Celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, National Grandparents Day was originally created in 1970 to encourage young people to set aside a day to visit with their elderly relatives. Today, grandparents and even great-grandparents who live at The Watermark at Logan Square say they're often the ones with the energy and time to reach out first. Some use technology to establish, develop and maintain those special relationships and bridge the distances within their mobile extended families. As the occasion approaches on September 9, 2012, seniors in this retirement community in Center City Philadelphia share some of their proven tips for connecting with the special loves of their lives, their children's children... and their kids too.
Leila Frankford is a dedicated ceramicist who loved the process so much, she once sneaked the installation of high-powered professional potter's kiln into the basement of her family's Main Line home --- surprising her husband, who had underestimated both her resolve and talent. Now one of the art-making residents of The Watermark at Logan Square, the continuing care retirement community in Center City, Frankford joins a select group whose exceptional creativity has earned them a spot in a national art competition. Their original artwork has won local recognition and has been submitted for the 2013 Expressions Art Calendar contest, which will feature works from 27 Watermark communities around the United States.
Media as diverse as sculpture, photography, oil and watercolor painting, fiber art and jewelry design illustrate the creative vitality within The Watermark at Logan Square community. Living in the museum district of Philadelphia, Watermark residents discover that inspiration is literally just outside the door, with the new Barnes Museum and the reopened Rodin Museum bringing the treasures of Europe within blocks and respected art schools in walking distance.
Representing The Watermark at Logan Square for 2012 are Leila Frankford, Gil Karash, Phyllis Oram, Fran Schatz and Thelma Segal. Whether composing in the camera lens or seated before a canvas, these artists embody the philosophy of Watermark Retirement Communities: to express themselves and to continuously learn and grow as individuals.
The local winners were chosen in May by a panel of jurors who surveyed a temporary gallery of works submitted by residents. As an example of the vitality of the art community at The Watermark, two of the paintings displayed were works-in-progress that were literally not even dry, yet the artist was eager to present updates on his creative output. As expected, some of the 2012 recognized artists have spent a lifetime in the studio. Yet others had connected with their creative talents primarily as hobbies or discovered their interests later in life. Here are some of their stories:
Leila Frankford
Leila Frankford unexpectedly discovered her talent for creating glazed ceramics while joining friends to take night classes offered at the Main Line Art Center while she was a Wynnewood mom raising two children. She started by painting and firing the pre-made casts at the Art Center but quickly progressed to making original art and firing it in a kiln she had installed in her home. Over the years, her work has included functional vessels like Passover plates and a serving dish embellished with gold leaf. The figure of "The Rabbi", which is submitted to the Expressions art contest, was created in a multi-step process that began by sculpting in clay, forming the figure's contemplative pose. The 7" tall piece was then cast and carefully painted and glazed in a color palate inspired by the fine Spanish collectibles of Lladro.
Gil Karash
Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Gil Karash practiced dentistry for 56 years in suburban Philadelphia and formerly was a resident of Lower Merion. An active man, Karash has many hobbies "but photography tops them all," said Dr. Karash. "I enjoy taking pictures on traveling vacations, of my family, different scenes and anything that strikes my eye. Most recently, I've begun experimenting with forms, colors, impressions and abstractions." His photography has been referred to the Expressions contest several times since he became a resident of The Watermark. Dr. Karsh's 2012 submission is an untitled photograph of a rustic marshland. Dr. Karash prefers to leave his compositions untitled so the viewer can decide for themselves what it means to them.
Phyllis Oram
Phyllis Oram is a new resident of The Watermark at Logan Square, having relocated from Scranton, PA just weeks before the art contest for 2012. Oram earned a Bachelor of Art degree at George Washington University in her hometown of Washington D.C., back when the university's painting classes were taught at the District's august Corcoran Gallery of Art. As the wife of a busy family doctor in Scranton, and mother to two daughters, she had set painting aside for many years, but eventually went back to the easel for her creative pleasure. She is very interested in returning to active art-making as she becomes settled in her new life in Center City Philadelphia. She has already joined the Philadelphia Museum of Art and has begun exploring the art in the vicinity of her new home. Oram submitted two landscape pictures for the show. The oil painting selected for the Expressions contest is called "Continental Divide" and depicts a deeply shaded mountain forest and is based on a setting she saw on a tour of the West.
Fran Schatz
Widely admired in South Jersey for her creativity as a retail interior designer for 25 years, Fran Schatz is a life-long professional fine artist. A native of Brooklyn, NY, she obtained her first art degree at Brooklyn College - City University of New York. She continued her studies and earned a Masters in Education from the famed Tyler School of Art at Temple University and taught art in elementary schools in the school districts of Philadelphia and Moorestown, NJ. Her art has appeared in numerous shows including the Perkins Art Center of New Jersey, the Wayne Art Center, and hospital shows at Bryn Mawr Rehab, Moss Rehab and Princeton Hospital. Schatz is still studying art at Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia and has expanded her media beyond painting to include fiber art. Her watercolor that has been commended to the Expressions contest is entitled "New Found Lake, NH" and was painted in the open air three years ago.
Thelma Segal
Thelma Segal's paintings are continuously recognized for their excellence and have been commended to the nationwide Expressions contest many times. A native of Philadelphia, Segal lived and worked in Europe during a career at The American Friends Service Committee, where she served in the United States and abroad for nearly thirty years. Upon retirement she was admitted to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts where she majored in painting. She has also studied at the Barnes Foundation, the Fleisher Art Memorial and the Woodmere Art Museum. Segal has been granted awards by The Plastic Club --- Philadelphia's historic art club for women, of which she is a member --- as well as by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, The Main Line Chamber of Commerce and numerous watercolor society events. Her paintings have been shown in many group exhibitions, galleries and solo shows and are included in a number of private collections. The watercolor selected for this year's Expressions contest is entitled "Parrots & Magnolias, After a Stained Glass by Tiffany".
