2016
Fall Semester
SEPTEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER
Hello!
Welcome to the Fall Semester of Watermark University. Watermark University offers you the
opportunity for brain and body fitness for life!
The foundation of Watermark University (WU) is to provide meaningful opportunities to learn, teach
and grow, resulting in a life of overall well-being. Research shows that learning and keeping our mind
active and sharp supports healthy aging.
At Watermark Retirement Communities® we are committed to encouraging our residents and
associates to lead balanced lives, full of meaning and purpose, grounded in self-awareness and
infused with curiosity, our Watermark University courses help achieve this goal.
By focusing on the Seven Dimensions of Well-being: Physical, Social, Intellectual, Spiritual, Emotional,
Environmental, and Vocational we offer the opportunity to achieve a balanced life and we see the
benefits across the country in every class, every day.
Sincerely,
Pam Hoyt
Pamela Hoyt, Community Life Director
(845) 677-8550 Ext. 8014
[email protected]
COURSE
Atrium Garden Club
FACULTY
Gerrit Dodge
and Jenifer Thuell
DAY AND TIME
LOCATION
Meeting Once Monthly
on Thursdays (see Thrive
newsletter for updates)
Club and Craft
Room
Learn the ins and outs of growing indoor and outdoor plants from seed and then transplanting the
seedlings to larger pots as they grow. In this class, Gerrit and Jenifer will discuss cutting, grafting, and
other gardening terms. Participants can just watch or assist in the process! Plants grown in this class
will be used to create indoor landscapes in the main building.
Last Friday of the Month
Meets in Lower
(see Thrive newsletter for
Lobby
times)
Who needs to travel hours to find interesting places to visit and great restaurants to dine at, when we
have so many great places right in our own backyard? Join Pam as she explores some of these hidden
gems. Together you’ll visit interesting places and dine at some great restaurants. Come learn more
about where we live! September will find you exploring Harney and Son’s Tea Shoppe in Millerton.
You’ll start with a delicious lunch, and a sampling of Harney teas, steeped to perfection. Next stop,
you’ll head over to the tea factory for a behind the scenes tour. Watch your monthly Thrive for where
we’ll end up in October, November and December.
Backyard Adventures
with Pam
Pam Hoyt
Barrett School
of Art:
Open Art Studio
Ellen O’Shea
Every Tuesday
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Art Room
This class is open to any experience level and any medium including pastels, watercolor, colored
pencil, clay, &/or your medium of choice. With the direction of an experienced artist and teacher,
students will pursue individual projects, which may include landscapes, portraits or paper
sculpture, and receive personal and group critique. Some art supplies are on hand, however students are
encouraged to bring their own. This is a great opportunity for those who are curious about art,
beginning artists, or the experienced professional. Bible Study Group
Rev. Dave Way
First & Third Wednesday
of Each Month
1:45 pm
Allen Lounge
Join Pastor Dave Way for an interactive study of the Bible. Pastor Way and his wife, Barbara, bring
years of spiritual study, commitment to God, and love of the Bible to the group, chapter by chapter,
and verse by verse. Both the Old and New Testaments will be studied. Discussion is encouraged. Canine Link
Dog Therapy
Ellen Lievre Botto and
her dog, Fern
Every Wednesday
4:00 pm
and at 4:45 pm
Inn Living Room
Lobby
Canine Link is a not-for-profit therapy dog organization operating in New York’s Hudson River Valley,
Manhattan, the Berkshires, and Litchfield County, Connecticut. They train and certify therapy dog
teams (handler and dog) and provide therapy dog services to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes,
schools, and other facilities. Ellen Botto and her fabulous dog Fern will be visiting with residents
throughout the community. So come meet this dynamic duo and experience how interacting with four
legged Fern can make you feel better! COURSE
FACULTY
Shaun Morano
Cat Lovers Club
DAY AND TIME
LOCATION
Allen Lounge
First Tuesday of the Month
11:15 am
Join Shaun Morano, volunteer for the Dutchess County SPCA, who will bring, when available, her feline friends for a meet and greet. In each session, Shaun will share stories of the successful cat rescues
in our local area. Additional, she will share photos and memories of the many furry friends who have
blessed her life, while she made a differences in theirs. Please come and share the many tales that you
might have about your own experiences with cats.
