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The fountains at Millbrook in the News
Millbrook, NY – If anyone doubts that the space age is really here, one visit to The Fountains at Millbrook, 79 Flint Road, will set the record straight. No, Martians haven’t landed on these 200 bucolic acres. Rather it is here, at this Hudson Valley retirement community, where residents born even before radio was invented are now communicating face to face with friends and relatives across the world via Skype, a free downloadable computer program. More residents are catching on every day, thanks to “Skype is the Limit” classes taught for free at The Fountains at Millbrook through Watermark University.
One Fountains at Millbrook resident, nonagenarian Gloria Rutlin, had never even used a computer before learning how to Skype. Now she routinely Skypes with her granddaughter in the Netherlands.
Gloria’s neighbor, Ann Westney, has scheduled weekly talks with her daughter and adopted granddaughters in Singapore. Her third grade granddaughter even selected her to talk in front of the whole class about what it was like for Ann growing up. Ann is 88 years young.
It’s not only residents of The Fountains who are getting into Skype; members of the staff have caught on too. Carol Wood, RN, for example, talks to her grandchildren in Montana, where all the kids line up in front of the screen to see what grandma has to say. Her baby grandson was so into it he actually hugged the computer and nearly knocked it over.
These are but a few of the amazing stories of how people are embracing space age communications to bridge generations and cultures in the tiny hamlet of Millbrook, NY.
The next Skype is the Limit class will take place at The Fountains at Millbrook in July and August. Registration is now open and non-residents are welcome. In this class, instructor Teressa DelCampo will demonstrate how easy it is to connect with far away loved ones via Skype. There is no charge to attend. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 845-677-8550.
John W. Barry
Poughkeepsie Journal
Michael Poluzzi of the City of Poughkeepsie was not among the estimated 2 billion people worldwide who watched the royal wedding on television Friday.
But he was interested enough in it to listen to news accounts on the radio.
"I like to follow current events," he said.
And as a million people turned out in London to join in the excitement of Kate Middleton and Prince William's wedding, Poluzzi's thoughts turned to the late Princess Diana.
"I think it's just sad that she couldn't be there to see it," a thoughtful Poluzzi said of William's mother, who died at age 36 in a 1997 Paris car crash.
Middleton married William in a union that promised to revitalize the British monarchy. And bleary-eyed Americans woke beforedawn to watch the ceremony:
• Hundreds of people, some of them waving small British flags and wearing fancy hats, watched the wedding on the massive screen overlooking New York's Times Square.
• A big cheer went up at Walt Disney World's party in Orlando when Middleton emerged from her limousine and took her father's arm. Hundreds of guests were invited to wear prince and princess attire and watch in the park's Wedding Pavilion with a view of Cinderella's castle.
• About 220 miles above Earth, U.S. astronaut Catherine Coleman made sure NASA broadcast the television coverage of the royal wedding live to the space station, where the crew watched it.
Fond memories
In Dutchess County, Jenifer Thuell, a British native who lives at The Fountains at Millbrook retirement community in Millbrook , watched six hours of royal wedding coverage — starting at 3 a.m. London is five hours ahead of New York.
"It was wonderful," Thuell said. "I thought it was very, very good. It had lots of traditional aspects to it. The British, and I think many people in the world, enjoy that traditional ceremony — pomp and ceremony — which somehow gives some continuity in this rapidly changing world."
Thuell, who is 83, listened on the radio in 1947 to the wedding of then-Princess Elizabeth, who had fallen in love with Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. Queen Elizabeth II is William's grandmother.
Thuell called Middleton "a very beautiful person. But she's a very sensitive and people-oriented person."
Not everyone was interested in the royal nuptials.
"It's still just a wedding," said Ben Washington of the City of Poughkeepsie.
But Selina van der Geest of Stanfordville, who was born in England, awoke early Friday to watch.
"I sat in bed with a cup of tea at 4 a.m.," said van der Geest.
