Celebrate the Gift of our Choir this Christmas

View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf

Chocolate Day

December 29th

This Christmas season at Bishop Gadsden,

we’ll be celebrating the first anniversary of our

choir, a group that we now couldn’t think of being

without. It might be said that serendipity played a

role in the choir’s initiation. When he was a chef

here, Rob Phillips overheard Chance Scrantom and

Jeannne Herndon speaking of the possibility of

starting a BG choir. Having conducted church and

community choral and orchestral programs for 30

years in Canada, Rob introduced himself to Chance

and Jeanne and told them that he would be glad to

work as choir conductor.

Rob, who started singing in choirs at age six,

had to give up music because he was having hearing

problems with large groups. The BG choir with 12

singers is the perfect size, and

President’s Message 2

Myers Hall 6

Read Cloister 7

Cottages/Apartments 9

Arcadia 9

The Chaplain’s Corner 11

Birthdays/Community News 14

December 2008

Volume 227 GABGABGAB THE GADSDENTHE GADSDENTHE GADSDEN

Don’t

Forget

Celebrate the Gift of our Choir this Christmas Barbara Tuck

Our Choir from the left: Rob Phillips, Jackie Jacobs, Jack Cooper, Chance Scran-

tom, Doris Lifton, Frances Alexander, Jeanne Herndon, June Dickerson, Mary

Louise Turner, Jean Howe and Peggy Cooper.

Cotton

Candy Day

December

7th

Christmas

December

25th

he says that it fills a creative gap for him. At

the same time, Rob’s contribution has given

those in the choir the opportunity to lift their

voices in song to glorify the Lord. As for the

BG congregation, the choir has been a truly

wonderful gift.

This Christmas Eve, the choir will be

singing “The Heavens are Telling” and a spe-

cial arrangement of Amazing Grace done in

counterpoint to Pachelbel’s Canon.

We give Rob, who now works full

time in food service at the VA Hospital, our

thanks for his generosity of spirit. And to the

members of our choir, we extend our thanks

for offering their time and talent to add to

the beauty of the Liturgy in our chapel.

2 View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf

My article this month

is not to be confused with

that of our chaplain although

I am going to refer to scrip-

ture. I think all of us, regard-

less of our particular faith,

become more cognizant of

our many blessings—the

abundance for which we have to be thankful—

during the holiday season which includes Thanks-

giving, Hanukkah and Christmas. We who are

privileged to live and work at Bishop Gadsden—

even amid the changes in the financial, political

and social landscape around us that we may or

may not agree with and that cause us, too, some

degree of anxiety—have far more for which to

be thankful than most in the greater community

and in our world. However, as the Bible teaches

us, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

As the priest at my church read the Gospel

on Sunday, I could not help but reflect on how

Bishop Gadsden, as a community, has responded

to the parable of the Last Judgment wherein

Christ says to those who are to inherit the king-

dom, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I

was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was

President’s Message Bill Trawick

Report to the Gab regarding Treats for Troops

By Dee Garforth

This is a “Thank You” to you, which comes from deep in my heart. On November 10th

, we

mailed around 50-55 priority mail boxes to our service men and women. Our Sit and Stitch Group, led by

Fran Ireland, knitted about 10 helmet caps and 2 scarves for our troops. Great job, ladies!! They also con-

tinue to knit caps for the newborn babies at Roper Hospital.

Donors this year are: Charles B. Luce, John & Lib Hostutler, Herb & Beryl Arnold, Ursula Hola-

han, Larry and Ginny Schroeder, Ray and Muriel Willeford, Frances Carlisle, Larry and Edith Montano,

Art and Jean Howe, Sarah Tipton, Geoff & Jan Place, Kent Freeman, Eleanor Jaskunas, Louise Crosby,

Don and Mary Moore, B. Bower, Taki and Louise Andriadis, Kurt and Joan Wassen, Betty O’Connor,

Joan Bailey, E.K. and Jean Wallace, Bill and Jane Gregory, Herb Scholz, Jack and Jackie Bowe, Libby Wil-

liams, Jennifer Hartig, Marie Putney, Tish Sansbury, Polly Graustein, Bud and Fran Brawner, Katie and

Fred Kelsey, Hank and Lora Moses, Helen Hamer, Ginny Weckel, Mary Louisa Ball, and Bud and Dee

Garforth. If anyone’s name was left off, please forgive me. Bishop Gadsden is a retirement community

with a tremendous sense of Patriotism and a BIG HEART!!! Thank you all again!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANUKKAH, & HAPPY NEW YEAR

naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and

you took care of me, I was in prison and you vis-

ited me.”

