Author: Lori Schafer

Are we looking for YOU?

Posted on January 10, 2025

Now Recruiting!

Serving Bartlett Woods as a Member of the Board of Directors

 

For 26 years, Bartlett Woods has operated as one of the only not-for-profit, 501c3 retirement apartment communities in the Midcoast region of Maine. Just 58 units, we are smaller than many of our neighbors, yet offer many lifestyle pleasures, programs, and peace-of-mind support services that have inspired our community to Believe in Bartlett.

Bartlett Woods is governed by a Board of Directors and administered by an Executive Director who supervises a dedicated and long-serving staff. Our organization’s mission is to provide exceptional housing, high quality assisted living services, timely access to appropriate health care and a variety of opportunities to enhance socialization for adults age 55 and older who desire such services within a welcoming, peaceful, and accommodating living environment.

Today, we are calling on our community members to consider being of service to our beloved organization as a new member of the Board.  Are you ready to join a vibrant and well-respected organization looking for creative, passionate, diverse and engaged advocates?

If you choose to apply, please know that membership on our Board includes the following commitments:

  1. Abide by the bylaws of the organization;
  2. Make an annual financial contribution that represents my highest possible level of commitment to the organization, in addition to my participation in fundraising events;
  3. Attend all meetings of the Board, including special meetings, unless excused;
  4. Avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of conflict;
  5. Participate in short- and long-range planning activities;
  6. Ensure effective fiscal controls and accountability;
  7. Work with staff and the finance committee to determine the annual budget;
  8. Ensure Bartlett Woods meets all legal and corporate requirements;
  9. Introduce at least two new friends to the organization each year;
  10. Cultivate and recommend at least one applicant for membership to the board of directors each year;
  11. Visit Bartlett facilities at least once per year;
  12. Propose and help arrange at least one speaking engagement for Bartlett each year;
  13. Serve on at least one committee or task force each year; and
  14. Chair or co-chair at least one fundraising effort each

 

If this sounds attractive to you, and you would like to learn more about our recruitment goals and process, please reach out to Executive Director Kelly Osborn at 207-593-1259 or at kosborn@bartlettwoods.com.

December message from Kelly

Posted on December 18, 2024

Dear Friends,

Tis the season for joy and kindness! As we plummet forward into 2025, we each have an opportunity to make someone’s holidays bright. It is truly better to give than to receive. Whether you reach out to an old friend or a new acquaintance to say hello or mail a card to someone local or someone far away, the gift of thoughtfulness and time is sure to add joy.

For many, the holidays can bring sadness. It is a time when we miss those we love who are no longer with us. It is the time when the distance between family and friends seems the greatest. There is no better time to reach for our inner joy and spread it to everyone we see. It is a smile across a crowded diner, a hand opening the door, an extra moment to listen to a neighbor talk about a grandchild.

At Bartlett Woods, we are fortunate to have a community of family around us every day. We are blessed to break bread and share laughter. I wish for all that you shine your own light and spread your joy and kindness. And, of course, enjoy your special recipes that you typically only make during this special time of year.  For me, it is Martha Washingtons (see recipe below). I remember my mother and my grandmother before her making them every Christmas. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without them. Whichever holiday you celebrate, give from your heart.

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!

Best regards,

Kelly

 

Recipe for Martha Washingtons

1 (14 ounce) bag sweetened flaked coconut

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 cups powered sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 ½ cups of chopped pecans

For Dipping Chocolate:

1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips plus 2 tablespoons Crisco

Combine everything but the dipping chocolate ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator, roll into balls and place on parchment paper or baking sheets. Place balls into fridge while you melt the chocolate.

Melt the chocolate, stirring frequently. Quickly drop the balls one at a time into the melted chocolate and toss with fork to fully coat. Lift out, letting the excess chocolate drain. Place balls on parchment paper or baking sheet to set. Makes about 6-7 dozen.

Continuum closes, reception for artist January 3, 2025

Posted on December 16, 2024

 The Art at Bartlett exhibition program is pleased to present a free public Closing Reception, featuring 97-year old resident artist Constance Kiermaier on Friday, January 3rd, 2025 from 4-6PM at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, 20 Bartlett Drive in Rockland, ME. Her current show, “CONTINUUM: Old and New Works by Constance Kiermaier” will close after the weekend.  The exhibition is one part classic Kiermaier mixed media objects, and one part called The Portrait Project. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is limited to unmarked spaces, the driveway and along Talbot Avenue.

