Life Fulfilling Community®

For all life can besm

MAY 2011

Ambassadors Are Key to Marketing Success

The old adage, “Many hands make light work,” is worked together with the Life Planning department
true for the organization of Glenridge members known and PRAXEIS to establish and organize Ambassador-
as the Ambassadors. There are aspects to this organi- hosted marketing events for prospective members.
zation that are quite unique. The pleasure in greeting The program was successfully kicked off with events
new people with whom for Boca Grande and The
one could share the com- Meadows.
munity – people who may In 2007, Jean Hadden took
become friends through the reins of the Ambas-
shared experiences – is of- sador program and made
ten a motivating factor in great strides by contribut-
becoming an Ambassador. ing her talents in organiz-
In addition, our members ing marketing events with
have come to appreciate the Life Planning Team.
the Glenridge lifestyle so Her successful format for
much that they welcome open houses is still in use
the opportunity to share today.
their experiences with In the last quarter of
prospective members. 2007, Lisa Snyder be-
The Ambassador pro- came the Director of Life
gram was launched in Some of the current leaders of the Ambassador program Planning and subscribed
2006 by Dick Montmeat include (standing, L-R) Anne Calvert, Ginny Tarika, heartily to the Ambassador
and enthusiastically sup- Bob Henderson, Betty Stewart and (seated) Chair Dick Fleming. program. Snyder regards
ported by then-G.A.C. the Life Planning depart-
President Jack Steenbarger. From the beginning, it was ment and the member Ambassador group as one big
recognized that our members – with their exceptional team working together to achieve and maintain full
level of career and life experiences – were our big- occupancy.
gest marketing advantage. Montmeat and Steenbarger Please turn to page 6

Glenridge Named ‘Best Retirement Community’

by Sarasota Magazine for Second Consecutive Year!
See page 7.
Charley’s Corner
by Charley Tirrell, CEO

Great things are continue to be under our projected pressive showing of The Glenridge
happening here at expenses for the month. This is due in attracting over $21 million in
The Glenridge. As to the hard work of all our staff and entrance fees from new members
I write this column, the members who contribute so over the past two years. I cannot
we have placed our much to making The Glenridge the overemphasize how much the Am-
refinancing out in the only place to be in Florida. bassadors have directly contributed
bond marketplace We have had the annual audit of to this outstanding achievement.
and we have had a series of inves- our financial statements by the au- I remain extremely grateful to all
tor presentations and site visits by diting firm of Bobbit, Pittenger and of you for all you have contributed
major financial companies. As we Company. There were no deficien- to this community.
finalize the sale of our bonds, we cies or material weaknesses noted Best Regards,
have already begun planning our in their assessment. Of importance Charley
groundbreaking ceremony for the were their comments on the im-
Carroll Center expansion.
I know how hard many people
have worked on this historic mo-
ment. There are too many to name, A Note from your Library Committee
but I want to extend my thanks to We are most grateful for your book donations. However, please
them on behalf of current members check with Joy Leahy at 923-0913 to make sure we have room on
and their families as well as future our very crowded shelves. We cannot accept scientific, medical, art
generations of Glenridge members. or religious books or yearbooks. If we cannot accommodate you,
This expansion will truly make a please donate the books to your favorite charity. Thank you!
great difference in the lives of all of
us. There will be monthly updates
in this publication on the progress Attention Glenridge Walkers
of our construction. A member was driving home at 9:30 one night recently, after
Part of the financing will allow us an event in the Theater. On Armidale Road – the street that con-
to begin the process of resurfacing nects the front entrance with the Cypress and Oaks Buildings – she
and painting several of our build- almost created an even bigger event by nearly hitting three other
ings. A schedule and sequence for members walking down the middle of the street!
these improvements will be an- Dog walkers and others, please stay on the sidewalks and be
nounced in the coming weeks. very cautious, especially during nighttime, dusk and early morning
Our monthly finances continue hours.
to exceed our projections. We are
above revenue for the month and

The Piper Member Editorial Board Letters to the Editor: Letters will be reviewed for suitability.
Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glenridge Board of Directors Letters must be no longer than 250 words. The Editor may condense letters to
Charley Tirrell, CEO save space, while preserving the basic substance. Letters
Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .George Measer must be signed and must not defame or malign individuals or
groups. Submit to Member Services.
Editorial Staff Estelle Barrett Ken Bonwit Anne Calvert
Cynthia Cudworth Jane Goehrig Jan Linehan All submissions to the Piper are due to Member Services by
Jean Minneman Joyce Morrison the 15th of the month.
Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rennie Carter, Glenridge Member Services We now accept items via email at:
Design & Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beth McCaa, Graphic Designer piper@theglenridge.com
The Piper is available on our website at:
www.theglenridge.com

