She answers the door with a warm smile and introduces herself as “Dot. Just Dot.”
She says her gait is a little slower now, but she’s had a “very grateful life, physically and in every way.”
And today, she celebrates her 100th birthday.
Dorothy Knopf — or as she says, “Dot” — lived a significant part of her life in Yorktown. She started calling The Arbors Independent Living home a few months ago. She rehabbed from a fall at her daughter Karen’s house and realized she couldn’t just return to her longtime home.
“When I thought this change had to come, which was nothing but fine, I came here to The Arbors. I just love the surroundings, the park, and how fortunate I was to get this apartment with the view and bay window,” she says from her living room that overlooks Port Warwick’s Styron Square. “I loved this apartment when it was shown to me. … I had several friends who had moved here.”
She now lives even closer to her daughter, who is 10 minutes away, and a grandson.
“I’ve not one regret and enjoy it all. So friendly,” Dot says. “… Certain time of life, you need to be near family when you can. I think it’s very important. … It just seemed so nice to be here. It’s a nice size, not too large. … You know, I think I almost (have everyone’s name) down.”
She was able to move in her china cabinet, which was a Christmas gift from her late husband, and several other meaningful pieces.
“I think when you realized you could bring that, you’d be OK,” Karen says to Dot, who nods.
“I feel very much at home, and that’s a lot to say after living where I did for that number of years (in Yorktown),” Dot says.
Celebrating a century
Also helping her feel at home in Newport News is living close to family. She’s been close to her daughter’s family and friends throughout her life.
And it’s with her family that Dot chose to celebrate her century of life.
Dorothy Knopf now calls The Arbors home and loves her view of Styron Square from her living room’s bay window.
She, Karen and her husband, and their two sons and their families (including five great-grandchildren) are spending the weekend in the Outer Banks.
“My family have gone to the beach 47 consecutive years. We never missed,” Dot says. “Since (the children are) older, it’s harder. We’re going my birthday weekend. My best thing I love is going to Nags Head. We’re all getting together, we have two cottages and we’re going to have a wonderful weekend.”
There was no lack of celebration leading up to the big day, either. There were several smaller trips with Karen and her friends, and luncheons throughout the lead-up week.
“See what you get when you get old!” she says with a laugh.
“I’m grateful. I never knew anybody to be 100, I never thought I’d be 100 and there was never anybody in my family, so I don’t know what makes me different, but I hope Karen can carry it on.”
Warm welcome to The Arbors
Dot says the residents and team members at The Arbors have become “a wonderful word, family.”
Joyce ran into Dot at a party at the Warwick Yacht Club when they were there with their children. Joyce said she heard a rumor Dot was moving in.
“She said, ‘If you ever decide to come’ — and I think it’s the loveliest thing — she said, ‘there’ll always be a chair at my table,’” Dot recalls.
(If you don’t have a tear in your eye right now, you’re doing better than this writer did when first hearing the story.)
“I went down to the dining room the day I moved in — and I stood there and I’ll never forget, I saw this hand go up and it was Joyce. I cry every time I tell it. There was my chair, waiting for me. … That’s like home and she welcomed me. It’s been lovely,” Dot says.
“That’s The Arbors and the kind of people that are here. Lovely people, and willing to help you or do anything for you. And I in turn like to do for them too. So, it works both ways; it becomes contagious.”
Sandy, Dot and Joyce during The Arbors homecoming event in September, sharing their dining room table.
She enjoys dinner time, especially on Thursdays when the flower arrangements turn over and she can take home one of the centerpieces. She attends lunch outings, other socials and, often, happy hour.
“I’m not too old for that!” she says.
She also goes out often with her daughter, who is a retired teacher, and her friends.
“Mom is like another mother to those gals,” Karen says.
Dot adds, “They include me. They’re lovely. I’m very grateful to Karen and her friends because most of mine have gone to the angels.”
Before she moved from her home, one of her favorite hobbies was keeping up her yard. She was active with the church and in garden clubs. She enjoys to read. And yes, she still drives.
“I just enjoy people in general,” she says. “I love my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They’re grown now. I do love chatting with people; don’t want to be overbearing. And anything I can do for somebody.”
Karen says she always has done things for others.
“She’s been very lucky to be healthy and her attitude — she sees the best,” Karen says.
A love story
Dot developed much of her outlook on life from her husband. She became a widow 29 years ago.
“I lived with a wonderful man; we were young when we got married. I was one of the lucky ones. I gained a lot from him too,” she says.
He was in real estate and insurance, which is what brought the couple to Virginia many years ago.
“He lived by three things,” Dot says. “Your ACE factor. A-attitude; C-conviction and E-enthusiasm. Think of it, that’s your ACE factor. It adds up.”
She says she had a wonderful life with her husband of 51 years. They were both from Scarsdale, N.Y. and reconnected when he returned from being a prisoner of war (POW) during World War II while stationed with the Army in Germany.
“He went through a lot at a young age, right out of high school. He’s one of the lucky ones, he finally did come home,” she says.
It’s a beautiful story even when told nearly 80 years later.
“She and Daddy’s romance coming back from war could be a Hallmark movie,” Karen says.
She was still living in Scarsdale, about 19 years old, and Dot and her mother were at an ice cream shop in town near the train station.
“My Mama could see out the window, and she had a strange look on her face,” Dot says. “A train had come in, she says, ‘Bud, there’s a solider boy coming up the stairs in the distance. I cannot believe this, I think it’s Bobby.’
“My mother was beside herself, she was crazy about him as I was. She said, ‘go out and meet him!’ I didn’t know if I could move. But I did — I ran out in the middle of the street, cars were honking — and we just met up again. I brought him back into the ice cream shop to see Mom and she offered to drive him home.
“We took him home; he lived the next street to mine. His mother didn’t know he was here anymore than I did. And he invited us in! When he got out of the car, he said, ‘I’ll see you tonight.’ And he did. I can still see the expression on his mother’s face. She had three sons who were in different branches of the service. My husband was her baby. Never dreaming he would go through so much. But he came back. And he did come by that night, and ever since.”
Calling Virginia home
The couple moved to Virginia’s Eastern Shore when Karen was 18 months old.
“It’s where our roots are,” Karen says.
“I feel I’m a Virginian – and proud to be,” Dot says.
Dot said that while she has great respect for the mountains, she loved living near the water.
“We had a wonderful 51 years. That was most memorable, and having a daughter. That too was quite a day,” Dot says.
She says she was a wife and mother most of the time.
“In my time, very few women worked. It was more the homemaker. There’s plenty to do at home if it’s done right,” Dot says. “If you can accomplish it and do it in a nice way, I think it’s an honor. I went to business school, but there was nothing I really cared about. Not many jobs like today were offered in my time. … My ending years, I’m here at The Arbors.”
She also is a supportive parent and grandparent. Dot had a hand in raising her grandsons and great-grandchildren, never missing sporting events or musical forays. She’s looking forward to an upcoming grandchild’s wedding in May.
“I’ve had a very grateful life … I don’t overlook it. Whatever time is left, I’ve enjoyed all I’ve had given to me,” she says. “I think anything in life – overall – it’s a gift. I will close with this quote … I told Karen I want it on my tombstone … ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is the present and this is our gift.’”
Call The Arbors home
Our residents love to call The Arbors Independent Living home. Visit vahs.com/thearbors to learn more about our community and schedule a tour.
In honor of National Assisted Living Week (Sept. 8-14), we are spotlighting residents at The Hamilton Assisted Living. We also are spotlighting residents at The Arbors Independent Living in Port Warwick as part of an all-encompassing Senior Living Week celebration.
Care of our residents is the heart of what we do. Our team works to support these individuals to live their best life. We are thankful they chose to call Virginia Health Services senior living communities home.
The Arbors Independent Living
Lynn Bush: New to Virginia
When you didn’t call Virginia home until two years ago, moving into a new place might be considered a challenge. Lynn Bush hasn’t felt that way about The Arbors Independent Living.
“In capital letters, I love it here,” she says. “Absolutely love it.”
She moved into The Arbors about two years ago from Colorado. Her son and his family relocated to York County and she wasn’t interested in living across the country from her only grandson.
Her son and daughter-in-law “found this place and it is perfect,” she says. “I don’t have to cook, I don’t have to clean up too much. I just love it.”
Lynn says she likes the variety of menu items at The Arbors — “it’s not just a couple of things, it’s an actual menu like at a restaurant and changes all the time. It’s good, and it’s hot when you get it.”
She also takes advantage of the complimentary transportation to get to doctors’ appointments. She gave up her license before moving and, being new to the area, doesn’t know how to get around.
Lynn says she is getting to know more about Virginia by taking trips arranged by the Life Enrichment Director, including to a farm in Mathews where she adored the pups.
“I’m a major pet fan,” she says. She also likes it when the pet therapy dogs visit on Mondays.
“I want to see more of the area on sightseeing trips,” she says. “I have seen practically nothing of Virginia except when we go on the bus. Only thing I see with my kids are my grandson’s baseball games.”
While she doesn’t play Bingo, she participates in other activities such as arts and crafts, and attends whatever socials she can.
And she does it all in the company of the friends she’s made while living at The Arbors.
“Everybody here — staff and residents — are so friendly. I don’t know how they all remember my name. The staff impressed me. They knew my name when I came. It’s just super friendly.
“When I first got here, my brother helped move me from Colorado. I had a fair amount of stuff; my kids had brought my furniture. A young man helped with my bags and told me, ‘welcome to Virginia, you’ll find us to be friendly here.’ And it is. It’s noticeable.”
She says she surprised herself by making good friends quickly because “I’m not usually very ‘joiny’ and it takes me a while to get close to someone. It didn’t here, something just clicked, and I think a lot of it is the attitude. Most everybody is happy to be here.”
Why Virginia?
Originally from Ohio, Lynn lived in Florida for 20 years — “it’s hot, sticky and there’s big bugs there” — and Colorado for about a decade.
“It’s so beautiful, just everywhere you look there’s scenery. You drive down the road, you see mountain goats. It’s incredible,” she says.
For all its natural beauty, the public school system left something to be desired. Her grandson had the opportunity to select a region for the family to move for better schooling opportunities.
He chose Grafton and is a catcher on the baseball team. He also plays for an American Legion team, a summer team and picks up other games whenever he can.
“He’s only happy when he’s playing baseball,” Lynn says smiling.
Her grandson had a built-in group of friends moving the region, having met several kids from here while playing travel baseball.
“Grandma’s not bragging,” she says, “but he’s really, really smart.”
She thinks her son and daughter-in-law are “super excellent parents. Their whole life exists around him. Yet he’s not really spoiled, he’s a really good kid, gets good grades, he’s active, he’s in with good people. It’s amazing. He just turned 16.”
Family life
Lynn says she’s from a “big, blended family.”
She said there were 10 people in the house while she was growing up.
“You always had someone to play with. I truly loved being in a big family. Thought that’s what I wanted, but it didn’t work out for me and I’m grateful for that,” she says.
