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The fountains at Greenbriar in the News
Lots of love and promises kept are gifts that keep on giving
Independence, MO. – A new tie or a new rake may top the list of gifts many kids will give their fathers on June 20th. However, experienced fathers at an Independence retirement community are shifting the focus of the holiday to what lasting gifts fathers can pass on to future generations.
Associates of The Fountains at Greenbriar, 2100 S. Swope Dr., recently sat down with four dads in residence to ask their opinions about fatherhood. Following is their advice for young fathers today.
“As soon as they are old enough, take them with you in whatever you do and give them a lot of love. This will bring them closer to you, and you’ll not only have a son or daughter but a friend for life.” --LeRoy Lindblom, 78, raised two children in Grinnell, Iowa

“Make the most of each second. For, once past, it is gone forever. You may recall the memoires, but not the time.” --John Cox, 91, raised four children in California, Missouri and Colorado
“Be sure when you promise them something that you follow through on it, and before you make that promise, be sure it’s logical.” --Ed Chandler, 93, raised four children in Independence, Mo.

“You can make them mind, but you have to do it in a manner that is firm, but not angry.” --Bob McKim, 87, raised three children in Independence, Mo.
Each of these fathers raised their families a half century ago. Such perspective lends both clarity and credibility to their advice.
By speaking out, these members of an experienced generation are offering young fathers today a most valuable gift.
Chuck Holden came to Liberty Memorial Monday to honor his fellow veterans. The 88-year-old man wept while telling KMBC about his 3 1/2 years as a POW in World War II.