2 MAY 2011
AROUND THE GLENRIDGE

Library is Rich Source of Glenridge Information

by George Measer

Want to know
about the Glenridge
“Five Year Strategic
Plan” adopted in Au-
gust, 2009? Or what
happened at the last
G.A.C. meeting?
Or maybe the Board of Directors
meeting of March 28, 2007?
The library at The Glenridge
holds much more than entertain-
ing books. (A tip of my hat to Joy
Leahy and her staff who maintain
our wonderful library.)
A treasure trove of Glenridge in-
formation can be found just around
the corner as you enter the library,
including:
• Back issues of the Piper
• Minutes of quarterly meetings
• Sarasota County Emergency
Plan
• Five Year Strategic Plan, ad-
opted August 2009
• Annual Glenridge reports and
licenses
• Glenridge Board of Directors
meeting minutes from January 24,
2007, to the present
• Glenridge Advisory Council
(G.A.C.) minutes since its incep-
tion (and Partnership Council of
Advisors minutes before that)
• Bylaws of The Glenridge on the latest updates. The letter stated
Palmer Ranch, a not-for-profit cor- that the Palm Building parking ga-
poration, dated November 3, 2010 rage floor needs to be sealed as the
• Restated Articles of Incorpora- concrete is too soft.
tion dated February 26, 2004 Crowell reported that a new com-
Many of the strategic planning pany had begun to redo the grading
goals adopted in 2009 are beginning around the club homes. The CEO
to resurface for a new Five Year reported that a sign had been in-
Strategic Planning Committee. stalled on the corner of Honore and
These include occupancy level, Palmer Ranch Parkway and that it
infrastructure (maintenance) and would be lighted and landscaped in
“Go Green.” The 2009 plan includ- the near future.
ed looking at adjacent property, a The 2007 minutes also stated that
full time physician and many other a neighbor (a Mr. Jud Boedecker)
goals. A survey was sent to mem- asked permission to use some of
bers in 2009 to ensure their opin- The Glenridge’s wetlands for a
ions were taken into consideration development. The Board declined
in the planning project. the use of our wetlands.
The Board of Directors meeting At the conclusion of these min-
of March 28, 2007, contained some utes, Steenbarger suggested that
interesting facts. Jack Steenbarger Board members attend G.A.C.
was President of the GAC at the monthly meetings for a better un-
time. According to the minutes, the derstanding of The Glenridge.
Member Ambassadors, containing So the Glenridge Library holds
30 member volunteers, was created much current as well as historical
to assist the marketing office with information. Glenridge members
tours. “The President has also cre- cannot claim to be uninformed.
ated a retention team which Betty There are many sources of informa-
Stewart will lead.” tion including the bulletin boards,
CEO Gen. Crowell stated in those in-house TV channels, the Piper
2007 minutes that a letter had been and the abundant resources in the
received from the Weitz Corpora- Library.
tion (Glenridge builder) detailing

Letter to the Editor:

This note of great appreciation is for Karen Radcliffe, who completed her project of installing an
“Easy Reader” in the third floor lounge of the Highlands.
The “Easy Reader” is a helpful magnifier that enables people to read a newspaper or other
printed pages more clearly. Instructions are next to the TV on the desk.
Gratefully,
The Low Vision Group

