Deerfield Matters September, 2013

Deerfield Matters is published monthly by the residents of Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community, a continuing care retirement community, Asheville, North Carolina.

A MATTER OF COMMUNICATION Bill Heiser

Let’s imagine you find yourself standing in the pool wet and lonely waiting for your instructor.

According to Deerfield Doings, which you do read, class was scheduled for 9:00 am, but what you didn’t see was that it was canceled in mydeerfield.org, which you don’t read. This confusion is a recurrent problem. A poster says one thing, Deerfield Doings another. There is a contradiction between the front page calendar and the inside description of time or place. Your Deerfield Profiles email address differs from that in mydeerfield.org. It’s a matter of communication. Given a little time you can figure all this out. Deerfield gives you TV Channel 2, bulletin boards, posters, Deerfield Matters, Deerfield Doings, One-CallNow, a website, Deerfield Profiles, and flyers in your cubbyholes. More of them ought to get it right! Life in a large retirement community depends on communication. An intelligent baby boomer looking for a state of the art place to retire will check out the communication system as well as the amenities of bricks and mortar. No baby boomer wants to find herself standing wet and lonely in the pool. The Deerfield administration understands the need for coordinating media and repetition for our age group. At best, no single communication makes everyone aware of everything. Each of Deerfield’s

communication vehicles has a strength—a reason for being here. According to the recent communications survey, the most important medium is Deerfield Doings. It’s the weekly newspaper for dining and activities. Posters highlight times and dates, bulletin boards provide more depth and cover other subjects. Deerfield Matters is the monthly feature magazine where something like this article can run. OneCall-Now is vital for reaching everyone simultaneously with a short phone message—ideal for emergencies. Deerfield Profiles is the result of Bill Waas’ efforts to provide basic information about all the residents and is duplicated in the library and Deerfield Matters. The survey also made clear that almost all of the 350 respondents have access to computers. Having a website such as our mydeerfield.org offers a marketing point for baby boomer prospects. Our TV Channel 2 provides a summary of each day’s activities, not just background music. While Deerfield Doings is published weekly, mydeerfield.org can be updated daily, if not more often. There is, however, another reality to retirement community living—the administration budget that necessitates staffing to be usually lean and occasionally shorthanded. Many retirement communities, including Deerfield, invite residents to help out. Many residents are qualified and have time to volunteer in areas such as Sophie’s or the library, which can be fun and keeps them engaged as volunteers. About 25 of us help weekly on Deerfield Doings, another dozen on Deerfield Matters and about five on Deerfield Profileslibrary. A team of volunteer “techies” assists John Price on mydeerfield.org to make it more useful and user-friendly. The Communications Committee is part of the Residents Council. The committee conducts surveys and publishes the results. It began as part of an effort to bring clarity, accuracy and coordination to resident communications. The idea is to support the staff with qualified volunteers. The idea is to keep you from standing wet and lonely in the pool.

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Deerfield Matters

September 2013

LEARNING THE JOY OF GIVING THE HARD WAY

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION COMMITTEE 2013-14 From Left: Robert Hansen, Judy Havard, Lynda Kepler, Libby Hubbell, Fred Brooking, Lucy Oliver, Jack Lockett (chair), Bill Haggard, Shirley Burnette (HR) Absent: Bob Trost, Nancy Spann Statement of purpose: To encourage Deerfield residents to show the employees how much they are valued for their contributions to our quality of life at Deerfield. I grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, the next to the last child in a family of eight children, with my younger brother born two years later. He was 24 years younger than our oldest sibling. My father had lost his small general merchandise store prior to moving to Norman and before my birth in 1930. He felt fortunate to find work as a custodian at the University of Oklahoma. Although these were difficult times, my parents were able to supplement my father’s salary by growing and raising much of our food. I well remember the baby chicks arriving in cardboard boxes from Sears & Roebuck, which we kept in the house until they were old enough to move to the yard. In addition, my four oldest siblings managed to graduate from college, find jobs and then help support the rest of us. When I was about nine years old, one of my older employed brothers asked me in mid-December what I wanted for Christmas. I was beginning to play basketball at the elementary school, and told him I would like to have a new basketball. Christmas, in those lean days, meant I might receive one or two gifts to play with. Any other gifts would be clothes, often made by my mother or one of my older sisters, or other essential items. Therefore, I began to get very excited about the prospect of receiving a basketball for Christmas. Several days later my brother approached me and asked if I knew of anyone in my class who might not be getting any gifts for Christmas. While we were poor, there were certainly children in my class who had less than we. A particular boy I’ll call Mark came to mind. Then came the shocker. My brother asked if I would be willing to give Mark the basketball he was planning to get for me. I really wanted that basketball