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Personal Care apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
HAHNEMANN PHYSICIANS LAUNCH NEW FREE LUNCH & LEARN SERIES ON MATURING HEALTH
AT THE WATERMARK AT LOGAN SQUARE
* Tuesday, August 14 - Your Aging Brain
* Tuesday, October 16 - Cancer Detection & Prevention
* Tuesday, December 4 - Your Aging Belly
Philadelphia, PA (July 12, 2012) - "Maturing Health: Concerns, Detection and Prevention" is a new, free Lunch & Learn medical series starting August 14, 2012 at The Watermark at Logan Square, the continuing care retirement community in Center City. The presentations will draw upon the expertise of internists from University Primary Care at Hahnemann, which recently opened a practice in the Watermark building. This bi-monthly series will give seniors access to the latest approaches to health and wellness in eldercare.
Tuesday, August 14 at 11:30 a.m., a panel of doctors comprised of Howard Brooks D.O., Arpita Mukherjee M.D and Kia West M.D. will co-present "Your Aging Brain," sharing the latest treatments for memory loss, ambulatory problems, stroke and disturbed sleep. Ngozi Ude-Oshiyoye M.D. will join doctors West and Brooks for two more talks scheduled for the fall. "Cancer Detection and Prevention" will be the topic on Tuesday, October 16. On Tuesday, December 4, the physicians will address what is happening inside "Your Aging Belly," covering a broad range of topics associated with treating the mature digestive system, gastro-intestinal distress, malnutrition and constipation. There is limited seating for these special talks, which are open to the public. Lunch and Learn presentations begin at 11:30 a.m. Advance reservations are required for admission.
Jennifer Tapner RN, Executive Director of The Watermark at Logan Square, is delighted to forge a new partnership with University Primary Care at Hahnemann. "These are not only very knowledgeable doctors, but also they're exceptionally approachable," said Tapner. "Since a doctor's time is so valuable, this is a relaxed opportunity to tap their wisdom on very important topics that concern every single individual as we mature. We're proud to be able to offer this wonderful series of talks to the whole community."
Seating is limited and advance registration is required. This free special medical series will be accompanied by a light buffet lunch. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Personal Care apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
MOVING, MEDICINE AND BENEFITS FOR WARTIME VETERANS:
THREE LUNCH & LEARN PRESENTATIONS IN AUGUST
AT THE WATERMARK AT LOGAN SQUARE
* Wednesday, August 8 - Making Moving Manageable
*Tuesday, August 14 - Your Aging Brain
* Tuesday, August 21 - VA Aid and Attendance Benefits
The Watermark at Logan Square, the continuing care retirement community in Center City, gives seniors access to a variety of experts on home, health and veterans benefits at three compelling Lunch & Learn presentations in August.
"Making Moving Manageable" is the Lunch & Learn topic on Wednesday, August 8 at 11:30 a.m. David L. Reibstein of HOMARC, a relocation company that focuses exclusively on senior services, provides sound advice on selling the longtime family home. He'll share practical tips for professionally staging the house to make it stand out in a crowded market and strategies for what to keep, donate and how to pack. His goal is to help attendees make a plan so they resettle with minimal stress.
Tuesday, August 14 at 11:30 a.m., a panel of doctors comprised of Howard Brooks D.O., Kia West M.D., and Arpita Mukherjee M.D. will co-present "Your Aging Brain," sharing the latest approaches to addressing memory loss, ambulatory problems, stroke and disturbed sleep. This discussion is the first of a new medical series called "Maturing Health: Concerns, Detection and Prevention" and draws upon the expertise of internists from University Primary Care at Hahnemann.
Finally, on Tuesday, August 21 at 11:30, wartime service veterans and their surviving spouses will receive valuable information about the little-known "VA Aid and Attendance Benefits." Scott Ferguson, a Chartered Federal Employee Counselor for government entitlement programs, will explain this tax free pension benefit that provides funds for non-reimbursed medical expenses. He will detail how former service members and their surviving spouses can determine if they qualify for and claim this benefit, and the importance of incorporating this benefit into an overall financial plan. "Aid and Attendance" specifically benefits those who served during wartime, whether they were on the front lines or stateside.
Seating is limited and advance registration is required for all Lunch and Learns. This free series will be accompanied by a light buffet lunch. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Personal Care apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
"Etty," a powerful first-person Holocaust story based on diaries and letters of a young woman who perished in Auschwitz in 1943, was experienced by a rapt audience of residents of The Watermark at Logan Square on July 2, 2012. Performed by Princeton-based actress/writer Susan Stein, the one-woman show draws all of its words from the personal writings of Etty Hillesum, a young Jewish intellectual from Amsterdam who heard the unimaginable on a BBC radio broadcast --- that the Nazi ethnic cleansing campaign was actually an extermination machine. Stein is touring internationally with this affecting theater piece that she was inspired to create after picking up a book about Hillesum by chance at a yard sale. "Etty" was directed by the esteemed Broadway theater director Austin Pendleton.
Performances of "Etty" raise money for a foundation that supports sharing the messages left behind in Etty's words, insights and convictions, which reach out from the Holocaust and allow contemporary audiences to see the power of hope and individual thought in the most extreme circumstances.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Personal Care apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
The Watermark at Logan Square, the retirement community in Center City Philadelphia, offers opportunities for seniors to plan their lives wisely at two free Lunch & Learn programs in July. One program focuses on moving to smaller quarters and the other is ideal for those concerned about their retirement investments.
