Laurel Lake Living

A lifestyle with all the advantages

Fall 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

New Residents Flock fromAcross the Country

PAGE 2

You’re Invited to anAutumn Open House

PAGE 3

Laurel Lake BucksNational Housing Trend

PAGE 3

Going Green On ALarge Scale

PAGE 4

Hunting for TreasurePAGE 6

Laurel Lake SummerOlympic Games

PAGE 8

Distance Learningwith University Circle

PAGE 10

Bringing the Arts to LifePAGE 11

Laurel Lake DedicatesAppleblossom Suites

PAGE 12

2 Laurel Lake Living I Fall 2012

When it comes to retirement living, Laurel Lake is in a class all by itself. All across Northeast Ohio and the U.S., active seniors are choosing Laurel Lake so they can pursue their passions, follow their dreams and add more life to their years in this unique setting.

Where are all of these new neighbors coming from? This year, they’re coming to Laurel Lake from Ohio communities like Akron, Brecksville, Canton, Chagrin Falls, Chardon, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Copley, Cuyahoga Falls, Gates Mills, Hiram, Hudson, Kent, Lakewood, Pepper Pike, Sagamore Hills, Silver Lake, Solon, Stow, Streetsboro, Twinsburg, University Heights and Willoughby.

They’ve come from 37 states—this year, from Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

These newcomers all have at least one thing in common. They’re smart, savvy planners who want this next chapter of their lives to be just as rewarding as the previous ones. They want to thoroughly enjoy their retirement in a community well designed to meet every possible future need.

How about you? Give us a call at 1-866-650-2100 to review your retirement goals and timeline. Use our financial worksheets to decide whether Laurel Lake will be the best investment for you.

New Residents are flocking to Laurel Lake from Northeast Ohio and all across the country!

Laurel Lake is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community offering multiplehome styles within 150 acres in Hudson, Ohio. Our community is firmly committed to

Equal Opportunity in both housing and employment. Laurel Lake is part of theCatholic Health Partners family of senior living and healthcare organizations.

Laurel Lake Living I Fall 2012 3

Laurel Lake is on pace for a record-setting year in 2012. Fifty-three new residents have already moved into apartments and villas, with another 32 currently planning to get settled in before the snow flies. That’s a current projection of 47 apartments and villas settled—about 16% of Laurel Lake’s total independent living housing—in one exciting year!

The heavy influx of new members shows that Ohio’s housing market is in better shape than other parts of the nation—and that Laurel Lake is more popular than ever.

“We started the year off strong, and demand has never faded,” says Kathy Chadwick, Director of Marketing. “I think it says a lot about the quality and reputation of this community.”

What advice does Kathy offer those considering Laurel Lake? “With our inventory of available homes tightening, it’s more important than ever to place your name on our waiting list. Make sure Laurel Lake is ready for you, when you’re ready for us!”

Laurel Lake bucks national housing trend with record-breaking year

You’re invited to an Autumn Open House!

October 16 & 18 at 2:00 PM - Choose the best date for you

Find out why Laurel Lake is one of the most successful, respected and “best value” retirement communities in the region. Join us for light refreshments and a brief presentation, followed by a Walking Tour of the Commons including the Pool & Fitness Center, Pub, Library, Greenwood Grille and more. Get an exclusive “peek” into select Apartment and Villa styles and

personalized design options. Learn more about Laurel Lake’s refundable residency options, and how Type A “Extensive” Life Care can protect your assets, offer tax advantages and limit your future costs for long-term care.

Space is limited. To RSVP, call 1-866-650-2100 today.

NEXT EVENT - Holiday Open House - December 5 at 2 PMCelebrate the Season at Laurel Lake, beautifully decorated for the holidays! Refreshments and tours will be offered. To RSVP, call 1-866-650-2100.

If you think “going green” is something only college kids or

environmental activists care about, think again. Since 2004, Gerry Jones has been helping her eco-friendly Laurel Lake neighbors, in partnership with management and staff, make “going green” part of everyday life.

“Leaving the world a better place for our children and grandchildren is something we can all aspire to,” says Gerry, co-chair of Laurel Lake’s Green Team.

Dream It, Do ItAll her life, Gerry, 82, has been

a dreamer and a doer.Married at 21 and while raising

four children, Gerry earned a Masters in Library Science at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. After years in

the public library, Gerry became the first Director of Information Services for the U.S. Institute of Peace and then a small business owner with a start-up company, INFAX Corp., one of the first to convert print materials to a computer-searchable format.

Later in life she met and married Meredith Jones, Curator of Invertebrates for The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, known principally for the discovery and identification of forms of life existing deep in the vents of the ocean floor.