MAY 2011 3
Dr. Margaret Towner is April Unsung Hero
Men’s Speaker Has Business Experience in Czech Republic
Joel V. Schemmel, J.D., Glen-
ridge Men’s Club guest speaker for
the May 16 luncheon meeting, has
had extensive legal and manage-
ment experience in Central and
Eastern Europe.
Schemmel obtained his law
degree from Chicago Kent College
of Law and his accounting degree
from the University of Iowa. He is
a registered attorney in Florida, Il-
linois and the Czech Republic, and
is a C.P.A. in the state of Illinois.
Schemmel’s career encompasses
over fifteen years working with
Arthur Andersen, Andersen Legal,
and the Ernst & Young Law Alli-
ance both in the USA and Europe.
He was an international partner
New Director of Nursing Named for Health Center
Chequita (Cookie) Salter
4 MAY 2011
Dr. Margaret Towner is the recipient of the April 2011 Unsung Hero
Award. Dr. Towner, who was the first woman ordained as a Presbyterian
minister in the U.S., has contributed many hours to the Vespers Commit-
tee and officiated at Vespers services. She has also assisted many mem-
bers in arranging memorial services for loved ones.
Dr. Margaret Towner
Photo by Phil Nelson
within each of these organizations. interesting and knowledgeable
Immediately before returning to speaker with extensive business
the USA, he was managing partner experience in Central Europe.
of a 45-attorney law firm based in
Central Europe which specialized
in mergers and acquisitions.
Schemmel and his family made
the decision to move permanently
to the Sarasota area in early 2002
after several years of part time resi-
dency. He ventured into real estate,
first for Michael Saunders & Com-
pany and then for Sky Sotheby’s
International Realty. At Sotheby’s,
Schemmel is the managing mem-
ber of the top producing agent team
from 2008 through 2010.
Call the Concierge (552-5315)
for reservations. Don’t miss this Joel Schemmel
Director of Health Services Pam
Overton is very pleased to an-
nounce that Chequita (Cookie)
Salter, RN, has joined The Glen-
ridge as our new Director of
Nursing. Cookie has over 20 years
experience, including many years
in long term care and as a Director
of Nursing. She also has a Masters
in Business Administration. Please
give Cookie a warm Glenridge
welcome when you see her!
Member Art Show Hailed as ‘Best Ever’
Stunning! Spectacular! Lovely! Such variety! enormous variety of entries.
Amazing creativity! Works created by 17 of the artists were selected for
These were among the many comments expressed display in the members’ gallery on the mezzanine.
during the Those artists are
annual Glenridge Teddy Brody,
member Art Show Jean Duffy, Jim
April 9 and 10, Edmundson,
mounted in the Ed Feldmann,
MacIntyre Room. Joanna Hall, Bob
Eighty-four Jennings, Jeanette
original works Jennings, Margrit
of art created Jurgens, John
by 39 members Lukas, Warren
comprised what Loranger, Mary
many said was Manegold, Nell
Glenridge’s best Martin, Phyllis
show ever. Montmeat, Kay
The exhibition Pezzillo, Patsy
was mounted in a Reynolds, Ann
dramatic fashion Art Show chair Anne Lunghino and some of the artists whose work was selected Sablosky and
this year, under for display on the mezzanine: (standing, L-R) Jim Edmundson, Ann Sablosky, Renata Sawyer.
the direction of Ed Feldmann, Joanna Hall, Kay Pezzillo; (seated L-R) Ann Lunghino, Phyllis This exhibition
staff member Montmeat, Jean Duffy. Photo by Phil Nelson. of our members’
Linda Bishop and original art will
show chairman Anne Lunghino. Paintings, sculptures, remain until the 2012 show.
photos, ceramics, stained glass, writings, needlepoint The members’ art show is staged by the Glenridge
tapestries, prints and drawings were among the Art and Décor Committee, headed by George Davis.

Expert to Explain How to Cope with “Senior Moments”

by Joyce Morrison

Simple strategies can help in
dealing with those irritating “senior
moments,” according to a speech
language pathologist who will
discuss some of those methods
in a Wellness program May 10 at
2:30pm in the MacIntyre Room.
The presentation, entitled
“Where Are My Keys? Maintain-
ing Independence when Senior
Moments Happen Too Often,” will
be followed by a brief question and
answer session.
“Dementia is not the only rea-
son people may become forget-
ful,” says Ellen-Beth Fullwood,
MS, CCC-SLP, adding that speech
therapy plays an important role in
keeping people independent.
Fullwood is also a nurse and
a special education teacher who
has received advanced training in
MAY 2011
voice disorders in geriatrics and
cognitive communication therapy
for dementia. She is certified in a
neuromuscular electrical stimula-
tion technique for swallowing and
has received specialty training in
two types of swallow studies.
Please call the concierge at 552-
5315 to reserve your space at the
presentation.
5
Ambassadors Are Key to Marketing Success
continued from page 1