While in Florida, she was a telephone operator for 20 years. It was her dream job, though she no longer can pinpoint why.
“I loved my job, but there were a lot of things about it that I didn’t love,” she says. “I was directory assistance. They gave us 17 seconds to give a greeting, what city and state, hear the request and find it and send it out. All of that in 17 seconds. That’s fast … By the time I retired, we basically covered the United States.”
She’s carried over some of her long-time hobbies to The Arbors. She enjoys crocheting, knitting, quilting, and the organized painting projects.
“They started a book club, and I always have a book in my hand. I wanted to join, but I read too fast and I don’t like being told what to read. I read a lot of mysteries, crime. I like true crime; I like that in television too,” she says.
She also likes history, and often says she can’t believe how much she’s lived through.
“Time just goes by so fast — when I think of the things I’ve lived through, doesn’t seem I’m as old as I am … Man walked on the moon, who would imagine that.”
She says she is looking forward to exploring more of Virginia and spending time with her family.
“I am certainly glad the kids found this place for me. I really like Virginia; I would like to get to see a little more of it. Hopefully, maybe when football season starts, (my family) will have more time to take me to see some things. In the meantime, I just sign up to go wherever they go to see what it’s like.”
Merendinos: Family is where you are
Their children had their best interests at heart. Tony and Terri Merendino moved into The Arbors Independent Living about two years ago from an apartment off Styron Square.
“My darling children decided I should be in a senior dwelling and not have to worry about anything,” Terri says with a smile.
The Merendinos resisted for a while, but with Tony in his 90s and Terri being 88, it was time to leave the cooking and cleaning to someone else.
They have a two-bedroom apartment.
“It’s huge. Even the kitchen is so big. There’s a beautiful bedroom and we use the other room for Tony’s office and den,” Terri says.
The Merendinos have three children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Most of their family lives nearby. Transplants from New Jersey, Tony and Terri settled in the Newport News area about 40 years ago when Tony took a job managing the region for Pepperidge Farm.
When their son visits, he helps Tony with the paperwork. One of their daughters does their grocery store shopping.
It gives the couple plenty of time to visit with family and friends, go to the socials and other events at The Arbors, and continue telling their story. And, of course, bragging on their grand and great-grandchildren.
“I’ve had a very interesting life. I thank God all the time,” Terri says. “I love people. I’ve learned a lot. Our grandchildren are really something — they’re very smart.”
Working Girl
Not even school could get in the way of Terri being a star employee — starting at 13.
She spent the summer as a temp in her uncle’s law office when she was 13. She raised eyebrows when the lawyers realized she had taught herself to type and could take dictation.
Terri spent time in high school working as temporary secretaries in several companies in New York City, not far from her family’s home across the Hudson River in Jersey City, N.J.
“My whole life I have been hired by everybody,” she says, laughing. “When I tell you I’ve probably 30 or 40 jobs in my life. I would be working somewhere and would be offered another. I opened a lot of companies.”
She planned to go to law school after graduating high school.
“The I met him,” she says, referencing Tony in the next room. “That was 68 years ago.”
They met while both were attendants in a friend’s wedding. Another bridesmaid also had her eye on Tony, Terri says, but “I told her she didn’t have a chance.”
He didn’t have any paper or pen to take her phone number, so she wrote it in the pollen dust on his car. He called the next day.
Tony was in the Navy. “He was very shy. This gorgeous guy was so shy,” she says with a grin. “I like him, he’s a lot of fun. And I decided to keep him.”
They’ve been married for 66 years.
She never did get that law degree, but has held many roles. One she enjoyed the most was leading bus tours all over the country, which she did for 20 years. It gave her — and often Tony — the opportunity to travel all over and meet a lot of people. She also planned weddings.
“I’ve had a very interesting life,” she says. “I did a lot of things, and I talk to God all the time. Life should be fun.”
The location in York County is perfect — it’s near their daughter, who has them to dinner each Thursday. The couple, married 63 years, lived on the Peninsula most of their life. Ruby recently turned 89 and Bob is 86. They met after both moved here — though Bob says he had to put in the work to get Ruby to go out with him.
Ruby and Bob Fleshman have been married 63 years, and while both hail from the mountains, they returned to the Peninsula to call The Hamilton home.
Bob attended the Apprentice School and worked at the Newport News shipyard for 43 years as a pattern maker, draftsman and designer, and estimated contracts for Naval aircraft carriers and submarines.
Ruby was a secretary at a hospital and church, and a stay-at-home mother for their two children. In addition to their daughter, the Fleshmans have a son in Florida who recently retired from a large national accounting firm. They also have four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who they are delighted to see regularly.
Return to the Peninsula
The Fleshmans retired to Staunton for about 10 years before returning to the Peninsula.
“We both came from the mountains,” Bob says. (He is from High Springs and Ruby is from Rainer, West Virginia.) “We wanted to get back there.”
As they got older, they wanted to be closer to their family and knew they needed a little assistance. Bob could no longer help Ruby up from a fall alone.
“Our kids insisted on in-home care or AL for around the clock care,” Bob says. “I can’t get her up by myself if she falls.”
The Fleshmans say their children helped them find a spacious two-bedroom apartment at The Hamilton. It’s given all of them peace of mind.
The nursing team has helped Ruby if she becomes dizzy, taking her blood pressure and making sure she stays hydrated. They also enjoy having meals and housekeeping provided, and the array of activities and events that are continuously onsite.
“It’s three meals a day, which is tremendous, and there’s a variety of food,” Bob says. “Ruby did all the cooking many years ago, and when she stopped cooking, we went to a restaurant for 15 years. I never learned how to cook, I can’t boil water. We went out to eat all the time and it got old after a while. Now there’s a meal waiting on me down there.”
Activity Director Kirstie Saunders keeps an active schedule for residents.
“Kirstie’s good,” Ruby says. “We love her.”
They play Bingo and Uno once a week, attend events such as monthly birthday parties and live music. There’s a putter pad set up on the third floor Bob utilizes to keep up his swing. They also enjoy bus rides to scenic locations and going out to coffee shops with their Hamilton friends.
Bob also likes digging in dirt and weeds the garden and flower beds in the courtyard. The Fleshmans have enjoyed the fresh tomato sandwiches.
“I sit out there and watch,” Ruby says with a laugh.
Peggy Bruce: Rock and Roll
A whirlwind of treasures, kindness and emotion envelop you when you step into Peggy Bruce’s apartment at The Hamilton Assisted Living. It’s the result of a life well lived.
Peggy moved into The Hamilton shortly after Christmas on the heels of her husband’s unexpected passing. She is still organizing their Marlbank neighborhood home for eventual sale, and settling into her space at The Hamilton.
The Hamilton team and her proximity to her former neighborhood — 1.7 miles away — smoothed the transition.
“When I decided this was a good idea, I wanted to be close to my neighborhood. I knew my neighbors would visit,” she said. “I have some really wonderful friends; they’re more like family. The staff here is fabulous. They’re like family. The nurses are like family to me. I just love them. I’d do anything I could for them (that I could).”
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In addition to the location, Peggy says she liked the sales team and the types of apartments at The Hamilton. She participates in as much as she is able.
“I have a lot of doctors’ appointments, but do as many activities as I can,” she says.
“When Kirstie does something, it’s top notch. She is amazing. The things she thinks of – I think she could write a book to help other activity directors. One my favorites is the tour of the world. We have passports that get stamped and a flag in our dessert.”
She is getting to know The Hamilton’s residents and is getting to be pretty good friends with a few of them.
“Everybody here is so kind and caring and helpful. They think of what to do for you before you of it yourself,” she says.
Before he passed, Peggy’s husband was being treating for leukemia. The former Navy lieutenant commander was not a patient person, she says, but “he was a good guy and I was lucky to have him. He just helped me so much, then it was my turn to try to help him.”
He went into the Navy out of high school, and among several locations, was stationed at Groton, Connecticut, and Norfolk.
“He was a nuclear sub guy,” she says.
They met while she was singing with the band Boulevard 58 when they performed in Hampton. The couple was married 28 years and lived in Phoebus. They traveled together often, particularly to Europe.
Life on the Road
Peggy and her family moved often when she while she grew up.
“I didn’t really grow up anywhere. Every time my dad got a promotion, we moved,” she says. “I went to three high schools. I finished college in the long-term plan with a degree in social work from Virginia Wesleyan.”
She graduated from Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach, where she says she’s lived off and on a lot. She started going to coffee houses where her friends were playing and started singing with them.
“I just kind of kept falling into bands when they needed a singer,” she says.
She’s been friendly with lots of people in the music industry, including local musicians with national acclaim. Peggy did jingles with a friend in Richmond at Alpha Audio. She was a model. She and the bands she played with took her all over the country, including upstate New York and Connecticut. And she attended a lot of concerts, especially at The Dome in Virginia Beach and The Scope in Norfolk.
“My life has kind of just been one move after another, ever since I was a little kid,” she says. “I just kind of bounced around a lot. It was fun. My poor parents, they were a little tired of me bouncing around. Can’t say I blame them, looking back.”
She says band life requires moving around a bit to find enough work to sustain you. And sometimes, you have to very resourceful. Including renting your parents station wagon to get to gigs.
She doesn’t sing much now — her voice has gotten a little gravelly. But she stays in touch with her musician friends.
“It’s just been kind of a wild ride. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she says. “Though there are a few places I would have liked to get through more gracefully than I did.”
Choose to call a VHS community home
Virginia Health Services offers independent and assisted living options. Both allow residents to live a maintenance-free lifestyle, with on-site amenities including dining, activities and events, 24/7 on-site staff and transportation.
The Arbors Independent Living is located in the Port Warwick area of Newport News. The apartment-style building has a restaurant-like dining room, concierge service, weekly housekeeping and more. Learn more and schedule a tour at vahs.com/thearbors.
The Hamilton Assisted Living, located in York County, and The Huntington Assisted Living, located in Newport News, have spacious private apartments with daily dining, a nursing team 24/7, transportation and more. Visit vahs.com/thehamilton or vahs.com/thehuntington to learn more about our assisted living communities and schedule a tour.
July is Culinary Month, and the Virginia Health Services Director of Dining and Nutrition Christina Lewis shared a recipe to encourage you to take advantage of the abundant summer harvest during grilling season.
This salad is easy to make and combines two of the best summertime activities — grilling and taking advantage of the abundance of fresh, ripe peaches! Any of the stone fruits that are ripe in summer — peaches, apricots, plums and nectarines — are great on the grill.
Grilling helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the fruits, and the warmth of the grilled fruits is a great contrast to the cool crispness of the lettuce.
We hope you indulge in this summer’s offerings with this salad!
Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
For the vinaigrette
Ingredients
Zest of one Lemon
1/4 cup Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon Honey Mustard
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 cup Honey
3/4 cup Olive Oil
Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, honey mustard, black pepper and honey in a blender. With blender running on slow speed, slowly pour in olive oil until emulsified. Store in refrigerator until ready to use. Makes about 1 cup.
