February 2016

The month of February had residents participating in a variety of activities both inside and outside the community.  

We hosted an afternoon of silk flower arranging, enjoyed an afternoon with the talented Trio Cleonice at our monthly Sunday Music Festival, spent an evening dancing with the David Burbank Orchestra and visited the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton - just to name a few!  

We hope you enjoy the many photos of the above mentioned programs and more featured below...

SILK FLOWER ARRANGING

In an attempt to channel spring and update our collection of silk flower arrangements, the Vibrant Living Department purchased new flowers and containers and called on residents to help arrange the beautiful arrangements that are now displayed throughout the community corridors and common areas. We thank each and every one of you  for your help!

Gail, our go-to for all things green, has been a tremendous help with anything related to flowers, centerpieces, landscaping, etc.  Thank you Gail!!!

Marilyn works on an arrangement with Rose, Penny and Genevieve

Mabel got in touch with her creative side and put together a lovely bouquet.

Adding the finishing touches!

Another view of Rose, Mabel, Marilyn and Gail hard at work

Alice also lent her crafting and flower arranging expertise to our activity

  SUNDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL 

featuring

TRIO CLEONICE

Trio Cleonice, the dynamic young Boston-based piano trio, has established itself as one of the most creative, communicative, and exhilarating ensembles in the United States today, delighting audiences across the country and the world with its innovative programming and the sheer joy of its music-making. The Trio recently won second prize win at the Alice and Eleonore Schoenfeld International String Competition in Harbin, China. A delightful afternoon of beautiful music was had by all.

From L-R: violinist Ari Isaacman-Beck, pianist Emely Phelps and cellist Gwen Krosnick.

The auditorium was full for the afternoon performance.

DANCING AND DRINKS 

with 

THE DAVID BURBANK ORCHESTRA

After the success of the New Year's Eve party, residents made it clear that they wanted more events that include dancing and drinks - and we delivered! We plan to continue this trend with additional events, two are already scheduled for May and September!

The line-dancers show off their moves

MEN'S BREAKFAST

Every so often we round up all of the men and encourage them to come to a Men's Only Breakfast.  The latest installment featured a brief talk from our Executive Director, Bill McGinley.

HOT CHOCOLATE BAR

Residents (and associates!) enjoyed an opportunity to garnish their hot chocolate with delicious toppings on a cold, winter afternoon.

Pat and Clara enjoying some hot chocolate

Health Services Director, Joanne Rignanese, proudly displays her hot chocolate. 
 Um, Joanne, you've got a little something on your lip...!

Toppings included marshmallow, white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, heath bits, mint chocolate bits and dark chocolate wafers.

FULLER CRAFT MUSEUM

Fuller Craft Museum is a dynamic environment where craft is displayed through a variety of exhibits. Our group was  particularly interested in "Toothpick World." Utilizing a toolkit of just toothpicks and Elmer’s Glue, New York’s Stan Munro uses his ingenuity to construct precise 1:164 scale reproductions of architectural masterworks and world-renowned structures seen below.

Toothpick Fenway Park

That's all for now - stay tuned for photos of what is sure to be a VERY busy March!

~Katie and the Vibrant Living Department

January 2016

January has been kind to us this year, perhaps feeling a bit of guilt for the fury it displayed in 2015.  Now we wait with baited breath and crossed fingers that February will follow suit.

Here at New Pond Village, the residents have been making the most of the mild winter, keeping busy both indoors and out with a variety of different trips and programs...

THE MAGIC OF DAVID HALL

On Friday, January 8, Magician and Mentalist David Hall wowed the audience with his mind-bending tricks.  David's program is designed to be interactive and included participation from willing audience members.

David "working his magic" on an audience member. Photo credit: Walpole Times

Bob Grady was among the many audience members wowed by the dollar bill trick.  Photo Credit: The Walpole Times

We had a great turnout! The captive audience pictured above all agreed that David put on a wonderful show! Photo Credit: The Walpole Times

CBS SCENE RESTAURANT 

AND THE HALL AT PATRIOT PLACE

Despite the disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos, The New England Patriots still have the unwavering support of the residents of New Pond Village.  We enjoyed a delicious lunch at CBS Scene Restaurant at Patriot Place and then walked right next door to "The Hall" at Patriot Place where we experienced a guided tour of the multi-media New England Patriots inspired exhibits.

Alice poses with the likeness of some familiar players

Charlie is proud to stand up for the New England Patriots!

A group shot at Patriot Place

Walking through the helmet

 

Marcia, Jean and Kathy in the midst of a team huddle

Rose is all smiles as she poses with Tom Brady

WINGMASTERS - NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS OF PREY

We were in awe of the knowledge and experience that Julie Ann Collier of Wingmasters delivered to us with her program, North American Birds of Prey on Wednesday, January 20. Wingmasters is a partnership of two people dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of North American birds of prey. 

Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks are both licensed raptor rehabilitators based in Massachusetts. Together they care for injured birds of prey. Most of the birds they rehabilitate can ultimately be released back into the wild, but in some cases the birds are left permanently handicapped. Julie and Jim are further licensed to provide a home for these non-releasable raptors, and to use them for educational programs.

Julie Ann holding the Barn Owl

A simply magnificent Great Horned Owl

Peregrine Falcon

Another shot of the gorgeous wings of the Peregrine Falcon

The Red Tailed Hawk

Thank you for reading our blog.  See you again in February!