Published by Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury
A Continuing Care Retirement Community
Volume XVII Number 10
October 2013
Activity Room Dedicated to
Rena and Raymond Wrenn
“You know, I’m tired of cooking. Let’s go
see if we can get into WestminsterCanterbury.” It was these words of his wife
Rena that prompted Dr. Raymond Wrenn to
visit SVWC. It was, they did, and it has been
his home for over 13 years.
Rena and Raymond were married in
1949. They had one son and two daughters. Over the course of their lives, the
Wrenns have given over $200,000 to SVWC’s
Fellowship Fund in addition to over $50,000
towards the community’s Chapel.
“Everything has been very easy
here. The important thing to me about a
place like SVWC is that it provides a community. At my age, there are none of my childhood playmates living, that I know of. Here, I
have a constant stream of new friends and
the feeling of being in a community that
doesn’t exist in a lot of places,” said
Wrenn.
Rena passed away in 2009, and Dr.
Wrenn has continued their legacy of generosity to SVWC, along with several other charities. In a video recorded in 2011, Dr. Wrenn
stated, “there has not been a year where I
have not given away more money than I took
in … and I do that because I enjoy it.”
On Monday, September 16, at the Annual
Dr. Wrenn with daughters Elizabeth Bell
(left) and Katharine Norris.
Board and Resident Social, Dr. Terry Sinclair,
Board Chairman, and Jeannie Shiley, SVWC
CEO, shared the podium to unveil the plaque
that documents the dedication of the Activity
Room, located in Lawrence Hall as the
“Raymond and Rena Wrenn Activity Room.”
The plaque features the “sunrise” from the
SVWC logo, with their names underneath. The
words are repeated in Braille for the visually impaired, are included as part of the design .
“It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate
the generosity and caring of such a remarkable
couple,” said Stephanie Landes, Director of Development. “They have been such a blessing to
our community and we are thrilled to express
our thanks in this way.”
Stephanie D. Landes
Director of Development
October 2013
Page 2
Library News
Last month, the selection of ten newlyacquisitioned books was well-received and
went flying off the shelf. But many of the 28
selected donated books for September were
destined to sit on the shelf, in spite of authors who are popular. For this reason, it
was decided to move the September books
for display on the hallway shelf during October. The 15 selected books for October will
be displayed on the usual “New Books” shelf
above the Biography section. They are as
follows:
POETRY
Committed to Memory,
Editor John Hollander
(collection of 100 poems).
FICTION
The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher
The Last Original Wife
by Dorothea Frank
Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
And the Mountains Echoed
by Khaled Hosseini
Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver
On Strike for Christmas
by Sheila Roberts
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
The Shoemaker’s Wife
by Adriana Trigiani
MYSTERY
One Dangerous Lady,
by Jane Hitchcock
The Job by Douglas Kennedy
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross
by James Patterson
Killer View by Ridley Pearson
Enemy Within by Robert K. Tanenbaum
Foreign Influence by Brad Thor
Check them out and enjoy reading!
Marcia Greene
Westbury World
Lawrence Gallery Exhibits
Works of Watercolorist
Friday, September 13, was far from the
traditional ”Bad Luck” day, for it marked the
opening reception of a new SVWC Lawrence Gallery exhibit, “A Painter’s Perception.” The painter is Winchester watercolorist
Julie Read. Numerous attendees were on
hand to view her luminous, well-executed
paintings.
Read never stops experimenting with
new art materials and subjects. For example, her detailed paintings of African wildlife
come from her recent African travels, grandchildren’s photographs of the animals, and
samples of paper made from elephant dung.
Visitors to the exhibit also will see flowers,
farm animals, and landscapes.
Over many years, Julie Read’s paintings
have brought several honors including her
rank as a signature member of the prestigious Baltimore Watercolor Society. She also
is a member of the Virginia Watercolor Society, the Central Virginia Watercolor Society,
and a board member of the Shenandoah
Arts Council.