For the salad
Ingredients
4 Ripe Peaches
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1/4 cup Red Onion
6 ounces Mixed Salad Greens
1/2 cup Goat Cheese
1/2 cup Toasted Pecans
Heat grill to 450 degrees or medium-high heat. Slice peaches in half and remove pit. Brush peach halves with olive oil and place on prepared grill until desired grill marks appear and peaches have softened. Remove peaches from grill and let cool.
Once peaches have cooled, slice each half into four to six slices and set aside. While peaches are cooling, finely slice red onion and combine with mixed salad greens. Crumble goat cheese over salad greens. Add chopped pecans and sliced peaches, add prepared dressing and toss lightly to combine.
Dining and Nutrition at VHS
The Virginia Health Services Dietary and Nutrition Department serves residents at our senior living communities and nursing and rehabilitation centers. It also offers nutritional services to individuals in our care with VHS Home Health and VHS Hospice.
The department is overseen by the Director of Dining and Nutrition.
Our team provides culinary oversight and fresh meals for our senior living residents. The lunch and dinner menu are refreshed monthly and feature dishes with seasonal ingredients at The Arbors Independent Living. Our team relies on residents’ input in developing a dining experience that caters to them. The dining director often hosts cooking demonstrations to help our residents stay healthy when they utilize their apartment kitchens.
Dietary managers at each of the assisted living communities and nursing centers meet with new admissions to determine nutritional and dietary needs, and resident preferences. They are responsible for daily meals, snacks and beverage service.
We appreciate their time and the time of their visiting families and friends who all were so open in telling their stories.
Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
James Genus
James Genus – or as we affectionately call him, Mr. G – has been at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center since February 2021. He never misses an activity and always waves hello.
Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Mr. G was stationed at Fort Eustis after returning from flying for the Army in Vietnam. He served as a flight engineer for seven years in the Army, leaving as an E-5 in 1966.
Coliseum resident Mr. G.
It was while he was stationed at Fort Eustis that he met his wife. Even after struggling to find a job “as a Black man” in the area, they didn’t leave.
Instead he opened his own string of businesses, including a portable cleaning service.
“I learned I could make more money doing that than something in aviation (at that time),” he says.
Mr. G’s businesses brought in a lot of money and at its peak employed 40. His janitorial and environmental services businesses spanned several states, including Delaware and North Carolina, and they had contracts with several small colleges, he said.
“I never got a big head. Because it comes but you got a partner, and that partner’s the government. … I always stayed low-key, and I teach my son the same thing. He thanks me all the time,” he says.
Mr. G’s success translated to his son, also named James, though in a far different path. His son has played bass with the Saturday Night Live Band for about 20 years, and is also a freelance musician who has toured the world with Herbie Hancock.
He lives in Connecticut with his wife and three children.
Mr. G has been to see his son perform on the set of “SNL” many times, he says, but couldn’t quite pinpoint a favorite host.
“I don’t know (who my favorite host was),” he says. “I was just there to see him.”
James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Sandra Jordan
Sandra Jordan has been at James River for almost 15 years. With little family in the area, she relies on the team at James River for support.
“They look out for me and help me,” she says.
James River resident Sandra Jordan.
Sandra originally is from New York, and moved to the area first to attend Hampton University. In her first year, she met and married her husband.
“I just stayed after that,” she says.
They divorced when their son turned 18, she says, but remained friends.
“I’ve been single ever since,” she says.
She worked as a kitchen supervisor at Sentara for 15 years and Riverside for 10 years, so “I’m particular about the food,” she says.
Sandra believes in giving a kind word to all.
She enjoys the daily activity programs. Sandra says she enjoys Bingo and the live music the most.
“It’s one day at a time,” she says.
Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Sandra Scripture
Sandra Scripture has called Lancashire home since January 2023. She moved in for the extra help – and to help ease her children’s minds.
“I’m a china doll on the wall and I have somebody here to pick me up when I fall,” she says.
The 24/7 nursing care, regular meals and housekeeping are benefits to staying at Lancashire. It’s also close to some of her children. She lived in Northumberland since 1983, but was born and raised in Caroline County.
Sandra Scripture calls Lancashire home.
Sandra is a regular in the therapy room to keep up strength in her knee, using the stationary bike and other equipment when she has the chance.
She participates in Resident Council, but prefers to skip some of the activities.
“I’ve always had to meet deadlines, I enjoy just being able to relax and think and read,” she says.
Sandra was in dentistry for 50 years. She worked for a dentist as an assistant who made her learn everything, she says, “and that was the foundation for my career. I worked for several other dentists and they all found me as knowledgeable as they were.”
There is a plaque in the division of dental health in Richmond in honor of the work she did for rural Virginia. Sandra worked for state dental health division for 15 years.
“I’m just an average person who loved people and loved the Lord and enjoyed life,” she says.
With a last name like Scripture, it was inevitable Sandra’s husband would pursue ministry. He attended seminary 20 years after graduating from Virginia Tech and working for the state in Richmond in the division of health research.
“We were late in life doing things,” Sandra says.
They fostered 14 children during their marriage, adopting a son, and have three children. Sandra says there are “a bunch of grandsons and great-grandchildren – who knows where they are, but they keep in touch!” (It’s with a smile – there are just too many locations to recall in an interview.)
They both usually held two jobs. Sandra’s husband passed in November 2022.
“He preached on Sunday and died on Tuesday,” she says.
Their youngest daughter got in the pulpit the Sunday after he passed and has been preaching at Wicomico Baptist in Remo since. Sandra says she gets there every so often for services.
“As much as we think about our future – I never wanted to go to a nursing home, but it’s actually in my mind the best thing for us older people. Gives our children peace of mind that somebody’s always watching us.
“I think we elders need to rethink the thought that I don’t ever want to go to a nursing home. It’s not home, but it’s the next best thing.”
Robert Laws
Robert Laws was the maintenance tech at Lancashire.
Robert Laws has resided at Lancashire for about four years.
His many odd jobs throughout life – where he was a cook, installed fences and “everything in the name of the world” included serving as the former maintenance foreman at Lancashire.
The Lancaster County native has a lot of family members in the area and says he gets along with everyone.
“Life is a character, it goes on and on. I love my life,” he says with a kind smile. “… I’m cool, that’s all you need to know. No more, no less than that.”
Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Charles Speller
Peninsula native Charles Speller moved to Northampton from the VA Hospital about a year ago. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, working aboard ships as a fireman.
Charles Speller moved into Northampton from the VA Hospital.
“It was exciting,” he says.
When he returned to dry land, he worked at the Newport News shipyard as a plumber.
“If pipes were damaged and needed fixing on ships, they would call us. I couldn’t count all the pipes on a ship,” he says.
After spending five years at the shipyard, he worked as a plumber for his uncle’s company.
At Northampton, Charles goes to as many activities as he can. Some of his favorites are live entertainment, church services, arts and crafts, Bingo and music with Mr. Teller – “the ‘Piano Man,’ he’s good,” he says.
He also appreciates the physical therapists at Northampton.
Suzanne Joyner
You get a sense of some of Suzanne Joyner’s loves when you step into her space. One the walls are photographs and paintings highlighting her joys – her family and ballroom dancing.
The former competitive ballroom dancer ran a dance studio for 27 years in Hampton.
“I never worked a day in my life,” she says of her love for dance. She also won several “best teacher” awards.
Before owning the studio, she owned a sewing machine store for 21 years. She also is devoted to her family.
Suzanne Joyner owned a ballroom dance studio in Hampton. She says she “never worked a day in my life.”
She was married for almost 60 years until he passed. They met as teenagers when he worked as a painter for her father.
“I loved him so much,” she says. “If you ever find a man you love, listen to what he says to you. You have to be friends first – be his friend.”
Suzanne has three living children, including a son who is an artist, and an adopted daughter who works for VHS Hospice and suggested Northampton. She also has six grandchildren and six great-grands – “I love them all!”
She has had two strokes, one of which “debilitated me.” She did a skilled rehabilitation stint at The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, was discharged home, and then returned more permanently to Northampton.
“I’m a determined person,” she says. “I like it (here); I’m getting used to it. … I think I get the best care they can give me.”
She participates in as many activities as she can, including Bingo, and really loves when there’s live music. She also reads and plays games on her iPad.
Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Connie Strickland
When Connie Strickland came to Walter Reed about three years ago, she was paralyzed. She could barely lift her head when someone fed her.
She did physical therapy for about a year.
Walter Reed resident Connie Strickland.
“The therapists did a fantastic job with me. I hated them. But they got me moving, and I can do everything except walk with left leg and my back is not good. Other than that, I’m fine,” she says.
Now she visits the therapy room to encourage those there that “it isn’t hopeless,” she says. “Those therapists, I call them my angels.”
She now lives across the hall from her best friend Lola, and the women on the unit have become fast friends.
“I do find I love it here,” she says. “They’re really good to me and we all have a good time.”
She participates in as many activities as she’s able – with Bingo and “all the thinking activities” being her favorites. “I stay busy,” she says.
Connie also is an active member of Resident Council.
Originally from West Virginia, where she met her husband in 11th grade, they moved to the Gloucester area to take care of members of her husband’s family before he passed.
They were married (one month shy of) 50 years.
While in West Virginia, they did a lot of camping, fishing and boating – and had a lot of dogs. Connie has portraits of them up in her room, which drew Lola to inquire about them, igniting their friendship.
Connie taught English for 35 years – “all the way from elementary to college. I loved it,” she says.
Since moving to Virginia, she made several friends she relies on, including best friends who serve as her responsible party.
“I think this is a good place for anybody,” she says. “I was meant to be here, that’s what I’ve told people. … that’s how we all look at it. We take care of each other.”
Connie and Lola, right, live across the hall from one another and are best friends at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Lola Colgan
Lola Colgan lives across the hall from her best friend at Walter Reed. She’s been a resident for about a year and a half, and struck up a conversation with hallmate Connie Strickland.
“I’m a fanatic about dogs and I talked to her about her pictures,” Lola says. “We found out we have a lot in common. We get along real well; we do everything together pretty much, but Bingo is our thing.”
She, Connie and their hallmates are all close. They sit in the hall and talk; help one another when they can.
“Of course, I would prefer to be well enough to live on my own again, but I’ve tried several facilities and this is the best one I’ve found,” she says.
It’s closer to her daughter in Mathews, who visits frequently. Lola also says she and her friends at Walter Reed feel heard. They attend Resident Council meetings and “we voice our opinions about diet and activities and personnel, and we do seem to get a voice and they to seem to listen to us and react to our comments,” she says.
While she’s lived in the Gloucester area for about 20 years, she moved with her family from Arkansas when she was 6 and Lola spent her earlier years living in Hampton and Newport News.
The Hampton High grad worked at Newport News Shipbuilding for more than 20 years. She started in the sewing department, but found she was more interested in building ventilation systems for air craft carriers and submarines.