“Constance has been our beloved resident teacher for many years,” confirmed Kelly Osborn, Executive Director at Bartlett Woods. “The arts are important at Bartlett Woods. Celebrating the close of this survey exhibition and learning about her life’s work is a privilege for all of us.  We hope to see many friends and make new ones at our upcoming Artist’s Talk”                                                                                                                                                  

Ms. Kiermaier’s constructions, paintings and prints are personal, mysterious, and timeless. Crafted with great skill, each piece demonstrates a refusal to be limited by material, method, or subject. Additionally, she is showing a new series of pastel portraits of some neighbors at Bartlett Woods, specifically those 95 years of age and older. The artist, herself 97 years old, is included with a self-portrait. “The Portrait Project’ began as a series of self-portraits to be given to each of my children,” confirms Constance. “This effort evolved into capturing the likenesses of some neighbors who are 95 and above, up to 100 years old! I believe it is vital for people our age to be noticed. This is an important issue for me.”

Constance Kiermaier is a graduate of the School of Fine Arts, Yale University. She has shown her work throughout the USA, including: Rhode Island School of Design, Yale University, National Academy of Fine Arts, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and the Portland Museum. She has received many awards, including a fellowship from the New England Foundation on the Arts/National Endowment for the Arts. She was raised in Virginia, lived in Connecticut, Tenants Harbor, ME, has called Bartlett Woods home since 2016.

About Bartlett Woods Retirement Community: Founded in 1998, Bartlett Woods Retirement Community is a 501(c)3 55+ apartment facility featuring 58 one and two bedroom apartments with Amenities and Respite rental options. Led by Executive Director Kelly Osborn, and a staff of nearly 40, Bartlett Woods is one of the smallest communities in Maine, offering independent living as well as a full spectrum of support services and lifestyle enrichments. Located in Rockland, the art capital of Maine, Bartlett Woods provides convenience, accessibility, stimulation, and advocacy for individuals, couples, and their families. For further information, visit www.bartlettwoods.com or call 207 593 1608.  –end–

Press Release about the launch of The Green Bartlett Fund

Posted on December 13, 2024

December 12, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Kelly Osborn, Executive Director 207 593 1259, kosborn@bartlettwooods.com    Photos attached, and others available.

26-year old Midcoast Retirement Community Launches

THE GREEN BARTLETT FUND

Efficiency Main Grant to be supplemented by community partners

(Rockland, ME) — Bartlett Woods has been approved for partial funding from Efficiency Maine to install a sophisticated, commercial next-gen heat pump HVAC system throughout the 3-story facility. This system will move Bartlett Woods into the future. Not only will the upgrade reduce costs and be easier on the environment, but it will also solve issues with the current system, which does not provide even heating to the 58 apartments and numerous common spaces within Bartlett Woods, located at 20 Bartlett Drive (off Talbot Avenue) in Rockland, ME. THE GREEN BARTLETT FUND was recently launched to raise support to match the grant funding, and generous donors and sponsors are now actively being sought.

This new system, installed by Efficiency Maine-qualified SolarLogix, LLC of Searsport, ME, will add layers of safety, comfort and affordability for residents. Compared with other heating systems, this sophisticated heat pump HVAC system is less expensive, greener, and provides heating that is more efficient. With the solar system just installed by Sundog Solar, also of Searsport, ME, and paid for by Bartlett Woods, the addition of heat pumps will move Bartlett to green innovation and sustainability. The electricity generated by the new solar panels will power the entire heat pump system. As one of the smallest not-for-profit retirement communities in Maine, Bartlett Woods strives to inspire other community organizations to improve efficiency and lower carbon footprint.

Bartlett Woods’ Executive Director, Kelly Osborn, explains: “As one of very few retirement communities in Rockland and surrounding towns for the past 26 years, Bartlett Woods is looking to the future, with a goal of ensuring sustainability for many years to come. Bartlett Woods is dedicated to providing affordable housing options for seniors in the Mid Coast area of Maine. As the cost of living continues to rise, Bartlett Woods recently invested over $400,000 in the installation of rooftop solar panels. These panels will lower carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and potentially increase property value while ensuring affordable housing for seniors. Bartlett Woods is committed to the people and the community of Rockland and the surrounding area. As the cost of living for older adults continues to rise, it is imperative that Bartlett Woods take the necessary steps to reduce the cost of providing housing. It is estimated that the green project, including both the solar panels and the heat pump installation, will reduce the cost of heating and cooling by more than 50% each year. The solar panels are expected to generate enough energy to cover the entire cost of operating the heat pumps. This reduction in energy cost will reduce the percentage of rental increases that Bartlett Woods would need to enact to cover the rising costs of living.

“U.S. News profiled 112 Assisted Living communities near Maine. Assisted living facilities, also called residential care or personal care communities, are for older adults who need help with daily activities such as medication management, personal hygiene and dressing. The median cost of assisted living in the Maine area is $8,712 a month, according to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Study. This is $3,362 a month higher than the national monthly median of $5,350.”