"I called to the family back in England. I am very proud. Everybody is excited. It's creating a lot of excitement and pride in the British people and, I think, everybody actually."
Like Poluzzi, van der Geest referenced the death of Diana and spoke of its impact on William and his brother and best man, Prince Harry.
"I think, after what the boys have been through, this is wonderful for him to have found such a great wife," she said. "And her family seems so normal and nice."
Leora Armstrong of Stanfordville, who also was born in England, awoke at 5 a.m. and watched parts of the wedding.
"I thought it was just an incredibly moving experience," Armstrong said. "I think that getting married is an amazing experience, and to do it with the world watching must be extraordinary."
About Middleton, Armstrong said: "She's gorgeous. She's elegant. She carries herself well. I think she's a stunning woman. She looked fabulous."
Millbrook resident Keith Wintenberg explained, “I went to sea in 1939 in the Merchant Marine. I was on a ship when Pearl Harbor came a long, and I stayed on a ship during all of World War II, until 1986—47 years,” he said. He retired as a chief engineer with Exxon.
“It was an enjoyable occupation, except you had to be away from home. You served for two months and went home for two months,” he said.
Once, after surviving a storm at sea with 80-foot waves, he explained, his captain reported in the ship’s log only that “it was a boisterous day.”
One of the life lessons Wintenberg learned during his years in service is: “Panic is a great motivator.”
When Wintenberg was a chief engineer, he met Ed Fellows, the Poughkeepsie-born captain of the ship on which he served. They worked together until they retired. The good friends and colleagues are now also neighbors at The Fountains at Millbrook.
Millbrook, NY. – The International Council on Active Aging has designated September 20-26th as Active Aging Week. As a proud member of that organization, The Fountains at Millbrook employs practices that “change the way we age” for the better, every day of the year. The Fountains at Millbrook invites the public to attend these upcoming events in celebration of active aging:
- Monday, Sept. 20th - Join Watermark University’s first in a series of Meditation classes by instructor Mary Borrelli at 11:00pm. Mary, who serves as community life assistant for The Fountains at Millbrook, also leads a class called Brain Games at 2:00pm. Attend either or both classes to get the neurons firing. For more information call Teressa DelCampo at 845-677-8550.
- Tuesday, September 21st - Join civic-minded Fountains residents when they travel to Poughkeepsie to attend the Dutchess County Office for the Aging Open Forum on serving seniors better. The open meeting takes place at 11:00am in the Tri-Town Senior Friendship Center at the American Legion Hall, 1302 Overlook Road, Poughkeepsie. For more information, call the Office for the Aging at 845-486-2555.
- Friday, Sept. 24th – Departing at 10:00am, Deb Slocum, Executive Director, will lead residents and guests on a walking tour of Wethersfield Gardens, 214 Pugsley Hill Road in Amenia, NY. They will tour the Carriage House and enjoy a picnic in the gardens. To join the tour, call Wethersfield Gardens at 845-373-8037.
September 1, 2010, Millbrook, NY – Barrett Art Center’s monthly Artist’s Salon series at The Fountains at Millbrook continues September 23rd at 2:00pm when Christine Owen presents her ceramic sculptures and talks about her work with The Bridge Club. The event is free and open to the public, space permitting. Guests may reserve a seat by calling Teressa at 845-677-8550.
Born and raised in Dutchess County, Owen is a practicing ceramic artist and a founding member of the performance art group, The Bridge Club. Trained as a traditional Japanese potter’s apprentice in Wakayama, Japan, Christine also holds a BFA in ceramics from SUNY New Paltz and an MFA in ceramics from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is currently an instructor at Dutchess Community College and maintains a studio in Warren, CT.
Owen’s ceramic work references a variety of domestic tools such as funnels and graters that speak of function, except in her case the function is not literal but metaphorical.