“I enjoyed ventilation and rose in rank in that department. It was hands-on; I could see it being built,” Lola says.
That desire to use her hands translated to her out-of-office interests. She did a lot of crafts such as stenciling. She also liked gardening. When she and her husband moved into a house that wasn’t landscaped, they landscaped it, including digging a koi pond.
Lola met her husband of 21 years – “that was the keeper,” she says with a laugh – while working at the shipyard. She raised three children, and has two granddaughters and a grandson.
Woodland Scott Jr.
Woodland Scott isn’t the only one from his family at Walter Reed. A brother lives on another unit, so they are able to see one another frequently.
Mr. Scott visits his brother, who also is a resident at Walter Reed, often.
Originally from Middlesex, Woodland moved after graduating high school and worked for a utility company in Woodbridge, N.J., as an office administrator for more than 20 years. He returned to Virginia after retirement. Three brothers still live in New Jersey.
The Army veteran is a music fan, and going to shows was his favorite form of entertainment while living in New Jersey.
“That was about all we were doing back then, going to shows. Then there was Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and the Pips … after you get a certain age, they (performer names) don’t come to you as quick,” he says with a chuckle.
He says at Walter Reed, “overall, I like it because they let you just be yourself.
“It took me adjustments when I first got here, but God brought me through it, so I’m all right.”
York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Charles Ramirez
York resident Charles Ramirez loves music. He often can be found in the activity room, listening to a variety of genres.
You can usually find Charles listening to music somewhere at York.
But his favorite song?
“I don’t know, there are so many of them,” he says. “This might sound crazy, came out in 1961, ‘Moon River’ has always been one of my favorites, written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer.”
It’s featured in the Audrey Hepburn movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” which inspired a recent tea party at York that Charles enjoyed.
The community King of Valentine’s Day is also is well-versed in local history, having spent most of his time living in Hampton and the Gloucester area. On a trip to the Mariners’ Museum, he shared tidbits about local athletic pros, such as Michael Vick, Ronald Curry and Allen Iverson.
Charles is a veteran, serving in the Navy for four years during the Vietnam War. He is a jack of many trades, having worked as an insurance salesman and security guard before retiring from Canon.
Stephanie Johnston has joined the Virginia Health Services team as Executive Director of Senior Living. She is responsible for establishing the strategic direction to achieve operational excellence at The Hamilton & The Huntington Assisted Living and The Arbors Independent Living.
Stephanie has more than 20 years of sales and operations experience in various industries, including mortgage, residential and commercial real estate investing, telecom, and commercial lumber. She grew her passion in senior living for nearly six years in a sales leadership role, providing strategic support and training for 38 communities before joining VHS.
“It’s an honor to serve others. If you lead with a caring heart, and an open mind, you will make a difference,” she says.
Her previous experience in senior living included a lot of travel – sometimes up to 4,500 miles a month by car, plus flights – but she says it also allowed her to help the sales team and be closely connected to the operations side to help offer the best first impression and experience to residents. She also assisted with caregiver education and dementia training for team members.
Stephanie says she is excited to use the depth and breadth of her experience to help build the VHS senior living team to be the best it can be.
“Everyone has a different skill set and so it’s about taking what’s exciting for them and motivating them to grow what they currently experience day-to-day and bring in their personal passion,” she says.
Resident experience
When it comes to senior living, it’s all about providing the best experience that’s personalized to the residents. Whether it’s learning of a resident’s favorite meal that will provide comfort or a family story, Stephanie says engagement and communication for peace of mind are key.
“It’s our honor to be able to care for them and allow them to live their best life,” she says.
Solid wellness and dining and nutrition programs, engaging activities and events, and making sure residents feel independent to “continue to be who they are in their everyday life and allow their life history to flourish” factor into a well-rounded resident experience, she says.
“We want to make sure we’re impacting their health in a positive way,” she says. Having VHS Rehabilitation within the team allows a streamlined and convenient option for care.
“It’s our honor to be able to care for them and allow them to live their best life.”
Stephanie Johnston, VHS Executive Director of Senior Living
All can be achieved, she says, by helping keep familiarity for the residents. “We have to ask questions of families to help orientate a resident when they come in to provide a sense of comfort and peace. Knowing a favorite meal or type of music and offering it can set the tone to make them feel the most comfortable when they move in and call us their home.”
Utilizing monthly resident council meetings to be sure residents have a voice and input into menus, calendars, community projects and more also can help the team improve the resident experience.
Background
Stephanie graduated from ECPI with a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. The Virginia native resides in Gloucester with her husband. She has a daughter who is a Gloucester County Sheriff’s deputy. She says they enjoy “country living,” which includes spending quality time with family, exploring with her Boxer and enjoying nature. Stephanie also is new to gardening – “trying to find my green thumb,” she says.
Senior living with VHS
Virginia Health Services offers senior living options in Newport News and York County.
When the responsibilities of home ownership become too much, The Arbors Independent Living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle with private apartments, inclusive dining, events and activities, and personal transportation. Also included are valet parking, concierge service, housekeeping and linen service — all without a costly entrance fee. Schedule a tour of The Arbors.
VHS assisted living communities, The Huntington and The Hamilton, provide a safe environment when an individual needs extra assistance with their healthcare needs. A nursing team is available 24/7 to residents, and private apartments are designed for safety and ease. Dining, activities, housekeeping and more are included, without an entrance fee.
Our team and communities appreciate the support of a network of volunteers who provide companionship, assistance and support to our residents, their loved ones and the staff. During National Volunteer Week, we are recognizing a few volunteers who have made a difference to our communities.
Virginia Health Services is lucky to have so many volunteers who give their time to our communities. Last year we highlighted those who provide church services at Coliseum, long-time volunteer at Walter Reed Ray Agtay, quilter and volunteer extraordinaire Gala Damato at The Hamilton Assisted Living, and Martha and Jerry Dodson at The Huntington Assisted Living, who do a craft each month with the residents.
Volunteers from Therapy Dogs International are so giving of their time, and their pets, visiting residents at several of our communities weekly. Master Gardeners from Hampton, Newport News and Walter Reed do craft sessions monthly with residents at Northampton, James River and Walter Reed.
There are many churches and individuals who host services, Bible studies and gospel music sessions across our communities.
At Northampton, Wanda has called Bingo for 32 years. She previously worked in the dietary department. “I love it,” she said.
We can’t do what we do without the kindness of our volunteers. Thank you to all who take the time!
Here are a few more volunteer stories:
THE HAMILTON ASSISTED LIVING
Dottie James
Dottie James started volunteering to lead Bible study shortly after The Hamilton opened. Her aunt had moved in and shared with Dottie she missed church and Bible study.
“God kind of tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘you can do something about that,’” Dottie said.
She had led a Bible study group at The since, with a brief hiatus at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak and to deal with a personal health issue. She has led the group in-person and virtually in that time.
“I made the decision to do this for my aunt,” Dottie said. “I will come as long as I can be here.”
She has led Bible study, written Bible studies for her church and helped teach the upcoming group of leaders. She feels called to provide Bible study to those who need it off campus.
“These women miss church. They miss the fellowship of their church circles. They miss all of that,” Dottie said. “This gives them a chance. I’ve seen community build within this group and I love that.”
Bible study leader Dottie James
She said she teaches straight from the Bible – the group picks the book they want to go through.
“I try to teach everything in context. When there are places different churches may interpret differently, we acknowledge that and I have them share ‘what’s your experience with this topic,’” she said.
One resident has been with the group since foundation.
“The people here, the residents here are wonderful. They’re a little bit invisible in the community, but they have value, worth, they’re worth knowing and spending time with, and I love that I get to do that,” Dottie said.
“It’s a very supportive, welcoming place to volunteer. Kirstie is nothing short of amazing, she has so much energy. I appreciate all the support she gives to gather the women and help them get to the activity room for Bible study.”
Dottie has lived primarily on the Peninsula, and originally is from Newport News. She attended college at Virginia Tech and taught high school math in southwestern Virginia for two years before moving back east.
Dottie also is a creative person who likes to create using paper medium. She was one of seven original founders of Blue Skies Gallery in downtown Hampton, and was involved for seven years.
“I’m very proud we created something that’s still there,” she said. While it has changed formats over the years, its main concentration is still on displaying work by local artists.
LANCASHIRE NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
Joyce Taylor
The residents at Lancashire love volunteer Joyce Taylor, and the feeling is mutual.
Joyce is a daily presence at Lancashire, volunteering for just about any activity, including Bingo and wine and cheese tastings. The former Lancashire dietary team member also occasionally eats lunch with a group of residents.
Volunteer Joyce Taylor always can be found with the residents.
If she isn’t there, the residents will request Activity Director Amber Watson call and encourage her to visit.
“She’s like family,” Amber says.
The Lancaster County native is typically at Lancashire from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. most days.
“She’s a big help with everything,” Administrator Amy Payne says.
WALTER REED NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
Kristy Gust
Kristy Gust has volunteered with Walter Reed for almost three years. What started as having Bible study with a friend who was a resident has grown to weekly Bible study sessions held in the dining room.
Fishers for Men Ministries also developed about three years ago, led by Kristy and Pastor D. “It blew up. God has expanded the territory,” Kristy said.
Supported by Petsworth Baptist Church and other church partners, the ministry offers two outreach events at Walter Reed each year. The group is hosting a “yard sale” for residents, plus food from Scoot’s BBQ, sno-cones and bluegrass music, on Saturday, April 27.
Kristy said the “yard sale” items are donated by church members and are free to residents. Once everyone has shopped, the “sale” is open to Walter Reed team members.
“We want to get them outside to do something they normally wouldn’t be able to do,” Kristy said. “We love, love, love those residents. They’re precious to god and they’re precious to us. … Also, the team does such a phenomenal job taking care of the residents. I know all of them by name and it’s a joy to work with them.”
Fishers of Men Ministries also hosts a holiday party for residents, their loved ones and the Walter Reed team. Kristy and Pastor D also do Bible study at the men’s and women’s prisons in Henrico and do street ministry at the bus station in Richmond.
Following a long illness, Kristy says she was saved and born again four years ago.
“I want to do what God’s called me to do now – love God and love people,” she said, adding volunteering is “something that more people should get involved with – it’s a blessing in blessing others, and brings deep sense of fulfillment when you can help somebody else.”
During events, several others from the church volunteer at Walter Reed.
“We’re thankful to be there. It’s a privilege and honor to work with them,” she said. “I look forward to being there and look forward to these outreaches.”
YORK NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
George Conway
You can find George Conway at York almost every afternoon. He visits his wife and also volunteers with the recreational therapy team to provide companionship and support for the residents.
He has a drawer of tools to do odd jobs around the activity room, including fixing bookcases. And he builds the frames for the residents’ completed puzzles to be displayed. There are several hanging on the walls of the activity room and in the dining room. Some are hung in resident rooms as well.
George Conway spends time daily at York, to visit his wife and other residents. He also builds frames for puzzles and other handyman help.
