N E W S L E T T E R
D A T E
PAGE
2
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday
1/1
11:15
New Years Day Brunch With Live Entertainment
Monday
1/2
10:30
Groovercise With Karen
Tuesday
1/3
3:30
Art Class With Rachel
Wednesday 1/4
2:00
Zumba With Celia
Wednesday 1/4
3:30
Cheese And Wine With Live Entertainment- Yvonne Johnson
Friday
1/6
2:30
Music In The Air With DJ Bill
Saturday
1/7
10:00
Front Porch Singers
Sunday
1/8
3:00
Live Entertainment– Elvis Presley
Tuesday
1/10
10:30
Outing– National Cathedral
Tuesday
1/10
2:30
ArtMobile Speaker Presents “Claude Monet”
Wednesday 1/11
1:30
Visit To Potomac Falls
Wednesday 1/11
3:30
Cheese And Wine With Jimi On The Piano
Thursday
1/12
10:30
Smithsonian Art Presents “On The Road Again”
Thursday
1/12
3:00
Echo Of Nature– Live Animal Program
Friday
1/13
3:30
Happy Hour With Live Entertainment– Pam Butler
Sunday
1/15
10:30
Hymn Sing With John
Sunday
1/15
3:30
Entertainment– Dave Lovins Accordionist
Monday
1/16
1:30
Piano Recital With Jailin
Monday
1/16
2:30
Dr. Rodger Presents “Dr. Martin Luther King”
Tuesday
1/17
2:30
Music And Memories With Beth
Wednesday 1/18
3:30
Cheese And Wine With Live Entertainment– Dave Cook
Thursday
1/19
3:30
Birthday Celebrations
Friday
1/20
2:30
Music In The Air With DJ Bill
Sunday
1/22
10:30
Hymn Sing With John
Monday
1/23
2:00
Wandering Docent Presents “Orientalism And The Exotic East”
Tuesday
1/24
10:00
Outing– Charlestown Races And Slots And Lunch
Wednesday 1/25
12:00
Lunch Outing– Angheeti Lunch Buffet
Friday
1/27
3:30
Happy Hour With Live Entertainment
Saturday
1/28
2:00
Chinese New Year Celebration
Sunday
1/29
10:30
Hymn Sing With John
Monday
1/30
2:30
Dr. Rodger Presents Paris
Tuesday
1/31
10:30
Outing– National Aquarium
Tuesday
1/31
10:30
Chef’s Food Meeting
PAGE
3
HAPPY NEW YEAR
We would like to wish you all a very happy, healthy and blessed new year. A busy time was certainly had here
at Tall Oaks Assisted Living and we certainly hope everyone enjoyed themselves. The holiday season may be
over but we are still busy here with many fun and exciting things going on.
New Years Resolutions
What are YOU going to do in 2017?
The new year offers a time of reflection and a time of renewal. It’s a great opportunity for your loved ones to
pause and look at their current lifestyle. They can determine how to enrich their lives to make it better. It’s also
a great time for caregivers to evaluate what has been working well and what can be improved upon to strengthen health and happiness.
While many set New Years resolutions, the vast majority of people fail to follow through with them. According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, less than 10% of people are successful in achieving their resolutions.
Let’s take a look at last year’s most common New Years resolutions:
1. Lose Weight
2. Get Organized
3. Spend Less, Save More
4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest
5. Stay Fit and Healthy
6. Learn Something Exciting
7. Quit Smoking
8. Help Others in their Dreams
9. Fall in Love
Spend More Time with Family
The January Diet Resolution
T’was the month after Christmas and all through the
house,
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I’d nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste,
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales, there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber),
I’d remember the marvelous meals I’d prepared,
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared.
The wine and the rum balls; the bread and the cheese,
And the way I’d never said, “No thank you, please.”
As I dressed myself in my husband’s old shirt,
And prepared once again to battle with dirt,
I said to myself, as only I can,
“You can’t spend a winter disguised as a man!”
So, away with the last of the sour cream dip.
Get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip.
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished,
'Til all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won’t have a cookie – not even a lick.
I’ll only just chew on a long celery stick.
I won’t have hot biscuits, or cornbread, or pie,
I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I’m hungry, I’m grouchy, can't fit through the door,
But isn’t that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!
~ Author Unknown
PAGE
4
NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS FROM RESIDENTS AND STAFF
Lois-To smile more Sue-To not make any!!!