Bishop Gadsden’s mission states that “we

reach out with a generous spirit.” As we enjoy the

holidays, we can be thankful that we are part of a

community of individuals who believe in this as

an ideal and act upon it in very meaningful ways,

both collectively and individually. Through our

outreach, we have funded and built homes for

two families through Habitat for Humanity, as-

sisted the lowest income senior citizens in the

Charleston area, provided for women leaving

prison to have a safe haven and an opportunity

to build a new life, and given to children with

burns and other illnesses at MUSC. We have re-

membered our service men and women in the

military overseas with clothing and goodies. We

have provided low-cost clothing and housewares

through Eliza’s Attic and gifts through our Village

Shop, both of which support our ministry of resi-

dent assistance. Our resident assistance program

has funded nearly $250,000 this year to those in

financial need. Our excess food is picked up daily

by Crisis Ministries. Our Employee Appreciation

Fund has brightened the holidays of our deserv-

ing staff. Our Employees Help-Continued on Pg. 10

View the Gab in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf 3

Christmas CHEER? by Nancy Wise

Dear People,

What follows is the gospel truth and, although it isn’t tendered in the form of a ques-tion or a problem, I had to get it off of my chest and y’all are the unfortunate recipients of that need. Today started pretty well, Parkinson’s-Disease-wise. I was able to fix breakfast and feed two hungry golden retrievers as well as three very choosy cats and get the kitchen straightened up before noon. Okay, so I’m slow. Isn’t everyone? I gathered my library book, a covered (and relatively spill-proof) Dr. Pepper, and prepared to settle into my lift chair for a long winter’s nap with my Siamese cat, Blue. But THEN I decided that, since my Christmas tree was up and completely decorated, I’d just waltz on over there and turn it on. That was my first mistake. Leaning over to plug it into a floor outlet, I somehow managed to fall forward into the tree, taking it and me down in a shower of tinsel and decorations. Lollipop, our extremely shy and quite neurotic rescued cat, had been under the tree when it fell and she got tangled up in lights, cords, and other flotsam and jetsam, raising a shriek that would have made a banshee proud. Finally extri-cating herself from the mess, she streaked off down the hall and shot under the bed. Mean-while, the tree and I were having quite a time of it trying to regain our upright positions. The tree had less trouble than I did, but it took both of us a lot of energy and time and when we were both upright, I collapsed in a chair for a short rest because I was barely able to breathe by then. Gasping for breath, I surveyed the damage around me and spotted one of the golden retrievers snacking on a gingerbread man. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I was trying to vacuum the mess in the den when I spotted Lollipop -- who urinates wherever she wants to when she’s upset, coming out of the fireplace, through the little divide in the fire screen cur-tains, where she had just finished urinating on the very expensive gas logs. Not being able to clean it up because the logs are quite porous, I cleverly decided to light the logs (sans cat, of course) and burn the smell out of them. I put all the dogs and cats out and lighted the logs -- which immediately began to fill the house with the worst smell I have ever encoun-tered. The stench was overwhelming even to me -- and I usually can’t smell anything! I left the logs burning, figuring that HAD to work eventually, turned off all of the heat, and began opening windows to air out the house. At that point, Lucy, our black & white adoptee cat, jumped through the window with a bird in her mouth which escaped, coming to roost in the rafters of our 20-foot ceiling. The dogs were jumping & barking, the cats were trying to get to the beams, the horrible smell was still coming from the burning logs, and the windows were still open. My neighbor called to inquire if there was a problem, my cat started throwing up mis-cellaneous unidentifiable animal parts, and the bird fell off the rafter (maybe from heart fail-ure), immediately being caught and swallowed by our male Golden Retriever, Chance, feathers and all. I went to the refrigerator and grabbed a wine bottle plus a nearby aspirin bottle, and fleetingly considered either getting drunk or overdosing. Suffice it to say that it all ended, I didn’t get my nap, the mess got cleaned up, the smell finally cleared out of the house, and I called Curtis to say that I would not be cooking dinner tonight because it had been a really awful day. He decided to stop by for a short visit with Colonel Chicken and arrived home with a bucket of grease and the information that we were having 40 guests that coming Sat-urday night for a “drop in” between 6:00 and 9:00 PM -- which he imagined I’d need to plan for. Oh, yes. One more thing. The dog vomited bird feathers and parts on the new ori-ental rug, but by then Curtis had gotten home, and I magnanimously told him he could clean it up. If any of you have the 800 number for the Witness Protection Program, please send it post haste.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and God bless us everyone.


