Issuu

Inspiring Living your guide to

Fall 2012

www.shannondell.com

A Publication of Shannondell at Valley Forge

Go With The Flow:

INSIDE

American River Cruising

Sprucing Up Your Home ........3 Appealing to young buyers Ask The Good Doctor .............4 Health & Wellness Answers Exercising At Any Age ............5 It’s never too late to start Drive-In Theaters....................6 Still creating memories Fall River Cruises ...................8 Classic American Floats

Shannondell Needlework Group makes heart shaped pillows for local cardiac patients.

Crossword ..............................9 Around Town .........................10 Shows around town Shannondell Shows ..............11 Concerts, musicals and more!

OPENING Nov. 9 Scrooge: The Musical

10000 Shannondell Drive Audubon, PA 19403

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Mailed From Zip Code 30655 Permit No. 15

At Shannondell See page 11 for details

Shannondell Residents Give Back To The Local Community This past spring, proud Delaware Valley parents, students, family and friends filled the Shannondell Performing Arts Theater as more than $27,000 in educational scholarships were awarded to 55 deserving local students. Part of lifelong learning, financial assistance and community outreach afforded by The Foundation at Shannondell, these annual scholarships are just one way that Shannondell residents, employees and their families give back to surrounding communities and neighbors in need. “I can tell you that all of the

residents who contribute to the Foundation are just as excited as the families and kids on the day we hand out scholarship awards,” says Janet, a long-time Shannondell resident. Her husband is quick to add, “It’s a great visual reminder of just how important and impactful it is for us, as a community, to come together and improve the lives of those who live and work around us.” Contributing to The Foundation is only one way that Shannondell residents have to give back. Many more volunteer their time and Continued next page

Is the Printed Book History? Source: Pewinternet.org

Not exactly, says a new report by Pew Internet & American Life Project (www.pewinternet.org). The organization reported that, as of February, 2012, 21% of Americans had read an “e-book” in the past year, either online or on a device such as a tablet or mobile phone. It may not be surprising that more than one in five of Americans

Enjoy the music and shows on large cruise ships but want to avoid the crowds? Prefer old-world style and top-notch cuisine on your vacation? Does the idea of exploring the route of Lewis and Clark or Huck Finn sound romantic? If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then river cruising in the U.S. could be for you. Several American cruise companies offer full-service cruising on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Hudson, Potomac, Columbia and Snake rivers

reads books electronically, but it’s interesting to note that 88% of those who read e-books over a 12-month period during this See Printed Book pg. 7

(among others) – giving you an expanding array of options for getaways across the country. With no more than 150 passengers on board, small-ship cruising is designed to provide smooth travel through protected waterways, sheltered harbors and magnificent rivers. River Cruising is perfect for older adults – and most cruise lines offer riverspecific journeys through history

Continued on pg. 8

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Home Giving Back Continued from front page

talents for organizations including local police and ambulance services (EMS), local schools, polling places, Methacton Community Theater and King of Prussia Players, Cancer, Cardiac and Dementia patients, local chapters of The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Veterans groups and Mills Grove Nature Preserve to name a few. “After I moved to Shannondell, I found myself in good health with time on my hands and able to drive, so I started volunteering for the Penn-Jersey chapter of the Red Cross,” says Lorraine, a Shannondell resident. “So many residents who live here venture out to volunteer within the greater Audubon and Valley Forge communities. It’s a distinct part of our culture, but it’s never forced on you,” she adds. Part of this culture is also evidenced by the good deeds of the many groups and clubs available to residents of Shannondell. “Our Needlework Club does so much for local organizations,” says Robin Siegler, director of activities at Shannondell. “From Shanny Bears (soft, stuffed teddy bears handed out by local police to children involved in accidents) to personalized pillowcases for children hospitalized with Cancer and heart shaped pillows for

“

After I moved to Shannondell, I found

“

myself in good health with time on my hands and able to drive, so I started volunteering. Lorraine L. Shannondell resident

patients recovering from cardiac surgery, our “sewers and stitchers” are a very giving group,” she adds. Elaine is one of these Shannondell stitchers. “Of course we do this because it’s something that’s needed that we’re able to provide, but getting together as a group to create these items, it’s also a healthy social experience for all of us. It’s a time to catch up on our families, tell stories and laugh,” Elaine explains.