“I was here and I like working with people, being around people – and they needed some help in here,” he says of volunteering at York. “Just trying to make life more comfortable for (the residents). They don’t have anywhere else to be, why not make it more comfortable for them.”
No stranger to volunteering, George spent 32 years with Odyssey of the Mind as a judge and problem-solver (ending his run as state problem-solver). He was pulled out of retirement this year to be a judge. He also was a docent at Virginia Air and Space Center for about seven years and volunteered at Animal Aid Society no-kill shelter in Hampton for 10 years.
Fort Monroe was the final assignment for the retired Army lieutenant colonel – who did tours in Vietnam and Korea. He and his wife settled their family in York County because he was done moving around.
“People need people – and a lot of these folks don’t have anybody,” he said. “I try to come in and make them smile. I don’t stay very long, but I’m here every day for a couple of hours.”
VHS HOSPICE
Our VHS Hospice team is recruiting volunteers to help provide comfort and compassion to the individuals in their care and their loved ones.
“It’s really a privilege to work with these individuals,” says Julie, who has volunteered with Hospice for about six years.
VHS Hospice social worker and volunteer coordinator Ariane Minette says the team provides all training, including study guides and discussion of scenarios. Volunteering is about 90% companionship, she says.
“Volunteers should have empathy and commitment to the individuals and their families. We’re looking for people who want to engage with others,” she says.
Hospice is recruiting in all communities across the Peninsula, Williamsburg, York County and the Gloucester area. There are also opportunities to volunteer in the Hospice office, answering phones and responding to emails.
“We are very grateful for whatever time can be given,” Ariane says.
If being a volunteer with VHS Hospice is of interest to you, visit vahs.com/hospice-volunteer to learn more.
Volunteer with VHS
All of Virginia Health Services’ communities are happy to accept volunteers.
Church and youth groups, school service organizations, Greek life and other college organizations, and individuals are needed to help facilitate activities and provide social interaction and support to Residents.
VHS Hospice also is looking for volunteers interested in assisting those in end-of-life care and their caregivers.
Contact the community nearest you to apply and discuss options with our team.
We are celebrating National Activity Professionals Week (Jan. 22-26) by spotlighting our Activity Directors at Virginia Health Services senior living communities and nursing and rehabilitation centers.
Activity directors run recreation programs that are resident-focused. Events and activities cater to residents’ tastes and activity directors receive residents’ input. The programs help residents exercise their cognitive, sensory and motor skills, and provide social settings for engagement multiple times a day.
Activity directors also drive employee engagement within their communities, helping with team-centered events and activities to bolster morale and provide stress relief.
It’s not just fun and games! As our Activity Directors describe in their Q&As below, they are an integral part of care planning for residents, with charting and assessments as part of their daily duties.
Meet our Activity Directors:
The Hamilton Assisted Living
Kirstie Saunders | Activity Director
Hamilton activity director Kirstie Saunders.
Years with Virginia Health Services: 2 years in March.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? As a teen I attended church camp in Lynchburg. We had to choose somewhere to volunteer in the community and I chose the nursing home and loved it! I also have family in healthcare who helped guide me along the way and support me in my career.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? I like to help make it feel like home. I listen to resident and team ideas and brainstorm to make things come to life. The motto “Love where you live and love where you work” is what I strive for, both for the residents and our team.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? That I drive the bus!
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? First and foremost, the residents. They enjoy trying new things so I enjoy brainstorming with other professionals, finding ideas from Pinterest and Instagram, and implementing them into our community.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? Our residents enjoy quilting class, trips (including virtual), tea parties and live entertainment.
Personal details: I have been married for 19 years and have a son and two Australian Shepard dogs. I enjoy boating, beaching and fishing with my family.
The Huntington Assisted Living
Devyn Hotop | Activity Director
Huntington activity director Devyn Hotop.
Years with Virginia Health Services: About two years. (I started as a CNA with VHS from the apprenticeship program.)
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? During my time as a CAN, one of my favorite things to do was watch the residents engage in the various activities that were provided. I loved seeing the residents happy and I knew this position would be the perfect way to express my creativity while helping others!
How do you support the community’s team and residents? I am always helping out staff members whenever I can! I also make sure the residents know that I am here for them, and that my office is always open if they just want to hang out or want someone to talk to.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The versatility of the job. I drive the bus, do manicures, lead exercises, referee games, teach crafts, host socials. There is a lot that goes into this job.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? I rely on Pinterest and Facebook groups to find inspiration. I am always finding unique and fun things to do with the residents. I also bring up activity ideas to residents to get their opinion on it, and I let them have the opportunity to make their own suggestions.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? They love activities that keep their minds busy. Bingo is the most popular, and they recently have taken to new card games I have introduced to them.
Personal details: I like to stay busy inside and outside of work! In my free time I like to thrift, paint, fish and visit parks with my adorable (and very spoiled) Australian Shepherd.
Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Shawntez Hill | Activity Director
Coliseum activity director Shawn Hill.
I have been the activity director at Coliseum since June 2023, and I have been with VHS for two years starting in the CNA apprenticeship program. I always had a great passion for helping seniors because I started out in home health care in 2016 and worked with private clients over the years. That’s what make me join the team as a CNA in April 2022. I became the Apprentice of the Year and joined the recreational therapy team in November 2022.
We have a good time at Coliseum! I believe if you have breath and strength in your body, that’s all that counts! I always tell our residents to look at each day as if it’s a party and they love it. It keeps them going with a smile on their face. The most important activity is Bingo, they take that game very seriously and you better have their prize at the end or you won’t hear the end. It’s just a blessing to see how little things can make them happy.
Other things I do outside of work is an annual Back to School Drive (for the past seven years) and a holiday help drive at Christmas to help families in need. Thanks to Virginia Health Services for helping me the last two years; I greatly appreciate it. My goal is to let each resident live their best life and be happy with no regrets.
Aida Davila | Assistant Activity Director
Coliseum assistant activity director Aida Davila
I started my career as a recreation therapy assistant/supervisor at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington in Maryland, where I worked for 6.5 years before transferring to front desk security. When I moved to Virginia to live with my mother younger sister passed away, recreation therapy was the career path I wanted to continue. I enjoy providing activities for the residents and fellow team members. I love to see the smiles on my residents’ faces when they enjoy a program. Our residents at Coliseum really enjoy the parties Shawn and I throw, trivia and “you be the judge.” It exercises their minds and often triggers nostalgic memories.
James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Shawn Hanberry | Activity Director
James River activity director Shawn Hanberry.
Years with Virginia Health Services: 7 years, 9 months.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? My mother, a retired LPN who worked in long-term care for 35 years, encouraged me and I have been connected to it since my years of volunteering at Bayside of Poquoson and Dominion Village of Poquoson.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? Through respect, high energy and positive attitude.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The amount of charting that includes progress notes, care plans, participation records and various assessments.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? My residents and their ideas.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? Our residents enjoy Bingo, Jackpot, Car Racing, Main Street Market and parties.
Personal details: I am a native of the Peninsula, mainly in Poquoson where I grew up and currently live. I enjoy road trips, trying new foods and visiting historical places and towns.
Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Amber Watson | Activity Director
Lancashire activity director Amber Watson.
Years with Virginia Health Services: 1 year, 3 months.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? I have always had a big heart for the elderly. I became a CNA and worked private cases and in nursing homes for six years until the pandemic. At that time, I decided to stay home with my kids. When my kids returned to school, I returned to work, searching for activity director openings. I thought, “how cool and fun it would be to do fun things with the aging population and keep them active?”
How do you support the community’s team and residents? I love supporting my Team Members! I always lend a hand to my work family to help in any way, shape or form.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The amount of paperwork and daily charting.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? I have five kids and they love to help with activity ideas for the Residents. I also get ideas from activity connection, Pinterest, and from the Residents themselves.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? My residents are very hands on! Any activity that involves everyone having a good time, enjoying themselves, best believe they will be there. They really love arts and crafts, and socials.
Personal details: I am 31 years old. My husband and I have been together for almost 15 years and we have five beautiful kids (three girls and two boys, ages 2, 6, 8, 11 and 14). We have a 1-year old lab named Milo, who keeps us on our toes. We have lived in the Topping area for almost two years.
The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Jamel DeCosta | Activity Director
Years with Virginia Health Services: 3 years.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? I’ve always enjoyed the elderly. I guess it’s due to being raised by my grandmother.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? Pitching in where ever needed.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The relationships between the staff and residents.
What types of activities do your residents enjoy most? Bingo, painting and cornhole.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? Friends and family, especially my 10-year-old grandson.
Personal details: I am a mother of two and grandmother of four. I enjoy entertaining, crafting, decorating and shopping.
Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Erica Donaldson | Activity Director
Northampton activity director Erica Donaldson started the position this month. She was a CNA at Northampton for 23 years.
Years with Virginia Health Services: 23 years (as a CNA until this transition to activity director in January).
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? This is something different after my years as a CNA and an opportunity to challenge myself.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? I bring new ideas to the table.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? More energetic to the facility for residents and team members.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? From former activity director Charlene Craig (now a Resident Navigator at Northampton), other team members and Pinterest.
What types of activities do your Residents enjoy most? Bingo, Get Fit class, and church.
Personal details: I have two sons (one who lives in Pittsburgh). I am a Steelers fan! I have four grandchildren and a new person in my life. I’m staying positive and enjoying life!
Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Julie Boothe | Activity Director
Walter Reed activity director Julie Boothe.
I have been in the activity field for 29 years and had the pleasure of spending those years with Virginia Health Services. I accepted a job after spending three years volunteering with a local elementary school. Thanks to having a caring soul, I feel right in to this career. I love outdoor activities of most kinds and taking care of my animals and pets at home. I am truly blessed to have my husband for 43 years, sons, daughter, mother, sisters, grandchildren and friends. They all mean the world to me.
Walter Reed has a fantastic volunteer base and community that helps meet the needs of our residents through the activity department. We provide daily activities for the residents and make sure they have the materials they need for independent activities. Our residents tell us what they like to do and we make it happen. This includes entertainment coming into the facility and us going out in the community. We love all our volunteers. They are very special people.
Activity directors work 24/7. Many times, we have to drop what they are doing to attend to something else and pick up where we left off later. We definitely have to multitask and be very organized. A big part of the job is finding activities (which can pop in your head any time of the day), scheduling activities, individualizing a program for each resident and being there to listen when need be. A big thanks to my assistants for all their hard work and dedication. Activity and other staff build tight bonds with residents and care for them dearly.
Activity ideas come from a lot of places. The resident requests are the first, then we use Internet, TV, magazines and imagination. Activities are provided to give them the opportunity to have fun, laugh, feel good and fill their phyco-social needs. They love bingo, pet therapy, Wii games, church, bible studies, crafts, music, in the kitchen, outings and more. There is nothing like dunking your administrator in a dunk booth. The residents had a blast. Thank you for participating, Bryant. We have a great team here.