Marlene Stocks from Senior Transition Services of Huntingdon Valley presents her popular tips and strategies for de-cluttering on Wednesday, July 11 at 11:30 a.m. "The 4 P's of Downsizing: Process, Pills, Paperwork & Pictures" focuses on managing common items that tend to accumulate. "People often get overwhelmed and they literally don't know where to begin," explains Stocks, whose business guides families in the process of relocating from larger homes to smaller residences. "I present a manageable, step-by-step process for starting early, keeping it simple and tackling small tasks first. I'll show attendees how to keep the big picture in mind while focusing on attainable tasks that show progress and make them feel successful. When people have tried it, they get so excited about losing the burdensome clutter, they often tell me they don't know why they didn't start sooner!"
"Taking Control in Turbulent Times: An Economic Update & Game Plans for Success" is the topic of the Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, July 24 at 11:30 a.m. Henry B. Bennett, LUTCF, a financial services professional for New York Life, provides an up-to-date overview on the economic events impacting retirement investments. He'll provide perspective on what's changing and reasons seniors may need to reassess their financial strategies and choices.
Both Lunch & Learn programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Personal Care apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
Many seniors delay financial planning or writing a will because they find the options and the financial and legal language confusing. But now, Philadelphia area retirees have access to free information and professional guidance on these important matters that will be helpful at two Lunch & Learn programs in June at The Watermark at Logan Square, the continuing care retirement community in Center City.
"How Can You Afford The Cost of Long Term Care?" is the Lunch & Learn program on Thursday, June 7 at 11:30 a.m., with guest speaker Michael L. Mastroieni, Vice-President of Senior Supportive Services. He will help attendees sort out the differences between private pay programs, VA benefits, long term care insurance and some newer alternatives designed stretch the nest egg to last a lifetime.
A primer on "Wills and Estate Planning" is the Lunch & Learn on Wednesday June 20 at 11:30 a.m. "In the United States, over 60% of people pass on without drafting a legal will," explains presenter Austin Freundlich, an estate attorney at Freundlich and Littman, LLC. "Often people assume that their affairs will automatically be handled in an appropriate way. Usually they don't realize how the lack of a will impacts their survivors and may not reflect any of their own wishes."
Freundlich shared five key points that will help individuals who are brand new to estate planning.
1. Learn the difference between a will and a trust. Then determine if you need both. A will is concerned with the transfer of property. A trust allows the estate to administer money to specific beneficiaries in a specific way, for example arranging for money to be distributed gradually to loved one or a charity.
2. Name an executor in your will --- an individual you can trust to insure that last wishes are carried out. When there's no executor, the court will appoint an administrator who is entitled to be paid a percentage of the assets. "Inherited money tears many families apart," explains Freundlich, "and sometimes the logical administrator selected by the court may feel like an uncomfortable choice to other survivors."
3. Know both your assets and your liabilities. Be clear about where your money comes from and what insurance programs you have in place. It's also key to know what you owe --- like mortgage obligations --- and to designate how your estate will pay off those debts.
4. Prepare additional documents known as Powers of Attorney and Advanced Medical Directives. These papers also provide important legal information to carry out one's wishes, but these are separate documents and not covered by a will.
5. Make a specific plan for where your will is kept and who knows where it is. Keep in mind that an unsigned will does not protect your assets or your plans. A signed letter expressing your wishes is not a legal document and may be challenged in court.
Both Lunch & Learn programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Personal Care apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
The Summer semester of Watermark University opens the worlds of brain and body fitness, with fun classes that energize seniors in such as activities as stretching and Wii bowling, foreign languages and book clubs. Held at The Watermark at Logan Square in Center City, Watermark University provides an exciting menu of over twenty-five programs designed to enrich the senior mind, body and spirit. Most courses are open to the public and free of charge. Whether it's a one-time class or an ongoing series, the opportunities are endless. All area seniors with class ideas are encouraged to contact The Watermark at Logan Square at 215-240-8915.
Several participants shared their response to taking Watermark University classes, demonstrating the many ways active seniors thrive when they exercise, energize and socialize in Watermark University programs. Here's what Suzanne Isaacs and Edith Freeman, both residents of The Watermark, had to say.
"My favorite Watermark University Class is Wii Bowling because I like to socialize with my team mates," said resident Suzanne Isaacs. "I like the rush I get when I try to get strikes or knock down the spares. It's a great way to meet new people and continue my fitness regimen. It gives me energy."
According to resident Edith Freeman, "My favorite Watermark University class is current events. We discuss the daily issues in the local papers, as well as the global issues. It offers a stimulating conversation and I enjoy socializing as well."
Watermark University provides both residents and associates the opportunity to take or teach brain and body fitness classes on subjects they are passionate about. Georgia Andreadis, an associate who serves as the Hospitality Manager, has taught a jewelry making class. She recalled, "While teaching, I was surprised at the level and depth of conversation our class fostered. The residents and associates opened up about memories of their youth and fond recollections about family members. And at the end of each class, they had each created a small token of their bonding session."
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Personal Care apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
The wisdom of mothers is in ample supply 365 days of the year at The Watermark at Logan Square, a Center City continuing care retirement community, but it's never more poignant than at this time of year when mothers are celebrated. With the approach of Mother's Day 2012 on May 13, several mothers shared heartfelt advice, learned "on the job" in the most important work of humankind.
Below are words of wisdom that all generations of mothers can follow:
• "It's important to be a good listener, not judgmental. Don't expect them to be you."
Resident Charlotte Harris, who raised two sons and one daughter, has lived around the world, from Levittown, PA to Augsburg, Germany and Baltimore. Charlotte puts a priority on respecting the individual experiences that formed each of her adult children.
• "The best gift you can give your children is you."
It was marriage that brought Bronx, NY native Arline Schwarzman to Philadelphia, where she raised a household of sons in suburban Philadelphia. This resident of the Watermark at Logan Square hopes new mothers recognize that material things mean less to children than some may think.
