blog post by Jena Necrason, Resident Program Coordinator (pictured above)
Twenty Wake Robin residents enjoyed a three-day trip to Boston on October 16-October 18. The fall foliage made for a scenic ride from Shelburne to this beautiful and historic city. We boarded our coach bus Monday morning and by early afternoon we were experiencing the thrilling art and rich history of Beantown. Half of our group ventured into Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market to take in the sites and eat lunch. The other half spent the afternoon in the immersive experience of the famed Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, enjoying art, flowers and plants, textiles, furniture, and architecture.
That evening we were welcomed to the place “where everybody knows your name” eating dinner at the original Cheers restaurant in Beacon Hill, which inspired the TV show. A busy first day, we all collapsed at our hotel in Bunker Hill for a good night of rest!
Day two started with a ‘Windshield Tour’ of the city with an energetic and knowledgeable guide named Debbie. We saw many of the city’s most important historic sites such as the Old Granary Burial Ground, Paul Revere’s House and Trinity Church just to name a few. We enjoyed the gorgeous architecture, and how each neighborhood had its own distinct history reflected in every detail of the buildings. Our tour ended in The Old North End where we selected traditional Italian restaurants to dine in for lunch. Everyone raved about their homemade pasta’s and wood-fired pizza’s as we boarded the bus for our afternoon excursions. A small group went on a tour of Fenway Park, seeing the in’s an out’s of how the stadium works from the bottom all the way to the very top. Others spent the afternoon at Boston’s gorgeous Museum of Fine Arts, losing themselves in the museum’s 450,000 works of art. Next was dinner at the Union Oyster House where a raucous and delicious time was had by all. Did you know that the Oyster House has been running continuously since 1826?
Our third and final day brought us to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The museum’s comprehensive exhibits were highly educational and deeply inspirational. We all boarded the bus moved by his legacy of political action and public service based on courage, service, inclusion, and innovation.
Our ride home, helmed by our fantastic coach driver Hugo, was filled with laughter and chatter and a few naps here and there! We arrived home at Wake Robin just in time for dinner.
ICAA’s goals are to change society’s perceptions of aging and improve the quality of life for older adults. The organizations that were considered for this award were judged based on their excellence in making a positive difference in the lives of older adults in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way.
Day one included a visit to the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake. There, participants were able to see historically significant treasures from boats and horse-drawn coaches and sleighs to an original Adirondack steamer with its rustic seating for summer transport. Dozens of authentic exhibits demonstrated the stark contrast of those who struggled to live in the wilderness verses the comfort of life those who used the Adirondacks as their seasonal playground experienced.
Great Camp Sagamore offered residents a chance to step back in time, enjoy nature, and relax in a rustic and comfortable setting. The century old cabins, named after Vanderbilt children; George, Gloria, and Alfred, as well as the large chalet style lodge “Wigwam” held gorgeous stone fireplaces and woodwork inside making for a cozy overnight after a private tour of the camp, tasty dinner, and lively concert featuring local folk musicians and story tellers. The following day started out beautifully as some canoed, hiked or just relaxed in lakeside Adirondack chairs after a hearty breakfast and an optional morning meditation. It was quite a feeling to be taking in the same sights and comforts as celebrities like Cary Grant, Jean Tierney and Howard Hughes all of whom frequented the property to escape the Hollywood rat race. Imagine sitting in the room where Hoagie Carmichel wrote Stardust. We did.
The personalized trip didn’t end at Sagamore though. The Wild Center, an Adirondack natural history museum, was the focus of day two. The group enjoyed dozens of exhibits on display to the public, but especially enjoyed the behind-the-scenes tour arranged just for Wake Robiners. Led by staff wildlife biologists, groups from Wake Robin were taken behind locked doors to experience day-to-day operations including animal care. Although intimidating, the resident porcupine was quiet and unthreatening – as were a bevy of native snakes, owls, hawks, and the museum’s grand dame – Skitters – a 14-year old otter.
Coming home through Saranac Lake and Lake Placid was a perfect way to see peak color and the high peaks did not disappoint – deep reds, bright oranges, yellow, and just enough green to let us know what a treat we were seeing. The ferry ride across Lake Champlain was smooth as silk and the Green Mountains, although largely still green, were a welcomed sight for this bleary eyed group of adventurers. Back in time for dinner at Wake Robin and a good night’s sleep. Where to next?
On October 24th, Wake Robin celebrated Food Day. Food Day is a nationwide initiative that focuses on local, affordable and sustainable food. Some of the festivities included visits from local farms; Shelburne Farms came and spoke about cheese making, as well as the importance of their educational programs. Bella Farms discussed organic farming and their Wake Robin CSA. Staff also contributed dishes in a food competition in which 50% of the ingredients had to be locally sourced.
Premier Therapy hosted an Aquatics Demo at the Wake Robin pool to promote the benefits of Aquatic Therapy. Alyson addressed the group describing how the buoyancy of water decreases pressure on joints and spine. Water also supports and assists movement – which Alyson and Courtney expertly displayed; giving examples of exercises that residents may see during the weekly Aquatics classes offered at Wake Robin. Aqua walking/running can produce cardiovascular results with less impact on the joints! Thank you to Premier Therapy for illuminating us on the benefits of Aquatic Therapy and Exercise!
Wake Robin is pleased to welcome Premier Therapy Services to the community! The new therapy staff bring an exciting new set of skills and expertise to the campus. They are already offering services such as Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy along with expanded exercise groups and new programs focusing on maintaining health and well-being. Great things are already happening in the community!
Yesterday, Wake Robin hosted an open house to give the community an opportunity to meet our new President & CEO, Patrick McKee. Patrick shared some impressions from his first few weeks during a recent Cup of Conversation: “All of my initial interactions have taken place within a starting point of mutual respect both with residents and staff. The history here of active involvement within a dynamic community is evident and continuing. There is work being done that makes the community a national leader. The commitment to healthy and local food is just one example. The professionalism and commitment of the staff is immediately evident. The great level of caring shown in health services is clear as is the high level of skill. It is difficult to single out a department because this seems to be the standard throughout Wake Robin.”