for Christmas. And yet, deep inside of me, I knew what I should do. With a heavy heart, I told my brother I would be willing to give Mark the coveted basketball. On Christmas Eve my brother and I drove to Mark’s place in the country. A new basketball, in its original box, was on the seat between us. When we arrived at Mark’s house, he was playing in the yard with his siblings. A low fence separated us from the children and the house. I got out of the car with the box in my hand and called out to Mark. He came running over to the fence. When he got close enough, I tossed the box containing the basketball to him. As far as I can recall I didn’t say, “Merry Christmas!” or anything at all to him. I was probably thinking to myself, “Well, there goes my Christmas.” Mark was so surprised that he didn’t say anything, either. However, as he turned and ran back to his siblings, I heard him shout, “Look what I have!” The excitement in his voice lifted my spirits and I immediately began to experience this strange sensation throughout my whole body. Exactly what I felt is difficult to describe. What I do know is it sure felt good. My brother had introduced me to the joy of giving. You too can experience the same joy when you contribute to the Employee Appreciation Fund to thank the employees for all that they have done for us throughout the past year. Please give generously. Give from the heart. I know, from my own experience, giving will make you feel so good. Jack Lockett, Chair, Employee Appreciation Committee Note: On Christmas morning there was a very familiar box under the Christmas tree labeled: To Jack - From Santa

September 2013

Deerfield Matters

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MACON THOMA, R.N.—A PROFILE Macon Thoma is not a stranger to health care folk here at Deerfield. However, this spring she took on an important new role, CarePartners Hospice Case Manager and Community Nurse Navigator. We are delighted to share this interview with readers. What would you want residents to know about your journey leading up to being at Deerfield in this new role? I was raised in New Orleans and took a “scenic route” to this job. I earned a BA in French from Rhodes College, taught high school English in Paris, ran a summer camp here in WNC for three years, earned an MBA from WCU, spent eight years as an executive recruiter, and then felt called to nursing. I attended AB Tech’s nursing program, thanks to the Danny Boone Scholarship (for which I am incredibly grateful) while working as a CNA here. What attracted you to Hospice work, and at Deerfield in particular? I love my job. I didn’t know at first that this was what I was meant to do. I worked at the hospital after finishing nursing school. It was a great place to hone my technical skills, but I missed being at Deerfield full-time, and the human side of nursing. I have always been drawn to end-of-life care. It’s an honor to be allowed into someone’s life during the last months, days, and hours, and it can be a really beautiful time. A lot of healthcare is about the system telling people what they need to do to improve their health. I love that end-of -life care is all about residents telling us what they need. What do you see as the “core,” the “heart,” the “service” of your work here? Meeting people wherever they are in their lives, and helping them find their way to some closure. Our goal is not to change people, but to recognize them, respect who they are, and help them find whatever they need. What are the challenges and opportunities in the role? A lot of people still think of hospice as largely peopled by volunteers, and focused on cancer patients in the last few days of their lives. Hospice is now a Medicarefunded system that provides professionals to help patients (who are often still very functional and invested in their lives) to navigate the last stages of their lives. While