Chair Dance
Nick & Debi DiGugno
First Thursday of Each Month
2:00 pm
and
3:30 pm
Inn Living Room
Auditorium
Using both arms and legs to execute these moves to some popular music that has been danced to
by line dancers. “Come and dance Ballroom, Swing, Latin, & Country, all the while sitting in a chair!
Our two wonderful teachers, Nick and Debi DiGugno make sure we have fun and good exercise while
dancing to Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, and other favorite music of our more youthful days!” - quote
from chair dancer. Comedy
Connection
Pam Hoyt
Second Monday of Each Month
3:30 pm
Allen
Lounge
Who were some of the great comedians of our time? Learn about their lives, and their brand of
comedy. Enjoy watching their routines and trying out some of their sketches. Laugh, learn and laugh
some more with this fun Watermark University class.
Cooking with
Chef Lukas
Chef
Lukas Smith
Beginning in October
(See Thrive calendar date(s))
Bistro
Join Lukas for cooking classes where you will explore a wide variety of techniques and ingredients in
various culinary treats from pastry to savory.
Crafts to Treasures
Sharon Black
Third Friday
of Each Month
2:00 pm
Club and Craft
Room
In this hands-on, creative workshop, where Sharon will share her passion of of taking simple “discarded”
objects (considered trash by many) and crafting them into wearable or usable objects d’art. Working
with the principles of “reuse, recycle, and repurpose” and a little imagination, object such as coffee
filters, bottle caps and used fabric will be used to create treasures that are worthy of gifting. Together
participants of this course will make, and take home, items such as greeting cards and pendants. IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE COURSES LISTED IN THIS
CATALOG PLEASE CONTACT PAM, COMMUNITY LIFE DIRECTOR, AT 905-8014.
COURSE
Crochet
in the Morning
FACULTY
DAY AND TIME
LOCATION
Joan Gaddonniex
Second Thursday
Art Room
of Each Month
10:30 am
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this is your time to come out and join other
people with a passion for crocheting. It’s a time to share and learn and just get to know new people!
Bring a hook and yarn and get busy creating beautiful works of art.
Current Affairs
Pam Hoyt
Every Monday
11:15 am
Upper Lobby
The purpose of this class is to discuss the news of the day and any other issues going on in the world.
Joanna will guide you through the topics and provide analysis in a concise and unbiased manner.
Whether talking about the current presidential race, the changing values of America, financial issues,
global terrorism, or poverty, this class is your oportunity to learn about the world we live in and to let
your voice be heard.
Deb’s Dining Delights
Deb Slocum
Thursday, October 13th,
Thursday, November, 17th
and
Thursday, December 15th
(see Thrive newsletter for times)
Lower Lobby
Come along with Deb to explore the culinary delights around our community. Learn about the history of each restaurant and meet new friends and neighbors as you enjoy a delightful meal together.
Watch your monthly Thrive for where Deb will take you and what time you’ll be leaving. Please note
that you will pay for what you order at each restaurant.
Drumming Circle
John Grady
Friday, September 16th at 3:00pm
Thursday, October 21st at 3:00pm
Thursday, November 17th at 2:00pm
and
Thursday, December 15th at 3:00 pm
Auditorium
Besides being fun, drumming is a world renound healing art with a variety of benefits, such as:
lowering stress and anxiety, improves body movement and posture, inspires creativity, increases
energy, provides an exciting way to make new social connections, and encourages teamwork. In
this course, John will introduce you to basic West African drumming beats, techniques and the lore
behind it. This is a wonderful drumming experience where all levels and abilities are welcomed.
Drums and other percussion instruments provided.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE COURSES LISTED IN THIS
CATALOG PLEASE CONTACT PAM, COMMUNITY LIFE DIRECTOR, AT 905-8014.
COURSE
Foreign Food & Film
FACULTY
Linda & Emma
Coombs
DAY AND TIME
LOCATION
Fourth Sunday
of Each Month
3:30pm
Allen Lounge
Take a journey to a different land, through a food and film. Each month Linda will choose a film
from her extensive collection and Emma will pair it with a tasting of cusine from the featured region.
