Month: November 2024

What’s happening at Bartlett Woods?  What is that music?  Where is it coming from?

Let’s find out.

Stepping into the elevator, we hear joyful shouting:  YIPPEE!!  YAHOO!!

As the elevator opens, we hear explosive voices – WHOOP DEEDO and see a sea of colorful scarves floating toward the ceiling. Laughter takes over as some participants can’t locate their scarf and some have more than one.

 

They get matters sorted and the music continues and takes them to new moves, exercising their arms, legs, and brains.  Residents are comfortable with the moves their bodies can handle.  Laughter.

We check the activity schedule and see we’ve discovered an exercise class called “Scarves.” About a dozen resident participants are seated in a large circle, following the moves and instructions of the leader.   Today they are exercising to the show tunes from Oklahoma. Some are singing the familiar songs. All are moving. Following instructions, they are passing the scarves to the right and left and trying to toss their scarf and touch the ceiling.

This is an active class of laughter AND exercise.  It even gives the brain some challenges. We notice the participants are doing stretch moves and getting an aerobic workout that suits them. Each individual does what they feel their body can do – no pressure and no competition. At the end, the class shares their happy thoughts and they close with their response to the question: “What do we know?”  Everyone answers with a resounding, “All will be well” plus an even more resounding, “I am STRONG.”

The class members grab their water bottles and head back to their apartments   Some stick around enjoying the fellowship and the rejuvenation. There are smiles all around.

Another challenge accomplished.

 

October 16, 2024, 2pm . . . .

It was a milestone moment, and our residents were indeed captivated and enthusiastic to learn all about our ever-growing green status. Our partner SunDog Solar, our Chamber of Commerce friends, and our Rockland City Mayor joined staff and Board to formally cut the ribbon (thank you Chamber for the loan of your giant scissors).

 

We will continue to provide updates as we go green through the installing of heat pumps throughout the house, the Phase II of our Green Bartlett project. Work has commenced, and excitement grows. Here is a statement by Maintenance Director Matt Waldron to all residents, staff and family members about the heat pump installation:

This Monday (9/23) is the start date of our much anticipated heat pump project. We want everyone to know what to expect, and to answer some questions that you all may have. If you still have questions please reach out to Kelly or Matt.

Most importantly there will be a full crew working around the property (inside and outdoors). Please use caution when walking outside, and do not enter any area that has barricades and/or caution tape surrounding it. Some North Wing Visitors Parking will be reserved for equipment staging.

Heat pumps provide heating and cooling, much quicker and more efficient than our current heating and cooling systems. We will have an in-depth lesson on how to operate these units upon project completion.

The current heating system (baseboard heaters) will stay in place and function as a backup heating system. All air conditioners will be removed following the completion of the heat pump installation, but not during the winter due to the cold air!

We will be working in all units, starting with the North Wing. The heat pumps will be installed in different locations depending on the layout of your unit, but all heat pumps will be mounted close to the ceiling. The total time spent in your unit should not be more than a day. We will do our best to give you as much notice as possible regarding work being done in your unit.

We look forward to keeping everyone updated. Most importantly we are extremely excited to provide everyone with a much more efficient and comfortable source of heating and cooling.

 

Thank you, 

Bartlett Woods Staff