Adele Grimball 20

Jackie Mappus 20

Bettye Mitchell 20

Peggy Magathan 23

Edna Wiggins 24

Jo An Cushman 25

Martha Ann Heyward 25

Carol Ragsdale 25

Ted Stern 25

Essie Boykin 26

Noel Ferguson 26

Claire Irwin 27

Jim Aichele 27

Ruth Walker 28

Bill Thomas 29

Joyce East 31

Maynard Pearlstine 31

Larry Schroeder 31

Bess Burrows 1

Clarice Foster 4

Fran Pfaff 4

Jarvis Egan 6

Michael Hazzard 9

Gordon Lyle 10

Dick McLaren 11

Molly Stender 12

Joan Middleton 13

John Smith 13

Bob Clement 14

Marion Jones 14

Corinne Petit 15

Frances Brawner 15

Elizabeth S. Williams 15

Margaret Williams 15

Joan Hubbard 16

Nancy Attaway 16

Charlie Luce 17

Planning for 2009 - Your Help Will be Needed! Kimberly Farfone, Director of Development & Public Relations

December Birthdays!

The Office of Development & PR wishes

to express our thanks to those who helped us

meet the need for resident assistance in 2008.

The challenge was set and through your

monthly giving, your contributions to our Moth-

ers and Fathers Day Appeal, memorial contribu-

tions and your other acts of generosity through-

out the year, you raised an estimated $250,000,

this allowed for the BG Resident Assistance Fund

to support nine of your fellow residents.

Now, as we plan for 2009, it is clear that

our challenge will be even greater. Just as each

of you may be affected by the instability in our

economy, we believe that the need for 2009

will grow by an estimated 20%. Therefore, our

goal will be to raise $330,000.

Your help will be needed in 2009, and

we would like to ask you to consider any of the

following options which would be a great help

to us and our ministry of resident assistance.

You can make a donation now if you choose.

~If you are a resident, you can submit your

2009 Monthly Giving Form (sent to you the first

week of December) that will allow you to

spread your gift out through the year.

~Follow the lead of fellow residents, and take

all or a portion of your 3% credit and donate it

back to the Resident Assistance Fund.

~If you are 70 ½, you can make a charitable

gift directly from your IRA of up to $100,000

per year without any tax penalty.

~You can also contribute to the Guerry Endow-

ment (supports the Resident Assistance Fund) by

setting up a Charitable Gift Annuity with BG.

As always, any gift is most appreciated.

While uncertainty in the financial markets has

affected everyone, we must ensure that we are

able to keep current residents here at Bishop

Gadsden. Please plan to support this most im-

portant aspect of our ministry in 2009. If you

should have any questions or would like to dis-

cuss any of the options outlined above, please

contact me at 406-6334, or stop by my office

located across from Blackmer Hall.

The Office of Development & Public Re-

lations wishes you and your family a very

blessed Christmas Season and thanks you again

for your generosity throughout 2008.


Jackie Jacobs recently received the Mag-nolia Award at the Coastal Carolina Fair in honor of her contribution to the Magnolia Chap-ter of the Embroiderers Guild. Her chapter de-cided to honor her this year by displaying the steps Jackie used in order to achieve this title and certification of A Master Craftsman. The dis-play educated the public on Jackie’s personal aspirations towards this achievement by show-ing how comprehensive this process can be. Jackie has described in her own words below the steps she took to obtain this goal: When considering the Master Crafts-men’s Program, I was made aware that obtain-ing this recognition would require 6 projects over a span of 6 to 8 years. I started this adventure in May 1987 and finished it in April 1994. Since my primary interest was in canvas

embroidery, I se-lected Canvas I from a list offered for achieving Master Crafts-men for the Em-broiderers’ Guild of America, Inc. (EGA). With the Canvas I selec-tion it was also re comm end ed that I take two a d d i t i o n a l courses. These c o u r s e s were: Design

Master Craftsman & BG Resident receives honor from the Embroiderers Guild of America

and Color. I was assigned Ann Harris as my teacher. Once I began the Master Craftsman process, I worked on Canvas I and Color courses simultaneously. After finishing the Color course I then continued with the Design course. My notebooks for both Color and De-sign courses are included. They are the ones shown in the cases with the rainbow design on the cover. The Canvas I project included 6 different steps ranging from a simple canvas and be-coming more complex through the steps of the program. The final canvas, project #6, - Rosie the Camel (shown in the case) was considered my masterpiece. Rosie the Camel was an origi-nal design. I created the design on the canvas and then stitched the design according to cer-tain specifications given to me by the teach-ers. Each of the 6 steps were judged by 3 dif-ferent teachers who specialized in Canvas Em-broidery. Each teacher graded the project with a pass, fail or pass w/corrections. If the project received a PASS, then I went to the next pro-ject. If the project received a pass w/corrections, I needed to make the requested changes in the project and resubmit the project to be graded. Once the project was approved by the three teachers, I was sent the subse-quent project.