Not to be argumentative!! Musette-To stay healthy
Irene-To keep on breathing! Mathew-Staying healthy
Marcy-To learn something new everyday
Loretta-To make a resolution and keep it! June-To drink less coffee! Sylvia To read 50 books
Reenu-Learn to sing on key Greta-Exercise daily
Martha-Eat more chocolate Joelle -Use the stairs
PAGE
5
Residents Corner
By
Sophie Neam
Sophie Neam was born in Washington DC to Lebanese immigrants. Sophie’s father immigrated to the United
States to flee the Turkish invasion when he was only 12 years old. With no space left on the Titanic the young boy
prepared for the months long journey sailing to his new home. Now living with distant relatives, Sophie’s father
made a life for himself working in grocery stores. He would send money back to his mother and 7 sisters still living in Lebanon. Eventually he had saved enough money to open his own grocery store. Now financially secure he
returned to Lebanon to find a bride.
Sophie’s parents wed in Lebanon but soon after returned to the United States to tend to their grocery store. Only
16 and speaking no English, Sophie’s mother followed her husband to her new home in America. They would
have four children over the years, two girls and two boys, who were all raised in Washington D.C. Being the oldest daughter, Sophie helped her mother care for her younger brother and sister while attending school. Living in
D.C. during World War II Sophie remembers the transition of women working outside the home; not just in factories but in government as well. It was a big deal to see women in the workforce but especially to see a women
working for the government, Sophie recounts.
After graduating from school, Sophie went on to work as a receptionist at her father’s real estate agency. A frequent visitor, certain his son was her perfect match, would end up being her future father-in-law. As luck would
have it, “her perfect match” ended up not being her husband but her brother-in-law. While it may have been love
at first sight for Ed, it took some time for the feelings to become mutual. Ed and Sophie attended the same church,
parties, and dinners where Ed continued to pursue her “wherever I went he was there” Sophie recalls. His efforts
weren't in vain, finally it was agreed that they would attend a play together as their first date.
After dating for one year, Ed popped the question to which Sophie exclaimed “you really want to marry me?” baffled, Ed confirmed “yes of course I do!”. Following a year long engagement they were married at Hotel Twenty
Four Hundred in DC on the first of May.
Ed opened his own Grocery store while Sophie cared for their three children. PTA’s, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts
became her full time job. She is now the proud grandmother of six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
PAGE
6
Residents Highlights
PAGE
7
Resident Highlights
<
PAGE
8
The Latest Scams Victimizing Older Americans
Here are common tactics fraudsters use to separate seniors from their money:
1. The Grandparents Scam
We were first alerted about this scam when the mother of one our own staff was targeted. Judy Somers, mother
of our senior director of content and SEO, received a call from someone claiming to be her grandson, and asking for financial help.
Fortunately, Somers was fully aware the gruff-voiced caller was not one of her young grandchildren and that it
was an obvious impostor. But not all seniors are so lucky, and many fall victim to this trick. The National
Council on Aging explains:
Scammers will place a call to an older person, and when the mark picks up, they will say something along the lines of: “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” When the unsuspecting grandparent guesses the name of the grandchild the scammer most sounds like, the scammer has established a fake identity without having done a lick of background research.
The impostor will then claim to be in trouble and that he or she needs money for rent, bail or something of the
like. Scammers will often ask for money to be sent to Western Union.
How to Avoid: If you receive a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be a relative or loved one, say
you’ll call back, and check the story with other relatives. Note that these scammers can get information about
you and your relatives off of social media sites like Facebook. Most scammers aren’t this sophisticated, but the
tactic is not unheard of, so don’t be fooled if a suspicious caller references details from your life or a relative’s.
2. Investment Schemes
Whether it’s pyramid schemes, your friendly neighbor selling cheap plots of land as a “sure-fire” investment
opportunity, or a gentleman at your church who gets a little too persuasive when he tries to get folks to take
advantage of their “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to spend their savings on penny-stock in a company that
has supposedly just discovered the “largest untapped yttrium deposit east of the Black Sea” – beware!
Seniors are ripe targets for scams like these. For instance, many of the victims of Bernie Madoff’s investment
scheme were seniors. The National Council on Aging notes: “Because many seniors find themselves planning
for retirement and managing their savings once they finish working, a number of investment schemes have
been targeted at seniors looking to safeguard their cash for their later years.”
How to Avoid: Remember that if it sounds too good to true it probably is. Be suspicious of anyone who promises massive returns on an investment and be sure to only deal with reputable and credible institutions.
