943, and 70 years since he first spotted Nell Mustian when they were on their high school senior trips to Washington. When Worsley spotted her, he approached her teacher, described the girl he had seen and asked for an introduction.
“When I first saw her, I said, ‘She is a good-looking gal,’ and she was,” said Worsley, 86.
From that day to now, Worsley said there has never been another woman for him. The couple had three dates between meeting and becoming engaged after Worsley enlisted in the Navy.
Asked how their marriage lasted so long, Worsley seemed almost surprised.
“That is what marriage is. It is supposed to last. You are supposed to do everything you can to make it last. We did all we could, and we are still here,” said Worsley, who lives with his wife at The Fountains of the Albemarle, a retirement community in Tarboro.
The Worsleys were among 100 other couples nationwide asked by Watermark Retirement Communities, which owns The Fountains, to offer advice for younger couples about how to make marriage last, said June Hussey, public relations manager.
The project started when several retirement communities asked residents for advice on lasting relationships last year, Hussey said. When she heard how much residents enjoyed expressing themselves, she decided to take the program to all of Watermark’s 25 communities nationwide.
“They just really got a kick out of being interviewed, telling their stories, reminiscing and giving their advice, which is very good advice. Coming from people who have been together that long, you have got to give it a lot of credibility,” Hussey said.
Clarence “Skid” Cleveland and his wife, Doris Cleveland, credited a deep respect for each other’s opinions as a big factor in their 61-year marriage. The couple met through friends on July 4, 1948, while her family was vacationing on Cape Cod, Mass., and he was on leave from the Merchant Marine. They saw each other almost every day before his leave was up.
The pair became engaged Aug. 28, but in the months that followed while Skid Cleveland was out to sea, his fiancee realized she wouldn’t put up with a life sitting home waiting for his ship to come back.
“This is where we did a lot of letters back and forth on that. I decided it was the sea or me, and he chose me,” said Doris Cleveland, 84.
Skid Cleveland made good on his promise, leaving the Merchant Marine shortly before the couple married on April 2, 1949.
In all their years of marriage, the Clevelands came to understand that the key to harmony was mutual respect. When he became involved in politics, she supported him by passing out literature and making signs. The couple liked playing bridge and volunteering at the church and came to love sailing together with their two children. At the end of the day, they would talk about what had happened or their interests.
“I don’t think you put a fix on romance. ... I didn’t bring flowers home all the time or things that may be considered romance. It wasn’t necessary to do those things to remain in love with each other. It was just things we enjoyed doing together and being together, and that was pretty much it,” said Skid Cleveland, 86.
Worsley said he and his wife constantly wanted to do different things. While they didn’t do everything together, they made the effort to be interested in what each other liked. Their love was more about togetherness than big romantic gestures.
“I would bring her a box of candy once in awhile, kiss her once in awhile and pat her behind once in awhile,” Worsley said.
What did she do to keep the romance alive?
“She smiled at me. That is all it took,” Worsley said.
Even now, with Nell Worsley, 86, suffering Alzheimer’s disease, her husband said he still takes joy in her company. They watch television together, and he likes to talk to her about the good times they have had and their son and daughter.
Most of all, people need to treasure each other, Skid Cleveland said.
“When you get older, you are more dependent on one another. You need each other’s support because, when you are our age, you don’t know how many years you have left. So you can’t be angry or anything like that. That is foolishness because we don’t have much time to be dumb about it,” Skid Cleveland said.
Telegram photo / Alan Campbell /
Clarence 'Skid' Cleveland agreed to give up a career as a merchant mariner to marry his wife of 61 years, Doris Cleveland. In turn, she supported him when he later became involved in politics. 'It was just things we enjoyed doing together and being together' that helped keep their marriage strong, Skid Cleveland said.
Telegram photo / Alan Campbell /
Williamson moved here with her husband 121/2 years ago from the mountains of North Carolina. Since then, her husband has passed away, but she has always made sure she kept herself active and engaged.
You will find Williamson almost any time playing the piano for each area of the community and looking after other residents by taking them goodies from parties and socials that they are unable to attend.
Williamson always enjoys satisfying her curiosities and learning new and exciting things that keep her mind so sharp.
One of her most recent enjoyments has been attending the Watermark University class, Great American Presidents taught by Diane Barlow, executive director of The Fountains.
When asked why she enjoyed this class so much, she responded, “Diane is very good and has a great sense of humor. We have all had the chance to get to know her on a more personal level. The class has proved to be very interesting as we learn more about the personal lives, challenges, oddities and scandals about the presidents.”
Not only has the class allowed the participants to learn about the presidents, it has allowed the residents to get to know each other better and enjoy the socialization the class provides.
The class, according to Williamson also brought back memories of things that she hasn’t thought about in a long time. Events, songs, etc. that were occurring during a particular presidency were brought back to mind and the class would end up having interesting discussions.