• "The greatest gift a mother can give is love. There is no love like a mother's love. After losing your own mother, it pushes you to not only love your children unconditionally, but leave them with an everlasting memory of that love that you gave."
Evelyn Trader, a Dining Associate at the Watermark at Logan Square, has raised three sons in West Philadelphia. Her beliefs were inspired by her own mother and she thinks a great deal about imprinting her children with lasting, happy memories.
• "Remain optimistic and take time to listen to your children and to celebrate moments together."
Jennifer Tapner R.N., Executive Director of The Watermark at Logan Square, says she taps the treasure trove of experience in her community every day, and applies it at home as the mother of a young adult daughter and son.
"I have the greatest teachers in the world around me, every day" said Tapner. "It's a magnificent community of sharing here."
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Personal Care apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
FIVE PRACTICAL TIPS TO PREPARE THE NEST EGG
TO SUPPORT A COMFORTABLE LONG TERM LIFESTYLE
Senior Finance is the Focus of Two Free Lunch & Learn Programs at The Watermark at Logan Square
* Tuesday, May 8 - How to Survive Financially in These Turbulent Times
* Thursday, May 17 - Guaranteeing a Paycheck for Life
Those facing retirement often struggle maintaining the lifestyle of their choice while preserving their nest egg. In May, professional guidance is available at two free Lunch & Learn programs at The Watermark at Logan Square, the continuing care retirement community in Center City. On Tuesday, May 8 the presentation is entitled "How to Survive Financially in These Turbulent Times" and on Thursday, May 17 the focus is "Guaranteeing a Paycheck for Life."
"How to Survive Financially in These Turbulent Times" is a Lunch & Learn program on Tuesday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m., with guest speaker Michael L. Mastroieni, Vice-President of Senior Supportive Services, a practice that specializes in the finances of older adults. Mastroieni will share strategies to take the volatility out of the retirement portfolio, explaining: "We've actually seen the emotional stress caused by stock fluctuations create health problems for our clients. So we educate people on ways to structure their assets so that the market losses have minimal impact on their lifestyle and wellbeing."
Here are five practical tips Michael Mastroieni uses to help retirees create a sound financial plan suitable for their lifestyle:
1) Identify your main objectives for your retirement years. Travel? Pursue hobbies? Work part-time? Life planning is important. Many seniors now live well into their 90s and past 100 years of age. By establishing your own goals, you can more easily rethink your portfolio to help support these goals.
2) Create a budget based on spending habits. It is relevant to learn how you are currently handling income. Most couples have one partner solely responsible for the bills. Both partners need to know how income is being generated as well as their monthly cost of living expenses.
3) Envision your future living arrangements. Where do you see yourself living over the next five years? Giving thought to your future requires evaluating your current health issues. Would you prefer to age in place or move to a retirement community? This is a major decision, both financially and emotionally.
4) Review all your assets. This includes --- but is not limited to --- investments, savings, life insurance, annuities, equity in your home, savings bonds, and long term care insurance. In these turbulent times, it is most important to readdress your needs versus your financial picture frequently. Proper planning offers peace of mind and financial security.
5) Recognize the need for personalized retirement planning. Meeting your specific needs and goals requires a reliable and trusted source with your best interests in mind.
A second Lunch & Learn on Thursday, May 17 at 11:30 a.m. continues the financial planning theme. At "Guaranteeing a Paycheck for Life," presenter Henry B. Bennett, LUTCF, a registered representative of New York Life, offers additional strategies for seniors so they never outlive their assets.
Both Lunch & Learn programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Personal Care apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
Seniors who love travel and those who've accumulated a lifetime of beloved travel souvenirs and keepsakes will enjoy two upbeat, free Lunch & Learn programs in April at The Watermark at Logan Square, the continuing care retirement community in Center City. They are "The Do's and Don'ts of Downsizing" on April 11 and Travelogue: "April in Paris" on April 25.
For those contemplating a retirement move to more compact quarters, facing a houseful of sentimental treasures can be a daunting task. "The Do's and Don'ts of Downsizing," a Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, April 11 at 11:30 a.m., presents Marlene Stocks of Senior Transition Services of Huntingdon Valley. An expert on making the residential transition as stress-free as possible, Stocks suggests starting with something very manageable --- sorting just one bureau drawer while watching television: "By the time the program is over, the task is also," explains Stocks. "There is instant satisfaction knowing that success has been achieved. This is a motivator to tackle a second drawer the next day. It becomes a win-win: simplification via downsizing is accomplished and it feels good."
Here are five tips Stocks will share with attendees at The Watermark's Lunch & Learn:
Do begin the downsizing process early. You will need time to sort through your things, read papers and letters, laugh, cry and make good decisions about what to keep, sell, donate or discard.
Do pace yourself. Don't expect to make significant progress on the first day.
Don't work with someone who pressures you into making hasty decisions about the disposition of your things. You may regret those decisions later. Invite someone who will guide you with patience and clarity.
Do consider that someone outside your family may treasure your things as much as you do. "Tools of the trade" are especially appreciated, for example the retired music teacher who offered his vast collection of sheet music to marching bands, school music programs and area churches. Donations like that can be deeply satisfying because they can make a huge difference to an underfunded organization.
Don't continue to buy things while you are rightsizing your home. It could be tempting to fill a closet that has been recently cleaned out with new clothes. Save the shopping spree for when you have moved into your new home so you know exactly how much room you have for new acquisitions.