Yvonne Teske
Westbury World
Published and distributed by
Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury
300 Westminster-Canterbury Drive
Winchester, VA 22603 - - - - - www.svwc.org
Phones: (540) 665-0156 800-492-9463
Co-editors:
Resident—Les Hubert
Staff—Sue McKenzie
Work Group:
Chairman: David Greene
Paul Arnold Patricia Baldwin Jack Bartenstein
Joan Butler Marcia Greene Peggy Jackson Richard
Mann Edward Rider Lynn Young
Westbury World
October 2013
Page 3
Thursday Evening Programs
For October
Robbie Limon Returns
To the Bistro
With autumn here and cooler weather upon
us, we look forward to a new month of programs. All programs will be presented in the
Abbey at 7:30 p.m.
On October 3, Dr. Jeffrey Carithers who
has done medical missionary work for a number of years in Tanzania, will be sharing his insights and experiences, and giving us a
glimpse of a part of Africa many of us know little
about.
The lovely sounds of a folk harp made and
played by John Kovac are next on October 10.
A former Peace Corp worker in Guatemala, he
will sing some of its music and demonstrate
how he makes his harps.
Happy Birthday Handley is the theme October 17, when Pat Richie of the Handley Library
staff brings us pictures and stories of its 100
years in Winchester.
On October 24, Wendy May of the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission will give us the latest word
on what is happening in the area. Come to find
out how and if our part of the valley is growing.
To close out the month on October 31, our
own Richard Teske will help us explore the
heavens. Instead of witches on broomsticks this
night, we will see comets racing through the
sky. It will be a treat!
Jean Trumbore
Robbie Limon will
sing for us again on Friday evening, October 18,
at 7:30. This will be his
fifth performance here.
We warmly welcome him
back to the Bistro.
For those unfamiliar with
Robbie, he sings top
tunes made famous by
talents like John Denver,
Gordon Lightfoot, Buddy Holly, Hank Williams,
Sr., Roy Orbison, The Doobie Brothers, and
Willie Nelson. His glittering guitar playing
builds excitement as he sings. His career as a
star performer at the Wayside Theater has enriched his singing. He is now considered one
of the outstanding performers in the Winchester area. He drew a crowd of about 2,000 in
mid-September for his outdoor performance at
the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.
Robbie told me last year that he particularly likes performing here because of the musically literate, remarkably attentive, and warmly
appreciative audience. Incidentally, he enjoys
talking with residents during and after the concerts.
As most of you know, part of the concert
proceeds go to help support the Fellowship
Fund. Since the Bistro Concert series began
over five years ago, we have received just
over $18,000 for the Fellowship Fund. BB&T
now sponsors the concert series. We are
grateful for this generous support for the Fellowship Fund.
Admission is $10 at the door. Refreshments are served, and the Tavern remains
open through intermission.
Bob Sherwood
When my grandson asked me how old I
was, I teasingly replied, “I’m not sure.” “Look
in your underwear, Grandpa,” he advised,
“mine says 4 to 6.”
October 2013
Page 4
A One-Act Drama
“What Fun!”
Time: Friday, September 6, 2013
Setting: Wappacomo Hall
Richard Mann
Polynesia in the Pergola
Caressed by a gentle fall breeze and serenaded by the rhythmic cadence of a nearby waterfall, thirty residents who attended the September 7 luau in the Pergola were imaginatively
transported to tropical Polynesia. The illusion
was reinforced by the enticing fragrance of
freshly-cut flowers which decorated the dining
area. Muumuu-clad ladies adorned with orchids
and gentlemen attired in colorful shirts also contributed to the authenticity of the event.
Photo by Peggy Jackson
Because the second floor dining room
was being redecorated, residents were having their meals served to them in the Apple
Blossom Room on the third floor. With only
a single elevator in service, it took awhile for
residents on all three floors to make it to
meals. Yet staff handled the move in a very
satisfactory manner. However, as we were
finishing dinner that evening, it was discovered that our single elevator was stuck on
the first floor. What to do?
Staff to the rescue! Every member of
the staff in Wappacomo Hall rallied to solve
an almost untenable situation. Two Stryker
Evacuation Chairs were located in emergency closets, assembled and made ready for
the staff to transport each resident to their
proper floors (except for any walkers or mobile chairs). After what seemed like hours,
but was really only minutes, all residents
were transported down the emergency
stairs. Almost as soon as everyone was
safely returned to quarters, the elevator was
repaired and all walkers and mobile chairs
were delivered to each respective owner.