hospice is designed for people, all with different diagnoses, who have a prognosis of six months or less, we serve patients who have been on hospice care for years. The greatest opportunity is that I get to really spend time with residents and their families, finding out what they need and helping them achieve their goals. Help us understand the organizational relationship between CarePartners and Deerfield. CarePartners has always offered all of its home care services (Hospice, Palliative Care, Home Health, Private Duty, etc.) on the Deerfield campus. Late last year, the two organizations realized there was a need for a hospice nurse on campus full-time to assist Deerfield residents with CarePartners services as needed, and here I am! I am a CarePartners employee, but I’m based at Deerfield full-time. I work closely with all members of the team on a regular basis to coordinate care. I also act as a liaison between hospice patients and their doctors, providing doctors with weekly updates on their patients. At Deerfield, I spend lots of time communicating with family members who are far away, providing extra support and education. What in particular would you most want to say to Independent Living residents—all of us who have bought a Life Care Plan here? Three things—First, people don’t sign on with hospice to die. They sign on to live with the best quality of life possible for the time they have left. Many people live longer on hospice care than they otherwise would have, because they have extra support and are more comfortable. Second, make sure that your loved ones and doctors all know your wishes. If they know that you would want to focus on quality of life when your time is limited, it is easier for others to broach the subject of hospice when the time comes. Third, I wish to thank everyone here for welcoming and supporting me and sharing your lives with me. There’s a spirit of service that surrounds this place, and it is a privilege to work with and for all of you. Macon Thoma can be reached at [email protected] or on her cellphone at (828) 775-3804.

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September 2013

welcome to our new residents MELBA AND BILL FRANK APT. 2004 PHONE: 505-1274 When you enter the Franks’ apartment, you are in a gallery of needlepoint art. You see the walls filled with framed needlepoint and many surfaces covered with beautiful designs. Your attention is immediately drawn to a 5' x 4' tapestry of trees and birds. This is the tapestry stitched by Melba, using yarns from the same factory that produced the yarns for the original 17th century tapestry hanging in the Louvre. Melba’s tapestry won third place in an international needlepoint competition. Bill has also won an award—his was a beautification award for his garden when they lived in Alexandria, Virginia. Besides flowers, he had a vegetable garden, including rows of corn at the back of the lot. Along with his award came a kiss from the mayor. She really appreciated what he had done for the neighborhood. Since the Franks cannot have a real garden outside their apartment here, they have settled for a small “Fantasy Garden” overseen by an elf named “Stupid,” who had appeared mysteriously on their kitchen table. Melba and Bill both enjoy growing vegetables, cooking meals and pairing the food with the appropriate wines. In the past they belonged to the national chapter of the German Wine Society and participated in their monthly programs and wine tastings. Bill served as chairman of the society for a year. His interest is not limited to German wines; he has a special interest in a 1982 French Bordeaux which has been called the “wine of the century.” He would like to meet other residents who have that particular interest. When you pass their apartment, you may smell the fragrance of fresh bread coming from Melba’s oven or cookies which she bakes for her next door neighbor as a peace offering before Melba sits down to play the piano. Bill and Melba are very happy to be Deerfield residents, having decided twelve years ago that this would be their home. They feel fortunate to have a terrace level apartment with their fantasy garden just outside the sliding glass door. Who knows—those fantasy plants may some day just pop out of the ground. Jill Cochrane