The Wednesday, April 25 Lunch & Learn at 11:30 a.m. takes its inspiration from the song "April in Paris". With its location above the Benjamin Franklin Parkway --- Philadelphia's beautiful boulevard devoted to arts and culture --- Watermark at Logan Square provides the ideal setting to put a "French accent" on an armchair travelogue. Guests will explore the beauty, fun, history and foods of France with a special presentation by Chef Colin in The Mark, The Watermark's fine dining room overlooking some of the greatest outdoor sculpture anywhere outside of Paris.
Both Lunch & Learn programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
Philadelphia, PA (February 3, 2012) - Lavish gifts of chocolates and flowers may symbolize the romantic ideals of Valentine's Day. But for courtship and desire to blossom into life-long affection, the love experts at The Watermark at Logan Square recommend a daily delivery of small, affectionate gestures and good will all year long. As February 14th approaches, several couples who are the true experts on love, because of their real-life experiences, offered their day-to-day advice on how they have kept love alive over many decades.
Below are Love Tips for all generations to follow:
•Joe and Nancy Capizzi have been married since 1974. Putting each other first is their advice. It's been a priority in their long marriage and that's what they recommend to young couples today. Joe says: "I'd say we are overly considerate of each other. For example, we tend to make sure any plans we make individually are okay with each other in advance."
Nancy says:
"Do nice things for each other. Emotional support is the backbone."
•Rev. Wendel Sharpe and his wife Ann have been married for five decades. They admit to being very different and suggest that couples NOT focus on differences but on how to handle differences. Guided by their faith, Ann mentioned an image from the Bible to describe the tie that binds them:
"' A triple braided cord is not easily broken,' is the way it's said in Ecclesiastes. We thank God that He is the third cord that has held us together for over 50 years, especially since we are so opposite from one another. However, we learned --- in fact we are still learning ---not to focus on our differences but on how to handle our differences.
"We have watched our love for one another grow through the years, and at the end of the day, no matter how difficult it might have been, the very last thing we say to each other is 'I love you'!"
•Edith Victor has been married to her husband Julius for 28 years. Each of them was widowed before they married. She reminds couples of the importance of respecting each other and the benefits of occasional romantic gestures, like surprising each other with flowers or writing affectionate notes. Edith recognizes she was fortunate to have met a very romantic man when she met Julius:
"Respect for each other is very important. Think about what makes each other
comfortable and happy. You have to listen. And let your feelings known in a very caring way, when you do disagree.
"My husband often surprised me with flowers. He likes to write me affectionate notes. I have a whole pack of letters he wrote me before we married that I keep all together. He's good at that. Me? I can say 'I love you' in just a few words. But I show it in other ways."
•Dorothy Andrayo has been in a 32 year partnership with Joe Quigley. Before that, she was married and widowed. She's now 92 and cares for Joe as he faces health challenges. She suggests that couples share their feelings and then forget about them, don't hold onto anger. Here are Dorothy's thoughts based on two long relationships:
"When I was young, I would go to my parents and complain when I had something bothering me in my marriage. And they would say: 'You've got a good husband. Share what's on your mind and clear the air.' Everybody knows you shouldn't go to bed angry. But there's more to it. After you share your feelings, forget about it. At the end of the day, it needs to be all over. And that's what I've learned to do and it's how Joe has treated me."
•Shirley and Irving Wenger will be married 64 years in March 2012. Shirley has lots of advice including: Do things together. Be considerate of each other. She said,
"We share thoughts with each other all the time. We do things together. It's a lovely marriage. We practice consideration for each other. We've grown closer over the years because you don't start out from the same experiences or backgrounds. It grows. We've learned how to please each other.
"We don't push each others buttons. And when we feel angry, we cool off first. We try to hold back on talking about problems until we can deal with each other without angry words. And let me tell you a little secret: I love him more now than ever!"
In the end, the Valentine's Day ideal of grand romance on February 14 would seem as hollow as an empty heart-shaped candy box, according to these couples, without 364 other days filled with the small sweet gestures that keep affection flowing and growing, year after year.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
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Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
* Tuesday, February 7 -- Back on Track with New Year's Resolutions
* Friday, February 17 -- The 4 P's of Downsizing: Process, Pills, Paperwork & Pictures
Philadelphia, PA (January 12,2012) - Seniors will find action plans and encouragement at two upbeat, free Lunch & Learn programs in February at the Watermark at Logan Square, the retirement community in Center City.
"Back on Track with New Year's Resolutions" is the topic of the Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, February 7. An array of experts and cheerleaders from the staff of The Watermark at Logan Square will help attendees re-energize their January promises to get fit, eat right and have more fun in 2012. Tips on healthy food from the Watermark's chef, exercise encouragement, interactive Wii games and fitness classes can be sampled, all designed with fun in mind and to help attendees recommit to their personal goals.
The Friday, February 17 Lunch & Learn is entitled "The 4 P's of Downsizing: Process, Pills, Paperwork & Pictures". Marlene Stocks, from Senior Transition Services of Huntingdon Valley, presents a series of simple strategies she recommends for de-cluttering a home, especially if a move is being considered. "People often get overwhelmed with what to do with the many treasures and all the stuff they've accumulated over the years. They literally don't know where to begin," explains Stocks, whose business guides families in the process of relocating from larger homes to smaller residences. "In the course of a lunch hour, I present a manageable, step-by-step process for starting early, keeping it simple and tackling small tasks first. I'll show attendees how to keep the big picture in mind while focusing on attainable tasks that show progress and let them feel successful. When people have tried it, they get so excited about losing the burdensome clutter, they often tell me they don't know why they didn't start sooner!"