But keeping her friends in stitches is not all that Elaine does as a Shannondell resident. She also volunteers weekly at one of the Shannondell libraries – another opportunity to catch up with other residents. Another group of Shannondell residents currently in full swing as volunteers are the very active political committees. Heading into the final stretch

of the 2012 presidential election, these residents are working with other local groups of Republicans, Democrats and Independents to host informative sessions at Shannondell featuring politicians and prominent political journalists and analysts. One of these busy volunteers also helped to get a polling place approved at Shannondell. Says Barb, “I’ve always been involved in local politics, volunteering for candidates and working the polls. When I saw the difficulty some Shannondell residents were experiencing while standing in polling lines, I got involved with others to get a polling place approved here at Shannondell. We appealed to the Montgomery county commissioners and got it passed. Now, it’s easier for residents to not only vote, but also stay up to date with the candidates and their platforms.” Getting things done for the good of Shannondell residents and families in the surrounding communities is just inherent in being a good neighbor to those who call Shannondell home. As a result, we all benefit. In the words of residents Art and Marge, “When you get so many interesting backgrounds and people who’ve done so much over the course of their lives together, good things are bound to happen. It’s inspiring … truly.”

Students are awarded more than $27,000 in scholarships by The Foundation at Shannondell.

Sprucing Up Your Home For Young Buyers: Time To Let Go

ou’ve spent years, likely decades in your home. You’ve raised your children there, hosted parties, celebrated birthdays, graduations and other milestones. You’ve planted trees, flowers and maybe even harvested vegetables. Memories form familiar wallpaper room by room. Now, when considering putting your home up for sale, you’ve got to take a bold, but necessary first step – you’ve got to let go of your house as your home. To market your home to new, likely younger buyers, you have to turn your home into a house again. And to appeal to the widest available group of home buyers, this means de-cluttering, neutralizing and naturalizing.

Shannondell Smooth Move Guarantee Once you’ve decided to move to Shannondell, you’ll receive:

• Professional home sale assistance • Moving, floor plan and interior design assistance • Full-service unpacking and furniture placement • Day-Of-Move catered dinner. Your new Shannondell home will feel like home, from Day One. You have our guarantee.

De-clutter None of us see the clutter in our own homes. After all, it took us years to build up to the current state of … ahem, clutter. We’re used to stepping over and around things, including piles on the floor and furniture we inherited but don’t really have sufficient room for. While the current state of your clutter may look fine to you, it creates a block for potential buyers who have a hard time seeing past all of your stuff and envisioning “what could be” based on their individual tastes. The best thing you can do – bring in a fresh pair of eyes, preferably a real estate professional who specializes in “staging” a home for sale. These professionals earn their pay in helping homeowners overcome floor plan, decorating and other challenges and appeal to the widest possible spectrum of current

Save $30,000 Through November 30th, you can save up to $30,000 off of your entrance fee on select Shannondell residences.* So don’t delay – call 800.669.2318 today!

Continued on pg. 12 * subject to standard entrance approvals

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Health & Wellness It’s Never Too Late To Start An Exercise Plan

Ask the Good Doc:

Q&A with David Galinsky, MD Medical Director of Main Line Health at Shannondell

Why am I seeing so much news about Whooping Cough these days?

Although the vaccine was introduced in the 1940s, reported cases of the cough have been rising over the past two decades with a sharp rise of cases in certain states during the past few years. The medical community is now recommending that all adults, including those over the age of 65, get a Tdap booster (shot). A highly contagious bacterial disease that can be fatal, whooping cough tends to be under reported among older adults as it can be mistaken for other cough ailments. The name stems from severe coughing that causes children to make a distinctive whooping sound as they gasp for breath. And, although the vaccine is now included in the standard series of childhood shots, older adults can unintentionally spread the disease to newborns and infant grandchildren who are the most vulnerable.