LOLLY AND SAM VAN LEER 132 LAMBETH DRIVE PHONES: 904-612-4875 and 904-613-4047 There was quite a buzz when the Van Leers came to town—a literal buzz from bees who were unhappy to have had their hive tip over in the U-Haul trailer on their trip from Florida. Imagine Sam’s dismay when he opened the door of the trailer! His friendly honey bees were now frightened and escaping. Some stayed around to be reinstated in their home. The other two hives were secure. All three hives are now safely located in a field near Hendersonville. Sam wants to spread the word about the importance of bees in the pollination of fruits and vegetables. They are responsible for the production of three-fourths of the food that we eat. Life has never been dull for Lolly and Sam. One of their great adventures was running a spear-fishing and skindiving camp for teenagers on the island of Tobago. Sam was in charge of waterfront activities in the beautiful clear water above coral reefs and Lolly managed the kitchen. Transportation to the island was on a DC3. Someone on the ground had to chase the cows off the field before the plane could land. Except for their time on Tobago, they have always lived in the South and have been involved in many community activities. They established a church, started a cultural council, served on symphony boards, historical society boards and fine arts boards. Lolly has sung in church choirs, sometimes solo, since she was ten years old. Her parents lived at Deerfield for ten years and her mother often played the piano here. One of their sons is an Anglican priest (Church of England) serving in The Netherlands. Sam and Lolly have visited him there often. The other two children are also southerners, living in Georgia. Both Lolly and Sam have been involved in education, Lolly as an elementary teacher for 17 years, and Sam as teacher and headmaster of various schools. Lolly says that they are resting now but they will surely become involved in Deerfield activities as they become known at Deerfield. Jill Cochrane

Deerfield Matters

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welcome to our new residents MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

KATHY AND LEN FURY

In 2011 I supported my husband, Mel, in accomplishing his dream to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Several months ago, Mel wrote an article in Deerfield Matters describing his Appalachian Trail experience. Since then more than several people have asked me to write my side of that story. I will simply say that our Appalachian Trail adventure was a wonderful and unique bonding experience but I prefer to tell why I wanted to do everything I could to support Mel’s dream.

43 SHEFFIELD CIRCLE PHONE: 274-6841

Ten years earlier, in 2001, when our youngest daughter announced she was expecting twins, who would be our first grandchildren, we lived and worked in Madison, Indiana. Remembering my grandparents, I told Mel that I didn’t want to be a “long distance grandma” and see our grandchildren only a few times yearly. Mel was rather perplexed as to what I meant: after all, Greensboro, North Carolina, where our daughter and her husband lived, was a ten-hour drive from Madison. I explained that I had grown up near my four grandparents and they had been an extremely powerful presence in my childhood. I tried to convey the feelings of total trust, security and devotion I had enjoyed with them. When Mel asked me exactly what I wanted, I said to quit my job and be with the grandchildren regularly, every month, throughout their infant, toddler and preschool years. Mel said, “If this is really important to you, go for it—I’ll just work a few more years.” Consequentially, I started spending at least a week monthly with our grandchildren in North Carolina. Several years later, when our oldest daughter and her husband had their first child, I added a week each month in Colorado to my travels. Although I was away from Mel more than half of each month for ten years, he never questioned my motives, complained of being neglected or expressed concern about our changed finances. Today, we have eight grandchildren—four in Erie, Colorado and four in Asheville. I cherish the priceless relationship I enjoy with each of our grandchildren and feel richly blessed by the opportunity I’ve had to be an active part of their childhood years. Mel’s generosity and love made my dream come true! Sandra Skiles

MY THERAPEUTIC AVOCATION Doing radiology for 40 years was certainly challenging and a very rewarding vocation, but being a tree farmer for 40 years continues to be a therapeutic avocation. My paying job required being inside, within dark confines, long hours. When free time was available I would go to the farm, where I enjoyed being in existing woods or creating future woods. Over several years, starting in 1977, I began planting trees, with the companionship of my canine buddy, Reuben James, and help from my wife, Sandra, and our young daughters. Using a tree bar, we planted over 7,000 trees by hand—5,000