She has enjoyed how the class has brought all the residents attending the class closer together.
Next semester, a new class, Famous First ladies is one Williamson is looking forward to. She is sure most of the participants will be returning and she is looking forward to learning something new and again getting back together with the group that has become very close during the class.
One thing is for sure, you will never find Williamson sitting around twiddling her thumbs. She will always continue to be engaged, which is what keeps her so fit in mind and body.
“We are extremely proud of our residents’ ongoing achievements in the arts and in life,” said Diane Barlow, executive director of The Fountains. “To be selected for this year’s publication out of more than 200 entries is quite an honor.”
Published annually by Watermark Retirement Communities, Expressions is designed to inspire ageless creativity by showcasing the wide array of creative talents of Watermark residents coast to coast.
Gibbs, 87, earned an honorable mention in the calendar for his submission of a silver and turquoise necklace. He explains his lifelong hobby: “I first became interested in the Art of Lapidary (cutting and polishing gem stones) and metal work from a buddy in High School,” Gibbs said. “I helped him get around school in his wheel chair and he taught me what he knew about working with Turquoise. World War II came along in my senior year and with the urging of Uncle Sam I joined the Navy Seabees. For a while my art work came to a halt.
“It was on the Island of Saipan my hobby again came to life when I found that the stainless steel from damaged aircraft made nice pendants and bracelets which were given to the native children,” he continued.
Marriage and raising a family forced Gibbs to put aside his hobby until time permitted it again in the late 1970s. In 1984 he retired and moved to Florida where, for 23 years, he volunteered as an instructor in silver work and bead stringing.
After joining the Silversmith of America Guild, Gibbs became interested in “Lost Wax Casting” and started working with both silver and gold.
Gibbs and his wife moved to The Fountains in Tarboro in 2007. His wife has since passed away. This year, Gibbs began teaching jewelry making again as a volunteer instructor for Watermark University. The classes at The Fountains, are free and open to the public. His classes average eight to 10 students.
“With the loss of my wife, the Watermark University has given me a chance to clear my thoughts and at the same time use my knowledge to help the ladies make their jewelry,” Gibbs said.
Fathers Know Best at The Fountains at The Albemarle
Understanding and respect are fatherly gifts that keep on giving
Tarboro, NC – A new tie or a new rake may top the list of gifts many kids will give their fathers on June 20th. However, some experienced Tarboro fathers are shifting the focus of the holiday to what lasting gifts fathers can pass on to future generations.
Staff of The Fountains at the Albemarle, 200 Trade Street, recently sat down with dozens of dads in residence there to ask for their reflections and advice about fatherhood. Here’s what some of them had to say
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Carlyle Gay believes both parents need to be in agreement on discipline and values. He says, “It is important to spend a lot of time with your children and do many family activities together.” He adds, “Instilling good Christian values in your children should be at the top of the list.” Gay raised two children in Rocky Mount. |
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Steven Zabow raised his three children in the north. He says it is “so important to support them in all their endeavors, treat them with respect, and give them the best advice you can.” |
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Dr. Jim McChesney states “Teach your children to balance their values with their valuables (material possessions). Values are more important than valuables. Raising them in faith and church helps them to face life’s trials in today’s world.” |
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David Joyner raised three stepchildren in Tarboro. His advice: “Be loving and understanding. And listen to your wife.” |
Tarboro, NC -- The Fountains at The Albemarle, 200 Trade Street, has launched Watermark University, a continuing education program with a curriculum tailored specifically for seniors. The first semester course catalog was unveiled to residents at onsite registration last week.
19 courses are included in the summer course catalogue. All are designed with interesting topics and activities to keep minds and bodies fit. Examples include: Line Dancing, Yearning for Yarn, Book Club, Jewelry Making, Cuisine Around The World, Ceramics, and an Adopt-a-Grandparent intergenerational program.
Many Watermark University courses are free and open to interested seniors from the surrounding area. Faculty includes instructors from outside The Fountains, as well as Fountains residents and associates who are eager to share their passionate hobbies.
Summer courses begin in May and will be ongoing through July. Register or inquire by calling The Fountains at The Albemarle at 252-823-2799.
Patrick Edmondston (l.) from Stocks Elementary School converses with Camille Powell (r.), as Fountains at The Albemarle residents register for assorted courses offered this summer through Watermark University.
Second-grade teacher Connie Crowe of Stocks Elementary School in Tarboro explains the benefits of an intergenerational program introduced last week to residents of The Fountains at The Albemarle. With the help of parent volunteers, the “Adopt-a-Grandparent” program will connect students over time with older adults through oral and written communication, school activities and living history projects. From left to right Connie Crowe, Evelyn Britt, Esther Thorne.