Jackie’s

chapter

showcased

her work

at the

Coastal

Carolina

Fair.


Myers Hall Calendar Cynthia Marterre

Dec 4 We’ll be trimming our Christmas Tree in the Myers Hall Living Room. Come help us!

Dec 6 Gary West will present a concert of seasonal favorites for your enjoyment.

Dec 7 Lessons and Carols will be shared by the Grace Church Choir in our Chapel.

Dec 9 An Afternoon of Art with Mindy. All supplies are provided — just bring your creativity.

Dec 10 Trip to The Church of the Good Shepherd for seasonal music and a delicious luncheon.

Dec 12 The Advisory Council hosts their annual Christmas Party for Myers Hall residents. Let’s

show them our appreciation for all they do for us by attending.

Dec 16 Kay and Duncan Weeks return to share a Holiday Concert of duets. Don’t miss them!

Dec 16 Trip to see the Holiday Festival of Lights at the James Island County Park. Please sign up.

Dec 18 Current Events discussion with our faithful volunteer Noel Ferguson. It’s always interesting.

Dec 20 The Youth Group from St. Philip’s Church will visit to spread some Christmas cheer.

Dec 24 Christmas Eve Eucharist Service led by Father Frank Russ in our Chapel.

Dec 29 Christmas Afterglow in the Living Room around our beautiful Christmas tree.

Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Party in the Frederick

Dining Room with fun for all! Our theme

is “Roaring 20’s” so put on your beads &

feathers and join us as we ring in 2009!

BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR WEEKLY

AND DAILY SCHEDULES FOR MORE.

The Friday afternoon Happy Hours for Myers

Hall, the Cloister & Arcadia residents were

cosponsored by Holy Communion and Holy

Trinity during the month of November. The

delicious treats served by the volunteers were a

hit with everybody. Thanks so much!

Shoeboxes for Operation

Christmas Child Myers Hall residents filled 22 shoeboxes to

donate to Samaritan’s Purse for their Opera-

tion Christmas Child project. Dolls, balls,

socks and lots of love are packed in and sent

to children around the world. Thanks to all

who donated their time and money to help us

accomplish our annual endeavor. Pictured are

Jenny Juhasz and Ann Zlatoper (top left),

Carrie Stegall (bottom left) and Nell Gunter

(top right). We truly agree with Ethel Van

Deusen Humiston as she wrote:

I surely wish with all my heart,

This day of Jesus’ birth,

That peace and love and happiness

Soon cover all the earth.


Fall into Fashion

Residents and staff alike enjoyed the Eliza’s Attic Fall Fashion Show on November 12. Models pictured

above L-R are our very own BG employees: Perry from Environmental Services, Jennifer from Wellness

Center and Terry Sue in Dining Services. They are looking sharp and ready for the Fall Season.

REMINDER TO OUR CLOISTER FAMILIES

Please RSVP for the Holiday Dinner on 12/11 by 12/4. You may call Christy at 406.6272 or Carol at

406.2359. We hope to hear from you soon!

On the left is a snapshot from

our Employees Helping Employ-

ees Bake Sale Fundraiser. Tasty

Treats were made by residents,

families and staff and enjoyed by

ALL.

Happy Fall Ya’ll

Pictured right are Erl Hoefler

from Myers Hall with Belle en-

joying a front row seat at the

Eliza’s Attic Fall Fashion Show.

Read Cloister Christy Smith


Meet the Staff: Susan Gallo Taki Andriadis

Have you [m]Powered Today? Jennifer Hartig

Medical research studies conducted over the past decade

conclude that seniors who consistently engage in rigorous cogni-

tive exercise over the long term can reduce their risk of demen-

tia by as much as 63%. Developed just for seniors, the

[m]Power cognitive fitness system transforms standardized neu-

rological tests and exercises into highly produced, truly compel-

ling and really fun games in six cognitive domains. [m]Power takes the hassle out of brain fit-

ness. It self-adjusts the level of challenge in real time, so players are always at the optimal

level-always stimulating but never too difficult or too easy.

Stop by the Lewis Fitness Center between 8 AM and 5 PM Monday through Fri-

day to try the [m]Power. If you try it and like it, we’ll set you up with your own profile that

will customize a program for your cognitive level. This

is another great advantage of life here at Bishop Gads-

den, as this program was donated by a generous family

as part of our variety of wellness programs offered.

The system is very user-friendly, so even if you have no

computer experience you will be a pro in no time!