Dick Fleming is the current chair
of the Ambassador group and has
successfully served in this position
for over 3 years. Under Fleming’s
leadership, the number of mem-
ber Ambassadors has doubled and
today there are as many as ninety
names on the list of volunteers who
serve as Ambassadors.
Participation in the program
has evolved through the contribu-
tions of Anne Calvert, Cynthia
Cudworth, Bob Henderson, Avis
Holtsberg, Betty Stewart and Ginny
Tarika. The responsibilities rotate
among members who serve as tour
guides, docents and receptionists at
a desk that is manned by Ambas-
sadors four hours a day, five days
a week. Each has been trained by
John DeSanto as to the responsibili-
ties of being an Ambassador. Many
marketing events are hosted by Am-
bassadors, including open houses,
Speaker Series, Jazz & Art, lun-
cheons and Tour of Homes events.
Our Ambassadors justifiably take
pride in their contribution to The
Glenridge’s occupancy rate, which
is among the highest in the nation.
The Life Planning Department an-
ticipates needing 30 new members
each year. The Ambassadors play
an instrumental role in meeting this
goal.
“There is always room for more
volunteers,” states Fleming. “We
would especially welcome some of
our newer members.”

A Smidge of Bridge
by Jean Minneman

NORTH
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WEST EAST
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2 A Q J 10 4 3 298
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SOUTH
Estelle Barrett has been elected G.A.C. representa- sK42
tive for the Oaks Building. She will complete Saundra 1A6
Overstake’s unexpired term, which ends in December
2K75
2012. Photo by Harriet Morgan.
cAJ953

S W N E
1c 22(1) 21 PASS
2NT PASS 3NT ALL PASS
(1) Weak Jump overcall

It’s spring! Here are all four hands. How do you

plan to make your contract of 3 NT after the open-
This pair of regal bald eagles was spotted on the East ing lead of the diamond queen? Solution: page 11.
Wing of The Glenridge. Photo taken from West Wing
by Jean Hadden.
6 MAY 2011
GLENRIDGE
Wins Prestigious Award Two Years in a Row

We’ve done it again!

Readers of Sarasota Magazine have selected
The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch as the
“Best Retirement Community” for 2011.
“We are honored to have been chosen
again this year,” says CEO Charley Tirrell.
“It reflects our ongoing commitment
to excellence.”
The award was announced at a dinner
on April 26.

MAY 2011 7
Welcome New Members
by Jane Goehrig
John and Beverly
Koach
Jack and Beverly Koach lived
in Laurel Oak before moving to
Apartment 5102 in The Glenridge.
Before coming to Florida they
lived in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Beverly grew up in Washington,
John and Beverly D.C. She is a graduate of Mt.
Koach Vernon Seminary and Florida State
University. After Jack retired, she worked for a travel
agency and then managed a travel agency for eight
years. This provided her with many opportunities to
travel to exotic lands.
Jack grew up in Sarasota, and is a graduate of
Sarasota High School. As a graduate of the Naval
Academy, his career was in naval aviation as a carrier
pilot and a fighter pilot. After retiring from the Navy
he worked in financial management for thirteen years.
Both Beverly and Jack loved the military life. They
both like to travel, and between moving around with
the military and Beverly’s travel work they have seen
most of the world. They recently returned from a
cruise up the Amazon with Jean Michel Cousteau.
The Koaches have been married for sixty years.
They have two sons, one in Venice and one in
California. They also have four grandchildren, ranging
in age from six to twenty-seven years.
Beverly and Jack have been attending our Foreign
Affairs lectures for three years. They are now enjoying
afternoon swims in our pool. Beverly is a bridge
player. They are happy to be living at The Glenridge,
and we are happy to welcome them here.
10 MAY 2011
Bertram and
Barbara Sayer
Bert and Barbara Sayer
are quite familiar with our
neighborhood. They lived
in Palmer Ranch for ten
years before moving into
Apartment 2317 in The
Glenridge. Before coming
Bertram and Barbara Sayer to Florida they lived in
Garden City, N.Y.
Barbara was born in Buffalo and is a graduate of the
Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing. Before
her marriage she worked there, and later worked for a
doctor in Syracuse.
Bert was born in New York City, on Riverside
Drive. He graduated from Syracuse University as a
chemical engineer. His first job was in Buffalo, and
that is where he and Barbara met. After their marriage
he returned to Syracuse for graduate work. He
worked for several large chemical companies, mostly
in marketing, product development and operations
research. He then opened his own company,
manufacturing vinyl window products. During the
time when Russia was falling apart, he helped wealthy
people in several Eastern European countries set
up their own companies there. He put together a
package on how to manufacture windows, and then
went over to show them how it worked. After selling
that business, he finished his career consulting for a
Chinese plastic manufacturer.
Bert and Barbara have been married for 58 years.
They have four children, one living in California, one
in Connecticut, one in Atlanta and one in Manhattan.
After the children were grown, Barbara opened a
small boutique in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. She
has always loved singing, and has participated in
many choral groups. Of their four children, two are
professional musicians, one plays the harp, and the
other one is married to a musician. Bert’s hobbies are
painting and photography.
The Sayers hope to get settled quickly and then join
in the many activities at The Glenridge. We are happy
to welcome Barbara and Bert to The Glenridge.
Members Enjoy Tampa Bay Downs Outing

