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.

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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–

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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

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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.

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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   

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A message from Gail Kenny, our Comptroller/Business Manager. . .

My dad and mom,  John and Claudette Thyng, are life-long residents of Kennebunk, Maine.  Through the 55 years of my dad being on the Kennebunk Fire Department, he and my mom used to do all of the Chicken BBQ’s and Lobster Bakes for the community and the Maine Turnpike where my dad worked.  They enjoyed it so much that they opened a catering business where they even did a lobster bake that George H. W. Bush attended.  It was exciting to meet one of our Presidents.  Mom and Dad did the functions of weddings, retirement parties, family outings, and graduations for over 40 years.  And now that they are retired and in their 80’s and have taught us all well as to how to throw a party, they help their 4 kids (including myself) do the Lobster Bakes and Pig Roasts every year!

Thank you for allowing them to participate with our Bartlett Woods Family Functions!

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On Saturday, August 10, 2024 the Bartlett Woods family and friends gathered for the first-ever (and now, annual?) Birthday Cake Potluck Party. Residents, families, staff and friends in the neighborhood were invited to flex their baking muscles and show off their skills for the celebration of our 26th year of incorporation as a not-for-profit retirement apartment house.

Chef Aaron and Cook Klara hosted us in the Dining Room, supplying some of Klara’s famous baking along with thirst-quenching refreshments.

And then . . . the cakes arrived. Big cakes, little cakes, fruit cakes, chocolate cakes, whoopie pies, Russian Tea Cakes, coconut layer cakes, Italian Blitz cake, a Watermelon cake, fudge squares, (homemade by Sharon) applesauce raisin cake, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free fruit tart (thank you Rosalie), pound cake, chocolate peanut butter giant cake, yellow layer cake with chocolate frosting . . .  even a Conceptual Birthday Cake sculpture by BW resident artist/teacher Constance Kiermaier. There was more birthday cake than any of us had ever seen, filling four tables in our dining room. Unforgettable.

Board of Directors President Mike Lane and Secretary Marion Grant as well brought baked delights from home. Mike led all in a sing-a-long of “Happy Birthday” to Bartlett.

Thank you so very much to everyone who came, participated, and celebrated Bartlett’s special day. See you next year!

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BW residents Shirley Stenberg and Donna Seymour believe it is important that the primary theme of this lovely textile project is to pay tribute to Mary Eads for her dedication to the mission of Bartlett Woods, which is exemplified in the history of the sampler, original design by another Mary (Starker) in 1760! Currently, the theme of compassionate support we all find at Bartlett Woods is carried out in the collegial relationship amongst those who completed the project. Starting with Shirley in her teens in the 1950s, to 2024 with Shirley seeking help in completing the final stages of the sampler from the Fiber Art group at Bartlett Woods, to Donna receiving help from the Islesboro Sewing Circle and Clementine (the local needlework store in Rockland) to complete the finished work. (In addition, local longtime framer and artist Jonathan Frost framing it beautifully for posterity.)

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Since 2016, The Art Center at Bartlett Woods has been an exciting place for students of all abilities. Under the direction of life-long artist and teacher Constance Kiermaier, who moved into Bartlett Woods in 2016, art students have enjoyed a weekly class designed to accommodate all or no experience. Because Constance has taught for a very long time, she is quite adept at tailoring interesting assignments to a highly diverse group of eager participants.

The Art Center was originally located on the 1st Floor, in a 2-bedroom apartment. Filled with north-facing light and ample space, Constance held class several days a week, for Bartlett residents and then later, for a small group of students from outside of our house. On any given class day, a visitor could find easels, paintbrushes, pads of paper, and assorted still life objects being put to creative use. More recently, the Art Center moved to the 3^rd Floor, and includes a Print Room with a large press on loan from Constance’s family.

During Covid19, Constance taught via Zoom to masked students from her off-site “bubble”. Challenging assignments continued with the aid of staff member Lori Schafer on-site to help facilitate. Masked students were able to continue the momentum of a learning and making experience, and Constance was able to carry on teaching.

No matter which group of new students, Constance says,

”I try to engage students who don’t know anything about art making, or only know the basics . . . I try to get them to engage with their own thoughts about what they see and feel and know. It is my goal to try to get them to create on their own. We start simple, with a flat design that has color and patterns. We use simple tools, like acrylic paint (easier and cheaper than oil!), or ink. For example, I have used my heirloom Crazy Quilt as a source of inspiration.  What I love is the idea that they come in and WANT TO LEARN. It’s exciting for me, when during the course of the class, they come up with something they thought about, and it can be accomplished.”

About Teacher’s Assistant Allyson Lindsey . . .

Allyson has been making art all of her life. She met Constance at Bartlett Woods through her mother, our Business Manager Stephany Lindsey. Soon thereafter, Allyson began working as a Teacher’s Assistant. Allyson helps the Bartlett Students with setting up each weekly class, providing tools and support, and helping Constance maintain the classroom and the collection of student work. Allyson enjoys the weekly volunteer service she gives to the Art Center at Bartlett Woods, and appreciates the student-mentor relationship she has with Constance. She says,

”I love the years I’ve been with Constance and the residents.  They all give me wonderful new perspectives on my work and life in general! I wouldn’t have gotten out of my art block without Constance persistently egging me on, driving me to start back up.”

Constance says, “Allyson is a wonderful person, and such an enormous help to me. What’s more, she is very good at her own work, and I know she’ll do amazing things in the future.”

Bartlett Woods is pleased and proud to offer programs like the Art Center to our residents, and present exhibits like this

for families and friends to enjoy.

Mary Eads, Executive Director

October 6, 2023

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The current exhibit at Bartlett Woods was installed in the autumn of 2019 thanks to our long-time curator Pam Cabanas. (Pam’s work is above the fireplace and above our bulletin board in the hallway).

Rockland artist Carol Sloane was born in New York City and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fine Arts from Skidmore College in 1967. In the 1990s, she was a student at the Art Students League of New York.

Carol moved to Maine in 1972, first living in Montville, and then in Washington where she resided for 45 years. Five years ago, she moved to Rockland.

Carol has held artist residencies on Monhegan Island, in Vermont, New Mexico and Ireland. She has exhibited her work widely in Maine. Carol also has a show currently at the Gibbs Library in Washington, featuring her early oil paintings.

Carol has said the following about her work:

“I see myself as a tracker of the effects of time and space. I want to create the sensation of Earthly movement, to make my flat surface come alive with the buzz of this energy.

When I settle myself in a landscape to document its details, the sun moves in the sky, the tide rises or sinks, and the composition of my initial vision takes on a life of its own, full of surprises and unforeseen complexities, bearing witness to universal forces.”

Carol’s exhibit will remain on view through the end of December 2022. We are most grateful to Carol for this very special long-term loan of her works to Bartlett Woods. A complete checklist of the works on view, and prices, can be requested by calling (207) 593-1419. Alternatively, visit carolsloanemaine.com to connect with her directly.

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