3. Email Scams
All kinds of nasty scams spread via email. Email scams are often variations on the investment scam or the lottery scam. Many emails purport to be from a rich or well-connected individual and claim that they can give
you a cut in their fortune if you will just offer a little assistance to them.
These are known as 419 scams or “Nigerian email scams” (although the email’s country of origin is not always
-P A G E 9
4. Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams
This trick is old but still lives. Essentially a victim is told they have won a sweepstakes or lottery, but that they
must make a payment to “unlock” their winnings. (As noted above, some emails use this tactic). Often, seniors
who fall for the ruse are sent a check that initially appears to have great value, and only a few days later,
bounces. During that lag time, “the criminals will quickly collect money for supposed fees or taxes on the
prize, which they pocket.”
How to Avoid: Be wary, again, of what seems to be too good to be true. Remember that if you have won a
sweepstakes, you shouldn’t be asked to pay mysterious and suspicious fees within a day or two of the award.
5. Medicare Card and Medicaid Card ID Theft Scam
Callers claiming to represent various government agencies or organizations tell seniors that their Medicare or
Medicaid cards must be replaced. This is merely a ruse to get a senior’s personal information for the purpose of
identity theft.
How to Avoid: Never give personal information like your social security number or banking information over
the phone, and be suspicious of calls from people who claim to represent
6. Charity Scams
This scam of particular moral repugnance occurs in the wake of major disasters. Callers claim to represent a
charity seeking money to help pay for disaster recovery or aid for the victims. The money goes nowhere but the
criminal’s bank accounts. Some charity scammers will send emails soliciting donations.
How to Avoid: If you wish to donate to charity following a disaster seek out the charity yourself. Do not make
donations to organizations that cold-call you.
7. Repair Fraud
Repair fraud is all too common. As I note in a personal reflection below the list, my grandmother fell victim to
this type of fraud more than any other. Her tires were replaced several times a year. Unnecessary car repairs
were ordered and duly paid for (sometimes twice). A “friendly” neighbor would charge hugely exorbitant
amounts of money for the simplest yard work. This happens all too often, and may be a sign your loved one
has developed dementia.
How to Avoid: If you find yourself making poor purchasing decisions, talk to a younger family member about
getting help, and possibly a financial power of attorney. If a younger relative has financial power of attorney,
sometimes the costs of these fraudulent charges can be reversed.
8. Fraudulent Anti-Aging Products
As America ages, a whole host of “anti-aging” products are being thrust upon them. The fact is, there is no
product you can buy that will reverse aging. Many of the products that use “anti-aging” as a marketing refrain
are completely bunk. The National Council on Aging says, “Whether it’s fake Botox like the one in Arizona
that netted its distributors (who were convicted and jailed in 2006) $1.5 million in barely a year, or completely
bogus homeopathic remedies that do absolutely nothing, there is money in the anti-aging business.”
PAGE
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
10
Our birthday celebrations this month will be on January 19th with Live Entertainment
1 Gerry Mazziotta
2 Muriel Bendernagel
3 Mary Gretzkowski
9 Ruth Kaplin
17 Madelene Audlt
20 Thelma Beach
21 Dorothy Freitas
26 Connie Conners
26 Joe Ikenberry
JANUARY is named for the ancient Roman god, Janus, who is thought to have presided over
the dawning of each new year. He was often referred to as the “god of beginnings.” The
image of Janus is often symbolized by a face that looks both backward and forward at the
same time—a reminder to reflect on the events of the previous year and to recognize the
proverbial clean slate of opportunity that waits immediately ahead.
In the Good Old Days of
January
One hundred years ago, the average income
was $1,100. The cost of an average new
house was $5,520. A loaf of bread was 9¢,
and a gallon of milk was 44¢. Stamps were
2¢ each. A car cost $375, and gas was 24¢
per gallon.