Members of the staff, whose names are
too many to list here, should (and will) be
honored for their tireless and capable service to our residents. Bless each one!
Westbury World
Libations and light hors-d'oeuvres established the mood for enjoyment of a traditional
Polynesian feast, prepared by the Dining Services. The menu included roasted suckling pig,
coconut-milk chicken, mahi mahi, macadamia
mango rice pilaf, and cheesecake accompanied
by coconut sorbet and grilled pineapple. For the
participants, it was an experience that could
aptly be described as “mai tai roa ae.” (Tahitian:
“out of this world”).
Edward Rider
Westbury World
October 2013
Page 5
Senior Olympics Begin
Photo by Peggy Jackson
One of the year’s most popular events is the Senior Olympics. This year the Olympics
occurred concurrently with the
Active Aging Week in late September.
Although all of the games
were completed in September,
and the awards luncheon was
held on Friday, September 27,
it was too late for this issue of
Westbury World. The winners
and more action photos will be
published in next month’s issue.

Edward Bolish, competing in Corn Hole,
pitches the green “corn” at the hole.
SVWC Group at Handley Library
Opening of
Mike Foreman Reading Garden
play a demonstration game before the celebration. The foursome (l to r) Les Hubert,
Walt Shropshire, John Lees, and Ed Rider,
paused during the formal ceremony, then continued until the fatal words, “We Resign,” rang
through the garden.
Kitty Zuckerman
Crocker/Hough Team Wins
Lawn Bowling Contest
There was a Grand Opening celebration
of the Mike Foreman Rotary Reading Garden
at the Handley Library on Wednesday, September 25. A permanent, eight-foot chessboard of red and gray squares is embedded in
the garden and large plastic chess pieces provided for play.
The SVWC Chess Group was invited to
Anne Crocker and Van Hough collaborated to win the lawn bowling team championship
match that was held on Sept. 23. The team of
Don Metz and Don Sears took second place.
Audrey Shropshire and Herb Stotler were third
-place winners.
This contest took place just as the Senior
Olympics was beginning, but was not part of
that activity. Rather, it was organized and conducted by Katherine Perry, an enthusiastic
player and promoter of the sport.
Edward Rider
Page 6
October 2013
From the President’s Desk
As summer nears
its end, what better
time to reconnect with
one another. And with
four new Board members this year, the Resident and Board Social
held on September 16
was the perfect time
and venue for our 380
Residents
and
17
Board members to get
better
acquainted.
Jeannie Shiley
Each year a resident
President/CEO
and board social is held
to allow these two groups the opportunity for
introductions and conversation.
It is important to note that all of our trustees are volunteers who graciously donate
their time and talents to this community. While
we do have a number of new trustees, we also
have several members who have been on the
Board for many years and their leadership and
guidance is crucial to this community. All the
trustees put in numerous hours serving on the
various committees with the overall purpose of
fulfilling the mission of SVWC.
Our Trustees play an important role in the
life and vitality of this community. They attend
many events throughout the year, including our
Employee Appreciation Dinner and New Year’s
Gala.
The Board of Trustees is composed of 18
members. We currently have 17 Trustees serving on our Board; one position remains open at
this time. Our Board officers are Terry Sinclair,
M.D., Chair; John Scully IV, Vice Chair; and
Stephen Pettit, CPA, Treasurer/Secretary.
Other Board members are Scott Arthur, Theresa Cluss, Richard Creasey, Kathy Ganske,
Ph.D., Rev. Webster Gibson, Scott Harvard,
Karen Hillyard, Joseph Kalbach, Dennis
McLoughlin, William Pifer, Rev. Richard Reifsnyder, Karen Schultz, Ph.D., Sara Stern;
and Roger Zebarth.
Westbury World
During the social, Dining Services provided a delicious array of appetizers and desserts while music was provided by the Cranberry Chamber Ensemble, which includes two
of our residents.
I would like to say “thank you” to everyone
who attended the social. SVWC is so much
more than the bricks and mortar that hold this
place together. It is the warmth and compassion of everyone who enters our doors that
makes this community truly connected for life.