Len Fury retired as a partner in a New York City design firm in 2001. He and his wife, Kathy, then moved from Weston, CT, to the mountains of WNC. In late May of this year they moved from their house in Fairview to Deerfield. Kathy’s career was spent in magazine publishing, as both an editor and a nonfiction writer. She was the author of the book, Dear 60 Minutes and wrote a humor column for Working Woman magazine. Len is also an artist and sculptor whose work has been displayed at the Blue Spiral 1 Gallery in Asheville as well as a number of galleries in New York City and Connecticut. He’s worked for many years in mixed-media sculpture, combining wood, metal and found objects. His work was most recently displayed in a group show at the Upstairs Artspace in Tryon, NC. Kathy is an avid reader of everything she lays eyes on; Len is an avid fan of the NY Giants. She and Len have two cats and many unpacked boxes. They are enjoying meeting interesting new neighbors and settling into their new, smaller headquarters on Sheffield Circle. There, they are glad to live under the watchful eye of St. Giles, who, they were glad to discover, is the patron saint of the elderly and the infirm. Kathy Fury

walnut seedlings, 1,000 white pines, and the rest a variety of trees for wildlife. The first years following planting required more maintenance with cross-hatch bush hog mowing, fertilizing and pruning branches to promote straight lumber trees. Running out of land, we stopped planting in 1992. As years passed the maintenance is lessened, requiring mowing only two to three times a year and thinning trees to allow more crown for the superior trees. Tree farming is like having a garden, but planting only perennials that take many years to mature while promoting land stewardship for future generations. Time spent on the farm countered the stress and complexity of my vocation with the serenity and simplicity of my avocation. Mel Skiles

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September 2013

TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE Susan White WESTWOOD The June issue of the Deerfield Matters featured an article discussing Leopold Aldo’s belief that “the earth does not belong to us—we belong to the earth.” In this space we will be looking at ways that Deerfield residents have been or are using the land with love and respect. Lotte and Seymour Meyerson were first involved in planning a cooperative housing community of 300 units following WWII but the FHA denied their loan request because the group was racially integrated, as would be the community. That law was struck down the following year but it was too late for that iteration of their dream to be realized. By the 1990s, attitudes toward both race and community had changed. The Meyersons and their daughter, Elana* had acquired four and a half acres on a former flower farm in West Asheville that they envisioned developing into a cohousing community, a concept popular in Denmark that has traveled well to this country. Cohousing communities are structured as small neighborhoods where each household owns its own fully featured home, as well as a large common house used for regularly scheduled shared meals, meetings and recreation. The one at Westwood also has guest rooms and a playroom for children. A first time visit to the community brought the delightful surprise of turning a corner in a working class neighborhood and landing in an urban Eden of 24 modest, attractive townhouses and lush, unrestrained plantings where the Meyersons lived for 11 years before moving to Deerfield. Westwood was designed to use resources efficiently. To do this, parking is at the perimeter and the houses are clustered, leaving much of the land for common green spaces. Principles of permaculture were used for the design, preserving natural ecosystems and allowing for ample flower and food gardens, woods and play areas. Those who live there do much of the labor required to maintain the gardens, prepare the communal meals and do necessary repairs. Westwood uses passive solar energy derived from recycled solar panels that provides hot water and radiant floor heating for all of the buildings, reducing their dependency on fossil fuels. Not only is recycling practiced, but also a vigorous composting system returns food and garden waste to the land. Westwood shows us how people can choose to live together in harmony with each other and the land and in so doing create one model of “living with love and respect for the land.” The Meyersons’ and their core group’s vision, hard work and determination created the wonder that is Westwood. *Elana Kann created the sculpture near the Bistro. Ed.