On a personal note, I wish to thanks all the staff, volunteers, and VHS growing with me for year to year. It takes a team to meet the needs of over 100 people. Thank you for your understanding, caring and support. Working here is not a job but an extended family.
Jennifer Caldwell | Assistant Activity Director
Walter Reed assistant activity director Jennifer Caldwell.
Years with Virginia Health Services: 1 year.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? I’ve always enjoyed the elderly, and being able to plan activities. Putting a smile on residents’ faces daily is something I knew I would be good at.
How do you support the community’s team and Residents? By always being attentive to my residents and team.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The relationships between the residents and staff.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? Pinterest and Residents. I am always asking residents for suggestions – it might be something we have done before that they enjoyed or something new they want to do.
What types of activities do your Residents enjoy most? Bingo, music and any food activity.
Personal details: I enjoy being with family, friends and going on vacations. I love going on cruises.
Stephanie Williams | Assistant Activity Director (Memory Care)
Walter Reed assistant activity director for memory care Stephanie Williams.
Years with Virginia Health Services: 1 year, 9 months.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? I started doing activities voluntarily at my previous job and thoroughly enjoyed working with the residents and seeing them enjoy it also.
How do you support the community’s team and Residents? I help anyway I can that they need.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? Working on a memory care unit you have a wide range of cognitive abilities to balance out, especially to offer an activity that is inclusive. A lot of people don’t know how to deal with somebody with dementia or Alzheimer’s, and really it’s just a little patience and getting to see what their interests are.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? Research but also seeing what they like to do or new things that work. I can put together different activities based on those.
What types of activities do your Residents enjoy most? They like the physical activities but they also like to read and love to listen to music, and dance and sing.
Personal details: I enjoy coming in and spending the day with my residents every day. Outside of the busy work day I spend a lot of time with my family and three animals.
York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Mary Garrity | Activity Director
York activity director Mary Garrity.
Years with Virginia Health Services: 7 years (in March).
What drew you to a career in recreation services in long-term care? The elderly always had a place in my heart. I started my career at a senior center 20-plus years ago and have worked in several long-term facilities. I love to see the Residents happy and smiling, I love to challenge the residents with word games and trivia, and I love to see the residents dancing and singing.
How do you support the center’s team and residents? I support the team by helping wherever I can, having dress-down days, games and contests for the staff and Residents. We have become family and do whatever they need or want.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? Of all the many hats we wear, we help by serving meals, getting water for the residents, being a good listener … all the little things that residents need, including decorating for Christmas and other holidays.
Where do you find ideas/inspiration for activities? From the residents’ likes and dislikes. Every facility is different and has different cultures. I use online resources like Activity Connection and share ideas with other activity professionals.
Personal details: I love going to the beach, reading, interior decorating and furniture restoration.
The Arbors Independent Living
Quianna | Life Enrichment Director
Years with Virginia Health Services: 1 year.
What drew you to a career in recreation services in senior living? I was always interested in being around seniors. It wasn’t until two years ago while I was in California, I was filling in for our activity director and I just thought her job was so fun and exciting. Being able to plan and execute daily activities for residents was definitely something I knew I would be great at doing.
How do you support the community’s team and residents? By always being attentive to my team and residents, and always being a team player.
Where do you find ideas/inspirations for activities? First and foremost, from my residents. If you just sit and talk with them for a little, you will discover a lot from them. I also get inspirations from Facebook groups and Pinterest.
What type of activities do your residents enjoy the most? My residents really enjoy crafting, painting, trivia and Bingo!
Personal details: Being an activity director and being able to implement programs on the calendar is more than just that. I am up close and personal with the residents. They confide in me and they count on me to do a great job in making their lives more enjoyable and fun. The bonds that I have created while being in this position is more than I could ask for. The smiles and joy on my residents’ faces after a program, the “thank you” and the “great job Quianna” makes everything I do worth it.
Help the team
Our activity directors are always in need of volunteers to assist with events and activities or provide entertainment and social interaction. Visit vahs.com to submit a request to volunteer.
In honor of National Assisted Living Week (Sept. 10-16), we are spotlighting residents at our Huntington and Hamilton Assisted Living communities. We also are spotlighting residents at The Arbors Independent Living in Port Warwick as part of an all-encompassing Senior Living Week celebration.
Care of our residents is the heart of what we do. Our team works to support these individuals to live their best life. We are thankful they chose to call Virginia Health Services senior living communities home.
“Our children got together and chose places for us to look at, and this one of them,” Marshall said. “This had the advantage of no entrance fee. We liked what we saw and this apartment was available. We liked everything about it.”
Marshall and Porter Booker started calling The Arbors home in March. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in June.
Marshall is a social person, Porter said, and had given up driving, so moving into a community like The Arbors was the right fit for their lifestyle.
“And I was looking for someone to cook some of my food,” she said. “I was tired of fixing all the meals. … This has worked out fine.”
These three have known one another since youth. Now they are neighbors.
Marshall attended school with two other residents.
“I’m sure our yearbook has been around,” he said with a grin.
The Bookers have been married for 60 years. They met one summer while working at the Commissioner of Revenue’s office in Newport News.
“We worked together one summer and it all worked out,” Marshall said.
“It really led to something,” Porter said with a laugh.
They lived in Poquoson for a long while after moving back to the Peninsula. Marshall taught economics – and briefly was a dean of academics – at Christopher Newport University. He previously taught at Salem College and Old Dominion.
They have four children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Their daughters live nearby and their son is in the Baltimore area.
The Arbors life
“We made a point to try to know everyone’s first name,” Porter said. “We find most people outgoing …”
“And willing to help,” Marshall added. “I like sitting outside; chatting with people as they come and go.”
He utilizes VHS Rehabilitation outpatient services, which is just downstairs from their home.
“It’s great. He can just walk down to it,” Porter said.
“I like the people,” Marshall said of the rehab team. “They worked with me so I could get up the stairs to my grandson’s rehearsal dinner.”
The Bookers enjoy Sweet Frog outdoors.Marshall wrote a children’s book his grandkids illustrated and they published in-house.
The Bookers enjoy the dining room choices – “there’s always something to chose from,” Marshall said. “And the desserts are tasty too.”
They also enjoy the activities, like happy hour, bingo, exercise classes, Saturday game nights and “we go down to most of the functions that the (Life Enrichment Director) does,” Porter said.
“It’s just a lot of fun,” Marshall said.
Porter added, “We enjoy the laughter.”
Friends here
Sally moved into The Arbors over the spring. She is recently widowed and said she knew she couldn’t keep up her “big home on the river.”
She wanted to stay close to where she lived.
“I’m still grieving, but I like The Arbors,” she said. “And I have some friends here.”
Sally also has family members who live nearby. One son lives in York County, another in Virginia Beach, and her daughter is 2 miles away in Newport News. Several of her nine grandchildren also live in Newport News.
One of her sons stops by for lunch on Wednesdays. He continues to work at the environmental testing lab his parents launched in Newport News.
Sally’s husband was a chemist. They met in college – she at Longwood, he at Hampden-Sydney. He originally was from Newport News, and once they were married, they moved back, opening the lab in the 1980s on then-Middle Ground Boulevard (now City Center). Sally was the accountant and bookkeeper for the lab.
They would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary Sept. 1. Her grandson brought her a dozen red roses on the day because “that’s what Papaw would have given you if he was here.”
Life at The Arbors
Sally says she enjoys activities, such as happy hour and musical entertainers, and Chef Akira’s menu at The Arbors. She likes enjoying her big meal of the day in the dining room, citing a recent special of fried chicken with white gravy as a highlight.
Gallery wall in Sally’s apartmentPaintings done by Sally, including one of the family’s former Nags Head cottage.Birthday card hand-stamped by Sally
She loves to paint. She also uses rubber stamps to create greeting cards. A room in her apartment is dedicated to her art. She has a gallery wall of previous and recent paintings.
Friends at The Arbors include two childhood classmates. She graduated high school with fellow resident Joyce, and her grandson is married to Joyce’s granddaughter.
“She’s been very helpful to me since I’ve been here,” Sally said of Joyce.
She also likes to read and watch TV. She is a fan of “Virgin River” on Netflix.
Lassie Crawford is an early resident of The Hamilton.
“It was a brand-new apartment, clean. I wanted a window with a nice view,” she says. “This suited me just fine.”
She put down her deposit after first seeing it.
Lassie says she was familiar with the location – her husband was at York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for about two years until he passed.
“I was happy with how they took care of him,” she says. “So when it came time for me to find a place, I checked this out.”
It’s also near her son and his family in Gloucester. She had lived on her own for about nine years before moving into the assisted living community.
“They take good care of us,” she says. “I miss my home. That’s something you never get completely away from. They do make you feel very much at home, that this is your home now. I’ve liked it from the beginning.”
Her son retired from working at the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. Lassie has three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who all live relatively close by, save for a granddaughter in Tampa, Florida.
She says she wanted a place that would be convenient for her family to visit. She says they’re very attentive.
Lassie originally is from North Carolina. Her husband was in the Army. They lived together in Panama on assignment before selecting to come to Fort Eustis in Newport News.
“We lived in Newport News for a number of years,” she says. “He was on a lot of assignments I couldn’t join him on.”
They were married 63 years before he passed.
“We had a good marriage. We were happy,” she says. “A lot of times, I would have liked to have him home more. You manage to do what you have to do. It taught me a lot – there were a lot of things I had to do on my own. … After he passed, I stayed in my home along for about 9 years by myself. I did OK.”
Her husband retired after 33 years in the service, then did volunteer work at Fort Eustis. The Crawfords volunteered for Meals on Wheels.
“He enjoyed people. I drove. I could depend on him to be a few minutes – he’d help with other chores they needed help with,” she says.
She enjoyed needlework and sewing, which she translates to quilting classes each month at The Hamilton with Gala.
“She’s good, she’s really good,” Lassie says. “One thing with the activities we have here – some I really enjoy, but we can pick and choose. They keep us pretty busy.”
She enjoys going to the teas.
“Those can be so much fun. Kirstie has a real knack for decorating things and it’s fun just to go see what the theme is.”
Lassie also enjoys the therapy dog visits, Mr. Hamilton (the resident rabbit), art with Emily, musical entertainment and the library drop-off and pick-up in the lobby.
“I feel fortunate I’ve had pretty good health overall,” she says.
The team at The Hamilton made sure she was using her walker to avoid falls.
“They’re really good about helping us take care of ourselves. They want us to do what’s safe. When you need to change, you don’t always take it seriously. I know I didn’t … didn’t take much for me to lose my balance and fall. I needed more help with things.
“I’ve been happy here.”
York County is home
Patricia Foretich has called The Hamilton home for about two years.
She was receiving rehabilitation at York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for a fractured tailbone before transitioning to assisted living.
Pat started at the York and now calls The Hamilton home.
“You just have to wait it out,” she said of waiting out the fracture. “My back has been bothering me for years. I have osteoporosis. But you know, I’m kicking. Not very high. That’s what my mom says.”