More about Bartlett Woods and THE GREEN BARTLETT FUND:  Bartlett Woods is one of the most affordable Assisted Living/retirement communities in Maine. The monthly cost ranges from $4,159 to $6,755. The average cost to live at Bartlett Woods is well below $8,712 per month. Investment in clean, green energy is a huge step to ensure that elderly individuals in the community continue to have access to affordable living that meets their needs and provides a safe, comfortable home. The heat pump project will cost approximately $1 million; however, Bartlett Woods has been approved for $673,932 in funding from Efficiency Maine. Bartlett Woods will need to match the award with $315,968.

Bartlett Woods is currently looking for business sponsors and individual supporters to consider contributing to The Green Bartlett Fund. Sponsorship opportunities are described in full on the organizations’ website, or by calling 207-593-1259. Bartlett Woods would appreciate any level of support to improve the facilities, the lives of residents, and access to affordable living. Checks in any amount may be payable to Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, or visit the website to securely make a donation online through PayPal.

For further information, visit bartlettwoods.com, or call 207 593 1608.

About Bartlett Woods: Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, founded in 1998, is a 501(c)3 non-profit, age 55+ apartment house featuring 58 one- or two-bedroom apartments, with customizable rental options. Led by Executive Director Kelly Osborn and a staff of 40, Bartlett Woods is one of the smallest communities in Maine yet offers many personalized healthcare support services and lifestyle enrichments that continue to set a new standard in active adult living. In 2023, Bartlett Woods celebrated 25 years of service to the Midcoast community. Located in Rockland, ME, visit www.bartlettwoods.com or call 207-593-1419.

 

 

–end–

Holiday greeting from Kelly, our Executive Director

Posted on November 23, 2024

Dear Friends,

As I sit here at my desk looking out at the fall colors, I am reminded of my childhood. Each Thanksgiving my family would gather around the big farm table – when you have ten children – you need a big table. My mother would be up by 3am making homemade yeast rolls, preparing pies, and pouring Coca Cola over the ham and turkey that had been baking over-night. My father would keep the wood stove filled and carry the heavy pots. Thanksgiving was always our family holiday. No matter where the older children had moved, they would return to the farm table where we would eat, laugh, and most importantly give thanks for our family, our friends, and our community.

This year, I am thankful to have found my way to Bartlett Woods. As the new Executive Director, I have come to cherish the residents, the staff, the families, the partners, and the amazing community. In six short months, I have developed a deep attachment to this incredible place we call Bartlett Woods. It is home. The minute you walk through the front door – you see it; you smell it; you hear it; you feel it. It feels like your favorite warm sweater just out of the dryer on a cold day.

I thank each of you for the warm welcome. I thank you for your commitment to living your best life. I thank you for giving of yourselves to make Bartlett Woods such a great place to live and work. I wish you all an amazing Thanksgiving, and I hope you take the time to appreciate all that you are and all that you do to make this world a better place.

Sincerely,
Kelly
Kelly Osborn , Executive Director
November 22, 2024

Guest Blogger Barbara Haupt, Resident

Posted on November 20, 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.

 

A Terrific Talk!

Posted on November 10, 2024

Our resident artist and art teacher Constance Kiermairer gave a lively and informative talk about her current exhibition, CONTINUUM: Old and New Works by Constance Kiermaier, on Friday afternoon, November 8, 2024. Her show remains on view in our first floor Parlor, Lobby and Dining Room through January 3, 2025. An Artist’s Closing Reception will be held Friday, January 3rd from 4-6pm. Please join us!

As you can see from the images, many attended and were captivated by Constance’s recollections of a very artful life well lived. Guests were treated to refreshments created by our house cook Klara from recipes in our 25th Anniversary Cook Book, including Sarah’s Lemon Square’s, Joyce’s Coffeecake, and Marian’s Crazy Cake (copies of which are still available, just ask us!).

We look forward to enjoying Constance’s show for the rest of year, and the closing party in early January. This is an exceptional art show not to be missed. Hope to see you here soon . . .

Ribbon Cutting and Launch of Heat Pump Installation . . . greening Bartlett keeps us busy!

Posted on November 5, 2024

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   

 

 

Constance Kiermaier to give Artist’s Talk about CONTINUUM

Posted on October 21, 2024

                           Multimedia Midcoast Artist Featured at 11/8/2024 Public Event at Bartlett Woods

The Art at Bartlett exhibition program is pleased to present a free public Artist’s Talk, featuring 97-year old resident artist Constance Kiermaier on Friday, November 8th at 2PM at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, 20 Bartlett Drive in Rockland. The artist and teacher will discuss her current show, “CONTINUUM: Old and New Works by Constance Kiermaier.”  The exhibition is one part classic Kiermaier mixed media objects, and one part called  The Portrait Project. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is limited to unmarked spaces, the driveway and along Talbot Avenue.   The public is also invited to visit during regular open hours, Monday to Sunday, 8AM to 4PM; the exhibition remains on view through January 3, 2025.