From Staff Reports
TARBORO — Six moms with years and years of experience are are speaking out in time for Mother’s Day.Even though they raised their own children decades ago, the sage advice of these moms is just as meaningful today as it was some sixty years ago. In between managing today’s hectic family schedules, working, carpooling, cooking plus diaper changes, young moms in 2010 can use all the advice they can get.
The collective advice ranges from tips on raising kids to advice for the moms’ personal lives. For example, Mary Margaret Smoot, who raised two children in Virginia, Sanford and Epsom advises young moms:
“Set boundaries, set examples, be consistent, and teach manners.”
Other mothers’ advice includes:
“(Show) love, patience, discipline, interest and support.”
– Jo Anne Leland, who raised three children in Puerto Rico
“Behave yourself. Take care of your babies. Stay young and take care of yourself, too.”
– Obie Cressman, who raised two daughters in Rocky Mount.
“Give and take. Forgive and forget.”
– Madeline Boyette, who raised three children in Bethel.
“Demand respect and make sure your children know who’s boss. Teach them good morals and love them all the time.”
– Betty Sutton, who raised two children in LaGrange.
“Love your children unconditionally.”
– Helen Sumner, who raised two children in Rocky Mount.
All six of the senior mom experts interviewed for this story reside at The Fountains at The Albemarle, the retirement community at 200 Trade St.
Their advice will be featured online through May at http://www.watermarkcommunities.com/Albemarle/mothersday/
Tarboro, NC--Terri Horton, a veteran associate of The Fountains at The Albemarle for 17 years, was recently promoted to Associate Executive Director/Social Services Manager, announced Diane Barlow, Executive Director of the popular Tarboro retirement community.
After graduating from NC Wesleyan with a degree in Behavioral Studies in 1977, Horton began her career in Rocky Mount, where she served as Social Services Director and Admission Coordinator for a local nursing home. In 1993, she joined the staff of The Fountains at The Albemarle, where her leadership skills have helped transform the community into a model that is often imitated but rarely duplicated.
Offering a full spectrum of support on a rental basis, from simple hospitality services through assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing, The Fountains at The Albemarle has become one of the first places Eastern North Carolina seniors and their families turn when they want to take charge of their future. Close to 200 people call The Fountains home, including Horton’s own mother.
“I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and for so many wonderful people and I treasure all the friendships I have made at The Fountains over the years,” Horton said.
“Now it’s my turn to be on the lookout for shining stars in the next generation of caregivers. I enjoy nurturing their skills and modeling a service mindset that will help all of our associates—and our residents—thrive.”
When not working, Horton says she loves movies, reading and walking for exercise. She and her husband, Pete, also enjoy boating and fishing at the NC Coast.
Planning is under way and reservations are being accepted for The Fountains at The Albemarle’s Spring Fashion Show on March 26th. A full house is expected, according to executive director Diane Barlow.
The two front rows always are reserved for the family of Nora Mears, in whose memory the annual show is held. Before she passed away from cancer at age 78, Mears worked part time as a marketer for the retirement community, where she was affectionately known as ‘the fashion queen.’
“We created this event three year’s ago to celebrate Nora’s zest for life and legacy of good taste,” said Rhonda Langley, marketing director with The Fountains. “Our resident models really get a kick out of getting all dolled up and parading around in the latest fashions.”
This year’s event will commence with a ladies luncheon at 11:30 a.m. followed by the 1:30 p.m. show, featuring ladies clothing hot off the new spring line by Talbot’s.
Attendance is free, courtesy of The Fountains at The Albemarle. Raffle tickets may be purchased at the event for prizes donated by Talbot’s, The Fountains and area merchants, with proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society.
The Fountains is located at 200 Trade St. For more information or reservations, call 252- 823-2799.
Watermark Retirement Communities Reappointed as Manager for Fountains Portfolio
Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc., formerly Fountains Retirement Communities, has been reappointed as manager for 16 retirement communities previously managed by Sunrise Senior Living, announced David N. Barnes, President/CEO of Watermark Retirement Communities.
“Watermark was the obvious choice for managing the Fountains portfolio because we know the communities so well,” said Barnes.
After selling 18 properties within the Fountains brand to Sunrise in 2005, Fountains Retirement Communities was renamed Watermark Retirement Communities. Over the past four years, with his partner David Freshwater, former Fountains CEO, Barnes has grown Watermark’s management portfolio to 11 communities plus three home health agencies in six states. The addition of the Fountains portfolio brings Watermark’s total managed communities to 27 in 16 states.
“We very much look forward to the coming weeks and months as we personally welcome back so many former residents and associates into the family of Watermark communities. It feels like we’re putting the band back together,” stated Barnes.
Watermark Retirement Communities has owned and operated successful, innovative senior housing communities for more than 20 years. According to Barnes, Watermark is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive and a culture where everyone is encouraged to express their creativity, passion and inner child – to express their true selves. As a result, Barnes says, Watermark communities are full of spirit, character, compassion and adventure.
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