LIVING IN HARMONY WITH THE EARTH Although their lives and career paths differed in many ways, several Deerfield residents have in common that they were also beekeepers before moving here. Four of them, Bob Libbey, Mary and Bill Metts and Bob Sigmon recently shared some of their thoughts about this avocation and how it connects to the Aldo Leopold notion that the earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth and must use it with love and respect. The earliest records of beekeeping have been found in cave paintings and man has nurtured this special relationship since the time of early Greek civilization. Honeybees (apis mellifera) are not native to the Americas but were brought from Europe to the Colonies along with livestock beginning in the 1600s. Bees naturally swarm when they sense it is time to form a new colony and in that process form feral colonies, gradually moving north and then west, spreading ahead of the white man’s migrations. Bees are a happy example of a non-native species being introduced successfully and are part of the story of the spectacular prosperity of this country. Much has changed since the colonists introduced beekeeping to have honey to sweeten their tea and candles to brighten their night. Now, in addition to individual beekeepers tending a hive in the backyard, there are commercial, migratory beekeepers who follow the blooming season, each traveling with hundreds of hives so that their bees can pollinate the country’s crops of orange and almond groves and most of the fruits and vegetables that we eat. The bees’ social and cooperative nature allows for this human management of large-scale pollination. The tragedy of colony collapse—most likely caused by reliance on insecticides and fungicides and, possibly, the disorienting effect of being transported hundreds of miles and bounced around on the back of trucks—might be one example of humans treating the earth as a commodity belonging to us, not realizing the unintended consequences of our actions. If we lose the bees we lose much of our food supply. Entomologists around the world are working to understand and alleviate this global beehive problem. Libbey, Metts and Sigmon are beekeepers rather than beehavers. The former strive to nurture and protect their bees, not exploit them. Informed beekeepers belong to that special group that includes gardeners, veterinarians and others who are charged with caring for something larger than they: responsibility for another living creature. They ensure that the hive has enough honey to get through the winter and work to keep their bees free of mites and other diseases and to provide optimal hive conditions. Mary Metts speaks poignantly of the heartbreak and frustration of colony collapse, causing the loss of bees year after year in spite of careful practices. Our former beekeepers all strive to live the command that we treat the earth with love and respect. This respectful relationship between the bees and their keepers is an example of how we can “make our lives and the lives of the rest of the world healthier.” You probably know a Deerfield resident or employee who also lives this belief. If so, please send your ideas to the editor of Deerfield Matters.

September 2013

Deerfield Matters

WELCOME TO THE HERITAGE HALLWAY Jim Kastetter, Director of Development & Community Relations Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community

Finishing touches were completed in late June to what is becoming known as the “Heritage Hallway.” Located in the north end of what has been previously called the Haden Hall Connector, the Heritage Hallway has become home to almost fifty photographs covering four major aspects of life at Deerfield over the last fifteen years. In no order other than the sequence in which the images were installed, the elements of the display are Deerfield Connections, Deerfield Traditions, Deerfield in the News and Deerfield Resident Living. Philanthropic volunteerism has long been an important characteristic of Deerfield’s residents and staff alike. Deerfield Connections celebrates that history with a variety of photos showing Deerfield’s outreach to many nonprofits over the years, including our own Meals on Wheels delivery route operated entirely by Deerfield residents, Manna Food Bank food drives and special event participation and a wide variety of support to many programs throughout Western North Carolina. Deerfield Traditions offers a look back at many events—some ceremonial and others just fun—that may have started as just good ideas, but became such good ideas that we have elevated them to the lofty. This panel of images documents, among other things, the annual Octoberfest, the Eggnog Party, the Holiday Parade and the Employee Appreciation Fund.

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OLLI The NC Center for Creative Retirement was founded in 1988 with a mission to provide opportunities to thrive in life’s second half through learning, leadership, service, and research. In 2012 it became the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville, after the receipt of a gift of $100,000 and $2 million endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation. The Osher Foundation funds 117 lifelong learning institutes across the country. They seek to acknowledge excellence in programming for older adults and to allow the organizations they fund complete autonomy. The names of various programs have been retained, including the College for Seniors, Leadership Asheville Seniors, Paths to Creative Retirement and Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend. The name, The Reuter Center, also remains with gratitude for the ongoing funding and support of the Janirve Foundation. In 2012-13, OLLI had over 2000 members; 600 of those members volunteer in some capacity, whether they welcome new members, volunteer at a social or teach an eight-week course. Those seeking volunteer opportunities in the wider community should consider Leadership Asheville Seniors program. In the words of its participants, the sessions are “informative, meaningful, challenging and, most important, enjoyable. There’s no better way to learn all about Asheville—its wonders, its problems, its inner workings—and how you can take advantage of what it offers as well as how you can contribute to its future.” If you would like to find out about volunteer opportunities at OLLI or to sign up for Leadership Asheville Seniors, please contact Laurel Jernigan at 828250-3871.