Susan Gallo is our new Human Resources

Director. She was born in Wilson, NC and comes

from a family of North Carolini-

ans. Her father was a tobacco

grower and trader traveling

around the world selling and

buying tobacco.

Susan graduated from

Peace Junior College majoring in

Psychology. She later attended

UNC at Chapel Hill where she

received her Bachelor of Arts de-

gree in Psychology.

After graduation, Susan

joined the Aston Johnston Company, in

N. Charleston which manufactures paper machine

clothing. Initially, Susan planned to stay for six

months, but she stayed for more than 18 years.

She joined Bishop Gadsden in October 2008. As

Human Resources Director, she will be responsi-

ble for employment of staff, compensation and

benefits, succession planning and many others.

Susan’s husband Steve was born in

Charleston and graduated from Clemson with

an engineering degree. He is

now employed by the Robert

Bosch Company, located in

North Charleston which makes

products for the automotive in-

dustry, such as anti-lock braking

systems and fuel injectors.

The Gallos have two

young children - Gavin, eight

months old and Georgia, three

years old. They attend Ashley

River Baptist Elementary School.

Susan is very happy in her new job. She

finds the atmosphere at Bishop Gadsden very

friendly and the management and staff very co-

operative and supportive.

We welcome Susan Gallo and wish her

success in her new position.


Compliments and Thanks to

BG Rehab.

Two weeks after a total knee replacement, I went back to

my surgeon for a follow-up visit, and he was very

impressed with my progress and the rehab treatment I had

received at BG Rehab. He said that after two weeks, I was

as far along as some of his clients have been at 6 wks. This

is a real testimonial to the job that Lucy and Mark do.

Mason Alexander

November was packed with incredible outings as the Charleston Concert Association began its

season, bringing us the Warsaw Philharmonic. Many of you have commented to me that it far

exceeded any other concert you have ever attended. Many insightful programs were held here during

the past month including talks with Gibbes Art Museum Executive Director, Angela Mack, College of

Charleston’s art history expert, Michael Haga and the Shepherd’s Center programs. Our month not

only ended with many thanks, but with many laughs shared at the quarterly birthday party.

This holiday season will be felt throughout our community with activities and events scheduled

for December. Outings include the Vienna Boys Choir, Citadel Candlelight Service, CSO Gospel Choir,

“A Christmas in Wales” and many trips to the James Island County Park to see the Christmas lights.

Jack Cooper is our host for the outings to the park and shares with us his knowledge of the displays,

providing us with a very special insight into the history and particulars of each. We also have many

programs at Bishop Gadsden which are sure to be inspiring, including the Tree Trimming, Christmas

Carols with Frances Carlisle and Nelloise Disney, and Andrew Armstrong’s performance in the Chapel.

Please be sure to check the weekly activity calendar for a list of these, plus more information

regarding activities at Bishop Gadsden Apartments and Cottages.

Arcadia Close Kay Jenkins

Activities: Apartment & Cottages Gail Strickland

The Christmas season in Arcadia Close will begin with a bang! The Family Christmas Dinner will

be on December 4th

with delicious food from Dining Services and music by pianist Lawson Roberts. The

festivities this year will include a drive through the light show at the James Island County Park, a tree-

trimming Happy Hour with the Cloister, caroling, an Andrew Armstrong concert, Lessons and Carols,

Gary West, Olde Pipes Consort, the Bel Canto Christmas Chorus, and many performances by children.

Check the calendar on our website and join

your resident for some of the activities.

We will not have a family

meeting in December during the busy season.

Look for a mailing before January with dates

for the 2009 meetings.


Frank Saltarelli has lived at Bishop Gadsden for only six months and is already a Bocce Cham-

pion. He was born in Jamestown, NY, and went to the University of Buffalo before joining the Navy

where he was a pilot in the Pacific Theatre before the war.

Frank’s career with General Motors took him to many cities including Pittsburgh, PA, where he

met his wife Dorothy. They were married for 41 years. He has been a widower for several years.

Frank is a swimmer and loves to hike in the Rockies. He travels a lot and plans to spend Christmas in

Boulder, CO. With a name like Saltarelli, he thinks people might be surprised to know that his father

was a Baptist Minister for 50 years, and his grandfather started the first Italian Baptist Church in the

United States in 1870.

Frank finds Bishop Gadsden a cheerful place with something to do all the time. He likes happy

hour and the movies. His philosophy is to enjoy life to the fullest and try to see the best in every-

thing. He has only one problem - he says he is getting too fat.