She moved to York County when she was 18. She turned 85 this year and has two children who graduated Tabb High School. Her son recently retired from NASA.
Her pride and joy are her five grandsons – she can’t keep the smile off her face when sharing their accomplishments.
“I’m proud of them,” she said. “They worked hard to get where they are.”
She says her family is happy they don’t have to worry about her anymore. Her sister is also a resident, living in an apartment upstairs.
“The Hamilton is great,” she said. “We all look forward to the food. The nursing is wonderful.”
A family friend helps her once a week to run errands, get her nails done and they go out to lunch.
“The activities are great. You can choose. It’s always something,” she said. “The therapy dogs are wonderful, everyone looks forward to them when they come.”
She’s also an avid reader and appreciates the library drop-off and pickup.
“If you want help, all you have to do is ask, and they will gladly help you,” she says.
She spent her career, mostly as a secretary, she said, and tried to stay home as often as possible as her children were growing up. It took slight prying to learn she worked through the Aerospace Education Project for NASA, working at the NASA Langley Visitors Center in Hampton.
“That was great … it was a great place to work,” she said.
She riffled through a box of old photos, pulling out a signed picture from Sally Ride. She traveled to several NASA campuses, including Houston; Cape Canaveral, Florida; and Oklahoma.
“I flew quite a bit,” she said. “I have some good memories … years go by fast.”
She’s a Detroit, Michigan, native and has lived in states coast to coast. Her granddaughter and her family live on the Peninsula, which is how she found herself at The Huntington. Her grandson lives with his family internationally; they teach in American schools overseas. She has four great-grandchildren.
Muriel was a nurse, doctors’ offices, hospitals and in public health. “Once a nurse, always a nurse,” she says. Her mother wanted to be a nurse, but there were fewer training opportunities at that time.
“I enjoyed it all,” she says. “You meet all kinds of people; have to deal with all kinds of people. … I learned to deal with the public.”
Her life has spanned memorable events, including the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Her husband was a pastor, who she met at her family’s church in Michigan. When they were married, he was called to California, where they did Skywatch, reporting on the directions of airplanes coming and going. It was a civilian group, Ground Observer Corps, that was created in WWII and re-established during the Cold War. They also moved Florida. “He was an older man; he was a great man,” she says. “It’s been an interesting life.”
Muriel turned 100 this year. She was surrounded by her friends at The Huntington.
“The people at The Huntington are nice. The food is good. They take good care of us here,” she says. “They keep us busy here; they try to keep us out of mischief.”
She likes Bingo, games like UNO, crafts and, “everybody likes Hoppy (the rabbit).”
“At my age, I’m supposed to be wise. They say wisdom comes with age, but I’m not sure about that,” she says with a smile.
“It’s been an interesting life.”
Find your community
Learn more about our senior living options with Virginia Health Services at vahs.com/seniorliving. We offer independent and assisted living communities to help meet your needs. Schedule a tour today!
They chose The Arbors for the location and transportation options, like valet.
“It’s close to things we enjoy,” Fae says. “The weekly housekeeping is great. I believe the food here is absolutely wonderful.”
She enjoys the events that include music and crafting. She says she appreciates the outings even if she doesn’t always attend them.
Arbors resident Fae shows off her patriotic nails
Family life
She and Jeff have been married for more than 60 years. She’s “Bull Isle born and bred.” The Poquoson native has lived on the Peninsula her entire life.
She and Jeff met at Buckroe at the then-drive-in. He served in the Air Force for 36 years and she worked for the Air Force as a civilian, starting part-time during summers.
Their oldest son is in Ecuador and the youngest son is in southwest Virginia. Jeff’s family is in North Carolina. They have a granddaughter and two great-granddaughters in Fayetteville, N.C., who come to visit.
“They come up here – the kids love to play in the park. We love to have them here,” she says.
One of their deciding factors to choose The Arbors was because their family is so spread out.
“We felt as though there wouldn’t be anyone here to help us,” she said. They gain that security at The Arbors.
Cinco de Mayo at The ArborsMardi Gras at The Arbors
Civilian career
While working for Langley Air Force Base, Fae said she was the first woman to do certain jobs.
She was a manager in the aircraft maintenance program and loves logistics.
“I was a resource adviser,” she says. “I handled the money for all the logistics. No other woman had done that.”
In logistics, her hands were in several areas like contracting, planning and budgeting for aircraft maintenance transportation.
“We were their support on the ground. It was very analytical work; I loved finding the solutions,” she says. “It was so much fun to watch them grow – I loved the rapport we built with the troops.”
She says it was rare at that time – in the 1970s – for women to do work outside of clerical or teaching.
“I pushed my way up,” she says.
She had encouraging bosses and the encouragement and support of her husband.
“I’ve had a lot of help along the way,” she says.
She visited nearly every state’s Air Force base, Panama, Europe and other countries while working. She made a lot of friends, who are scattered across the country.
“I’m very proud of my career,” she says. “It was a very good career for me. I was always happy to help women along the way and tried to be fair to everyone.”
She retired in 1996 – “I just felt like my time had come,” she says. She started to have some health issues. Jeff retired in 1995.
She loved doing aquatics and played golf. She and Jeff traveled in retirement.
Call The Arbors home
A move to The Arbors Independent Living might be what you need when the demands of home ownership become overwhelming. Visit vahs.com/thearbors to schedule a tour of our community and see for yourself why our residents love to call The Arbors home.
It’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week (May 14-20)! We are spotlighting some of our VHS Residents at Virginia Health Services’ seven nursing and rehabilitation centers. Our team supports our Residents in living their best life as they age with us.
We appreciate their time and the time of their visiting families and friends who all were so open in telling their stories.
Coliseum
James Genus – or as we like to call him, Mr. G – has been at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center since February 2021. He never misses an activity and always waves hello.
Mr. G’s son plays in the SNL Band.
Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Mr. G was stationed at Fort Eustis after returning from flying for the Army in Vietnam. He served as a flight engineer for seven years in the Army, leaving as an E-5 in 1966.
It was while he was stationed at Fort Eustis that he met his wife. Even after struggling to find a job “as a Black man” in the area, they didn’t leave.
Instead he opened his own string of businesses, including a portable cleaning service.
“I learned I could make more money doing that than something in aviation (at that time),” he says.
Mr. G’s businesses brought in a lot of money and at its peak employed 40. His janitorial and environmental services businesses spanned several states, including Delaware and North Carolina, and they had contracts with several small colleges, he said.
“I never got a big head. Because it comes but you got a partner, and that partner’s the government. … I always stayed low-key, and I teach my son the same thing. He thanks me all the time,” he says.
Mr. G’s success translated to his son, also named James, though in a far different path. His son has played bass with the Saturday Night Live Band for about 20 years, and is also a freelance musician who has toured the world with Herbie Hancock.
He lives in Connecticut with his wife and three children. Also in Connecticut is Mr. G’s wife of 57 years, being cared for in a nursing home there following a stroke.
Mr. G has been to see his son perform on the set of “SNL” many times, he says, but couldn’t quite pinpoint a favorite host.
“I don’t know (who my favorite host was),” he says. “I was just there to see him.”
Making move from Middlesex to Hampton
Until Rosaline Burrell moved into Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in August 2022, the only place she lived was Middlesex County.
Rosaline Burrell and her daughter Patricia
She is now closer to her daughter, who lives in Hampton and comes to visit her daily.
She is 94 years old and has survived her husband and three of five children. One of her sons who passed away was her caregiver.
Rosaline and her husband were together for more than 70 years. He passed away in 2011 at age 93. She has three grandchildren. She worked alongside her husband, handling the finances of their landscape business for about 65 years before either retired.
“This was a big transition for her to leave her home and come here,” says her daughter Patricia. “We’ve not been back (to the Middlesex house).”
Rosaline enjoys the activities at Coliseum – she was looking forward to manicures this particular afternoon – and gets along well with her current roommate. She also enjoys watching TV – her favorite program is “Little House on the Prairie.”
She says “the help of the Lord” keeps her going.
Family life
Rosaline and Patricia know loss. Rosaline’s oldest son went missing without a trace from West Point 45 years ago.
Two sons passed away within months of one another.
“I wasn’t able to be there. (Patricia) took on everything about what was going on. She by both their sides when they died,” Rosaline said.
“God give her strength to do what she’s doing for me now.”
In addition to visits from Patricia, Rosaline has family who keep up with her, including a younger sister. She has frequent visitors and folks who keep in touch with her, including from the church in Middlesex.
James River
Doris Scott has been in long-term care at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for about 20 years.
Doris Scott has been at James River for about 20 years.
“I’ve enjoyed myself so far. Not a dull moment,” she says, citing the robust activities calendar for keeping her active.
“You don’t do the same thing every day. It’s up to you if you want to enjoy it.”
She likes the church services, flower club on Fridays where the Residents arrange flowers with the Newport News Master Gardeners, and bingo. She has seek-and-find puzzles she enjoys doing between activities.
Doris was born and raised in Newport News, in the Newsome Park area. She and her mother moved farther north and she graduated from Carver High School.
“This is my home and this always will be my home,” she says.
She has a sister in Hanover who visits every other month. Occasionally Doris will spend a weekend with her “in the country.”
Lancashire
Patricia Davenport became a Resident of Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in August 2022, when she could no longer live independently.
“I like the people here,” she says, “but I miss my apartment and my cat. She’ll be 16 in October.”
She had a series of falls and hospital stays that have left her in physical therapy at Lancashire gaining her steadiness and ability to walk without a walker or wheelchair.
“They do very good here; I have no complaints,” she says.
Patricia Davenport has a stuffed kitty on her bed.
Patricia has family who lives nearby, including two sisters. Another sister lives in Louisa.
She has a step-daughter in Florida, who is raising her step-great-granddaughters, and a stepson who lives in Texas. One of her sisters and brother-in-law are looking after her treasured cat Buttercup.
“I wouldn’t give her away to just anybody,” Patricia says with a smile. “I haven’t seen my cat since July of last year. I miss her so much.”
She keeps a stuffed kitty named Bella on her bed, and there are several photos of Buttercup in her room.
Lancaster County native
Patricia and her family are from Lancaster County, growing up in Bertrand.
Before moving to Richmond following her first marriage, Patricia worked in housekeeping at Lancashire. She returned to Kilmarnock to care for her mother in 2010 and stayed with her until her passing in 2018.
“When mom passed, the house was too big for me to live there by myself,” she says. She moved into an apartment that fall; her sister’s family and Buttercup occupy the family home now.
“I loved my apartment; I didn’t want to leave it.”
She worked in department stores, including Kmart and Kohl’s, and in a warehouse assembling hospital equipment, before returning to Kilmarnock where she worked in a now-closed department store’s catalog department.
“I enjoyed being around people. I loved in the catalog what to do. The people I worked for were real good to me,” she says. “I loved all the jobs I’ve had.”