Xpectation won the Glenridge Trophy Race. Pictured in the Winners Circle with the horse’s trainer and jockey are
Fred Hard, Raymond Steele, Brook Franzheim, Alan Hochman, Lorna Hard and Vi Theroux. Courtesy photo.

A Smidge of Bridge Solution

from page 11

NORTH
sAQ5
1K5432
262
c K 10 4
WEST EAST
s963 s J 10 8 7
1J9 1 Q 10 8 7
A group of Glenridge members enjoyed a beautiful 2 A Q J 10 4 3 298
day at Tampa Bay Downs, with panoramic views of cQ8 c762
the action. Photo by Harriet Morgan. SOUTH
sK42
1A6
Calling All Writers! 2K75
The Piper wants YOU!! cAJ953
We know there are many wonder-
ful writers in our midst. Please Oh, I’ll take the diamond K, 3 spades, two
consider joining our staff to write hearts, finesse the club queen and make an over-
trick. Oops! Which way to take the finesse?
news and feature stories of interest to
Glenridge members. Contact Editor
Thoughts: how many diamonds does East have?
George Measer, 923-8362, for further If declarer takes the diamond king on the first
information. trick, doesn’t he stand to lose 5 diamond tricks?
Declarer MUST hold up the king the first trick. If
ATTENTION BRIDGE PLAYERS … West continues diamonds, the K always will take
If you are interested in playing duplicate, there is a …and if East wins the finesse he has no more dia-
game the first and third Thursday of the month, begin- monds to lead through the K. If Declarer takes the
ning at 12:45 p.m. For information, please call Jean K on the first trick, whoever wins the club finesse
Minneman, 927-5737. Contract bridge games are held will pursue diamonds and declarer is down.
on Tuesdays and Saturdays; sign up in the Card Room.
MAY 2011 11
Nearby Palmer Ranch Site Will Become Nature Park
by Joyce Morrison

Glenridge can expect a new
82-acre neighbor before long. Its
probable name will be Culverhouse
Nature Park.
The proximity of the site makes
it of great interest to Glenridge
residents, as it is to the Sarasota
County Department of Parks and
Recreation, whose planners envi-
sion the area left in a natural state
with rough trails throughout for
hiking, bird watching and enjoying
nature’s beauty.
“Although there will probably be
some identification of local plants
and animals and some community
gardens are being planned, we real-
ly want it left in as natural a state as
possible,” said Jessica Ritter, Chief
Parks Planner. She noted that some
of the most active citizen promoters
are especially interested in seeing
community gardens established
in the park and preliminary plans
show the area near a man-made
lake as a possible site (see article
in September 2010 Piper).
Park plans have been in the
works since 2006 when Sarasota
County accepted the donation of
a conservation easement from
Palmer Ranch Holdings on the site
along the east side of McIntosh
Road, south of Clark Road, north
of Palmer Ranch Parkway and west
of Honore Avenue. The Legacy
Trail is adjacent to the property and
extends along its western boundary.
The conservation easement was
donated to ensure preservation and
protection of the property, allowing
for outdoor recreation and educa-
tional opportunities. Permitted uses
include recreation improvements
on a portion of the property, agri-
cultural uses, access roads, trails
and parking areas.
The property includes mesic
hammock and pine flatwoods
habitat, several wetlands, a wildlife
corridor and a man-made long nar-
row pond. A monitored bald eagle
nest is also on the site.
By 2009 the County and Palmer
Ranch Holdings had agreed that
the County could develop and
manage a parking area for 30-50
vehicles near the Legacy Trail.
This year, Palmer Ranch own-
ers Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse
signed over the deed to the 82
acres to Sarasota County. Formal
acceptance by the County is pend-
ing, the planners report.
“We hope to have access to the
site by summer,” Ritter said, “but
the formalities come first.”