Born in Louisiana, Dr. John Coussons was

ready to get his Masters in History when he was

mobilized in the Naval Reserve during the Korean

War. He went to OCS and served for more than

three years. Back at LSU, John had already taken a

job with West Texas State when Dr. Davis, head

of the History Dep’t, called him into his office. Dr.

Davis had just read an article about General Mark

W. Clark taking over at the Citadel in the Christ-

mas issue of Life Magazine, and he thought an

opening in the History Dep’t at the Citadel was

just made for John.

So on the July 4th weekend of 1952, John

first came to Charleston. He stayed at the Francis

Marion Hotel for $5 a night, and his first impres-

sion of the city was that “the paint people hadn’t

found this place.” But when he entered Bond Hall

at the Citadel and saw a cannon with a plaque

that said it “had been fired into the city by the

Abolitionist Fleet and returned to the Citadel by

the Secretary of the Navy under Woodrow Wil-

son,” the history buff in John was intrigued, and

he took the job.

Except for several years of absence while

John went back to LSU to earn his PhD and when

he was recalled into the Naval Reserve once

more, John called The Citadel home. He became

head of the History Dep’t there and “loved every

minute of it.” After teaching at the Citadel for so

many years, John has lots of surrogate children.

New Resident: John Coussons Barbara Tuck

New Resident: Frank Saltarelli Marilou Watts

Please join us for our annual Tree trim-

ming December 4th at 4:30 in the Gussen-

hoven Living Room. If you would like to

donate an old Christmas Ornament to our

collection, please bring it with you to our

gathering. Hope to see everyone there!

ing Employees Fund has assisted co-workers in

times of unexpected financial setbacks. The acts

of kindness and generosity go on and on, some

known, many more unknown.

There is no way for us to say “Thanks be to

God” enough as our blessings are too abundant

and too profound for us even to imagine. How-

ever, as we enter this season of thanksgiving, just

to be part of a community that acknowledges

both its many blessings and believes in “reaching

out with a generous spirit” feels like a good place

to be.

President’s Message continued from Page 2


warm them. "Poor fellow, he must be half fro-

zen," thought Martin. Opening the door he

called out to him, "Come in, my friend, and

warm yourself, and drink a cup of hot tea." And

the man gratefully accepted the invitation.

An hour passed, and Martin saw a young,

miserably clothed woman carrying a baby. She

paused wearily to rest in the shelter of his door-

way. The heart of the old cobbler was touched.

Quickly he flung open the door.

"Come in and warm yourself while you

rest, you do not look well," he remarked.

"I am going to the hospital. I hope they

will take me in and my baby boy," she explained.

"My husband is at sea, and I am ill, without a

soul."

"Poor child!" cried Father Martin. "You

must eat something while you are getting warm.

No, then let me give a cup of milk to the little

one. Ah! What a bright, pretty fellow he is! Why,

you have put no shoes on him!"

"I have no shoes for him," sighed the

mother sadly. "Then he shall have this lovely pair

I finished yesterday." And Father Martin took

down from the shelf the soft little snow-white

shoes he had admired the evening before. He

slipped them on the child's feet...they fit per-

fectly. And shortly the poor young mother left,

two shoes in her hand and tearful with gratitude.

And Father Martin resumed his post at the

window. Hour after hour went by, and although

many people passed his window, and many

needy souls shared his hospitality, the expected

Guest did not appear.

"It was only a dream," he sighed, with a

heavy heart. "I did not believe; but he has not

come."

Suddenly, so it seemed to his weary eyes,

the room was flooded with a strange light. And

to the cobbler's astonished vision, there appeared

before him, one by one, the poor street-sweeper,

the sick mother and her child,

We will soon celebrate the

mystery of the Incarnation—

God taking on the flesh of our

humanity in the person of Je-

sus Christ. I’d like to share a

favorite Christmas story with

you that illustrates the miracle

of the Incarnation in our

world today.

There once lived in the city of Marseilles

an old shoemaker, loved and honored by his

neighbors who affectionately called him, "Father

Martin".

One Christmas Eve, as he sat alone in his

little shop reading of the visit of the Wise Men to

the infant Jesus, and of the gifts they brought, he

said to himself, "If tomorrow were the first Christ-

mas, and if Jesus were to be born in Marseilles

this night, I know what I would give Him!" He

rose from his stool and took from a shelf over-

head two tiny shoes of softest snow-white

leather, with bright silver buckles. "I would give

Him these, my finest work."

Replacing the shoes, he blew out the can-

dle and retired to rest. Hardly had he closed his

eyes, it seemed, when he heard a voice call his

name..."Martin! Martin!"

Intuitively he felt a presence. Then the

voice spoke again..."Martin, you have wished to

see Me. Tomorrow, I shall pass by your window.