BELOW ARE SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT JANUARY:
1. The flower symbol of January is snowdrop & carnation.
2. January's gem is garnet which represents constancy.
3. The zodiac signs for January is Capricorn (December 22 January 19) and Aquarius (January 20 - February 18).
4. The Common Sense by Thomas Paine was published on January 10, 1776.
5. On January 10, 1920 the League of Nations was established.
6. National Blood Donor Month
7. National Braille Literacy Month
8. National Hobby Month
9. National Soup Month
10. National Staying Healthy Month
PAGE
11
The Spice Trade
Spices are derived from the seeds, fruit, root or bark of various plants. They have been used for thousands of years for flavoring, coloring and preserving food, and in medication, religious rituals, cosmetics and
perfume. They have been known since antiquity and the demand for spices and their value has often changed
the course of world history. Most spices come from tropical climates. Kerala, on the Malabar Coast of south
west India was known as the land of spices, and the Moluccas in Indonesia were the Spice Islands. Spices are
mentioned in the Vedas, the Bible and the Quran. In the New Testament, the magi brought gold, frankincense
and myrrh as gifts to the Christ child, and the resins were as valuable as the gold. In Genesis, Joseph was sold
to spice merchants by his brothers. Spices were highly valued by the Greeks and the Romans, as were the fragrant oils. In the time of the Roman Empire, spices from Asia were traded through the Egyptian port of Alexandria which became an important center of commerce.
In the Middle Ages, the demand for spices, particularly pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves led to
enormously high prices. The spices were imported from Asia and Africa and for five centuries the Maritime
Republics, notably the Republic of Venice had a monopoly on the spice trade with the Middle East. The kings
of Spain and Portugal were not too pleased about this, so Christopher Columbus set off to reach the East Indies
by sailing west and discovered the American continent instead, as it was in the way. This expedition was funded by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. After this, Vasco de Gama sailed on a voyage to India in
1499. The Portuguese navigator reached Kerala and secured pepper at much lower prices. He had sailed
around Africa’s southern tip, the Cape of Good Hope.
These voyages to search for spices led to the Age of Discovery and enormous expansion of European power. Spain and Portugal conquered South America while England and France fought over North America. Colonies were developed in Asia by the British, Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch.
The search for a sea passage was precipitated by the closure of the western end of the overland route, the
Silk Road by the Ottoman Empire after the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 A.D. So the caravanserai, the
great baggage trains, protected in their eastern part by the Great Wall of China, fell in importance the Age of
Exploration, colonization and global circumnavigation had begun.
So the next time you put pepper on your dinner, remember that in the middle ages black pepper was so valuable it was sometimes used as currency. When you eat a slice of pumpkin pie, remember that nutmeg was so
highly prized that its source, the Island of Run, one of the Spice Islands, was traded for Manhattan at the end
of the second Anglo Dutch war in in 1667. After this New Amsterdam was renamed New York. By PEP
(Resident)
PAGE
12
SPICE ISLANDS
SAFFRON
NUTMEG
THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI
TUMERIC
A PORTUGUESE CARRACK, AS DEPICTED IN A MAP MADE IN 1565.
SULTANHANI CARAVANSERAI
PAGE
13
WELCOME WAGON
CONCIERGE TRIPS
The Tall Oaks bus is available for personal use on Mondays from 9am—4pm and Fridays
from 9am to 4pm.
Wednesdays are our weekly shopping trips.
10:30 Giants/Shoppers
10:30 Wegmans/CVS
10:30 Target
10:30 Harris Teeter
Please call the front desk to arrange for a trip. All trips must be verified by the Director of
Nursing and/or the Director of Resident Relations before they are approved.
Instead of just heading out for doctor’s appointments, the bank and running errands though,
consider trying something fun.
The Reston Community Center has many great activities and events that are available to all
Reston residents. You can even head over to the Herndon Senior Center (they charge a
small fee) or take advantage of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) which offers free
classes.
For more information about each activity, and/or to see a copy of the brochures for each of
the centers, please see Reenu in the activity office.
PAGE
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
14
TALL OAKS ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Eileen Anatra
Claire Behrman
Ella Thomas
Patty Canas
Dale York
Ellen Dooley
Judy Kraner
Reenu Gill
Robert McKeon
Mike Halpeny
Emilijah Krostikj
Executive Director
Director Of Nursing
Ast Director Of Nursing
Director of Environmental Services
Director of Admissions & Marketing
Director of Community Relations
Director Of Resident Relations
Director of Activities
Director Of Food Services
Director Of Maintenance
Business Manager
OTHER IN-HOUSE NUMBERS
2nd Floor Nurses Station
4th Floor Nurses Station
Barber/Beauty Shop
Genesis Rehabilitation
Health Clinic
Receptionist
Rose Memory Care Center
Terrace Solarium
420
487
430 (Open on Thursdays & Fridays)
703 481-0528
435
410
482
501
422
888
453
503
436
453
434
630
431
427
425