Gerry has lived, literally, all across America – in Ohio, Maryland, Washington State, and New Mexico. She’s an active mom and grandma who still takes skiing and whitewater rafting vacations with her large, boisterous family.

When she and Meredith retired to the San Juan Islands off the coast of Seattle, they even tried their hand at running a restaurant.

“We bought the local gathering spot at the ferry dock to British Columbia and mainland Washington State!” Gerry laughs. “The San Juan Island Restaurant & Bakery was our baby for 5 years.”

Her love for the environment Gerry credits mainly to her dad.

“Growing up on Lake Erie, I was very influenced by my father who was instrumental in the Save Lake Erie movement. He planned nature trails in Rocky River Metropolitan Park. And we were generations of avid gardeners.”

Can-Do AttitudeFast-forward to 2004, when

Gerry first arrived at Laurel Lake.


Resident helps lead the effort for a more eco-friendly Laurel Lake


She and others noted a lack of recycling on campus and urged management to start a program. Management, in turn, suggested that Gerry and her neighbors form a task force of residents and staff, the Green Team, to study these issues and recommend solutions. The Green Team soon approached Laurel Lake’s Garden, Building, and Dining Committees to solicit input on environmental policies.

“We tackled paper recycling first,” Gerry recalls. “One big hurdle was convincing residents that the benefits of recycling were worth the unsightly collection bins, which we placed as discreetly as possible around campus.”

The program was a success. Now, every month Laurel Lake’s contract with River Valley Paper Co. saves 86 trees, 15 landfill cubic yds., 35,000 gallons of water, and enough electricity to heat 4 homes for 6 months. Laurel Lake earns $1200 a year for the paper that everyone formerly threw away.

Next up? “Plastics, glass and metal,” says Gerry. “We launched programs for the villas and apartments. It took 18 months to perfect, but we’ve got it now.”

In the apartment buildings alone, residents now divert 6,365 cubic feet (7 garbage trucks full) of recyclables from the waste stream annually. That volume is growing as more residents choose to recycle.

Bigger and BetterFrom these simple beginnings,

the Green Team has taken the lead in projects to improve Laurel Lake’s impact on the environment.

For example, after learning that Styrofoam can take up to five hundred years to decompose in a landfill, Dining Services worked with the Green Team to substitute insulated paper cups and recycleable #1 plastic containers for to-go orders. Laurel Lake’s kitchens (serving 20,000 meals a month) began collecting food scraps instead of throwing them in the trash, and now sends 25 tons a year to regional composting centers.

In 2010, the Green Team engaged LEED™ certified architects Doty & Miller to assess Laurel Lake’s sustainability efforts.

“They were frankly surprised at how many green strategies we had implemented!” laughs Gerry.

Already “checked off” were strategies like replacing appliances with Energy Star models; installing low-flo toilets, faucets and shower heads; reducing lawn areas with drought-resistant native plantings; installing motion sensor lighting; and fitting exit signs with LED lights, saving 90% of the energy previously consumed.

The Green Team also launched a CFL “blitz,” using a $3,000 Laurel Lake Foundation grant to provide residents with four free CFL bulbs

and encouraging them to switch to the energy-efficient technology.

The Green Team is so proud of Laurel Lake’s progress that they have applied for the 2012 Summit of Sustainability Award, recognizing Summit County businesses and non-profits for the sustainability initiatives which will improve their “triple bottom line” — People, Profits and the Planet.

Meanwhile, Gerry and her teammates are moving on to bigger and better things.

“Our next project is to analyze Laurel Lake’s carbon footprint and find creative new ways to reduce our energy use,” Gerry says. “In a place this size, the opportunities are practically endless!”

Keep Growing and GivingGerry chose Laurel Lake

“because it has three levels of care and is accessible to my family, spread all across the country.”

In addition to the Green Team, she’s been active on the Dining Committee, Keys to a Sharp Mind, and now a subcommittee exploring development ideas for Rider Lake. Gerry also sings with Laurel Lake’s Encore Chorale and two other choirs, and frequently serves as a Lector at St. Mary’s Church.

“The busier I am, the more I like it!” Gerry admits with a smile. “How fortunate I am to be able to use my gifts here.”

Raise your hand if you love garage sales! They’re great,

right? You can get items you need for practically nothing, and save a ton of stuff from languishing in landfills for eternity. Win-win!

Every year, North Americans spend $3 billion at yard sales—a fact not lost on business-savvy Laurel Lake residents.

For over 20 years, they’ve been breathing new life into used furniture and accessories at the Laurel Lake Garage Sale, an on-site resale shop that averages $25,000 in sales annually.

Bargains galore!The Garage Sale, housed in a

building tucked back in Laurel Lake’s 150-acre campus, features a constantly changing assortment of furniture, tools, electronics, jewelry, small appliances, dishes, kitchen items, framed art, lamps and home decor.