Shannondell residents always seem to be so active. Do you see an increase in their aches and pains due to all this activity?

We all experience aches and pains as we age – from common arthritis symptoms to simple muscle fatigue from working a new muscle group or overdoing it in the fitness center or on the golf course. But more often than not, particularly for older adults, increased levels of activity (mental and physical) – under the direction and care of qualified fitness and medical professionals – offer more benefits than drawbacks or concerns. For instance, the documented benefits of increased endurance and “core” body stability from strength training far outweigh the likelihood of ligament, tendon and/or muscle damage during exercise among older adults. The key is to take it slow and if you ever do experience pain during an activity, to cease the activity and depending on the severity of the pain, seek proper medical assistance.

David Galinsky MD is Medical Director of Main Line Health at Shannondell. Dr. Galinsky is a specialist in Internal and Geriatric Medicine and has been recognized as a “Top Doc” for geriatric medicine by numerous Philadelphia organizations. In 2010, Dr. Galinsky was awarded the Barbara Bell MD Award as the Geriatrician of the year. He has also received the Award of Honor from the Philadelphia Geriatric Center. Part of Main Line Health, Main Line Health at Shannondell offers residents and their families peace of mind knowing their current and future well being is in the absolute best hands.

Fitness Focus:

Hydro-Pilates What is it? Hydro-Pilates is a non-impact strengthening and stretching program performed in a swimming pool. Transplanting the basic movements of Pilates to water, this exercise adds multi-directional resistance while reducing joint stress and eliminating the risk of falls and related injuries.

What are the benefits? Cardiovascular, flexibility, range of motion and muscular strength. The motions have also shown to correct posture and relieve stress.

How long? The Aquatics Center At Shannondell 4

Most sessions are 40 minutes long and include 15 minutes of cardio, 15 of Pilates and 10 minutes of stretching.

f it’s been awhile since you worked out (or maybe you’ve never participated in structured exercise), starting or re-starting a fitness program is something every aging adult can do – and grow to love. “Getting the body in motion should always be the focus,” says Michelle Swartwood, exercise physiologist at Shannondell. “When we help residents create and stick with an exercise plan – it’s more about mobility and less about ability,” she adds. Whether you’re currently active, looking to becoming more active or wondering which exercises are best, taking into consideration any physical restrictions, your doctor can work with you to determine which muscle groups to use and an appropriate heart rate to target during your routines. Wellness nurses and physicians with Main Line Health at Shannondell work in tandem with Michelle and other fitness staff to ensure that Shannondell residents begin and progress within a program that is best suited to their individual abilities and health needs. Says Michelle, “At any age, the endorphins kick in and it’s easy to over-do, particularly when beginning a new exercise regimen. So, we’re quick to preach the benefits of taking it slow and steady. Increase reps before weight and remember to allow time to s-t-r-e-t-c-h at the end of your workout, when muscle groups are still warm.”

The following low-impact activities are effective in increasing mobility and improving circulation – mostly without a learning curve.

• Walking – low impact, works at any speed

• Water Exercise– range of motion, good for arthritis sufferers

• Yoga – calming and strengthbuilding, builds flexibility

• Dancing – solo or with a

partner or group, great cardio activity

• Chair Ballet– appropriate for those with restricted motion

• Tai Chi – a mind-and-body experience, very low impact

• Strength Training –

also builds endurance and core strength.

For more information about the many fitness programs available at Shannondell, visit our website: www.shannondell.com – scroll down and click on the “event guide” link.

Exercise physiologist Michelle Swartwood leads an enthusiastic group of Shannondell residents on a recent fitness walk.