From month to month you will see a mixture of contemporary and classic foreign films, with a lively
discussion afterwards. The title and subject of the film will be announced in advance of the screening.
Foreign films are fun, educational and a great way to travel. Film Classics
with Forbes
Forbes Linkhorn
Second Fridays
2:00 pm
Allen Lounge
See the classics through the eyes of a film critic and discover the secrets behind the making of a great
film. Each month Forbes will go through his vast collection of films, to choose one that will break your
heart or send you to heaven. The viewing will begin with an “inside story” to set the stage for what
you will see, and then follow with time for a spontaneous discussion, if the audience feels moved.
Hand Piecing
Marie Clark
Thursday, October 6th 2:00 pm
Art Room
and
Thursday, November 11th 2:00 pm
Master Quilter extraordinaire Marie Clark returns to the Fountains for a hands-on class in the
timeless tradition of hand piecing. Marie will bring in a goodie bag of assorted materials that will
piece together to create a useful take home item such as a potholder, placemat or mug rug. This
course is fun and a great way to forge new memories with new friends here in our community. Come
experience how rewarding hand piecing can be! All levels and abilities welcomed.
Hand Warmers
Emma Coombs
Thursday, September 29th
3:00 pm
Art Room
Homemade heat packs have a variety of uses, including ease of migraines, muscle aches, backaches
or simply just warming up on a cold day! In this program, join Emma in celebrating National Sewing
Month, and learn how to make your very own Lavender-Scented Heat Pack!
THE COURSES LISTED IN THIS WATERMARK UNIVERSITY CATALOG ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
PLEASE REFER TO THE MONTHLY THRIVE NEWSLETTER,
AS WELL AS THE WEEKLY,
FOR THE LATEST UP–TO–DATE INFORMATION.
COURSE
Journey into the
World of Dance
FACULTY
Emma Coombs
DAY AND TIME
First Tuesday
3:30 pm
LOCATION
Auditorium
Join Emma on a journey into the world of classical, contemporary and even modern dance. Each
session will focus on a famous choreographer or dancer and their contributions to the world of dance.
This will be a mixed media journey where lecture, video, music and movement all take center stage! Meditation
Pam Hoyt &
Emma Coombs
First & Third Wednesday
of Each Month
11:30 am
Allen Lounge
More and more people are adding some kind of meditation to their daily routine either as an effective
antidote to stress or as a simple method of relaxation. Pulling from many spiritual traditions, this group
will explore practices that include: breath work, body relaxation, guided imagery, the power of silence
and sound meditation, with the goal of experiencing a more balanced, grounded, and peaceful you!
Meditation in clinically and scientifically proven to have beneficial results for one’s body, mind and spirit.
No experience necessary. All levels are welcomed. Note: Participants are invited to share a reading or
technique of their own with the group .
Music with the Muirs
Peter and
Judith Muir
First and Third Sunday
2:30
Inn Living
Room
Enjoy an afternoon of song with Judith and Peter Muir, of the Institute for Music and Health for an
intergenerational sing-a-long. This program brings together a community of individuals of all ages
who share a common passion - singing! Bringing together Residents of the fountains with those who
live in the wider community, including children with disabilities. Sea Stories
Rex Bridges
See Thrive Calendar
for Date(s).
Library
Join Rex as he tells tales from the high seas of his military career. From national history to personal
history, all are welcome to share their stories from military careers to personal experiences. Learn more
about one another as you share the common threads that weave together the courageous tapestry of
this great United States of America!
THE COURSES LISTED IN THIS WATERMARK UNIVERSITY CATALOG ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
PLEASE REFER TO THE MONTHLY THRIVE NEWSLETTER,
AS WELL AS THE WEEKLY,
FOR THE LATEST UP–TO–DATE INFORMATION.
COURSE
Senior Injury
Prevention Program
FACULTY
Emma Coombs
DAY AND TIME
Tuesday & Friday
of Each Month
10:30 am
LOCATION
Auditorium
The Senior Injury Prevention Program has been in existence at The Fountains for over 10 years now.