After her presentation, guests are invited to stay for casual conversation with the artist. Wine and refreshments will be served, compliments of The Fountains at Millbrook.The Artist Salon is offered in collaboration with the Barrett Art Center and will feature an ongoing series of artists from Barrett and the local community.
Hudson Valley artist and art educator Ellen Metger O'Shea will present slides and discuss different elements of her work July 22.
She studied with Hudson Valley painter Alex Martin, New York's Stuart Diamond and Philadelphia's Tim Hawkesworth. Her work has evolved from landscape oil painting to printmaking and mixed media collage.
The event is open to the public with advance reservations. Call 845-677-8550 or 845-605-4673 by July 20. The next Fountains Artist Salon is scheduled for Sept. 23.
Joan Weisman, a resident of The Fountains at Millbrook, has announced the publication of her latest book, "William in America," with drawings by Sarah Chamberlin Scott.
"William in America" is Weisman's fifth book for young people. The paperback middle reader (ages 10 to 13) sells for $9.95 and is available at Merritt Bookstore, Amazon.com and Pea Pod Press.
According to Weisman, 89, "William in America" is a piece of historical fiction. The story begins to unfold in 1935, when a small group of Jewish children are rescued from Nazi Germany and brought to an orphanage in New York. The boy in Weisman's story, Wilhelm, changes his name to William when he is placed with a Michigan family.
In the story, William struggles to become part of his new family in America while his letters to his own parents go unanswered. He is distracted from his worries by learning to play baseball with his foster brother, Bernie.
The author and her husband, Arthur, lived in Michigan before they came to Millbrook.
Millbrook, NY – 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 The Fountains at Millbrook, a popular Hudson Valley retirement community, are shifting the focus of the holiday to what lasting gifts fathers can pass on to future generations.
Staff of The Fountains at Millbrook, 79 Flint Road, recently sat down with eight dads in residence to ask their opinions about fatherhood. Following is their advice for young fathers today.
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“Give them lots of love, some discipline and patience. Don’t give them too much; have them earn it. – Alex Strem, raised one daughter in Austria and New York |
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“There has to be a husband and wife commitment to raise a family. Fathers should get involved in their children’s activities, like homework. If you commute to work, stick to a schedule.” – Gary Hansen raised two children in Suffern, NY [Gary is currently the President of the Fountains at Millbrook Resident Association] |
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“Be patient. Do everything to love your children. When they grow up, they will respect you.” – Louie Serenate, raised two daughters in Rochester, NY. [Recently crowned King of the Celebration of Aging, sponsored by the Office for the Aging.] |
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“[Fathers should be able to look back and say:] We taught you the right way to live, now you go and do it.” – Erwin Kraft, raised four children in Mahopac, NY |
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“Be respectful. Listen. Don’t be too overbearing. Set high standards – according to age. Teach respect toward others. Teach good manners. Take responsibility for proven wrongs. Try not to criticize wearing apparels. Value their opinions and judgments. Point out the value of money, and if they desire something of value, they should earn it. Make certain they are aware of past history and patriotic values. Guide them in educational values. Encourage their dreams if possible. Include religious beliefs or observances.” – Ray Anderson, raised one child in Carmel, NY |
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“Teach [your children that] with every right there is a responsibility. “ – Keith Wintenberg, raised four children in Waverly, NY |
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“Be calm and think about what you want to say before you say it.” – John Debell, raised three children on Long Island, NY |
Millbrook, NY – The Fountains at Millbrook, 79 Flint Rd., will host its inaugural Artist Salon at 3pm on July 22. The Fountains Artist Salons are community events offered in collaboration with the Barrett Art Center and will feature an ongoing series of Hudson Valley artists.
According to Christine Owen, salon coordinator for Barrett, the Artist Salon format differs from an art exhibit, in that its purpose is to provide a venue for the community to gain knowledge about the artist. The format usually includes a reading or visual presentation by the artist with a question and answer period to follow.