Shannondell Hosts 5th Annual Memory Walk Shannondell residents and staff invite you to join them on Saturday, Oct. 13th (rain date, Oct. 14) for a walk around the community to support the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Light refreshments will be served following the walk, including a raffle for prizes. ($10 registration fee required) 5

Inspiring Living Fall 2012

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Living

Drive-in Theaters Still Creating Memories

Source: Drive-Ins.com

Printed Book Continued from front page

ennsylvania loves drive-in movies! At the peak of the outdoor cinema’s popularity in the mid-1950s, nearly 180 drive-in theatres operated across the state. Today, 30 drive-ins still operate in PA, including Shankweiler’s, which has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating drive-in in the U.S.A. Now in its 79th season, Shankweiler’s (located in Orefield) has managed to keep up with the times (visit www.Shankweilers.com for the latest film schedule). The original lot withstood the effects of Hurricane Diane in 1955 and the theatre exists today as a stalwart reminder of its genre’s heyday – with the bonus of digital sound (added in 2002). The popularity of the remaining theatres is driven by equal parts nostalgia and novelty. In total, four drive-in theatres still operate within an hour of Shannondell and surrounding communities including Becky’s Drive-In in

Walnutport, Mahoning Valley Drive-In in Lehighton, and Delsea Drive-In in Vineland, NJ. While some of the theatres offer recent features, many opt for classic films or B-Movies, so be sure to check with each theater for the latest show times and seasonal hours. “Drive-ins offer a refreshingly unique alternative to cineplexes and other forms of today’s

commercialized entertainment,” says Drive-Ins.com. “Drive-ins appeal to young and old alike — especially families — all looking for good value for their entertainment dollar. Drive-ins are more than just movies; they’re about starry nights, cruisin’ in and cookin’ out.” Yearning to relive your drive-in memories? Fall is the perfect time of year to invite friends and family for a night out driving-in.

Drive-in Trivia:

What was the first movie title played at a drive-in theater in the U.S. and in what year?

1 Biography – Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power,

by Jon Meacham, release date: November

by Robert D. Kaplan, release date: September

Grandkids’ Corner:

Fall Fun In A Cornfield As part of their Harvest Days celebration, Merrymead Farm offers a challenging 5-acre corn maze (open most weekends in October) including nightly “moonlight” mazes beginning at 6 p.m. (reservations required). The nearby farm also offers a pumpkin patch (already gathered from the field), smaller scale kid-sized hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hayrides, face painting and farm animals. Merrymead Farm is located at 2222 Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446. Phone: 610.584.4410. 6

3 Fiction – The Racketeer, by John Grisham, release date: October

From The Shannondell Kitchens

Sticky Buns Ingredients

Best e-Book Readers

Answer on page 12

Fall Titles Shannondell residents are looking most forward to:

2 Nonfiction – The Revenge of Geography,

study also read printed books. Pew says the findings of the study, which was underwritten by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, came from a survey of 2,986 Americans ages 16 and older that extensively focused on the new terrain of e-reading and people’s habits and preferences: “Compared with other book readers, e-readers read more books. They read more frequently for a host of reasons: for pleasure, for research, for current events, and for work or school. They are also more likely than others to have bought their most recent book, rather than borrowed it, and they are more likely than others to say they prefer to purchase books in general, often starting their search online.”

Here are some of the major findings of the study: • 29% of Americans age 18 and older own at least one specialized device for e-book reading – either a tablet or an e-book reader. • 30% of those who read e-content say they now spend more time reading, and owners of tablets and e-book readers particularly stand out as reading more now. • The prevalence of e-book reading is growing, but printed books still dominate the world of book readers: 72% of American adults had read a printed book in the previous year. E-book usage came from both e-readers and tablets.

With e-book readers overlapping into the, historically, more powerful and expensive tablet (Apple iPad) market, comparing models, features and prices is becoming a tougher chore regardless of your technological savvy and usage/needs. The following models rose to the top in a recent ranking by noted tech media website cnet.com. • Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch Glowlight – well worth the extra money if you do a lot of nighttime reading ($139). • Amazon Kindle Touch – voted best audio-enabled touch-screen e-ink reader and Amazon’s best e-reader to date ($99). • Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch Reader (Wi-Fi) – the best e-ink reader for under $100, and it won’t pester you with ads. • Amazon Kindle 2011(w/special offers/Wi-Fi) – this entry-level Kindle is the best choice for those seeking a no-frills e-ink reader under $80.