The Autumnal Equinox
The word equinox comes from the
Latin for "equal night." The fall and spring
equinoxes are the only days of the year in
which the sun crosses the celestial equator.
From now on, the temperatures begin to
drop, and the days start to get shorter than
the nights (i.e., hours of daylight decline). And
the colors appear as in this maple photographed by David Greene.
It is the summer's great last heat,
It is the fall's first chill: They meet.
Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt
(Copied from the internet)
Westbury World
October 2013
Around the Campus
Classical Music Associates
On Tuesday, October 15, at 7:30
p.m .in the Abbey we will hear the DVD of
Sir George Solti directing the Chicago
Symphony Orchestra featuring Franz
Schubert’s Symphony No. 6 in C major, Op
D.759, followed by Schubert’s Symphony
No. 8 in B minor, Op 759 - “The Unfinished.”
The DVD was recorded in December
1979 at the Orchestra Hall in Chicago.
Come and enjoy the Abbey’s new sound
system.
DMV at Your Doorstep
Residents, employees, and their families
will have a convenient opportunity to renew
their driver licenses, register to vote, or obtain an identification card (adults and children) when the mobile office of the Virginia
Department of Motor Vehicles makes one of
its periodic visits to our campus on Friday,
Oct.18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The
wheel-chair-accessible van will be located in
the maintenance parking area. Applicants
for a disabled placard or license plate must
provide a certificate of eligibility that has
been signed by their primary health care
provider.
Our New Neighbors
Ed and Penny Clarke have now (finally)
moved into 233 Winchester Hall from Baltimore, MD.
Kathryn Voigt moved into 117 Shenandoah
Hall from Syracuse, NY.
Susan Butler moved into 410 Shenandoah
Hall from Lovettsville, VA.
Page 7
Blessing of the Animals
Residents and employees are invited to
bring their pets to the Chapel on Friday, October 4, at 4:00 p.m. for the annual
“blessing of the animals” ceremony. Participating pets should be leashed, caged, or
otherwise restrained. For additional information, call, Ext. 618.
Annual Flu Shot
The Clinic staff will be holding a Flu Shot
Clinic for Independent Living residents Tuesday, October 29, from 9:00 a.m. until noon
and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Private
Dining Room. Loose-fitting clothing is recommended. Appointments should be made by
calling the Clinic at Ext. 929. Please notify the
Clinic if you have received the vaccination
elsewhere or require an appointment later
than October 29.
Assisted Living and Health Care residents will also receive the vaccine in October.
Administration dates will be set once all required paperwork is received.
Westminster Star
Nicole Braithwaite, Rehab
Services Manager, was
nominated as September’s
star employee.
Nicole
heard that one of our residents was struggling with
depression, not going out
or finding joy in anything. She contacted this resident, offered to
take them on a ride on the golf cart around
campus. Nicole reported that the resident had
a huge grin the entire ride. The resident told
Nicole that they hadn’t been out and had that
much fun in a long time!
Page 8
October 2013
CHAPLAIN’S
O
R “Trust in the Lord with all your
N heart and lean not on your own
E understanding. In all your ways
R acknowledge God, and God will
direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
This text gets to the heart of how we
are to live. While I most often think of
this text when I face difficulties in life, it
has applications far beyond that. We
are not to limit God to the sacred places
or special seasons of life, but to allow
God into every corner of our lives.
When we acknowledge that God’s will is
beyond our own, we are humbled in His
presence, we are released from the burden of having to have all of the answers
and of needing to push our opinions and
agendas. When we acknowledge God,
we are empowered to treat all people
Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury
300 Westminster-Canterbury Drive
Winchester, Virginia 22603
(540) 665-0156
www.svwc.org
Westbury World
with dignity and respect and are released
from the bonds of hostility and outrage.
Acknowledging God produces tranquility. When we can trust that God is at work in
our lives, we can rest and give up anxiety
about the future and the need to be in control. We are released from the fears of what
might be. Our lives are in much more capable hands than our own; our lives are in the
hands of the One who is wise and compassionate and merciful beyond measure.
When we acknowledge God in all our ways,
we will be freed to “love our neighbor as ourselves.”
Blessings,
Elizabeth