The program was initiated by County Executive William R. Steinhaus as a way for seniors to counteract the effects of osteoporosis and lead to improvements in mobility, muscle strength, balance and
independence. Join Emma, twice weekly, as she gently guides you through the exercise routine that
has been proven to have guaranteed results!
Shabbat Shalom
Howard Lynne
Every Friday
4:00 pm
Private Dining
Room
Shabbat is an opportunity to give thanks for the week you had and the week to come. A pause in
between the two providing a day or moment of rest, relection, prayer and Baruch Hashem. Bring a
little light into your life; join Howard as he leads a traditional Shabbat with prayers, blessings and song.
Singing Songbirds
Open Chorus
Peter & Judith Muir
Every Thursday
Auditorium
of the month
7:15 pm
The Singing Songbirds brings together seniors, people with disabilities, families, and just about anyone who loves to sing into a glorious, harmonious whole. Suitable for anyone who likes to sing,
regardless of ability or experience. Chorus singing has never been as easy or so much fun! No
previous musical experience or skills necessary. And no auditions! “Shower” singers welcome!
Ability to read music NOT a requirement. Songs are taught by word sheets or the printed music – your
choice. Our repertoire consists of a wide variety of pop songs, show tunes, folk and classical music.
Spot of Tea and
a Tid Bit of
Conversation
Pam Hoyt
Last Wednesday
of Each Month
4:00 pm
Upper Lobby
How very busy we all are. How rushed we can become. Take a moment out of the “busy”-ness of
your daily routine to take a deep breath, sip a soothing cup of tea . Relax and sit a spell. Take time for
conversation, laughter and companionship. Join Pam in the upper lobby in the late afternoon sun or
the cloudy shade of the day be what may. She’ll be waiting for you!.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE COURSES LISTED IN THIS
CATALOG PLEASE CONTACT PAM, COMMUNITY LIFE DIRECTOR, AT 905-8014.
COURSE
Suzy’s Book
Club
FACULTY
Suzy LaPick
DAY AND TIME
Fourth Thursday
of Each Month
4:00 pm
LOCATION
Library
This club is open to anyone who enjoys reading. Working in conjunction with the Mid Hudson Library,
“Book in a bag Program” and the Millbrook Library, Suzy provides synopsis of a selection of books.
Residents are given a ballot to decide from that list what they would like to read. Suzy will order and
check out the books and disperse them prior to each meeting. Participants will meet once a month to
discuss the novel, enjoy a snack and friendly conversation about their thoughts on the book.
Vespers
Father Matt Calkins
Last Wednesday
of Each Month
3:00 pm
Allen Lounge
Come worship and give thanks for the day just past. Join Father Matt from Grace Church in Millbrook,
as he leads us in singing, selected readings and a period of contemplation and prayer. Reconnect with
your faith.
Wandering Book
Club
Joan Gadonniex
Second Thursdays
of Each Month
12:30 pm
Library
Opening a book allows one to travel to exotic places and learn new things. At this program, you have
an opportunity to deepen your experience of the written word by engaging in the social process of
sharing your thoughts about the book’s content and the author who wrote it. Join this diverse and
lively group who love to read and expand your literary horizons! NOTE: Pam will be happy to order
books through the local library if needed.
Whole Music Plus
Peter & Judith Muir
Each Tuesday
Allen Lounge
Program
7:15 pm
Judith and Peter’s Whole Music™ program combines two usually separate fields, music education on
the one hand and music and health on the other, into a powerful, synergistic whole. Their core belief is
that the ability to make music is an innate part of what it is to be human, and that this ability can used
to positively impact people’s lives when they are taught with an approach that is truly empathetic. Join
Judith and Peter for a wonderful opportunity to experience the joy of singing in this Tuesday evening
drop in program! No auditions necessary, just come along and sing!
THE COURSES LISTED IN THIS WATERMARK UNIVERSITY CATALOG ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
PLEASE REFER TO THE MONTHLY THRIVE NEWSLETTER,
AS WELL AS THE WEEKLY,
FOR THE LATEST UP–TO–DATE INFORMATION.