If you see Me, and bid Me enter, I shall be your

guest at your table."

Father Martin did not sleep that night for

joy. And before it was yet dawn, he rose and

swept and tidied up his little shop. He spread

fresh sand upon the floor and wreathed green

boughs of fir along the rafters. On the spotless

linen-covered table, he placed a loaf of white

bread, a jar of honey and a pitcher of milk, and

over the fire he hung a pot of tea. Then he took

up his patient vigil at the window.

Presently he saw an old street-sweeper

pass by, blowing upon his thin, gnarled hands to

The Cobbler and His Guest Father Frank Russ

Continued on Pg. 12


Special Holiday Services in the Chapel

~Sunday, December 7 at 4:00 p.m. - A Festival of

Lessons and Carols with the St. Gregory Choir of

Grace Episcopal Church, Dr. Scott Bennett, director.

The Rev. Canon Michael Wright, rector will be the

officiant.

~Christmas Eve, December 24 at 4:30 p.m. - Festi-

val Celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Carol singing

will begin at 4:00 p.m.

If you would like to give

poinsettias or wreaths in honor or

in memory of someone special,

order forms are available on Sun-

days at the chapel, or you may call

Rosa Barnes at 406-2467.

and all the people whom he had aided during the

day. And each smiled at him and said, "Have you

not seen me? Did I not sit at your table?" Then

they vanished.

At last, out of the silence, Father Martin

heard again the gentle voice repeating the old

familiar words. "Whosoever shall receive one such

in My name, receiveth Me...for I was hungry, and

ye gave Me meat; I was athirst, and ye gave Me

drink; I was a stranger, and ye took Me in...verily

I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto

one of the least of these, ye have done it unto

Me" (from Matthew chapter 25).Have a joyous

and blessed Christmas! Share the spirit of the sea-

son with someone.

Cobbler story continued from Page 11

THE MUSC SENIOR MENTOR PROGRAM

We are looking for new mentors for first year medical students. In 2007 enough

BG residents volunteered to serve as mentors for almost an entire class of first-

year medical students. The program is recruiting mentors now for January 2009.

Deronda Corbin will be at BG on Monday, December 15 at 4pm in Blackmer

Hall to answer questions and sign you up. You can contact Deronda at (843) 792-

3699 or visit the Center on Aging Website, www.musc.edu/aging/ for more in-

formation. Margaret Kunes will also have information about this program and

you can stop by her office or reach her by calling 406-2454.

WHAT IS THE SENIOR MENTOR PROGRAM?

The Senior Mentor Program is a volunteer program that connects medical students from the Medical University of South Carolina with people aged 65 years and older living in the greater Charleston, SC area. The goals of the program are:

To encourage medical students to have positive attitudes about car-

ing for older adults.

To help reduce stereotypes about aging.

To improve the way future doctors care for older persons.

http://www.musc.edu/aging/


Janet Richardson

January 5, 1931 ~ October 31, 2008

Dr. EK Wallace

August 16, 1923 ~ November 14, 2008

Diane Piet

June 2, 1932 ~ November 10, 2008

IN LOVING MEMORY

Notice:

Phone solicitations are likely to

pick up as the holiday season has

arrived and we are approaching the

end of the year. Remember not to

conduct business over the phone. It

is always better to request printed

materials. And if it sounds too

good to be true most likely it is.

Always consult a friend or family

member before

making a dona-

tion or pur-

chase from an

unfamiliar or-

ganization.

Do you Still Need to

buy Christmas Cards?

You do not have to leave Bishop

Gadsden or fight the crowds:

Christmas cards, designed by Bishop

Gadsden residents, are available at

the Village Shop and Eliza’s Attic.

Cost is only $10 per package of

10 cards and envelopes.

All proceeds from the sale of the

cards go to the Resident

Assistance Fund.

Book Review by Marilou Watts Bishop Gadsden is a community of readers.

Our library is a busy place. Therefore, most folks

here are glad to hear of a wonderful book that is fun,

easy to read and enriches our lives. The book to read is The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean.

Marina, an elderly Russian woman who has raised her family and lived in America for many

years, now has trouble with her memory from minute to minute. Her mind takes her back to her

youth in Leningrad where she was a docent in the Hermitage. While she struggles with the here and

now, her grandchild’s wedding in the present, her mind takes us on a tour of the Hermitage and a

description of the marvelous art there. She remembers the hardships of 1941 when Leningrad was be-

sieged by the Germans and how she and her lover were reunited after being separated by the war.

We get a glimpse of the Hermitage and a little history of WWII. The love and support of her

daughter and husband will be an inspiration to us all as we read this beautifully written and well-

crafted book.

