Community Matters The Glen at Aberdeen Heights
March 2019
William Shearburn’s presentation reminds us of the Edgar Degas quote, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
The art of small business Small Business Day in January took residents in The Glen on a tour of Post War Art, as they heard from William Shearburn, owner of William Shearburn Gallery, and son of resident Dudley Shearburn. William Shearburn presented a slideshow of post-war art and gave residents insight into what it is like to own an art gallery. When asked if it was ever hard to part with a painting, he said, “If you ask most art dealers and gallery owners, they will tell you that owning an art gallery is just being a frustrated collector.” William’s art gallery is located on Skinker Boulevard across from Forest Park and has been open since 1992. His art dealing takes him all over the world, and BUSINESS, continued on page 6
Bill Hoskins talks about his invention, the two-piece aluminum beer can, with a full house in The Glen.
Resident has role in beer can invention January 24 might have seemed like any other cold day in January, but in assisted living we celebrated a very special holiday: National Beer Can Appreciation Day! Though we like to have fun and celebrate things like National Popcorn Day, National Donut Day, and so on, we rarely have the opportunity to recognize and acknowledge one of our own residents at Aberdeen for inventing what we are celebrating! That changed on National Beer Can Appreciation Day. Did you know that independent living resident Bill Hoskins invented the aluminum beer can? Bill came to assisted living prepared with notes and gave a delightful and interesting talk about the creation of the first twopiece aluminum beer can. The idea came to him at his wedding of all places. After serving beer at his 1953 wedding, Bill noticed that the leftover beer would go to waste because at that time beer was served in three-piece cans that would rust. A light went on, and after a discussion with his wife, he decided to do what he couldn’t believe no one had ever thought of before … and began creating the two-piece aluminum can. Bill quit his job at 3M, assembled a team, and began to plan his design, network, raise funds, and find people BEER CANS, continued on page 2
A proud member of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America
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who believed in his team and his product. The first can was created in 1969. Bill took his ideas to Anheuser-Busch and designed the first can plant in Jacksonville, Fla., and the first lid plant in Gainesville, Fla., in 1973.
Director Katie Bouvette’s husband works today.
for a wonderful presentation Bill Hoskins. And of course, thank you for the invention of the beer can.
Special thanks to Katie for bringing a collection of vintage cans from the plant for residents to see. Bill’s ideas and inventions did not stop with the beer can. Along with the aluminum can, he developed punch press systems, the draw and iron press, He continued this work at Anheusertrimmer-necker-flanger devices, Busch and helped build can plants can washer and dryer, conveying and recycling plants throughout the systems, interior coating systems, United States in Florida, Missouri, printing systems, packaging systems, New York, New Hampshire, and lid manufacturing systems. Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Colorado, and California.You may know Our Beer Can Appreciation Day this company as Metal Container would not be complete without Corporation. One of these can a taste of the ice-cold beverage. plants is in Arnold, Mo., and is the Residents enjoyed Bill’s favorite A collection of vintage cans from the same plant where Social Services beer, Bud Light, out of a two-piece Metal Container Corporation plant in Arnold, Mo. aluminum can. Thank you so much
Danforth Plant Science Center Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Heights by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at: PresbyterianManors.org. Lily Landy, health care administrator To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Bethany Holohan, life enrichment director, bholohan@pmma.org. Telephone: 314-909-6010 Address: 505 Couch Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
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Community Matters March 2019
Residents in assisted living and skilled care learned about The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in January. Mike Mason, who works in community outreach for the center, gave an informative presentation titled, “Answers to the world’s biggest challenges are dawning right here, right now.”
being the study of the cassava root, a plant that, if healthy and disease resistant, would have a tremendous impact on countries in Africa such as Uganda and Kenya. Scientists at the center are developing an improved cassava that will allow communities to produce more food and income from cassava farming.
Briefing the residents on the center’s mission, improving the human condition through plant science, Mike elaborated on the center’s goals and objectives of feeding the hungry and improving human health, preserving and renewing the environment, and enhancing the St. Louis region as a world center for plant science. Mike provided details about the history of The Danforth Center and gave insight into current studies that the center is working on, one Like us on Facebook
Make a connection with Community Matters Don’t forget! If you are traveling or heading for an outing, take an issue of Community Matters with you, take your photo, and be in the next issue. Community Matters serves as a great place to read about what our friends are up to and provides reminders and information about upcoming events.