The third panel, Deerfield in the News, displays justifiable pride in the accomplishments that have been achieved through the hard work, camaraderie, and support of residents, friends of Deerfield and staff over a number of years. Those accomplishments have been recognized in the plaques and awards that comprise this section of the Heritage Hallway. “What’s with the bear?” “Why are those people standing in a driveway?” “Cheerleaders?” Just some of the questions that one overhears from those browsing the scrapbook of images that make up the Deerfield Resident Life panel. The questions don’t hang in the air too long before someone happens by to answer them. We hope you enjoy the Heritage Hallway. The plan is to replace photos from time-to-time, so if you don’t see yourself, or your favorite charity, or your happiest memory, just keep looking. You’ll be glad you did.

I believe that everyone my age is an adult, while I am merely in disguise. Margaret Atwood

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September 2013

A MEDIAEVAL PRAYER

Editorial Staff

Lord, thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others’ pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility, and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a saint—some of them are so hard to live with—but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Submitted by Phoebe Nelson

The Book Club

While some residents come just to hear the discussion, the hope is that everyone will read the book and participate. The book club ranks have been expanded by new residents of Tuton Hall, and some six to 16 will come monthly to meetings now held in the Riverwalk Conference Room. Norma Marcotte has kept the records of every book selected and every member. The next year’s recommendations are made in August and September and selected in October. Scheduling and selection of discussion leaders follow in November. A 12-topic list aids each leader. Local libraries try to make a given month’s selection available for club members. So look for Norma’s column in Deerfield Doings, join the Deerfield Book Club and broaden your reading horizons. Bill Heiser

Proofreaders Kay Aldridge, Clara Brinson, Jo Anne Boyer Alice Green, Seymour Meyerson, Stephanie Yeager, Ellie Zitin Your contributions are welcome. Please submit articles to Bernard Coleman ([email protected]). If you do not have email, you can send hard copy, typed or handwritten, to Tuton Hall #7518. [Deadline 15th of month]

Happy Birthday

BELOW THE RADAR In 2001 Betty Robinson organized the Deerfield Book Club which met monthly except December in the new library. One of the stated benefits of the book club would be to broaden the reader’s interest beyond the normal comfort zone. Members would recommend books and the eleven selected would be scheduled with a discussion leader, often the individual recommending the book. Happy Bradley, who followed Betty as leader, points out that many kinds of books were chosen ranging from fiction to science, but the key would be “standing the test of time” and tending to be a classic.

Bernard Coleman, Editor-Publisher Bill Heiser, Associate Editor Ben Watson, Associate Editor Elizabeth Byerly, Copy Editor Jill Cochrane, Biographer Mike McWeeny, Photographer

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Bill McNutt Nita Hall Jan Cable Janet Moore Fred Brooking Margueritte Gilkey Jim Ryan SC Gaetana Friedman Ross Hatch Ted Jakubowski Jay Lathrop Paula Sparboe Lane Waas Glenn Wilson Roy Adams Mike Anderberg Betty Jarvis AL Beirne Chisolm Ken Landriau Mary Sorum Bill Bailey Jean Jakubowski Jack Coulton SC Betty Rathbun Nancy Adams

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Blan Aldridge Leland Bartholomew Mona Booth Mitch Elrod Mary Carol Hansen Lindsay Harper John Shuford Lynda Kepler Champe Armstrong Carol Burnett Arline Morrison AL Genelda Woggon Betsy Cantrell John Fragale Renee Latty Mary Ellen Sheridan Jane Atchison Sam VanLeer Ann Wall Bob Blank Frank W. Bown Harry Robbins Betty Cobble Jim Rowan Jean Suits