Both programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
THE "NEW YEAR/NEW YOU" ENROLLMENT FAIR
INVITES SENIORS TO SAMPLE A VARIETY OF COMPLIMENTARY CLASSES
AT THE WATERMARK AT LOGAN SQUARE IN CENTER CITY ON JANUARY 5
Watermark University is Open to the Public and Presented by The Watermark at Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA (December 16, 2011) - "New Year/New You" is a class enrollment fair for seniors, with a sampling of the free classes offered by The Watermark at Logan Square. The event, which takes place Thursday morning, January 5, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., is open to the public and organized like an informal "college fair," with class registration available on the spot. Intentionally planned just after the New Year, it is timed to help active retirees get started right away on their resolutions for 2012.
Prospective students will learn about the broad-spectrum of exciting programs designed to develop brain and body fitness and widen social horizons. "Watermark University shatters the myth that we can't learn new things at retirement age," explains Laureen Tavolaro-Ryley, RN, MSN, the Watermark's clinical nurse specialist in geriatric psychology. "For example, with the supportive and relaxed atmosphere here, seniors who've avoided technology have discovered the pleasures of learning to email and Facebook with their young relatives. And for those who take Watermark University to make new friends, you never know who you're going to 'click with' when meeting new people."
The range of choices at Watermark University is extensive. A memoir-writing workshop, tai chi, bridge lessons and current events discussion groups are just a few examples of classes offered in winter and spring of 2012. Here's a preview of the interactive events taking place throughout the 90-minute showcase on January 5:
• Guests are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes to try out a strength and stretching class.
• With a Wii Bowling demo on the big-screen, a virtual bowling alley will quickly reveal why it's a "sport" that develops coordination, dexterity, mental concentration and a sense of humor.
• Beginning and intermediate artists are invited to bring an apron and explore the painting demo in the Watermark's art studio, led by the community's professional fine art instructor.
• New-comers to technology can try out Linked Senior, a simple-to-use kiosk that provides access to brain fitness games, internet news, videos, and music that can be enjoyed individually or with small groups.
Pre-registration is encouraged. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
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PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR SENIORS: MANAGING INVESTMENT RISK AND HOUSEHOLD CLUTTER
*** Tuesday, January 10 ... Managing the Risk of Income Shortfall in Retirement
*** Tuesday, January 24 ... "What Do I Do with All My Stuff?"
Philadelphia, PA (December 15, 2011) - Seniors who've made New Year resolutions to take charge of their long-term investments and to simplify their daily surroundings can access expert advice at two free Lunch & Learn programs to be held in January at The Watermark at Logan Square retirement community in Center City Philadelphia.
"Managing the Risk of Income Shortfall in Retirement" is the topic on Tuesday, January 10 at 11:30 a.m. Financial advisor Brian Kealey CRPC®, CSNA of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management addresses the financial risks associated with retirement today and will offer a primer on appropriate solutions that include fixed income investing, annuities, and long term care plans.
The next Lunch & Learn, on Tuesday, January 24 at 11:30 a.m., entitled "What Do I Do with All My Stuff?" will include tips that anyone can use to de-clutter, whether they are relocating to a smaller place or wish to spend less time maintaining items they rarely use. Teresa Cummings, a moving specialist from Here to Home, provides practical ways to sort and distribute a lifetime of possessions, with options that include family, charity, auctions and estate sales.
Both programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
Winner Thelma Segal, resident of The Watermark at Logan Square, began painting in retirement.
Honorable Mention was earned by resident Bernard Cohn, a multi-media artist.
Philadelphia, PA (December 1, 2011) - It's a ritual for many at the start of every year: hanging a fresh, new calendar with inspiring images. For Center City resident Thelma Segal, her 2012 calendar includes a month featuring her own original watercolor that was selected in a national art competition. "Outdoor Colors," a still life in a garden featuring an intense palette of fiery reds, rich blues and luminous yellows, highlights the month of September in the 2012 Expressions Calendar.
Segal was among over 150 semi-finalists whose work was submitted for the calendar contest by residents of 27 Watermark Retirement Communities around the United States. Another resident representing the Watermark at Logan Square, multi-media artist Bernard Cohn, earned an Honorable Mention for his stained glass panel depicting a sunny vine of intertwined flowers.
In all, ten artists from the Center City community were referred to the national competition last May by a local panel of accomplished artists from the nearby Moore College of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The Watermark at Logan Square, centrally located just a short distance from those distinguished schools, other studios and world-class museums, attracts retirees who choose the community in part for its ready access to the fine and performing arts.
The national Expressions Calendar is designed to be a source of inspiration and a call to adventure for all who see it. A showcase for the creative output of retirees in Watermark communities from coast to coast, the 2012 calendar presents a wide range of media depicting exotic travel, imaginative abstract compositions and striking renderings of familiar animals like a cat and a squirrel. Some winners had extensive backgrounds in art, while others found their talents later in life. From painter to carver, the artists embody the philosophy of Watermark Retirement Communities: to express themselves and continuously learn and grow as individuals.
Winning artist Thelma Segal, born and raised in Philadelphia and a resident of the Watermark at Logan Square since 2009, was one who developed her art talents after retirement. Segal had served on the staff of the American Friends Service Committee in the United States and abroad for nearly 30 years. Then with her work years behind her, Segal enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts where she majored in painting. Additionally, she has studied at the Barnes Foundation in Merion, PA, the Fleisher Art Memorial and the Woodmere Art Museum, both in Philadelphia. Segal has works in group exhibitions in Delaware Valley galleries, solo shows, and in a number of private collections. It is her second time being selected for the Expressions calendar.