Staffed by volunteers who live at the community, the store is open every Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m. and the last Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We have nothing but bargains,” says Rita Luysterborg, who co-chairs the Garage Sale Committee along with fellow resident Ed Lutz.

“Some of the merchandise is brand new and still in the box. Everything is priced to sell, and you can find most anything you need in this one little space.”

What’s in it for the 20 or so volunteers who work so hard to run the sale?

“A lot of pleasure, and a salary running into six figures: 0-0-0-0-0-0!” laughs Ed Lutz. “It’s all for a good cause. Working at the sale is also a great way to socialize and meet new people.”

Unique findsFor those looking for bargains,

the Sale is a great place to start.“We’ve sold some interesting

items, from crystal chandeliers and photo enlargers to bicycles and Little Tikes cars,” says Ed.

Residents, staff, family members and individuals outside Laurel Lake flock to the Sale, snatching up great deals on everything from fine china to power tools. It’s especially convenient for young people heading off to college or trying to furnish that first apartment on a tight budget.

Benefits the communityLaurel Lake’s hardworking

Garage Sale Committee schedules volunteers and receives, sorts and displays the merchandise. All profits benefit the community and are managed and distributed by the Laurel Lake Resident Association to fund staff scholarships, annual flower displays and other worthwhile projects. The Garage Sale has raised nearly $400,000 over those 20 years.

“Everything we make is poured back into the community,” Ed

confirms.Items that don’t sell are donated

to local charities. A few years ago, victims of severe flooding in northeast Ohio received a truckload of gently used furniture and housewares from Laurel Lake to help them get back on their feet.

A win-win situationItems sold at the Garage Sale

are usually donated by residents looking to get rid of “stuff.” The resale shop is a convenient way for Laurel Lake residents to downsize by getting rid of unwanted housewares. They don’t have to travel far to drop off the goods, and they’ll have the satisfaction of knowing their donation is going to a worthwhile cause.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone,” Rita says.

“We’re helping people get rid of unwanted stuff, and others to find items they desire at a cheap price. We’re re-using and recycling. And we’re making Laurel Lake an even better place to live and work. It doesn’t get much better than that!”

Hunting for treasureLaurel Lake Garage Sale is gold mine for bargain hunters




1

93

7

6

5

4

2

11

12


Laurel Lake hosts its own Summer Olympics

1 & 2 - The Queen of England

(housekeeper Sue Miller) made a

guest appearance during the Torch

Relay. 3 & 4 - Dozens of Laurel

Lake residents helped to carry

the torch. 5 - Chaplain Mary

Tatman’s son and grandchildren

enjoyed the spectacle. 6 - Water sports

included a hotly contested Noodle Relay.

7 - A beautiful cake commemorated

the Closing Ceremonies. 8 - A record

seven teams racewalked in the Quarter

Mile Relay. 9 - Competition was fierce

for the Cornhole Tournament. 10 - Irish

Road Bowling was a great excuse for

Laurel Lake “kids” to play in the street.

11 - Triathletes competed in Wiffle Ball,

Noodle Javelin, and Slingshot events.

12 - The winning Volleyball team paused

for a photo. 13 & 14 - At the Closing

Ceremonies, an amazing 169 gold, silver

and bronze medals were awarded to our

spirited athletes. Congratulations to all!

8

14

13

10

University Circle offers Distance Learning programs at Laurel Lake, linking you to world-class museums and educational institutions via livestream video. Funding is provided by the Laurel Lake Foundation. To register, call 1-866-650-2100. For more classes, visit laurellake.org.

n “Wolf Research” – September 24 @ 3:30 PM. Live from the International Wolf Center. Using the wolf as a fascinating case study, examine the important roles that predators, prey and scavengers play in the ecosystems where wolves live. An interactive simulation will demonstrate the way energy and nutrients flow through an ecosystem. Find out what a wolf eats for dinner and watch short video clips of wolves hunting for their prey in three ecosystems. Features real-time observations of International Wolf

Center ambassador wolves.

n “Lessons from Past Presidential Elections” – October 1 @ 3:30 PM. Former Shaker Heights history teacher Jerry Graham returns to Laurel Lake a month before the Presidential Election. What insights do recent elections offer on who will win? Graham holds an MA in Political Science and teaches adult education programs at Tri-C.

n “You and Your Brain: Part I” – October 8 @ 3:30 PM. Live

from Case Western Reserve University. Join

T.J. McCallum, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology for a fascinating series on brain health. According to the concept of neural plasticity, you can sculpt and change your brain by using certain techniques in daily life. Learn the four pillars of brain health; physical exercise, nutrition, stress management and brain exercise.