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter 1/3 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 package (17.3 ounces/2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted 2 tablespoons melted butter 2/3 cup light brown sugar 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 cup raisins

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400˚. Place 12-cup muffin tin on sheet pan lined with parchment paper. In a bowl combine 12 tablespoons butter and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Place 1 rounded tablespoon of the mixture in each muffin cup. Distribute pecans evenly on top. Lightly flour a wooden board or stone surface. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry with the folds going left to right. Brush the sheet with half of the melted butter. Leaving a 1-inch border on the puff pastry, sprinkle each sheet with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. Starting with the end nearest you, roll the pastry up like a jelly roll around the filling, finishing the roll with the seam side down. Trim the ends of the roll about 1/2 inch and discard. Slice the roll in 6 equal pieces, each about 1 1/2 inches wide. Place each piece, spiral side up, in 6 of the muffin cups. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry to make 12 sticky buns. Bake 30 minutes, until golden to dark brown on top. Cool for 5 minutes, invert the buns onto the parchment paper (ease the filling and pecans out onto the buns with a spoon), and cool completely. 7

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Travel

Nostalgia

Our Picks For Fall River Cruises:

River Cruising

continued from front page

(Lincoln scholar? Civil War Buff?), Holiday and Christmas gatherings (no cooking this year!), or entertainment themed voyages for every taste and interest (jazz fan? Elvis fanatic?). Check web sites for special promotions such as free hotel stays before or after your cruise or free or discounted airfare to and from your port of departure. Packages range from economy ($1900) to upscale ($5000 +) for 7-10 night cruises.

Company: Website: Cruise: Departure date: Highlights:

The American Queen Steamboat Company www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com Fall Foliage with Polka, St. Louis to St. Paul, Mississippi River October 28 (9 Days) Salute nature’s rich palette of reds, oranges and golds as your steamboat traverses the Upper Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers in autumn. Entertainment includes Jimmy Sturr and his Polka Orchestra and The Rat Pack Show.

Cruise: Departure date: Highlights:

Elvis’s Footsteps, New Orleans – Memphis November 24 (7 nights, plus 2 hotel nights) Elvis Presley is known around the world as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and it is only fitting that the American Queen should pay tribute with a cruise fit for a king. Enjoy a leisurely cruise from with luxurious accommodations and fabulous Southern cuisine.

Company: Website: Cruise: Departure date: Highlights:

American Cruise Lines www.americancruiselines.com Queen of the West Tour (Portland to Clarkston to Lewiston) November 17 (7 Days) Discover the namesake towns of some of our country’s most famous explorers. From the high desert to the endless sweep of the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia and Snake rivers follow an epic course, flowing through a rich tapestry of ever-changing landscapes, lush wildlife habitat and fascinating human endeavors.

Across

Premium Airline Coach Seats: Worth the extra cost? Traveling by air can mean less comfort for older adults. Three or more hours in the air can add up to stiff joints and poor circulation for many travelers. So, with new options in economy seating, are so-called “premium” coach seats worth it? Most experts agree that it depends upon the length of the flight and the traveler’s expectations. According to The Wall Street Journal, “Airlines say passengers most likely to buy premium economy are business travelers and older, 8

wealthier leisure travelers eager to buy more comfort. In addition, some airlines give elite-level frequent fliers upgrades to premium economy as consolation for not getting a firstclass upgrade.” Budget Travel labeled the new “economy plus” trend as “business minus.” In other words, you might get up to 6 inches more legroom, but don’t expect too many other perks. Plus: premium coach and economy benefits vary by carrier. So, be sure to check with your airline.