“Constance has been our beloved resident teacher for many years,” confirmed Kelly Osborn, Executive Director at Bartlett Woods. “The arts are important at Bartlett Woods. Listening to Constance discuss her life’s work is a privilege for all of us.  We hope to see many friends and make new ones at our upcoming Artist’s Talk”                                                                                                                                                  

 

Ms. Kiermaier’s constructions, paintings and prints are personal, mysterious, and timeless. Crafted with great skill, each piece demonstrates a refusal to be limited by material, method, or subject.

 

Additionally, she will show a new series of pastel portraits of some neighbors at Bartlett Woods, specifically those 95 years of age and older. The artist, herself 97 years old, will be included with a self-portrait. “ ‘The Portrait Project’ began as a series of self-portraits to be given to each of my children,” confirms Constance. “This effort evolved into capturing the likenesses of some neighbors who are 95 and above, up to 100 years old! I believe it is vital for people our age to be noticed. This is an important issue for me.” 

Constance Kiermaier is a graduate of the School of Fine Arts, Yale University. She has shown her work throughout the USA, including: Rhode Island School of Design, Yale University, National Academy of Fine Arts, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and the Portland Museum. She has received many awards, including a fellowship from the New England Foundation on the Arts/National Endowment for the Arts. She was raised in Virginia, lived in Connecticut, Tenants Harbor, ME, has called Bartlett Woods home since 2016.

 

Bartlett Woods Goes Green

Posted on October 9, 2024

Bartlett Woods, Inc. recently completed installation of approximately 350 solar panels on its roof in an effort to minimize impact on climate change.  The panels will meet approximately 50% of the nonprofit’s electrical requirements by maximizing the number of panels that could fit on the roof. A Ribbon Cutting celebration will be held on Wednesday, October 16th at 2pm with key participants and community guests.

”The panels will reduce Bartlett’s electric bill by about $30,000 annually,” confirmed J. Michael Lane, President, Board of Directors at Bartlett Woods.  ”The federal government will reimburse us for 30% of the cost due to recent changes made by the Inflation Reduction Act.  Overall, the project will offer a return on investment of over 10%.  The panels are expected to last at least 25 years.”

The panels will eliminate the generation of 230,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.  This will be the equivalent of planting 1,700 trees each year.

”Installation was done by Sundog Solar of Searsport, ME,” Lane further commented.  ”Their proposal was chosen as having the most favorable financial impact of three proposals submitted.” 

Statement from Sundog Solar Owner Danny Piper: “Working with Bartlett Woods on this project has been a rewarding experience for our team, and we are proud to have played an integral part in helping this community take a significant step toward sustainability.”  

More info about the project:

There are actually (2) independent systems located at Bartlett Woods. Together the systems will average 153,329 kWh/year:

– South System details…

– 84.24kW DC & 57kW AC

– comprised of (208) 405W panels & (5) 11.4 kW single phase inverters

– North System details…

– 56.7kW DC / 45.6 kW AC

– comprised of (140) 405W panels & (4) 11.4 kW single phase inverters

-Combined System details…

– 141.08kW DC / 102.6kW AC

– comprised of (348) 405W panels & (9) 11.4kW single phase inverters

Both systems are equipped with module-level monitoring, allowing for precise, real-time tracking of energy production and savings. This transparency ensures that the community can optimize its energy use and see the direct impact of reducing both energy costs and its carbon footprint.

More great green news . . .

”Work will begin this fall on converting our heating system from a fuel oil and propane heating system to one using heat pumps, saving even more energy,” announced Executive Director Kelly Osborn. “Once the system is completed, Bartlett Woods will be able to heat and cool our 58-unit apartment building by using only solar energy on an annual basis. This tremendous shift in our sustainability goals is something both residents and staff can be very proud of.”

For further information about Bartlett Woods, visit Bartlettwoods.com or call 207-593-1608. About Sundog Solar visit www.sundog.solar or call 207-548-1100.

 About Bartlett Woods: Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, founded in 1998, is a 501(c)3 non-profit, age 55+ apartment house featuring 58 one- or two-bedroom apartments, with customizable rental options. Led by Executive Director Kelly Osborn and a staff of 40, Bartlett Woods is one of the smallest communities in Maine yet offers many personalized healthcare support services and lifestyle enrichments that continue to set a new standard in active adult living. In 2023, Bartlett Woods celebrated 25 years of service to the Midcoast community. Located in Rockland, ME, visit www.bartlettwoods.com or call 207-593-1419.

 

 

–end–