n “You and Your Brain: Part II” – October 15 @ 3:30 PM. Live from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. McCallum takes you deeper into the concept of brain plasticity, which is essential to healthy development, learning, memory, and recovery

from brain damage. In this lecture, you’ll learn about the role of computerized brain fitness training in maintaining a

healthy mind.

n “Sibelius and Rachmaninoff” – October 24 @ 3:30 PM. Live

from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Join CIM students in

delving into the lives and music of composers Jean Sibelius and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Explore their musical masterpieces in preparation for the Oct. 26 Friday Morning Concert at Severance Hall with The Cleveland Orchestra and pianist Simon Trpčeski.

n “What Makes A Good Photograph?” – November 16 @ 3:00 PM. Live from The Cleveland Museum of Art. Why do some photographs intrigue us more than others? Learn about the science and art behind this extremely popular form of visual communication. View works of contemporary and historical photographers in the CMA collection. Discover how focus, framing, point of view, and subject influence meaning in photography.

n “A Conversation with Photographer Bruce Checefsky” – November 19 @ 3:30 PM. Live from The Cleveland Museum

of Art. Bruce Checefsky utilizes the effects of atmospheric light to create

ephemeral moments in the

landscape. Learn about his process and see his works.

n “A Conversation with Photographer Linda Bourassa” – November 25 @ 3:30 PM. Linda Bourassa, Professor of Art at Hiram College, creates works related to the environment, shooting metaphoric images of nuclear radiation and the Everglades’ fragile ecosystem.

2012 Fall Classes

Here are just a few of the concerts, plays and events Laurel Lake residents are enjoying this Fall.

Shuann Chai, Piano September 24 - Laurel Lake

Tuesday Musical presents Emanuel Ax, Piano September 25 - EJ Thomas Hall

Will Rogers’ America October - Actors’ Summit

Akron Symphony Orchestra Rhapsody in Blue October 13 - EJ Thomas Hall

Tuesday Musical presents Thomas Hampson, Baritone October 18 - EJ Thomas Hall

Anything Goes October - Palace Theatre

Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Concerto The Cleveland Orchestra October 26 - Severance Hall

Richard King & Horns November 4 - Christ Church

Beethoven and Scriabin The Cleveland Orchestra November 9 - Severance Hall

Akron Symphony Orchestra & Chorus present “Gloria!”November 10 - EJ Thomas Hall

Tuesday Musical presents Vienna Boys Choir November 27 - EJ Thomas Hall

Photography Collections Akron Art Museum November 30 - Akron Art Museum


The world is truly your oyster when you live at Laurel Lake. With the stroke of a pen, residents can choose season tickets for the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Tuesday Musical, Actors’ Summit, Blossom Music Festival, Cleveland Orchestra Friday Morning Concerts, select Playhouse Square performances and more. Leave the details to us—from ordering your tickets to arranging door-to-door bus transportation. Enjoying the arts has never been easier!

Bringing the arts to life

The Silk Road Ensemble and Yo-Yo Ma will perform March 14, 2013 at E.J. Thomas Hall, one of many international artists coming to Akron

as part of Tuesday Musical’s 125th Anniversary Season.

YES, I’d like to move forward with my retirement plans! Please give me a call.I’d like to receive more information about:

MR & MRS I MR I MRS I MS Name

Address

City State Zip

Phone Email

Please send information to my friend(s):

Independent Living at Laurel LakeCost of Living ComparisonInvitation to Next Open House

Priority Club / Wait List MembershipNew Pre-residency Life Care ProgramPlease remove me from your mailing list

A lifestyle with all the advantages

200 Laurel Lake DriveHudson OH 44236

1-866-650-2100www.laurellake.org

A Member of Catholic Health Partners

NonprofitOrganization

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCleveland, OH

PERMIT NO. 491

Clip & mail to Laurel Lake Information, 200 Laurel Lake Drive, Hudson Ohio 44236.

On August 29, Laurel Lake dedicated Appleblossom Suites, the beautiful new wing of its Crown Center skilled nursing pavilion. The same day, the Ohio Department of Health arrived to conduct a Federal Life Safety Inspection of the new construction. We are pleased to report that both events were a big success! Within Laurel Lake’s 150-acre campus, Crown Center offers advanced therapy and restorative programs for residents so they can quickly recover after an injury or surgery—at little if any extra cost, thanks to their Life Care contract—and get back to their Laurel Lake homes and normal routines as quickly as possible. The expansion, which added 25 additional private suites, has been fully paid for by Laurel Lake’s capital reserve and private donations through The Laurel Lake Foundation.

Laurel Lake Dedicates Appleblossom Suites, the New $2.3 Million Wing of Crown Center

Documents

Laurel Lake Living