1. Capital of the Philippines 7. CD-___ 10. Baby powder 14. Lets up DAY TRIP 15. Altar in the sky 16. "East of Eden" director Kazan 17. Dwarfed tree Check out Pennsylvania’s finest fall foliage aboard one 18. Droop, sink of the West Chester Railroad’s comfortable 19. trains K-6 – a great afternoon excursion for the whole 20. family! Loving 23.to/from Inspire anew Fall Foliage Express: (90-minute ride 26. ___ kwon do Glen Mills) September 30, October, 7, 14 and 27. Playground retort November 4, 11, 18, 12 & 2 p.m. 28. Yours, in Tours 29. Cambodia's Lon ___ Prices: Adults - $12.50; 30. Foxy Children (2-12) - $10.50 (toddlers ride free) 31. Breed of dog unable to Visit www.westchesterrr.net bark Call 610.430.2233 33. Numbered rd. 34. This ___ stickup! 37. Exist 38. "You've got mail" co. 39. Attention 40. Romanian coin

Fall Foliage On The Rails

Book review

The Verse By The Side Of The Road If you were driving America’s rural highways and byways between 1926 and 1963, chances are good that you laid eyes on one of the most famous outdoor advertising campaigns ever – Burma-Shave! The founders of this brushless shaving cream company, Burma-Vita, conceived the signs to advertise their new, but little-known, brushless shaving cream. Most often clustered in a set of six red signs with white lettering and spaced 100 feet apart, the signs were purely a sales pitch at first. In fact, the first ones didn’t even rhyme. But that didn’t last long. After discovering the power of short jingles, the company held contests offering cash prizes for winning rhymes. Entries poured in from across the country and these verses by the side of the road became a much-loved American icon offering 20 seconds of humor during hard times. At the height of the signs’ popularity, about 7,000 stretched across forty-five states in the U.S. The signs catapulted the tiny Burma-Vita Corporation into a household word – attracting the attention of the Phillip Morris Company, which purchased Burma-Vita in 1963. Shortly, thereafter, the signs began coming down, as did Burma-Shave sales. But, Burma-Shave lives on in The Verse by The Side of The Road by Frank Rowsome. Within the book’s pages, you’ll find the complete story behind the signs and all 600 of the roadside rhymes.

20 23

45 48

2. Blood letters Answers on back cover

3. A Bobbsey twin 4. I've been framed! 5. Like spinach

46. Ripe 48. Mystery writer's award 49. Subsequently 50. Former Russian rulers

Examples include: She raised cain / when he raised stubble / guess what / smoothed away / their trouble? / Burma-Shave If you think / she likes / your bristles / walk bare-footed / through some thistles / Burma-Shave One slogan “Free offer! Free offer! / Rip a fender off your car / mail it in / for a half-pound jar / Burma-Shave” … resulted in a large number of car fenders being shipped to the company. Reports were that the company made good on its promise, shipping many half-pound jars of Burma-Shave to skeptical and “fender-less” consumers. “Oh-looky, oh looky!/my half-pound jar/ grab my razor/let’s go for a drive/ in my fender-less car/Burma-Shave (editors: see, it’s catching). 128 pages (Available in paperback) Starting at roughly $10 at Amazon.com

ACROSS 1- Capital of the Philippines 7- CD-___ 10- Baby powder 14- Lets up 15- Altar in the sky 16- “East of Eden” director Kazan 17- Dwarfed tree 18- Droop, sink 19- K-6 20- Loving 23- Inspire anew 26- ___ kwon do 27- Playground retort 28- Yours, in Tours 29- Cambodia’s Lon ___ 30- Foxy 31- Breed of dog unable to bark 33- Numbered rd. 34- This ___ stickup! 37- Exist 38- “You’ve got mail” co. 39- Attention 40- Romanian coin 41- ___ the season... 42- Opposite of post43- Angling

