TOUCHMARK AT COFFEE CREEK

THE{FULL}LIFE

May 2014

“Knotty Ladies” at Touchmark help othersThe “Knotty Ladies” at Touchmark have been cutting up—all to benefit children at Positive Tomorrows. The nonprofit agency is the only elementary school in Oklahoma specifically serving homeless children and their families.

The Knotty Ladies Cutting Up—yes, that’s the name of an informal group of Touchmark residents—so far has delivered 24 handmade fleece blankets to Positive Tomorrows.

Organized by resident Louise Haaland, the Knotty Ladies make the 36- by 54-inch “Comfy Blankets” by knotting two pieces of fleece material together.

Up to 17 women participate in this ongoing volunteer mission. Louise says they learned about Positive Tomorrows from an Oklahoma City businessman. According to Louise, the group could also make the lap blankets for elderly people.

“We understand there is a huge need,” she says. “The blankets are big enough that children can wrap their arms around and take comfort in the soft warmth, and that’s

why we call them Comfy Blankets.”

The group has generated funds for supplies through various activities and has received some donations, as well.

Rewards of volunteerism have effects for volunteers, too

Just last month, people across the country recognized National Volunteer Week. It turns out, the Knotty Ladies and other volunteers receive benefits, too.

The psychosocial and mental health (cont.)

benefits of volunteering have been studied for several years in regard to reducing risk factors for depression, loneliness, and isolation. Now, though, there are known physical health benefits.

In 2013, Carnegie Mellon University researchers looked at the relationship between volunteerism and lower blood pressure. They discovered that as little as 200 hours of volunteering annually provided a dramatic lowering of blood pressure.

A study at Harvard University showed that individuals who identified themselves as giving and sharing from the heart—and not for any perceived health benefit—had the greatest physical and mental benefits.

“One point that all studies share,” says Carla Scull, Touchmark Life Enrichment/Wellness director, “is that volunteers report finding—or renewing—a sense of purpose in their lives. And we know this plays a key role in living a happier, longer life.”

The Knotty Ladies Cutting Up group knows firsthand that happy feeling that comes from giving to others, and they will continue to piece together blankets and donate them to children in need.

“As long as they need blankets, we plan to make them,” says Louise.

(cont.)

Members of Touchmark’s Knotty Ladies deliver blankets to Positive Tomorrows, a nonprofit agency that is the only elementary school in Oklahoma specifically serving homeless children and their families.

Community welcomes new Dining Services director and chefJeff Waddle has joined the Touchmark team and brings with him years of culinary experience. He previously served as the Dining Service director at a local retirement community, worked as the executive chef at Oklahoma University Medical Center Children’s Hospital, and served as the PM coordinator of the Culinary Institute of Platt College.

Jeff has also worked as the executive sous chef position at the Westin Hotel and served as the supervisor at the

Oklahoma City Marriot. Trained at the American Culinary Federation, Jeff’s experience extends to catering events as well as serving as a personal chef.

“I continue to educate myself and enjoy seeing others succeed, as well,” he says. Jeff is married with two daughters, 13 and 3. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his family and working on home-improvement projects.

CAPTURING DELIGHT{FULL} MOMENTS

It’s spring! Visit Touchmark.

The change in season is a perfect time to tour the Eisenhower, which is located at 2941 Touchmark Drive. This cottage includes 2,047 square feet, a 428-square-foot garage, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a study.

Also, featured this month: apartment 342, with 1,015 square feet, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms.

Spring has arrived! We planted the first flowers of the season, jumped into games of table tennis, and learned from Chef Jeff Waddle the secret to making different types of iced coffee.

Look for more photos on Facebook.

149538 © 2014 Touchmark Living Centers, Inc., all rights reserved

TOUCHMARK AT COFFEE CREEKFull-service Retirement Community

2801 Shortgrass Road • Edmond, OK 73003405-340-1975 • Touchmark.com

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Contact a Full Life team member for additional details, including registration, transportation information, and participation requirements.

Saturday, May 3, 4:30 pm Kentucky Derby Day. Watch the fastest two minutes in sports. Festive hats are encouraged. Grand Hall.

Monday, May 5, 3:30 pm Celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Meet in the Bistro and enjoy margaritas, Mexican snacks, and a piñata. Dinner (in both dining rooms) will follow and will feature a quesadilla bar.

Monday, May 5, 5:30 - 6:30 pm Memory Care Support Group. Coping with wandering and other behaviors. Please sign up at front desk. South Activity Room.

Tuesday, May 6, noon - 1:30 pm Lunch ’n Learn. I have too much stuff! Organizing to help optimize space, presented by professional organizer and The Riley Group founder Valerie Riley. Don’t let your stuff overwhelm you. Valerie will show you how to get started with practical storage tips and strategies—so you can effectively store, find, and enjoy items and treasures. Lunch is provided. No charge, but seating is limited. Call to RSVP.

Wednesday, May 7, 9 am to 3 pm AARP Driver’s Safety Class at Touchmark. Join instructor Charles Reffner to refresh your driving skills, hear about updated traffic rules, and learn how to adjust your driving for changes in hearing and vision. Class participants may be eligible for an auto insurance discount. Space limited. RSVP by May 6 at the front desk or call 405-340-1975. Cost: $15 for AARP members; $20 for others. Grand Hall.

Tuesday, May 13, 3 pm Meet local author, and hear about local legends. David Fisk will share the story behind his new book Legendary Locals of Edmond. Learn about some of Edmond’s most diverse and interesting people. Enjoy light snacks and beverages. No charge. Grand Hall.

Wednesday, May 14, 2 pm Mother’s Day Tea. Join us as we celebrate all ladies. Fill your cup with tasty tea and your afternoon with fun. Grand Hall.

Thursday, May 15, noon Lunch ’n Learn Series. VA benefits information. Did you know you could be eligible? Jess Vanhooser, CPA (Ret), CLU, ChFC, from Family First Financial, will share information about the various benefits

available to veterans. Lunch provided. No charge, but seating is limited. Call to RSVP. Grand Hall.

Thursday, May 15, 5 pmMen’s Dinner and Parks of Oklahoma presentation by Brian J. Dougherty, FASLA, of the Parks and Public Spaces Initiative, Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

Wednesday, May 21, 10 am Chef talk. Join us for a smoothie demonstration and tasting with Chef Jeff Waddle. Bistro.

Thursday, May 22, 5 - 7:30 pm Progressive Dinner Parkview Party. Please call to RSVP.

Tuesday, May 27, 3 pm Armchair Traveler: Alaska. Watch scenery of Alaska on the big screen while enjoying regional snacks and drinks. Grand Hall.

Thursday, May 29, noon - 1:30 pm Long-term care insurance. What is it? Join Bill Taylor with Prudential Insurance Company of America for this helpful presentation. Grand Hall. Please sign up at front desk.

See the full events calendar online: TouchmarkEdmond.com/pdf/community-event-calendar.pdf