Stylist living life at Lancashire
Ray Meyers moved to Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center about eight months ago. His sight is worsening due to a previous trauma and macular degeneration. Ray said he could no longer care for his Kilmarnock home alone, so he sold it and most of his possessions, gave away his dog and cat and moved to Lancashire, which is near his sister and her family.
Ray Meyers took as much of his life as would fit in his room when he moved to Lancashire about eight months ago.
“You bring what you can and sell the rest,” he says. “Overall, I’ve got three hots and a cot. The people here are fair.”
He enjoys the people at Lancashire and likes to kid around with the team to get them smiling and laughing.
“I don’t know of anybody who has lived a more fun life than I have,” Ray says.
Living the life
Since 1964 until his sight started to go, Ray cut hair.
“I was pretty good. I had the first unisex hair styling salon in Virginia. … I stole the idea. Guy (in Pennsylvania) had a great idea and didn’t know how to promote it,” he says.
He learned how to shampoo, cut and style hair, massage the scalp and be a nail technician. He trained his in entire team wherever he set up shop, which included northern Virginia.
“I went through quite a few dollars learning how to do a Farrah Fawcett haircut, a Dorothy Hamill haircut. We had to go through a lot of training to do these styles,” he says.
Ray also was a drummer.
He was married once for five years and engaged “four times with one ring.”
“I dated a lot of girls … but it was never so much about the catch as it was about the chase,” he says with a smile.
He lived in Alexandria while Vietnam was going on.
“I was prepared to go. My father was in the Marines, stepfather was in the Battle of the Bulge and brother was Army special forces, but as an asthmatic, they wouldn’t take me,” he says.
He moved to Kilmarnock in 2004 and started a business cutting hair. He’s originally from Shenandoah.
A trauma while he was robbed at gunpoint in his home led to some of the onset of his blindness.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing once he moved to Northern Neck.
Northampton
Marie Collins, who will be 99 in August, has been a Resident at Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center since February 2020. She’s comfortable, happy with the team members and rehab therapists, and pleased to not have to worry about grocery shopping, cooking or cleaning her space (though she does keep it tidy and dusts).
Marie Collins was a senior model.
“I love it here,” she says. “I like the nurses. What more could we want?”
She has even acquiesced to play Bingo, which she says she didn’t enjoy before coming to Northampton.
Marie says it’s been difficult to outlive her friends. But, “here is where my life is now. But I just have acquaintances.”
She spent nearly 45 years of her life as a secretary, and then another 20 as a senior model in several campaigns and with community fashion shows. She spent much of her career in the U.S. Civil Service, retiring in 1986.
Her husband Jim was transferred to Ramstein Air Base in Germany after they met in Texas. She eventually traveled there and they were wed in Germany in 1956. Eventually, he was transferred back to Texas.
She tried to find a job, but was turned away because “you’re an Air Force wife. As soon as I train you, you’ll have to leave. So, I showed them. I joined the Civil Service.”
They were transferred to Hampton, and she took a job at Langley Air Force Base. The couple spent two years in Istanbul, Turkey.
“I loved it, but my husband didn’t. He was in JAG, working with the local police,” she says.
They returned stateside in 1968. Jim had two heart attacks. He was discharged from the Air Force, and the couple returned to Virginia.
Even after he passed in 1970, Marie stayed in Hampton. She spent the last 18 years of her Civil Service career at Langley.
“I never went back to Pennsylvania,” she says.
When her parents passed, she sold her half of the family farm in Hesston, Pennsylvania, back to her sister. Marie’s nephew and his wife live there now, and come visit about once a month when she goes to the doctor. They’re her remaining living family.
Her right knee started giving her trouble at 95. “Mother Nature decided it was time to slow me down.”
She wasn’t interested in getting a knee replacement at that age. After a bout with COVID, she moved into Northampton. It’s home now.
“If you’re going to live here, you’re going to make the most of it,” she said of decorating her single room as comfortable as possible.
Walter Reed
The energy from Andre Hughes’ room radiates down the hall. Walter Reed team members and Residents wave or stop in to chat when they walk by.
She maintains several plants and has brightly patterned quilts on the walls.
“I enjoy taking care of them,” Andre says of the plants. “They’re good for me – they’re good for everyone. Plants are therapy for me. They are full of life and there’s so much darkness these days, I can watch these grow and thrive.”
Andre has been a Resident of Walter Reed for about 7 years. She’s found love and marriage while there. She’s made friends. And she’s recovered from the fall that landed her here, learning to walk and write again.
“These people are my family and this is my home,” she says. “I knew eventually I’d end up here. … And I think the Lord wants me here. I still have a lot of work to do.
“There are folks in here, where all you have to do is hold their hand and their face lights up. That’s a blessing for me. So the Lord is helping me help others … My faith has carried me.”
Born in France
“I am a product of World War II,” she says.
Andre was born in France. Her father, an American, had been stationed there and met her mother, whose family owned a café in which she worked. They were married and when he resettled in the U.S., Andre, her mother and two siblings joined him.
She was a physical therapy aide – “that was my last job. When I was very young, I worked for a radio station and the telephone company.”
Wedding at Walter Reed
While a series of events have left her without family, she has made a home at Walter Reed, including meeting her late husband.
“I’m friendly with everyone,” she says. “I met a wonderful man in here. We were married in here. They had the ceremony in the dining room – it looked like a winter wonderland.
“I knew he was very ill, but we wanted to be married in the eyes of the Lord. A minister performed the ceremony. The team and volunteers pooled money to get out marriage license. It was a joyous occasion. He’s in heaven now, waiting on me.”
They were married nine weeks. James passed away five years ago.
“He blessed me so much by putting James in my life. In here. I get blessed and I get blessed,” she says.
Love where you live
She is thankful for the team at Walter Reed, not only for helping plan a lovely wedding, but also for keeping the Residents active and engaged.
“I have an abundance of friends. (Recreational directors) Julie and Jennifer are the ones that hold this place together. They go shopping for us each week. They’ll help me find something to order online. They’re absolutely gifted in their personalities,” Andre says.
“It’s a good place to be. Right now, I can’t complain about my life because I know the Lord is leading me and guiding me.”
‘From the ashes, you can rise’
Mona Dennis started calling Walter Reed home since August 2022. She had to move from the assisted living she was at when the complex changed its business model.
She remembered how well she liked being at Walter Reed during a skilled stint in 2021 after having back surgery.
“I liked it very much. The nursing staff, everybody was so nice. I took an opportunity to come over here and here I am!” she says.
She had a very positive rehab experience at Walter Reed. But she says not much can be done for her back – she has spinal stenosis.
Mona has a walker that better fits her tall frame.
“It’s nice for tall people without having to bend over. It enables you to stand up straight. For me, it’s nice because as soon as I take hold, the pain stops,” she says. “It supports the spine and is a great relief for avoiding the pain.”
Loving her new home
“I’m 77 years old – I still have so much left,” Mona says.
Since she’s able to get around the facility with the help of her walker, she visits with fellow Residents. She also is a fan of the community pets – particularly the rabbit and the fish.
“You’re going to find people in all stages here. … Try to talk with people, let them know somebody cares. They look lonesome sometimes. Mostly, they just want someone to sit there and listen. I’ll do that; I’ll stop and see people. They like to see the lady with the tall walker.”
Mona says the team at Walter Reed goes out of its way to plan activities and keep people smiling.
“One day they brought a horse in here! It was so exciting to see that little horse. … Also, I’m not a bingo lover, but I think it’s a good way to get out and see people. Go make somebody smile. That makes my day,” she says.
“I like to spread joy. And in here, it’s important. Just the human touch! What it does for people is amazing.”
Journey to Walter Reed
Mona’s husband passed away in 2016. While they didn’t have children, she has several nieces and nephews.
For a while, they didn’t know where she was. But once they did, they call her regularly.
Mona Dennis loves her tall walker.
“My nephew called and said, ‘I want you to know that from this day on, we’ve got your back.’ … He said Aunt Mona, you were the best aunt anyone could imagine having. … I was as bad as they were! I would take them for the weekend and I’d take them roller skating or to an ice cream parlor. I guess those memories stick with you. So, he said, ‘now it’s our turn to take care of you.’”
“It just made me feel so warm. I gave them all my love because I didn’t have my own. I had a wonderful time with those kids.”
She is originally from New York. She met her second husband while in California with her father. Mona went to school to be a medical assistant.
“I was just coming out of a divorce and looking for what to do with my life and felt that was good for me. I like people. I like helping people, so it was good for me.”
She worked in doctors’ offices and in a hospital in Anaheim as an EKG tech in the emergency room.
“That was exciting work,” she says.
Now she looks out the window at the “majestic trees” and spreads joy to others at Walter Reed.
“I’m at the end of a long journey, I’m enjoying the hell out of myself!” she says.
“From the ashes, you can rise.”
York residents Alvera Sommers and Robert Owens.
York
Sometimes you can find a forever friend even when you are 92.
Alvera Sommers and Robert Owens became fast friends after being introduced to one another through a social worker at York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center about two years ago.
Alvera was in an independent living community until she fell and fractured her hip about two years ago. She came to York for rehab around Christmas 2021.
She then injured her other hip, also rehabbing at York. It was then she met Bob, and as her daughter Pam tells it, “a spark flew and I couldn’t get her out of here.”
Bob was in therapy and was spending his first Christmas at York when Alvera moved in.
They both like living at York. The activities keep them going – and they’re always found together. They’ll occasionally dine together.
The two just smile at one another and keep each other in good spirits, laughing frequently when they are in a room together.
Pennsylvania native
Alvera and her family are from the Allentown area of Pennsylvania. They vacationed at Wildwood on the Jersey Shore.
Alvera was twice married with two children. Her son, who was in the Army, passed away.
Daughter Pam spent 12 years in the Air Force. She and her husband moved from Hawaii to Newport News when he was transferred to Fort Eustis. She was a nurse and retired as a civil servant from Eustis.
Alvera’s husband built her a beauty shop in their home, and she owned one in the town where they lived for years. She was a nurse and beautician.
Alvera and her late husband traveled extensively, seeing much of Europe, Israel and Egypt. They visited Pam while she was stationed in Greece.
“Isn’t she brave?” Alvera said of Pam’s service. “We were so proud when she said she wanted to go into the military.”
Pam and her husband have been married for 31 years. They have two children, a daughter who lives in Baltimore and a son who lives nearby and visits his grandmother frequently.
Alvera has a sister who lives in Pennsylvania who is 86. She occasionally visits her sister with Pam.
She likes adult coloring books, and Pam keeps her with a good supply. Pam visits her mother frequently, often volunteering during events at York.
Bob and Alvera with her daughter Pam at an art activity at York.
Best friend
Bob has Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s and other ailments. He has been a bus driver, bookstore manager and worked at Walmart for 15 years. He found that keeping a few part-time jobs was better for his chronic disease management.
Bob is originally from Greensboro, N.C., finding his way to the area by way of northern Virginia, where he managed the student bookstore at J. Sargent Community College.
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