Honorable Mention artist Bernard Cohn is an immigrant from Europe. While art was never Cohn's career, he produced creative work in a variety of media for decades, while running a series of businesses around the world. A former resident of Florida who moved to The Watermark at Logan Square in 2003, Cohn continues to explore his artistic passion through photography, stained glass and sculpture in the media of Lucite and metal. He has also written short stories about his life and travels.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
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Philadelphia, PA (December 2, 2011) - Area seniors determined to get active and try new adventures in 2012 can jump-start their New Year's resolutions with an exciting array of free classes beginning in mid-December in Center City. A memoir-writing workshop, fine art and tai chi are just a few samples of the engaging classes for seniors offered during the winter semester of Watermark University, an on-going program of The Watermark at Logan Square in Center City. The new offerings will run from December 15, 2011 through May of 2012 and provide free opportunities to develop brain and body fitness, make new friends and avoid cabin fever during the winter months. While the classes are educational, they also offer seniors a chance to socialize and expand their horizons in a convenient location in the vibrant heart of Philadelphia.
• A weekly memoir-writing workshop is a new offering this semester, designed to start the flow of ideas on personal stories and provide the structure and support to "get it all down on paper".
• Painting classes in the Watermark at Logan Square's art studio encourage students of all abilities to explore their "inner Monet." The community's professional art instructor shares creative tools and techniques, while the support of classmates keeps it fun.
• The weekly Tai Chi classes provide a gentle workout that promotes balance control, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.
Program schedules and descriptions are listed on the community's website. Watermark University is an important aspect of life at The Watermark at Logan Square, providing both residents and associates the opportunity to take (or teach) brain and body fitness classes on subjects they are passionate about. Whether it's a one-time class or an ongoing series, the opportunities are endless. All area seniors with course ideas are encouraged to contact The Watermark at Logan Square at 215-240-8915.
Located in Center City Philadelphia, in the heart of the museum district, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has owned and operated successful, innovative senior housing communities for over 20 years. Watermark is committed to creating a culture where everyone is encouraged to express their true selves. These communities are full of spirit, character, compassion and adventure and are located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Arizona. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
Adult children who are curious about ways to support their parents' health, happiness, safety and independence are invited to enjoy an informational holiday brunch with the elder care experts of The Watermark at Logan Square on Saturday, December 3, 2011.
During brunch beginning at 11 a.m., guests will hear expert associates describe the vast array of residential lifestyles choices available to today's retirees. Family members will have an informal opportunity to learn the differences between independent living and personal care arrangements, residential rehabilitation and full time nursing care.
Florri Middleman, R.N., Director of Health and Wellness, will showcase the range of treatments and quality of care and offered on site to those needing healthcare support. Theresa Altopeidi, Director of Sales and Marketing, will guide guests through the beautiful residential options on the property and explain the vast number of daily programs, classes and outings designed to encourage community involvement and to stimulate body, mind and spirit. The goal is help attendees become familiar with options and alleviate their own worries when helping elderly relatives choose the right time and place to transition from the family home.
The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Advance registration is required. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments,a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
OFFER ADVICE TO RESIDENTS OF THE WATERMARK AT LOGAN SQUARE
AND SHARE A SIMPLE THREE-STEP STRATEGY
TO HELP SENIORS PASS ALONG SENTIMENTAL TREASURES
Philadelphia, PA (October 18, 2011) -- Most retirees who have moved into The Watermark at Logan Square, the continuing care community in Center City Philadelphia, have edited their beloved belongings to match their current lifestyles. It's a process called "right sizing," that helps to re-organize and prioritize a lifetime of accumulated possessions. When it comes to selecting holiday décor, special tableware and linens, experts advise that keeping just a few cherished pieces --- and passing along all the rest --- makes the remaining keepsakes even more precious.
"It's amazing how the sight of a few sentimental items can conjure up a whole lifetime of happy memories, " explains Adele Fine, a Center City interior design consultant whose clients include retirees moving out of larger homes. "A few key pieces can still fill a room. Not with possessions but with stories and conversation." According to Marlene Stocks, a principal of Senior Transition Services of Huntingdon Valley, PA, "When empty nesters use the holidays as their opportunity to pass along cherished items, it can be a happy time that fits right in with the spirit of the season."
Both experts acknowledge that items associated with family traditions carry extra emotional freight. "Confronting what to do with decades of sentimental possessions can be daunting," says Stocks, who has assisted clients in their moves to The Watermark at Logan Square. "Yet, from a purely practical point of view, seniors admit that holiday items and special tableware can be physically hard to manage, no matter where they live. Often, they're prized pieces that require high maintenance or they're packed-away much of the year and elders need help carting them out and putting them away again."
Adele Fine and Marlene Stocks offer this three-step approach to making the process of "right sizing" successful and less stressful. Each tip is designed to put into action during this 2011 holiday season to set the stage for simpler joys in 2012.
A good first step is identifying the things that are impractical. Adele Fine says that this often helps seniors work through the sentimental stage more quickly. Here is her advice:
· "If you can't lift it easily anymore, you probably don't need it anymore" says Fine, about large roasting pans, sturdy carving boards and massive serving platters. "If you've made enough 20-pound turkeys over the years, by now some of your past guests would surely love to return the hospitality."
· Open up the "good china" and keep four place settings, six at most. Keep only one "everyday" plate and favorite mug for each person in the household and pass long the rest. "It's your time in life to treat every day as a special occasion."
· After editing the sterling silver, use it every day. "It's an old wives' tale that you can't put it through the dishwasher."
· Select only one set of linens that fits the current table and let the others go. "Display it every day," instead of putting it back in the drawer.
· As for holiday décor itself, Fine suggests Christmas celebrants keep the tree-topper and one or two meaningful ornaments. For those observing Hanukkah, one menorah and one dreidel can link all the happy holidays of the past with those yet to come. "A few pieces allow them to touch some joy in the transition," says Fine.
The second step involves strategies for passing on the extra items. Marlene Stocks, an expert in senior relocation, shares a few of her recommendations:
· For those who typically make baked goods for loved ones and deliver them in tins from the dollar store, she suggests, "Present them in your beautiful vases, as if they're elegant cookie jars, or displayed on your decorative platters. Explain that you're passing on your heritage as part of your gift."