Landscaping and LighƟng Upgrades Made by Palmer Ranch AssociaƟon

The Palmer Ranch Enhancement Project, sponsored
by the Palmer Ranch Master Property Owners As-
sociation of which The Glenridge is a member, began
work on several upgrades in April. These are in addi-
tion to the PVC fencing installed in areas of Honore
and Sawyer Loop Road.
Select Royal Palms have been installed at some
entries and internal areas. Brick pavers are being
installed within medians at the intersections of McIn-
tosh Road and Honore Avenue with Central Sarasota
Parkway. Piccabeen Palms, similar in look, have been
placed in medians too narrow for Royal Palms.
Royal Palms will replace the Washingtonia Palms
that have grown dangerously tall at the Palmer Ranch
Parkway and Beneva Road entry.
State-of-the-art LED lighting will replace existing
entry lighting. Additional lighting will be installed at
Central Sarasota Parkway and US 41 and on Honore
Avenue in medians just south of Clark Road. All work
is expected to be completed within 60 days.

12 MAY 2011
Las Vegas-Style Fun Headlines May AcƟviƟes
by Karen Radcliffe, Activities Manager

We had a wonderful as we imagine we are enjoying a lounge performance

Renaissance Faire and at The Sands.
LeBarge Tropical Cruise We end the month on May 31st with a morning pro-
in April. I have included gram about Memorial Day – honoring those who gave
some photos for you to their lives for the
enjoy. country and singing
It seems like time is patriotic songs. In
flying by. May brings a the afternoon, our
variety of celebrations – Journey Through
May Day, Mother’s Day, History program
Cinco de Mayo, National will focus on events
Nurses Week, National that happened on
Buster Vinick enjoys a cold Nursing Home Week and Memorial Day
drink while cruising around Memorial Day. throughout the 20th
Sarasota Bay. We begin the month Century.
Barbara Henderson gets her face
with a traditional Mexican meal for Cinco de Mayo. See you next
painted at the Faire.
Mothers’ Day will bring flowers for all the ladies. We month!
will offer programs throughout National Nurses Week
to say “Thank You” to our nurses.
For National Nursing Home Week, May 9-12, we
have chosen a Las Vegas theme. We will begin on
Monday with a talk on the “Rat Pack,” complete with
music and video. Tuesday we will transform the din-
ing room in the Carroll Center into our own casino.
On Wednesday we will have a game of “Minute to
Win It.” Staff will compete, to the residents’ and mem-
bers’ delight. They only have one minute to complete
a task! We will end our celebration on Thursday with
an afternoon musical program by Jim Wood. Jim is the
“Man of Many Hats” and he will take us back in time Rosemary Baer takes aim with the crossbow.

Paul Comegys and Doris ‘Max’ Bullock are all smiles as we Richard and Angie Deegan are surrounded by Ladies in Waiting
return from the cruise. and a Court Jester.
MAY 2011 13
Let’s Get Serious about CluƩer
by Anne Calvert
Our generation has been a tran-
sient society. Many of us have
traveled the world, families in tow.
Our residences have run the gamut
– small to large to small again.
Each move brought its challenges,
but none so great as moving to a
retirement community.
One of my challenges was
disposing of two footlockers of
correspondence from my husband’s
twenty-seven year career in the
army. The letters were all tossed
– including the one that said all of
my letters had arrived except the
one for September 31. That one
should have been kept.
The problems now seem to
arise from procrastination and the
fact that storage areas are lim-
ited. Numerous studies show that
people whose lives are oriented
around material things are less
happy. Darcy Smith, a New York
City psychotherapist, has said that
clutter creates chaos in our brain
which undermines our ability to
function. With less distraction, our
brains function better, our anxiety
decreases, our self-esteem increases
and we feel more competent – all of
this from actually delivering some
of our clutter to a local charity!
Then, there really is a psychol-
ogy behind the need to own things.
How often has a cloudy day sent us
to a mall? The trip distracts us, but
retail therapy doesn’t cure our anxi-
eties and might even add to them!
We seem to collect two types
of categories of junk: easy things
– stuff we don’t really care about
such as old cosmetics, clothes too
small to wear, or manuals from ap-
pliances we no longer own. Those
are easy to discard if you take one
hour a week until they are gone.
14
The others are weak spots – the • It only takes a few minutes to
items we actually care about – the attack a counter or clean a drawer.
things to which we have an actual You can actually multi-task – talk
emotional attachment. Our homes on the phone and declutter the top
are full of that category and one of your desk.
shouldn’t be ruthless about dispos- • Create a permanent box in a
ing of such items. I have found closet so that you can put unwanted
pleasure in giving special gifts items in there as you notice them.
now, knowing that the next genera- • Choose a time to declutter when
tion will treasure things that have alone. It is a stressful time without
been in the family for generations. having to defend decisions.
Randy Frost, PhD, the co-author • Three bags labeled “Toss,”
of Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding “Donate,” and “Decide Later” are
and the Meaning of Things and a a constant reminder of the task at
professor of psychology at Smith hand. Move them out as completed.
College in Northampton, Mas- You have probably guessed that I
sachusetts, has developed a treat- am trying to gather the courage to
ment program for hoarding, but attack the decluttering stage of life
the lessons can be used in declut- again after five years of living at
tering, too. The first step is to stop The Glenridge. Who needs a ward-
bringing extra items into the house. robe in three sizes or a five-year
Controlling the urge to acquire is collection of The Piper, interesting
pivotal to long-term decluttering. as they are!
Here are a few tips about getting
started: Reference: Woman’s Day, April 1,
2011
LOW VISION GROUP
Friday, May 13
1:30pm ~ Art Room
Guest Speaker: Sally Meyers
Program Director for Rehabilitation Training
Lighthouse of Manasota
Sally will cover areas of special interest, such as:
Assistance in Daily Living (ADL)
Mobility (White Cane)
Assistive Technology (Computer)
NEWCOMERS WELCOME!
MAY 2011
Playreaders Entertain with Cornucopia of Laughs
by Cynthia Cudworth