45- Free 46- Central 47- Leisure 48- First name in cosmetics 51- Proverb ending? 52- Bird that gets you down 53- Vexing 56- Growl 57- Actor Erwin 58- North African desert 62- Farm unit 63- Flub 64- Besides 65- Take it easy 66- Female rabbit 67- Monster’s nickname DOWN 1- Fairy queen 2- Blood letters 3- A Bobbsey twin 4- I’ve been framed! 5- Like spinach 6- “Clueless” catchphrase 7- Mischievous person 8- Use a soapbox 9- Wise trio 10- Wee

11- ___ once 12- Mislead 13- Walk-on role 21- Prima ballerina 22- Edmonton team 23- Capital on the Atlantic 24- Maker of Pong 25- Misplaces 29- Norse god of winds 30- Sedate 32- Inventor of logarithms 33- Ballpoint insert 34- Greek epic poem 35- Have a feeling 36- Boring tool 44- Elevations 45- Sense of loss 46- Ripe 48- Mystery writer’s award 49- Subsequently 50- Former Russian rulers 51- Emcee’s job 52- Related on the mother’s side 54- Second hand, took advantage of 55- This ___ outrage! 59- Sighs of relief 60- Thor Heyerdahl craft 61- Bolted down

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Entertainment Shannondell Performing Arts Theater Highlights

Around Town Holiday Trolly Tours

Valley Forge National Historical Park November 23 – December 30

Chrysanthemum Festival

Put a little history in your holidays this year. Hop aboard an old-fashioned open-air trolley and enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of Valley Forge Park. Tours depart from the Visitor Center and enjoy extended stops at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts and Washington’s Headquarters. Call 610.783.1074 for tickets and more information.

Longwood Gardens October 27 – November 18

One-Day University: What Almost Nobody Knows about the Presidency

National Constitution Center November 17, by Akhil Amar, Yale University What better time than following a bitterly contested presidential election to learn more about the American presidency. This November, one of the nation’s foremost constitutional experts will give you a fascinating perspective of our Commander in Chief. For instance, did you know that Presidents do not need to have been born in the U.S.? Or, that even after a president has signed a bill into law or has had his veto overridden, he may sometimes properly refuse to enforce the law? For more information and to register, visit www.constitutioncenter.org or call 800.300.3438.

More than 20,000 blooming chrysanthemums take over Longwood’s four-acre conservatory this fall. These trained plants create cascades of dramatic color that drape Conservatory walls like flowery waterfalls. The centerpiece of the festival is Longwood’s coveted “Thousand Bloom” chrysanthemum, the largest of its kind in North America. Visit www.longwoodgardens.org for ticket information or call 610.388.1000.

The below is just a sampling of the more than 30 productions taking place at Shannondell this fall and holiday season.

October 15, 7:30 p.m. Songs and Stories of Love Jeffrey Coon & Jeffrey Uhlig (piano)

October 29, 7:30 p.m. Special Concertmaster Engagement David Kim (Violin) With Jeffrey Uhlig (Piano)

November 9, 10, 16 & 17, 7:30 p.m. November 11 & 18, 2 p.m.

Scrooge: The Musical

War Horse

Broadway at the Kimmel Center Academy of Music November 20 – December 2 War Horse is a remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship that takes place as World War One begins. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized puppets created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to life on the stage. Visit www.kimmelcenter.org for ticket information, or call 215.731.3333.

Methacton Community Theater

December 5, 7:30 p.m. Pennsylvania Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA) Chamber Choir Concert

Letters To The Editors Your article reminding me that the Olympics was just around the corner (Summer Olympics: it’s not too late to plan a visit, Summer 2012 issue) was all the nudging I needed. We went online and booked a last minute weekend trip and took two of our grandchildren. We enjoyed the swimming events the best, but our grandchildren got the biggest kick out of riding the Tube all over London. Thanks for the memories! Bob & Norma S. , Malvern, PA Editors: From what we hear, Bob, tourists enjoyed Tube trips with space to spare – a rarity during a London summer. Thanks for the downsizing tips (Downsizing: a preplanning checklist, Summer 2012). As a widow, I’ve been struggling with what seemed to be the insurmountable task of deciding what items to keep, give away, sell and donate now that I’ve decided to put my longtime home on the market. I’m looking forward to weighing my options, including your highly recommended (Shannondell) community. Mandy H. , Villa Nova, PA Editors: Mandy, we look forward to having you as our guest this fall. Don’t forget, whatever you do decide to keep and bring to Shannondell, we take care of all the unpacking – so no worries!