· Open up that box of favorite ornaments and wrap the special ones as presents. "Explaining to an important person why you selected this particular piece for them is a delightful way to pass on a treasured item."
· When drying the dishes after the next holiday meal, seniors should have the storage cartons and tissue paper ready to pack up the extras, right then and there. "Since you're handling it all anyway, this presents an ideal opportunity to get a head start on 'right-sizing' for the future," Stocks explains. "Just return a reduced set of dinnerware to the hutch and box up all the additional china, stemware, linens and silver you really don't need. Now it's all ready to pass along, sell for cash or donate to a worthy charity."
Reflecting on the process, Stocks comments, "I have so many clients who look back on their hesitation and say 'Why did I wait so long?' I hear it all the time."
The third step is encouraging seniors to find gratitude in their hearts for all that those possessions have meant and enjoy the prospect of simplifying their lives. "If you've enjoyed giving to others throughout your lifetime, then recognize that simplifying your surroundings can be a gift you give as well," explains Fine. "You give your family peace of mind. You give yourself freedom. Plus, you give yourself the satisfaction of knowing what became of things you have treasured. You managed it yourself. And that can be very satisfying."
The Watermark at Logan Square, located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
Philadelphia, PA (October 12, 2011) - Seniors who saved their money to enjoy an active retirement, who want to protect their nest egg and grow it, will benefit by attending three free Lunch & Learn programs all focused on finances. Guests can attend one, two or all three of these sessions. They take place during the month of November at The Watermark at Logan Square retirement community in Center City Philadelphia.
Starting on Tuesday, November 1 at 11:30 a.m., Jeanette Mastroieni-Cave, President of Senior Supportive Services, presents "Afraid of Outliving Your Money?" This Lunch & Learn program presents strategies for seniors to stretch their dollars with alternate sources of income, in an environment of rising interest rates.
The next Lunch & Learn is on Thursday, November 10, at 11:30 a.m. Henry B. Bennett of New York Life guides seniors on "Making the Most of your Legacy Gifting and Charitable Giving." He explains options for protecting assets from estate taxes, to pass on wealth. He'll also address ways to leverage charitable giving into much larger endowments.
On Thursday, November 17 at 11:30 a.m., the Lunch & Learn program focuses on day-to-day budgets impacting seniors, with a program called "Spend & Enjoy Your Retirement Without the Fear of Running Out of Money" presented by Charles Coyle from Independence Planning Group.
All three programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Advance registration is required. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
Philadelphia, PA (August 15, 2011) - Tai Chi, cooking, foreign language and current affairs are a sample of the free classes for seniors being offered during the fall semester of Watermark University. These fun classes are held at The Watermark at Logan Square in Center City from September through December, 2011 and provide opportunities for seniors to develop brain and body fitness. There is an exciting menu of twenty-five programs designed to engage mind, body and spirit, available on a daily basis and open to area seniors. Most courses are open to the public and free of charge. Not only are they educational, they offer Philadelphia seniors who are seeking activity and new friends, a chance to socialize and expand their horizons.
• The weekly Tai Chi classes provide a gentle workout that promotes balance control, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.
• The Intro to Computers class opens up the world-wide-web and enables seniors to build and maintain connections with young relatives and others by email.
• Painting classes in the Watermark at Logan Square's art studio encourage students of all abilities to explore their "inner Monet." The community's professional art instructor shares creative tools and techniques, while the support of classmates keeps it fun.
Program schedules and descriptions are listed on the community's website. Watermark University is an important aspect of life at The Watermark at Logan Square, providing both residents and associates the opportunity to take (or teach) brain and body fitness classes on subjects they are passionate about. Whether it's a one-time class or an ongoing series, the opportunities are endless. All area seniors with course ideas are encouraged to contact The Watermark at Logan Square at 215-240-8915.
Located in Center City Philadelphia, in the heart of the museum district, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has owned and operated successful, innovative senior housing communities for over 20 years. Watermark is committed to creating a culture where everyone is encouraged to express their true selves. These communities are full of spirit, character, compassion and adventure and are located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Arizona. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
Philadelphia, PA (August 15, 2011) - Seniors who take a pro-active course in managing their health and independence will benefit by two free Lunch & Learn programs at The Watermark at Logan Square retirement community in Center City.
"Stroke: Know your Warning Signs" is a free Lunch & Learn program on Thursday, September 8 at 11:30 a.m. Barbara J. Browne, MD from Magee Rehabilitation is an expert in geriatric medicine and stroke. Dr. Browne will describe the symptoms that require immediate medical intervention to save brain function and preserve mobility. She'll also share the latest approaches to emergency treatment and rehabilitation.
The Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, September 20, at 11:30 a.m. introduces the mission of "Friends Life Care," a Quaker non-profit group serving Philadelphia for over 20 years. By enrolling seniors while they are healthy and self-sufficient, Friends Life Care helps its members remain vital, secure and independent in their own residences. The program will explain their professional support teams which coordinate medical, physical and emotional resources that older adults may require as time passes.
Both programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Advance registration is required. The presentations include a chef-prepared meal. The Watermark at Logan Square is located just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Two Franklin Town Boulevard in Philadelphia. To attend or learn more, please call The Watermark at 215-240-8915.
Located close to cultural attractions in Center City Philadelphia, The Watermark at Logan Square tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. Living at The Watermark at Logan Square comes with abundant choices and opportunities. Comprised of Independent and Assisted Living apartments, a Skilled Nursing Center, and a Memory Care Center, The Watermark at Logan Square offers a full continuum of care in a luxurious, maintenance-free setting. The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare.
Watermark Retirement Communities has provided successful, progressive and engaging senior housing across the country for more than 20 years and is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
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