This year the Playreaders presented comedy from all

angles.
Under the capable direction of Seva Anthony, the
Playreaders presented a quartet of humorous skits that
prompted smiles, giggles and possibly recognition
from the audience.
This year five new Glenridge members participated
in the show. Many have had previous acting experi-
ence and were delighted to be a part of the Glenridge
Playreaders. Most of the cast, including the mimes,
are students in the Academy Dramatic Expressions
class. The mimes, with their costumes and interesting
moves, were a wonderful new addition that tied the
skits together.
The next Players production is Follies on Stage & Director Seva Anthony (center) with mimes Anne Sbarounis
Screen, which will be presented Tuesday and Wednes- and Jeanette Jennings
day, May 24 and 25, in the Theater.

Bill Moran and Lee Chaverin

(L-R) Cynthia Cudworth, Colleen Darby, Jean Owen

and Alice Huggins

Dina Whitney and Ed Feldmann Suzie Kinder and Ken Bonwit

MAY 2011 15
 MOVIES
GPAC
by Ken Bonwit

MAY
Tues., May 3, 8pm: THE TOURIST (2010)
Action/Drama/Romance; PG-13 for violence and brief strong language; Run time: 103 min.
Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Paul Bettany and Timothy Dalton
On a train bound for Venice, Elise (Jolie) pretends American tourist Frank (Depp) is her lover who is wanted
by the police. In a deadly game of cat and mouse, they must evade the police and the mobster whose money her
lover stole.
Tues., May 10, 8pm: NATIONAL VELVET (1944)
Drama/Family/Sport; Not rated; Run time: 123 min.
Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, Donald Crisp, Anne Revere and Angela Lansbury
Ex-jockey Mi (Rooney) arrives at the home of the Brown family intending to steal from them. When Velvet
Brown (Taylor) wins a horse in a lottery, Mi is encouraged to train the horse for the Grand National – England’s
greatest racing event.
Tues., May 17, 8pm: TEMPLE GRANDIN (2010)
Biography/Drama; Rated PG for adult content; Run time: 103 min.
Claire Danes, Julia Ormond, David Strathairn, Catherine O’Hara and Stephanie Faracy
Temple Grandin (Danes) is autistic; she did not speak until she was four. She developed an interest in cattle and
overcame her limitations to become an expert in animal husbandry and a professor at Colorado State University.
Tues., May 31, 8pm: UNSTOPPABLE (2010)
Action/Drama/Thriller; PG-13, sequences of action and peril, and language; Run time: 98 min.
Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson, Ethan Suplee and Kevin Dunn
Longtime engineer Frank (Washington) and cynical trainee Will (Pine) must bring a runaway train under control
before it derails and causes a toxic spill that will decimate the town.

MAY 2011 16