COURSE
John’s Wine
Making 101
FACULTY
DAY AND TIME
John Brennan
Sunday
December 11th
2:00 pm
LOCATION
Bistro
Ever wondered how to make your own wine? Maintenance Director, John has been making his own
delicious wine for years. Come learn the art of wine making, sample some homemade wine and learn
John’s secrets to his great tasting wine.
Wood Carving
Instruction
David Carrier & Hudson
Valley Wood Carvers
Every Wednesday
10:30 am
Wood Shop
Let our advisors from the Hudson Valley Wood Carvers help you learn how to carve or to improve your
carving skills. They can even help you with ideas on what to carve! Don’t be shy! Come out and see
what is possible!
Writers’ Exchange
Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi
First and Third
Wednesday
1:30 pm
Library
“It is in the process of sharing stories that you become a storyteller,” explains Lorraine. “Each tale is
an adventure of memories, imagining and sharing.” Join professional writer and storyteller, Lorraine
Hartin-Gelardi, twice monthly for an opportunity to tell your own story! Whether drawing from fiction
or life experience, hearing the words and feeling the response of the listeners allows you to shape the
story and develop your writing skills. This class provides a comfortable environment where everyone
is invited to share their memories through the oral tradition of storytelling. Lorraine provides guidance
to help participants shape stories into written form.
Yoga: Beauty,
Balance, Bliss
Sande Nosonowitz
Second and Fourth Wednesday
of Each Month
10:30 am
Auditorium
Yoga helps one to develop balance, enhance breathing, and experience deep relaxation. It has numerous benefits: physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Join Certified Yoga Trainer, Sande,
from Sundhara Yoga (her studio in Pleasant Valley) for a unique style of Yoga. In this course, she combines meditations for the mind and heart with guided gentle stretches all done with the support of a
chair. Using slow motion, meditative movements, participants will each work at their own ability and
comfort level. Experience beauty, balance and bliss with Sande!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE COURSES LISTED IN THIS
CATALOG PLEASE CONTACT PAM, COMMUNITY LIFE DIRECTOR, AT 905-8014.
COURSE
Yoga: Diamond
Path
FACULTY
Judith Muir
DAY AND TIME
First and Third Wednesday of
Each Month
10:30 am
LOCATION
Auditorium
Energize your body today! Let Instructor, Judith Muir,(MM, M. AmSAT.), increase your “Chi” to stay
healthy and happy. Relax, stretch, breathe and feel energized. Learn how to energize your body
through yoga with balanced stretches and breathing practices.
Zumba Gold
Linda Thomas
Second and Fourth Thursday
of Each Month
11:15 am
Inn Living Room
Zumba Gold targets the active older participant as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and
healthy lifestyle. Zumba is known for the zesty Latin music, like salsa, meringue and cumbia with easyto-follow moves. It’s a dance-fitness class that feels friendly and most of all, fun! Linda is a licensed
Zumba Gold instructor and has taught this in many communities in the area. All levels and abilities are
welcome to attend this class.
Residents, associates, family members, volunteers are all
welcomed to become an esteemed member of the
Watermark University faculty!
Share a passion, interest or hobby with the community by teaching a share
a passion, interest or hobby with the community by teaching a course!
Interested? Inspired?
Contact Pam, Director of Community Life
at
905-8014.
NOTES:
INSTRUCTORS’ BIOS
Watermark University Fall 2016
Get to know some of the instructors that are teaching this semester. Feel free to contact the
Community Life Department if you have any other questions on any of these fine folks.
Sharon Black
Sharon started her career in finance in 1972 and worked in loan offices until she was able to obtain her
own mortgage broker’s business. She came to the Fountains after the mortgage business started on
the down slope and says she’s glad it did as she was able to join The Fountains family. Her spare time
is spent with her family, and doing her crafts, which she shares with us in her “Crafts to Treasures” class.
Ellen Lievre Botto and her dog Fern
Fern, a Maremma Sheepdog, was born in March of 2013 and was adopted from the Dutchess County
SPCA by Ellen in August of 2013. Ellen noticed that Fern was a quick learner, so she started to teach
her tricks at a very young age. This inspired Ellen to bring Fern to Therapy Dog Training, where she
graduated with flying colors! Both Ellen and Fern are members of the Canine LINK Therapy Dog
Program.