At the July 22 salon, Hudson Valley artist and art educator Ellen Metger Oshea will present slides and discuss different elements of her work.
Having studied with Hudson Valley painter Alex Martin, New York City’s Stuart Diamond and Philadelphia’s Tim Hawkesworth, O’Shea has evolved from academic landscape oil painting to printmaking and mixed media collage works. Her most recent work is inspired by the landscape and developed to express the feeling of place through exquisite compositions and brushwork.
Salon space is limited. Reserve a seat by calling The Fountains at 1-845-605-4673 by July 20th.
Book signing event to be held June 29
Millbrook, NY - Joan Weisman, a resident of the Fountains at Millbrook, 79 Flint Rd., has announced the publication of her latest book, William in America, with drawings by Sarah Chamberlin Scott. William in America is Joan Weisman’s fifth book for young people. The paperback middle reader (ages 10 to 13) sells for $9.95 and is available from Merritt Bookstore, Amazon. Com and Pea Pod Press.
According to Weisman, 89, William in America is a piece of historical fiction. The story begins to unfold in 1935, when a small group of Jewish children are rescued from Nazi Germany and brought to an orphanage in New York. The boy in Weisman’s story, Wilhelm, changes his name to William when he is placed with a Michigan family.
In the story, William struggles to become part of his new family in America while his letters to his own parents go unanswered. He is distracted from his worries by learning to play baseball with his foster brother, Bernie. The story includes the non-fictitious character, Detroit first baseman Hank Greenberg, and includes actual facts about the great slugger during his years with the Detroit Tigers.
“I have always loved children and their books. As a teen baby sitter, as a Head Start teacher, and now as a grandparent, it has always been my joy to tell stories and to read to children. For me to want to write to children was a natural,” Weisman said. The author and her husband, Arthur, lived in Michigan before they came to Millbrook.
Weisman was a featured writer at the Millbrook Book festival in May. She will be featured at a book signing event on Tuesday, June 29th at 3:30 PM in the Fountains auditorium. Fountains residents and children from the local area are invited to hear the author read excerpts from her book. Copies of William in America and other books by Weisman will be available for purchase, and the author will be available to autograph copies. For reservations, call The Fountains at Millbrook at 845-677-8550.
Her sage advice to young moms was "Keep a steady routine and consistency. In our home everyone ate dinner around the dining room table and that is where the children learned to love each other and to lean on each other.”
Six Senior Women at The Fountains at Millbrook
Offer Words of Wisdom
Millbrook, NY, April 21, 2010 – Six local moms with years and years of experience are among 150+ mothers nationwide who 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, Millbrook resident Alma Corcoran, who raised nine children in Poughkeepsie, advises: “Keep a steady routine and consistency. [In our home] everyone ate dinner around the dining room table and that is where the children learned to love each other and to lean on each other.”
Other local mothers’ advice includes:
“Be there to give comfort, guidance, encouragement and stability.Family is much more than a word – it’s a feeling of warmth and love that neither time nor distance can diminish.” -Dorothy Visca, raised 3 children in NYC, S. Carolina and Westchester County.
“Teach them to have respect for others; that is the most important thing.” -Mary Gannon, raised one son in Colorado.
“Save for the baby prior to having it, for the child’s education. Stay healthy! Be sure to spend lots of time with them.” - Vera McCormick, raised 2 children in Long Island, NY.
“Take care of the baby with warmth, love, and devotion. Teach good manners, respect, & read to them. Don’t forget your husband! And keep them away from computers!” -Constance Alvarez, raised three children in Brooklyn and Bronxville, NY.
“Enjoy your children. Include them in EVERYTHING. Let them know they are important. Read to them.” -Mable Mihaly, raised 3 children in Ohio and during summers in Virginia.
All six of the local senior mom experts interviewed for this project reside at The Fountains at Millbrook, the full-service retirement community located at 79 Flint Rd.
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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