See the news video.
One Watermark University course, Oil on Canvas Painting, is taught by Fountains at Greenbriar resident Margaret Larsen. This eight-week course allows participants of all levels to express themselves through art. According to Margaret, “anyone can learn to paint.” There is no charge for Session I which runs from 1:00 to 2:30pm every Tuesday in May.
Behind the Scenes is a course taught by prospective resident Glen Paronto. During a four-week session, participants will get ‘the insider scoop’ on musical films from a true movie buff. Each class airs a different show. This class takes place Sundays at 4:00pm on July 18 and Aug. 1, 15, 29.
Bejeweled is a class that will show participants how to create their own accessories – pins, bracelets, earrings, and more – every month from 2:30 to 3:30 pm on May 14, June 11, July 9, & Aug. 6.
Arm Chair Travels is described in the course catalogue as “your passport to new and exciting locations!” Four monthly destinations include the Ozarks (May 11), Peru (June 22), The Bayou State (July 29) and Italy (August 19). Presenters, who include volunteers, associates of The Fountains, and special guests will present travel photos, food and fun facts about each tourist attraction--all to be enjoyed from the comfort of your armchair. Times vary.
Seniors from the greater Kansas City area are encouraged to check out the wide range of courses available through Watermark University. From arts and crafts, games and fitness, to more serious subjects like “Dealing with Loss” with Vickie Mears, and “I Can’t Hear You” a two-part Lunch and Learn series with Kathryn Grote, there are many interesting courses for seniors and their families to discover.
All Watermark University courses are open to the public, and most of them are free of charge. For more information, call Sarah Albin at The Fountains at Greenbriar, 2100 S. Swope Drive, Independence, MO, at 816-257-5100.
By Adrianne DeWeese
The Examiner
Posted May 08, 2010 @ 12:49 AM
Independence, MO
Several women living at The Fountains at Greenbriar, a retirement community in Independence, were interviewed on their advice for today’s mothers. Though it has been at least 50 years since these women raised their own children, they believe the basics still remain true in 2010.
Peggy Nicoll, 76 Raised three children in Kansas City “Correct them if they need it, but do it lovingly. I think children need discipline, but they need loving discipline. Take them to church! Not only take them to church but also go with them and be there with them.”
Bette Craig, 86 Raised five children in Kansas City, Kan. “Patience is one of the most important things, if not the most important. When you have five children, you have to have a lot of patience. I try not to be angry. If the children are having problems with one another, you have to be fair. You have to be stern, but loving.”
Eleanor Pearson, 91 Raised two children in Raytown “Stay close to your children. Discipline them, and you will be rewarded in the end. Things were very different back then.”
Nellie Miller, 93 Raised two biological children and a stepchild in Kansas City “I feel sorry for people who don’t have children. Be stern. Be strong. You’ve got to carry through with punishment so they know that you mean it. Give them a lot of love.”
Copyright 2010 The Examiner. Some rights reserved
Independence, MO -- The Fountains at Greenbriar is pleased to announce its Watermark University semester course catalog to area seniors. With a curriculum tailored specifically for seniors, Watermark University is a continuing education program designed with interesting topics and activities to keep minds and bodies fit. Courses begin in May.
One Watermark University course, Oil on Canvas Painting, is taught by Fountains at Greenbriar resident Margaret Larsen. This eight-week course allows participants of all levels to express themselves through art. According to Margaret, “anyone can learn to paint.” There is no charge for Session I which runs from 1:00 to 2:30pm every Tuesday in May.
Behind the Scenes is a course taught by prospective resident Glen Paronto. During a four-week session, participants will get ‘the insider scoop’ on musical films from a true movie buff. Each class airs a different show. This class takes place Sundays at 4:00pm on July 18 and Aug. 1, 15, 29.
Bejeweled is a class that will show participants how to create their own accessories – pins, bracelets, earrings, and more – every month from 2:30 to 3:30 pm on May 14, June 11, July 9, & Aug. 6.
Arm Chair Travels is described in the course catalogue as “your passport to new and exciting locations!” Four monthly destinations include the Ozarks (May 11), Peru (June 22), The Bayou State (July 29) and Italy (August 19). Presenters, who include volunteers, associates of The Fountains, and special guests will present travel photos, food and fun facts about each tourist attraction--all to be enjoyed from the comfort of your armchair. Times vary.
Seniors from the greater Kansas City area are encouraged to check out the wide range of courses available through Watermark University. From arts and crafts, games and fitness, to more serious subjects like “Dealing with Loss” with Vickie Mears, and “I Can’t Hear You” a two-part Lunch and Learn series with Kathryn Grote, there are many interesting courses for seniors and their families to discover.
All Watermark University courses are open to the public, and most of them are free of charge. For more information, call Sarah Albin at The Fountains at Greenbriar, 2100 S. Swope Drive, Independence, MO, at 816-257-5100.
Independence, Mo. – It could have easily been mistaken for a segment being filmed for PBS’ popular Antique Road Show. Only the cameras were missing. But nobody seemed to mind that on March 13th when a crowd gathered at The Fountains at Greenbriar, treasures in hand, for a free consultation from Platte City appraiser Mary Ann Brooks.
According to event organizer Erin Ricky, more than 50 participants responded to The Fountains’ invitation to bring up to four antique items for a free, on-the-spot appraisal at the community, located at 2100 S. Swope Drive. After sharing their wares, they enjoyed lunch and tours compliments of The Fountains, which is home to nearly 200 ageless residents--and an untold number of antiques.
According to Brooks, items presented ranged from a plaster replica of Rin Tin Tin, a relic from a boyhood carnival; to a very valuable 200-year-old gold-painted Saint icon made in Russia. One of the most unusual items, she said, was a Swedish coffee server painted to look like burled wood, then finely accented in 24-carat-gold paint applied with a tiny brush.
“Whether or not their items were valuable, they were valuable to them,” said Brooks.
Most valuable of all were the smiles on everyone’s faces as they learned about their family heirlooms and swapped stories. “It’s our goal here at The Fountains to offer interesting events to suit a variety of interests, and to always have fun along the way,” Ricky said.
Independence, Mo. – The University of Central Missouri has awarded Sarah Albin the prestigious Riley H. Pittman Outstanding Student Award for 2010. Albin works full time as community life director for The Fountains at Greenbriar while pursuing her Masters degree in social gerontology from the University of Central Missouri. The Fountains plans to host a reception for Albin to celebrate her award.
Pittman, who taught sociology at the University of Central Missouri from 1957 until his retirement in 1976, started and grew the sociology department, which now offers Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Science in Social Gerontology degrees.
Nominated by faculty, one gerontology student each year is honored for excellence in class-related activities; quality oral and written work; good leadership skills; and a belief that the student will represent UCM well in her/his chosen profession.
“We are so proud of Sarah and not the least bit surprised that she has been so honored by the university,” said Desiree Rogers, executive director for The Fountains at Greenbriar. “We see Sarah apply those same traits in her work here, every day.”
In her work as community life director, Albin helps organize lifelong learning and other resident programs. Future classes and workshops promoting brain and body fitness will be offered through Watermark University at The Fountains at Greenbriar starting May 1.
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.