John Brennan
John is our Director of Maintenance. Not only can he fix just about anything, he makes great wine!
Rex Bridges
Rex, the Business Office Manager of The Fountains graduated from the US Naval Academy, was a
Lieutenant Commander in the Civil Engineer Corps of the Navy. He is a Vietnam Era Veteran.
Emma Coombs
A recent graduate of SUNY Brockport, Emma first joined the Fountains in 2014 in our Dining Services Department; now she is very excited to be an integral part of the Community Life team! While
receiving her BS is Psychology and Dance, she enjoyed being part of Sankofa, an African Dance
and Drum Ensemble!
Debi & Nick DiGugno
Their dance experience goes back to the 1990’s when country dancing became the craze. They
have danced to country-line, couples, and free style for about 10 years. They have conducted
country-dance workshops, and taught country-dance in churches. Ballroom came into their lives
when country-dance became less and less. They have been doing Ballroom for about 7 years now
and have conducted Ballroom workshops for 3 years. Nick and Debi have a desire to share the
things they enjoy most, so others could enjoy them as well.
Gerrit Dodge
has been bringing his eye for detail to the Housekeeping Department of the Fountains for the last
4 years. Yet, he has been cultivating his “eye” through the inspiration developed at the Open Art
sessions. This eclectic and talented Marine Corps Veteran, who served in the Gulf war era, has many
interest including painting, photography, gardening, cycling and staying fit! Gerrit earned his BA at
SUNY New Paltz. What does he love about working with plants? “Its life affirming! Having my hands
in the soil keeps me connected to nature.”
INSTRUCTORS’ BIOS
Watermark University Fall 2016
Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi
In 1991, Lorraine attended the first Hudson Valley Storytelling Festival and was inspired to try “this
storytelling thing.” She joined the newly formed Visions Story Circle. For over a year, she participated
in workshops, listened to other tellers and attended story gatherings in order to absorb the details
of finding, shaping, and telling a story. She participated in a “New Teller’s Night” and began telling
stories at local libraries and schools.
John Grady
John has been in the education field for over 30 years. He is an active member of Drum circles nationwide including the local chapter of Sankofa African Drumming and Dance ensemble.
Pamela Hoyt
Pam is the Community Life Director for the Fountains. She is an avid craftswoman, who enjoys a variety of crafts including making jewelry. She is probably wearing one of her creations right at this moment. She loves reading, traveling, kayaking and spending time with her husband, children and her
big black dog. Her favorite part of working at the Fountains, is getting to know the residents and their
life stories.
Suzy LaPick
Suzy, Move in Coordinator at The Fountains, worked her way through college Suzy as an Aide at
the Beverly Hills Public Library, where she was exposed to some great book collections and movie
archives. After graduating from UCLA, she went into the film industry where she worked as a Prop
Master for many years. She believes that reading is so important to open one’s mind, to learn and
grow, and foster ones appreciate to other cultures and lifestyles. Suzie has been offering the Book
Club course for many years and her following is growing!
Howard Lynne
Howard is a volunteer. He’s been doing this for most of his adult life. It was ingrained in him by his
parents. He loves helping people, sharing his knowledge with both children and adults and always
looking to make the world a better place by his deeds. He has served as President of four Board
organizations, chaired numerous committees and headed a Youth Group, and as a young senior
deals blackjack to older seniors, drives older seniors to/from their doctor appointments, and has
lead Shabbat Services for older seniors.
Joan L. Gadonniex
The Wandering Book Club began in 2002 as an initiative with the Millbrook Library. When the Wandering Book Club was in need of a new leader in 2012, Joan took the reins and brought the group back
to life, inspiring many of the original members to return. The group was literally “wandering” meeting
at different locations each month. Until, at the suggestion of Fountains residents who were members
of the club, they found their new home here with us. Joan has loved to read anything she could get
her hands on from the time she was a little girl!
INSTRUCTORS’ BIOS
Watermark University Fall 2016
Shaun Morano
Care giver and Cat lover extraordinaire! Shaun brings compassion and caring to everything she does,
whether through her work with Fountains Home Care of New York or her volunteer efforts with the
Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DCSPCA.)