It also serves as a great connection tool. Some of you may remember our Small Business Day article in The November issue. Chuck Gillentine, owner of Defiance Vineyard in Defiance Missouri, gave a presentation on his new winery. After finding this out, assisted living resident Betty Spence sent the
article and his business information to her son, Alan, who owns Spence Vineyards in Napa Valley. On a recent visit, the two men connected, and the Spence family toured, dined and drank at Defiance Ridge Vineyard. Connecting others is what it is all about. If you would like to make a connection, let us know!
Sit and knit Residents in skilled care and assisted living are invited to “Sit and Knit” with resident Cindy Mitchell twice a month. All are welcome and encouraged to knit on their own as well. In January, residents were joined by our friends in the independent community. Everyone’s invited, from lifelong knitters to beginners to those just wanting to chat. The residents are working on knitting baby sacks to donate to a local charity. Follow the calendar for knitting, generally held on Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
Resident Marian Thomas holds up the first complete baby sack. Like us on Facebook
Fay Prince, Beth Beattie, Dotty Mill, Betty Spence, Jean Von Stamwitz, Cindy Mitchell and Marian Thomas enjoy knitting together. The Glen at Aberdeen Heights
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Birthday Celebrations
All residents attended the monthly birthday party celebrating January birthdays. The cake was decorated with the January birthstone and flower, the garnet and carnation, and entertainment was provided by Michael Farmer. Michael quickly won the residents, it seems like whatever he sings he sounds just like the original recording artist and he has a way of connecting with his audience. Dr. Richard Kloecker had a long stretch of birthday events to honor his 90th birthday on January 15. The family celebrated when they were in town over the holidays in our multipurpose room. The festivities continued when his daughter, Suzanne, and her husband brought in a special cake so dad could celebrate his big day with his friends in The Glen Assisted Living and Skilled Care. The cake was decorated with one of the doctor’s biggest passions—fast cars.
Dr. Kloecker is a friend to all, and Maria Gomez, who works in Physical Therapy, is no exception. Here she is celebrating with Dr. Kloecker.
Jack Macke enjoyed singing along with the music. He celebrated a birthday in January, too.
Elvis’ memory was alive, as we honored his birthday on January 8. Residents enjoyed an “Elvis” sing-along by piano great Curt Landes while sipping on pina coladas, inspired by Elvis’ most popular movie, “Blue Hawaii.” Stephanie Ameis, lifestyles assistant, passes out peanut butter and banana sandwiches (Elvis’ favorite!) to Bob Sexro, Dot Ebeling and Don Otto while Curt Landes sings “Jail House Rock.”
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Community Matters March 2019
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Appreciation for Angel Appeal Thank you for all of the generous hearts who donated to our Angel Appeal campaign, which benefits our Good Samaritan Program. This program helps ensure that residents who have run out of resources through no fault of their own can continue calling this “home.” Mrs. Joyce Broughton Mrs. Pamela Gomes Ms. Ann Griffin Mr. Don Lavin, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Nikolaus Messmer Mr. and Mrs. Dale G. Schaefer Mrs. Betty J. Smith Mrs. Marti Ward Ms. Kathleen Wayman Ms. Joyce Wilton
MLK program Residents and staff recently honored Martin Luther King Jr. with a program organized by Chaplain Julie Allan Berger. Antonio Moore, director of housekeeping, provided inspirational music and several staff members read selections appropriate for the day. Curt Landes provided piano music. Chaplain Julie, a native of Memphis, gave a personal and touching reflection of the impact Martin Luther King Jr. made in her life and gave a message of hope, encouragement, remembrance, and love.