December 9, 3:00 p.m.

A Holiday Celebration with The Thomases Lisa Thomas (Soprano), Todd Thomas (Baritone) & Jeffrey Uhlig (Piano)

FALL MOVIE SPOTLIGHT:

Lincoln by Steven Spielberg Opens November 9 With an all-star cast including Sally Field, Daniel Day Lewis (as Lincoln), Tommy Lee Jones and Hal Holbrook, among others, Lincoln is a biographical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg (Jaws, E.T., Saving Private Ryan). Based on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s biography of Lincoln, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Spielberg’s film will concentrate on the political collision of Lincoln and the powerful men of his cabinet on the road to abolition and the end of the Civil War – focusing mainly on the last few months of his life. Given the story, cast and timing, Lincoln is perfectly slated for Oscar success.

Tickets to these and other performances in the Shannondell Performing Arts Theater for non-residents of Shannondell are available, but limited. To inquire about a particular show, please call 610.728.5211.

Your Guide to Inspiring Living is a publication of Shannondell at Valley Forge, a continuing care retirement community. Nestled in the countryside of Audubon, PA, Shannondell is just down the road from Valley Forge Park, King of Prussia Mall and a short drive from the Main Line and Philadelphia.

www.shannondell.com Call 800.669.2318 or write us at: Shannondell / 10000 Shannondell Dr. / Audubon, PA 19403

www.shannondell.com

Inspiring Living Fall 2012

Sprucing Up continued from page 3 preferences, many times on a shoestring budget. The result: faster sales and higher selling prices.

Neutralize “Think white, light gray, light taupe and black,” says Michelle Pasquine, Real Estate Manager at Shannondell. “Lighter, more neutral colors expand space and appeal to the widest cross section of home buyers today,” she adds. Even larger rooms with vaulted ceilings and oversize windows that are painted in darker, dramatic colors can appear smaller and less inviting. And bold wallpaper patterns, including textured paper, can be effectively neutralized with a fresh coat of paint. Again, a fresh set of eyes is your best ally in determining exactly what you should refresh. And, as mentioned below, natural fiber slipcovers work well to neutralize any room.

Inspiring Barb

Naturalize An extension, really, of neutralizing, naturalizing refers to the usage of natural fibers, live plants and natural light to paint your house in the best possible light. Today’s buyers are greener, natural light loving creatures that gravitate toward homes that are kindest to the environment and their bodies. Shy of major upgrades to make your home more sustainable and energy efficient, experts say that sprinkling new healthy plants next to windows allowing the largest amount of natural light inside, combined with natural fiber furniture slipcovers and throw rugs can help to create an inviting environment for potential younger buyers.

Barb spent her career improving the lives of others. As a longtime

A natural teacher

Answers from page 9

Barb still encourages

teacher and political volunteer, she worked tirelessly to help both kids and adults reach their goals. So, when Barb moved to Shannondell, she was ready to focus on her own desires. Wouldn’t you know it that one of those goals became helping to secure a dedicated polling place within Shannondell to make it easier for residents to vote. So, Barb did what came naturally. She taught others why. And she won them over. Today, Barb serves on one of the political committees at Shannondell. And she’s already focusing on the next election.

Yours FREE!

Puzzle provided by BestCrosswords.com. Used with permission.

Call 800.669.2318 to request your Free issue of Talk About Inspiring Stories including interviews with Shannondell residents. Or, visit

www.shannondell.com/inspiring

Living to Inspire SM

Drive-in Trivia Answer On June 6, 1933 in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, the 1932 movie “Wives Beware” opened to a packed yard. 12

10000 Shannondell Dr, Audubon, PA 19403