Dr. Bill Logothetis

November 8, 1931 ~ November 25, 2008

Elephare Zimmerman

July 10, 1921 ~ November 28, 2008

Dr. Charlie Jumper

November 4, 1934~ November 29, 2008


No Meetings

this Month!

Apt/ Cottages

Peter & Anne Moss 15 795-5010

Myers Hall

Charlie Drayton 1062 406-6364

Update Meetings

elcome

Jack and Peggy Cooper first became volunteers at

James Island County Park a dozen years ago as Campground

Hosts for three months of the year. That evolved into being

volunteers for the Holiday Festival of Lights which began

modestly and now has 300 light displays all designed (and

some animated) by artist Rich Robb. It takes five or six weeks for volunteers from around the

country to prepare the displays (with two million bulbs), and after all this time, Jack says it’s a new

thrill each year when the lights are turned on.

Dubbed Low Jack now because he sits on a walker or stool while changing bulbs, Jack says

he’s just loved being part of it all. The star of the show, in his opinion, is the Ravenel Bridge dis-

play, with lights going from the new bridge to the old bridges behind it—“It just brings tears to

your eyes,” says Jack.

Jack describes the details of the displays on bus rides through the park. Be sure to sign up.

Come Celebrate Chanukah at

Bishop Gadsden The first night of Chanukah is Sunday, December 21. On that day, at Sunday Brunch, not only will brisket be on the Buffet, but the Action Station will be preparing latkes (potato pancakes).

Since Chanukah is the celebration of the miracle of a little bit of oil lasting eight days and nights, tradi-tional foods for this holiday are cooked in oil, like the latkes. If you have not ever eaten a latke you are in for a special treat.

Then on Tuesday evening, December 23, we will light the Bishop Gadsden menorah in the Gus-senhoven Living Room at 5:15 pm. Everyone is invited to join in this fun ceremony, hear about tradi-

tional prayers, songs and games. So plan on enjoying the food and all the traditions.

Jack Cooper’s long connection with the Holiday

estival o

f igh

ts

By: Barbara Tuck


This year I resolve to buy new bedroom shoes. I want the kind that look like my feet are

being eaten by huge, mutant rabbits.

This year I promise to stop going to the jewelry store for breakfast.

I propose a “beef cake” calendar this year, one that will photograph the most handsome

men at Bishop Gadsden. In Speedos.

Instead of traveling to Paris or Rome, which have been overdone in my experience, I plan to lead elderly groups through interesting trouble spots of the world. We will visit any number of foreign capitals in the process of bloody coups, wars, and/or other power struggles. Insertion will be by air; we will fly over the trouble spots and push

you out. Parachutes will be provided, but they will carry an additional surcharge.

Another resolution on my list is to bungee jump from the railroad bridge which sepa-rates Zaire from Zimbabwe. Nobody ever tries it except crazy Americans. If the jump

doesn’t kill you, the rebel sharpshooters will.

I promise to ask my friends to stop swimming in the Pineapple Fountain.

I promise to stop trying to push my rolls of flab into girdles and any other kind of

“shape wear.” If God had intended me to have a shape, he would have given me one.

In the year 2009, I plan to go to McDonalds and order champagne with my

fries. Heck! I’ll probably wear my new Rabbit slippers.

Also, this year I intend to have Comcast block all political programming for the next

century-- unless it's a political penguin.

Research indicates that pets lower blood pressure so I intend to present Bishop Gadsden with a whole herd of tap-dancing penguins in rabbit slippers. Ten percent of all proceeds will go to needy pen-

guins who don’t have any rabbit slippers.

By Nancy Wise


Don’t Forget Eliza’s Attic!

Please remember Eliza’s Attic

(BG’s Thrift Store) takes ALL

household goods. We will take

and sort through anything - so

when you’re cleaning out your closet or

making room for those new Christmas

presents, don’t forget to give us a call. If

you have any questions, please call

Martha Roberts at 795-7996.

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #032

Charleston, S.C.

http://www.bishopgadsden.org

The Gadsden Gab is a monthly publication written by and for the residents of Bishop Gadsden. Submissions are welcomed from all residents and are used on a space-available basis. Committee members are:

Barbara Tuck, Editor

Tommy Thorne Suzanne Mersereau Caroline Meyer

Joan Knauer Dan McKnight Marilou Watts

Kent Freeman Goodie DiRaddo,

Photographer Katie Jayne,

Managing Editor Taki Andriadis

There is interest in

starting a Chess Club.

If you are a chess

player, please contact

Mindy Crawford at

406-6647.

Documents

Celebrate the Gift of our Choir this Christmas