Treats & spirits
Above: Not that treats and spirits have to be at every activity, but they sure do make things more fun. Residents enjoyed Scottish shortbread and tasted Scotch for our Robert Burns birthday celebration honoring the famous Scottish poet. We read Robert Burns poetry, watched a Robert Burns documentary, and even watched Scottish slides from residents Ed and Mary Ellen Brucker’s travelogue collection. Left: For National Pie Day, Janice Smith makes a S’mores pie using 10 Hershey’s chocolate bars. The pie was almost as sweet as she is. Like us on Facebook
The Glen at Aberdeen Heights
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BUSINESS, continued from page 1
he works with artists both local and international, established and emerging alike. Right, art gallery owner William Shearburn and his mother, Dudley Shearburn. Pictured in back is a painting from his presentation, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s 1982 painting of a skull. The painting is untitled. Jean-Michel Basquiat was a NeoExpressionist painter in the 1980s. He is best known for his primitive style and his collaboration with artist Andy Warhol. He was of Puerto Rican and Haitian descent, and although he passed away at the age of 28 in 1988, his influence on the art world was profound. The painting pictured sold at auction for $110.5 million at Sotheby’s in 2017, and at the time, was the sixth most expensive work ever sold at auction.
Super Bowl Party Lifestyles Assistant Allison Kelly hosted a fun pre-game party for Super Bowl LIII. Residents gathered to hear pre-game commentary but most importantly to snack on pre-game snacks. Earlier in the day, residents made pigs in a blanket, which are always a big hit, along with chicken wings, nuts, chips and salsa, and cookies. Allison did a great job decorating! Stay tuned for the Community Matters April issue when resident Bob Weddell will be featured. Mr. Weddell was a defensive tackle and played for the University of Illinois. He was on the winning team, earned a Rose Bowl ring, and was in the first nationally televised college Frank Josse helps himself to some pregame chicken wings and pigs in blanket. football game in history.
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Community Matters March 2019
Dot Ebeling gets a front row seat to Super Bowl LIII. Like us on Facebook
100 Dress Project The 100 Dress Project, the multigenerational art project residents are doing with local student groups, got some great momentum in January! Groups of all ages assisted residents in skilled care and assisted living make unique dresses to go on our “100 dresses” wall of art for our art gala April 30.
Save the date Open Bridge, unless otherwise noted, will be at 1 p.m. on Sundays in assisted living. We invite everyone who is interested in playing to come. The card game is overseen by two residents, Pat Cunningham and Pat Donovan. They can fill in, assist with reading cards, and just provide help and assistance if a resident feels that they need a little help. Pretty Nails Spa is at 9:30 a.m. Thursdays in assisted living and 10:30 a.m. Fridays in skilled care. March 5: Mardi Gras Happy Hour, assisted living, serving King Cake with performance by Miss Jubiliee and the Humdingers
Marian Thomas, with Dottie Gray observing, was busy drafting her “flapper dress” and gave Robinson first and fifth graders a lesson in fashion from the 1930s as she completed her design.
March 6: Ash Wednesday Service, assisted living dining room Harmonica great Sandy Wellman performs, 3:30 p.m., skilled care March 8: Five Seven, the popular cello and violin duo will perform in assisted living and skilled care March 12: Assisted Living Happy Hour with violin music by Asako. March 15: St. Patrick’s Day Party with Memories Times Two. Some of you may remember this talented duo of men led by John Ellis, son of resident Joyce Ellis.
Eleanor Long had help from several young friends from Robinson Elementary designing a cute blue and gold dress. Like us on Facebook
Residents in skilled care were visited by Girl Scout Troop 441. The young ladies explain “today’s fashion,” and made trendy creations such as pant suits and rompers!
March 24: The Stewart Family Band March 31: Happy Hour with house band Acoustik Element. April 30: Join us for the Art is Ageless Gala from 4 to 6 p.m. The Glen at Aberdeen Heights
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The Glen hosts several musical acts in January Don and Mary Stewart, who have been coming to Aberdeen since May 2018, were joined by their daughter, Stephanie, who sang some beautiful originals. The hit of the day was “Yesterday� by The Beatles, a song written by Paul McCartney. The always-popular Stewart Family
Band was a hit with several family members of residents in attendance as well. It was standing room only.
Stewarts as our house family band. Aberdeen is the only regular place The Stewarts perform.
Don shared that this song was the most widely recorded song in the history of recorded music, with almost 4,000 versions being recorded. We are pleased to host the
Aberdeen also hosted the Larks, an all-female choir composed of members of The Junior League of St. Louis. The ensemble put on a foot-stomping and entertaining show. Left: Don and Mary Stewart, who have been coming to Aberdeen since May 2018, were joined by their daughter, Stephanie.
Below: The Larks, an all-female choir composed of members of The Junior League of St. Louis, perform for residents of The Glen.
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Community Matters March 2019
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