October!

 

The chill of the fall air has arrived and yet the fun just continues with outings meant to help you enjoy this time of year. From apple picking, to a fall foliage ride to Castine, to lunch out at Moody’s Diner, and scenic rides to enjoy the fall colors, we try to make it easy to get outside an enjoy the foliage. Our scenic rides have been known to be pretty amazing!

On Monday, October 22nd we will be hosting author Laurie Apgar-Chandler at 4:00 pm. Laurie is the author of Upwards: The story of the first woman to solo thru-paddle the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.  We welcome the public to this event. It should to be a wonderful afternoon full of stories, photos, and refreshments from the Bartlett Woods kitchen.

October wouldn’t be complete without our traditional Halloween costume contest. The Bartlett Woods staff will dress up in costume and our residents vote for their favorites. It is always a thrill to see the costumes and enjoy an afternoon of fun and laughs.

Every month we have our regular shopping trips, writing groups, knitting/crochet groups, games, house parties, and several types of exercise classes. We have just recently added Tai Chi for balance with John Jenkins. This is a great class for all.

Looking at our calendar for the month of October I know exactly how exciting each day will be for our residents. Does your October look this exciting?

Karen Tooley

Activities Director

BWDrivesU

The average American man outlives his ability to drive by six years; the average American woman, by 10 years.

(Consumer Reports, by Michael Tortorello, June 01, 2017)

 

Our aging residents need to know they can reliably travel to see their doctor, have tests performed, or receive life-enhancing therapy. Can you help give them that peace of mind?

As a not-for-profit organization, one of the many services Bartlett Woods provides is one of the most important: transportation to doctors’ offices and hospitals. In the past, contracted vendors have driven residents, often several times daily. Today, most of our approximately 50 residents – with an average age of 88 – increasingly need more rides.

With your financial help, I believe we have a solution. It is the Bartlett Woods Medical Transport, a new vehicle driven by our own Transportation Coordinator. Please join Bartlett Woods as a fundraising partner in the new campaign we call “BWDrivesU.” The goal is to raise $30,000 this fall to purchase a new vehicle from a local auto dealership. The vehicle will accommodate several residents at a time, including their mobility equipment. It will offer easy entry and exit, and include safety features like seat belts and handholds.

The great news is . . . we are so close to our goal! “To date, through the generosity of our residents, Board and Staff, community groups, and vendors we support, we have currently raised $19,222,” says Mary Eads, Executive Director of Bartlett Woods. Once we have completed the campaign, we will issue a public thank you to all those who will have made this project a success.

Think about it for just a moment — your mother or father, an 85 year-old person just getting out of a cardiology appointment, exhausted from the ordeal. The new Bartlett Woods Medical Transport is right outside waiting for them, rather than vice versa. The driver is poised to provide a short and smooth ride back home, where your parent can relax and recover from a stressful day. That’s peace of mind for all.

Can we count on you today? Please call or write to me at 207-594-1163 or meads@bartlettwoods.com.

Thank you!

 

Mary Eads

Executive Director

Bartlett Woods

A Look Back At Summer

I wanted to take a few moments to comment on the wonderful summer we had at Bartlett Woods. The beginning of summer was busy with home improvements. Melina, our gardener, worked hard to make our gardens spectacular with pure artistry. They were a sight to behold!

 

As the Executive Director, I had a board approved wish list of improvements that needed to get done. I had five projects that I was hopeful would be completed before winter. To my surprise, all five of the vendors we hired were anxious to get started and we had everything finished before the 4th of July! These projects included a newly paved parking lot, new signage, a roof repair, new awning, and front and back brick patios. The building and grounds have never looked better!

 

Having these projects accomplished earlier than planned was very exciting because we had been planning a 20th Year Anniversary Party to be celebrated on July 18th. The party was open to families, board members, and the cottage owners. The food was catered by our own Chef Aaron Prescott and our wonderful kitchen staff. Everyone was dressed festively as they mingled both inside and out. Delightful jazz music was provided by the Extension Chords from Camden-Rockport School and enjoyed by all.

 

In addition to celebrating Bartlett Woods’ 20th year, we celebrated several staff and residents tenure. We have four residents that have called Bartlett Woods home for more than 10 years. Mike Fletcher, Maintenance Director, has been employed for 20 years and received a special award for all of his dedicated service. Linda Mann, Librarian, has volunteered in our library one day a week for 13 years. Everyone received a special recognition and award.

 

In August, the Board of Directors and I treated our staff to a celebratory luncheon at Point Lookout Resort. It was our way of saying “Thank you” for all of their hard work and dedication over the past year. It was a glorious day with beautiful ocean views and really good food. I say it again and again, I can’t believe how lucky I am to work with so many extraordinary people in our quest to make Bartlett Woods truly special.

 

Thank you!

You are above and beyond AWESOME!!!