Judith Muir
Judith is a senior Alexander Technique teacher with thirty years of international experience. She is a
founding member of the American Society of Alexander Teachers (AmSAT), runs an AmSAT approved
teacher training course, as well as being on the faculty for the past twelve years has been teaching
the Alexander Technique in the theatre department at Bard College. She is the co-founder, with her
husband Peter Muir, Dip. IMH Ph.D., of Music for Life, a program based upon the work of John
Diamond, M.D.
Peter Muir Ph.D
President of the IMH, has been involved in music pedagogy for twenty-five years. He is former Director
of Jazz and Head of Keyboards at Westminster School, London (one of the most prestigious private
schools in Britian) and has taught as an adjunct instructor for City University of New York as well as
extensively in private practice. He has worked internationally in the field of community music, running
and participating in hundreds of programs in Europe, America and Australia.
Sande Nosonowitz
After decades of seeking, self-inquiry and practicing yoga & meditation, Sande found the true
meaning of Ahimsa (Sanskrit for non-harming) in her vegan activism. She is an MSVA-Certified
Vegan Lifestyle Coach & Educator as well as the founder of Sundara Yoga and the owner/designer
of Sundara Yoga-Inspired Jewelry. The word Sundara is drawn from the Sanskrit word meaning
“beautiful,” interpreted as inner beauty flowing from grace & wisdom. Sande completed her Yoga
Teacher Training at Satya Yoga Center in Rhinebeck, NY and her Corporate Yoga Teacher Training
at the Omega Institute of Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, NY. In college, she studied Psychology &
Education at Boston University and holds a B.A. in Education from the State University of New York
at Stony Brook.
Ellen O’Shea
Ever ready with a smile and a laugh, Ellen is a cornerstone of the Dutchess County Art scene. She
maintains a studio in Poughkeepsie working as a painter and printmaker. Ellen has received her BS
from Nazareth College and MA from SUNY New Paltz both in Painting & Art Education.
Deb Slocum
Executive Director for the Fountains at Millbrook for 17 years. Deb is known for her keen eye and
attention to detail. Deb really knows her Fountains history and is sharing her passion this semester
with her historic walking tours.
INSTRUCTORS’ BIOS
Watermark University Fall 2016
Lukas Smith
Lukas is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan and Executive Chef at the Fountains.
This semester he brings out his favorite cookbooks to create delight reminiscent meals that bring a
smile to your face and delight to your senses.
Linda Thomas
“My mission is to motivate, inspire and promote exercise in a fun and party-like atmosphere, to the
baby boomer and senior population. This includes giving back to my community by volunteering my
services for charity and local community events.” Linda is a real dynamo! She was the recipient of the
Dutchess County Office of the Aging Achievement Award 2015 for her fitness work with seniors. In
her former professional career Linda was a Radiation Therapist for 40 years, and prior to reaching the
point of retirement she decided to take her hobby passion for fitness & teaching Zumba into a now
full time career!
Jenifer Thuell
Ever since she was a young adult in London in the 1950’s, she started going to the foreign films and
loved them and did the same thing when she relocated to NYC in 1964. When she retired to Harlem
Valley in 1984, she and her husband used to go to Millerton and Rhinebeck and now she is so happy
that she doesn’t have to leave the Fountains campus to enjoy them.
Reverend Dave Way: Rev. David Way has been teaching the Bible for the past 35 years. Though he is
now fully retired, he still serves in different ways throughout the Local Community.
Reverend Dave Way
Rev. David Way has been teaching the Bible for the past 35 years. Though he is now fully retired, he
still serves in different ways throughout the Local Community.
Rev. Matt Calkins
Father Matt is the Pastor at Grace Church in the village of Millbrook. Father Matt graduated from the
seminary in 1998 with a Master of Divinity degree, and received his Doctorate of Ministry degree from
Hartford Seminary, Hartford, CT.
For more information on any of the instructors listed in the catalogue,
please contact the Community Life Office.
Watermark University Fall 2016
INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING
79 Flint Road • Millbrook, NY 12545 • 1-845-677-8550 • www.watermarkcommunities.com
A WATERMARK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY