Gadsden GAB
January 2014
Issue 285
A P U B L I C A T I O N O F B I S H O P G A D S D E N
View the GAB in color on-line at http://www.bishopgadsden.org/community_life/newsroom.html
B G
S T A F F A N D R E S I D E N T S
P R E P A R E F O R T H I R D
B I G G E S T L O S E R C O M P E T I T I O N
Wendy DeBona,
BG’s Wellness Professional
INSIDE
THIS
ISSUE:
Message from
Vice President/
COO
2
How It’s Going
3
Chinese New
Year
3
Handwashing
4
Meet Your
Neighbors
5
Exercise Survey
5
The Great Dig
6
Praying Hands
7
Happenings/
Calendar
8-9
Birthdays
10
Movies
10
12 Days of
Christmas
11
Residents’
Council Update
11
The definition of a New Year’s resolution is “A promise that you make to yourself to
start doing good or stop doing bad on the first day of the year.” So says Wikipedia. The
one at the top of list is always, “lose weight.” Advertisements for diet plans, exercise
routines, yogurt, protein shakes, and anything weight-loss related will flood our TVs,
social media, and print sources. It will last until Valentine’s Day, then it’s over until the
next year.
I created this contest in a health club in Pennsylvania in 1982, because our members
were killing themselves with exercise and not considering what they put in their mouths.
Both matter. Yes, daily exercise is important, but don’t we already know that? It’s what
we eat and drink that will add unhealthy fat to a sometimes toned body, underneath that
fluff. So, I thought, how would I do this contest? I knew we’d have to use fake names,
or no one would enter. I charged a fee to pay cash prizes to the “losing” winners. It cost
no additional monies. We would use percentage weight lost, so it was fair. A smaller
person could win the contest, if they lost a higher % than a large person. The contest
would run six weeks, weigh-ins every week to qualify for prizes, separate men’s and
women’s divisions, and the first contest was born! I was amazed how much weight
people lost and what competition did for their results! Nothing feels better than losing
weight the old-fashioned way. Exercise regularly and put less in your mouth. Works
every time.
The first year of the BG Biggest Loser, it was staff only. Workplace Wellness was
the theme. The residents begged me to let them join in! They promised to participate
and be program supporters—so year two, they participated. Many were tough
competitors, lost some unwanted pounds, and had fun doing it! A total of 158 staff/
residents entered last year, so we’re hoping for more “fun & games” this year. Side
bets almost guarantee success, as healthy competition really gets things moving!
Challenge friends, rally a team, and decide to lose that extra baggage. It’s just weighing
you down.
We need participants to make this program work, so enter to support a friend, even if
you just want to maintain your weight. That’s my plan; I’ll be the first one to weigh-in,
and pay my $5.00 in an attempt to NOT gain weight. For me, that’s progress. BG gives
us the opportunity for self-improvement, so I’ll take full advantage of it. One thing for
sure, you will learn something about yourself during this contest. And that’s a good
thing. Weigh-in on January 27-31, any day.
True story: One year a lady weighed-in and used the name “red dress.” I asked for
the “story behind that” because she looked a bit angry. Well, it involved an ex-husband,
a new younger wife, an upcoming wedding...suffice it to say she lost 18 pounds in 6
weeks and was able to wear that red dress! Mission accomplished.
Page 2
M E S S A G E
F R O M
T H E
V I C E
P R E S I D E N T
Sarah Tipton
/COO
Happy New Year! The year 2014 sounds impossibly futuristic,
does it not? Yet here we are, living in an age where everyone is
electronically connected and driverless cars are not science fiction.
As an aside (and you have to remember, I live with a car-obsessed
13-year-old-boy), I'm fascinated by the concept of self-driving cars—
which they say will be on the road possibly in as few as five years.
Can you envision the freedom they will allow older adults in
particular? What will the BG campus be like when everyone is in a
self-driving automobile? Stop signs won't be much of a controversy
then, I imagine!
The future for Bishop Gadsden (self-driving cars notwithstanding!) has never been brighter. We have quite
an exciting year ahead of us, and some of the immediate changes are already underway. A beautiful new plan
for relocating the dog park and the community garden is currently in progress, making way for the
construction of the Quay. As the Quay site plan and building interiors continue to be refined, each new detail
adds to the already superlative design. In a few short weeks, we'll see site work begin, and then construction on
the lovely lake and three beautiful buildings comprising the Quay. Also coming soon are substantial
renovations to Myers Hall, which was last remodeled in 2005. A bright fresh palette in the new carpet,
window treatments, and furnishings will provide uplifting surroundings for the residents of Myers Hall and
their guests, not to mention the many others who pass through to attend Chapel or special events.
Beyond these immediate projects, we also have some important strategic planning to continue in the near
future. Considerations include determining the long-range plans for Myers Hall and the studio units in
particular; exploring ways to diversify our mission and income opportunities—including the possibility of
expanding Connections home care; and the need to revisit the master plan to encompass our newly acquired
property.
Contemplating the future at the start of a new year is especially exciting, but only if we are firmly grounded
in the present. As always, preserving the comfort, culture, and quality of life at Bishop Gadsden is ultimately
important. The best thing about BG's future? We are NOT in a driverless car! From our visionary CEO and
Trustees, to our very capable managers, to our highly engaged Resident Council and committees, BG has great
leadership at the wheel. Together we set the course for the future. Happy 2014!
Did you know…
All Bishop Gadsden residents and staff are encouraged to
participate in submitting ideas and in writing stories for the
Gadsden GAB. Our monthly meetings are held the first
Monday of the month at 11:00 AM in Polly’s Pub. The January
meeting will be on January 6.
You don’t have to be a “writer” to participate; you just have
to have a willingness to share the stories of the happenings
around Bishop Gadsden and beyond.
Join us in making the Gadsden GAB even better!
View the GAB in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf
Page 3
A N
H O W
E A R L Y
I T ’ S G O I N G :
D I S A P P O I N T M E N T
Sallie Gough
In late October, a thermal conductivity test was performed, a preliminary step to a plan for using a
geothermal HVAC system for the heat/air/hot water for the Quay. The plan was for Bishop Gadsden to
contract with Earth Comfort Company, Inc., out of Savannah to dig 40 wells per building to a depth of 300 feet
each. Daniel Larrabee, Director of Environmental Services, had researched the feasibility and financing of
geothermal systems extensively. Bishop Gadsden was to be unique. There would have been no other
geothermal system of this size and scope in the private sector, and the savings could have been dramatic. A
geothermal system is at least five times more efficient than conventional systems.
For some simple explanation on geothermal systems: ground
temperature is anywhere from 55 to 75 degrees cooler than at the
surface. The water increases in temperature as it rises to the
surface. In the summer, the load on conventional cooling systems
is reduced. All year long, the water at roof level can be used for
supplying hot water in the buildings. There would have been no
need for water heaters in the apartments of the Quay.
SCE&G was to have paid Bishop Gadsden 75% of the
difference between the cost of a conventional system and that of
the geothermal system. The rebate from SCE&G was expected to
be over half a million dollars. SCE&G looks to “invest” in
energy-saving systems with the recapture of capital over a period
of no more than five years. The BG system would have paid for
itself in 7-10 years, thus it did not qualify. Therefore, the Quay
will NOT be built with geothermal technology. This is a big
disappointment, for sure.
We now expect site preparation to start in February. This will
include tree protection, along with some necessary cutting, storm
drainage, fencing, etc. Actual construction of the Quay is
planned to start on or about April 1.
C H I N E S E
N E W
Y E A R
Emmy Lou Anderson
The Year of the Horse will begin on January 31, 2014, and end on February 18,
2015.
Lucky colors to wear this year are purple, blue, and gray. To add to your luck,
you can wear wooden pendants or beads with your stylish get-ups. And Horse’s
lucky numbers are 7, 3, and 2.
Horses are trustworthy individuals who will not let you down during your difficult
times. When it comes to fortune, 2014 would be a better year for those people who
were born in the Year of the Horse. Horse people are naturally lucky when it comes
to money, resources, and careers.
As shown on the Chinese Zodiac calendar, 2014 is the year where Horses will be
prone to not-good-health issues—specifically those conditions that target the lungs.
They are more likely to be involved in accidents, too. To counteract such bad luck,
Horse people are advised to donate blood!
Look here for your birthday and year to see if you might be able to celebrate the
Year of the Horse. 01/30/1930—02/16/1931; 02/15/1942—02/04/1943. Other dates listed didn't look like
anything to consider here at Bishop Gadsden.
Page 4
H E A L T H A W A R E N E S S T O P I C
H A N D W A S H I N G
:
Dr. Walt Ector
The Health and Wellness Committee selected handwashing as an important topic
to publicize for the month of December 2013. This may seem to be a fairly
mundane topic; however, it is particularly relevant during this season of the year.
I have been told by an Internal Medicine Professor at MUSC that influenza seems to be particularly viscous
this year. They have had three deaths in fairly young and completely healthy patients already in 2013.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta states that proper
handwashing can prevent up to 30% of secondary infections acquired in hospitals. In a close community like
Bishop Gadsden it would seem that similar percentages may apply.
Of course, other measures are important, such as isolating yourself when you have symptoms of a respiratory
infection, and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. But the importance of handwashing is
frequently overlooked.
This diagram by Certification Map will be a friendly reminder about the importance of handwashing. Also,
Dr. Mengedoht was responsible for encouraging the hand hygiene dispensers available at the entrance to our
dining rooms. These could be used more frequently, too.
Page 5
M E E T
Y O U R
N E I G H B O R S
: TED AND JOAN HALKYARD
Sallie Gough
Around and on the Bishop Gadsden campus, there are
some wonderful donations displayed, and two of the finest
are given by Ted and Joan Halkyard, who live in a cottage
in the Grove. A magnificent aquarium was constructed at
the same time as the renovations in the Cloister. It is the
focal point of the Cloister, a fascinating and beautiful
attraction. The Halkyards spent 35 years diving together and
retired from the sport at about the same time as donating the
aquarium.
The second donation is the enormous wall-hanging at the
stairwell landing across from the computers, along the hall
ending at the Pharmacy. The Halkyards had the piece commissioned for their home at Wild Dunes, but there
was no wall high enough in the BG cottage for it. The hanging is a tapestry collage; the theme is sunrise over
water, wildlife in and around the water, and the beauty of underwater wonders. Entitled “Dolphin at Dawn,” it
is nothing short of amazing. The Halkyards have a smaller companion piece that does fit in their cottage foyer.
A visit to their cottage is as good as visiting an intimate gallery. Because they are inveterate travelers of the
world, the art (sculptures, carvings, paintings, and more) is stupendous. A graceful bronze octopus greets you
in the hall; in the study, almost life-size lion and lioness heads in bronze fixate you in their gaze; over Joan’s
desk, a painting of a tiger paces in snow, and as Joan says, “You can hear the snow crackling under his feet.”
Then there are photos that they have taken on their travels and dives around the world, and photos of the many
trips they have taken with their four sons and their families, enlarged with 13 grandchildren. There is almost
no part of the world unvisited by the Halkyards. They venture that their favorite travel is safari, with a close
second, Israel. Their favorite dive is in Micronesia; Joan’s very favorite is Truk Lagoon, where there are at
least 65 sunken Japanese ships from World War II. They continue to travel and will do so until they are no
longer able. It is their passion.
Joan and Ted met when they were 15 years old. Ted says he knew she was “the one” right then. Accused of
being intensely directed and focused as evidenced by their meeting, Ted demurs and Joan instantly agrees.
They obviously did not marry immediately, but can now boast of 57 years of marriage and counting. Ted’s
career in corporate management took the family to New Jersey for 25 years, where he worked for PPG
Industries, and later for Allied Signal, to become Honeywell. Joan spent years bringing up the four boys, but
with a background in nursing, she began to return to that field as their youngest entered second grade.
Retraining was a terrifying experience for her; so much had changed over the intervening years. But one thing
had not: the art of working with people in pain, and that has been her focus. Joan started in the field as a
volunteer on an ambulance squad, later working in home health and hospice. Ted achieved his career goals at
an early enough age to enable him to pursue a personal goal of teaching at the university level. He joined the
University of South Carolina faculty to teach in the Master’s program in Human Resource Management, which
brought them to Columbia, SC.
RESULTS FROM THE BG EXERCISE SURVEY
The BG Wellness Staff
The Wellness Staff recently put out a wellness survey to explore the residents’ satisfaction and to look
towards future programming. We were very happy with the response and wanted to share some of our
findings as many residents previously used the wellness amenities and are ready to come back!
Some trends we noticed were a request to have a dance/moving class to get the blood really pumping and
more balance classes. We are currently looking at new classes in 2014 and will respond to these requests. We
loved the feedback for our instructors and will have more Shannon in 2014! We want to make sure there is a
class that fits everyone’s needs and a teacher to match. The Wellness Department wants to help you make
fitness a priority and we constantly strive to make programming for functional fitness that is geared for your
specific needs and levels. Please stop in the wellness offices and see how we can make your 2014 fabulous!
Page 6
I N
T H E G R E A T D I G —
T H E B G C O M M U N I T Y G A R D E N
Fran Read
Have you ever been to a “Jerusalem artichoke” hunt? Well, it is
very similar to an “Easter egg” hunt, except the majority of our
“hunters” were in their 80’s and 90’s.
To start at the beginning of this story, the artichoke seeds were
planted in Garden Bed 13 last spring. We watched the plants grow
during the summer months, and as fall approached the beautiful
green stalks had reached 13- to 15-feet high with a stunning yellow
sunflower-like flower at the very top of each stalk.
Once the stalks began dying back in November, and/or after the
first frost, it is time to harvest. As you can imagine, this artichoke
bed had attracted a great deal of attention and questions. Many
people were interested in being a part of the harvesting, as they had
never seen Jerusalem Artichokes and wanted to see how they were
harvested.
I was certainly willing and eager for those interested to see how
the artichokes were dug, but I was a bit nervous to gather a crowd
because I didn’t know whether there were any artichokes in there or
not! There were only six people who knew I was going to dig on
Sunday, December 1, at 3:00 PM (Jeanne Myers and her son Hop,
Joan Bamberg, Frances Grimball, Nell Evans, and Kathy Harms).
As Hop began turning the soil and the artichokes began to surface,
the onlookers began to gather. Within a short period of time, Doug
Plate and Nell Evans’ entire family (husband John, son, daughter,
son-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson) were all excitedly
participating in the “artichoke dig.” The more they found, the deeper
they dug. When they had filled every available bucket, they finally
decided it was time to stop.
None of these individuals were dressed to dig when they arrived,
but, getting caught up in the excitement, they left with dirt under
each fingernail and from the tips of their fingers to their elbows. We
had a great time, laughed a lot, and agreed that it may have been one
of the most fun activities yet in the Community Garden and Park!
It only takes 7½ pounds of artichokes to make one recipe of
artichoke relish, and I came home with 48½ very dirty pounds! The
garden bed is not yet dug out, so if there is anyone who would like
some Jerusalem artichokes, please let me know. I will be glad to
share with you.
Jerusalem artichoke—A knobby edible tuber with white flesh,
eaten as a vegetable. This tall North American plant is closely
related to the sunflower that produces this tuber.
I N
L O V I N G
Arthur “Art” Keene
4/3/1926-11/29/2013
Sara Rittenberg
8/21/1919-12/17/2013
M E M O R Y
Albert “Al” Benjaminson
6/6/1918-12/4/2013
Monica Schiffmacher
2/27/1919-12/19/2013
Page 7
P A R T
1: JAMES ISLAND FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Editorial Staff
The James Island Festival of Lights is a popular attraction for many
families during the Christmas Season. Featuring over 700 displays and two
million lights, the Holiday Festival of Lights is a cherished holiday tradition
for many families throughout Charleston and beyond. From November 8 December 31, James Island County Park comes alive with illumination and
is a great place to capture the magic of the holiday season.
The Holiday Festival of Lights has been recognized around the country
and the world. It was featured as the only U.S. event in Moscow's Festival of Festivals, Coastal Living
recognized it as "One of the Top 10 Holiday Celebrations," the American Bus Association ranked it as "One of
the Top 100 Events in the Nation," and it was most recently named one of the "Top 20 Events in the
Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society.
If you were one of the many who took part in 2013’s Festival of Lights, you most likely saw Bishop
Gadsden’s Praying Hands. The story behind the iconic Praying Hands is one of love and sacrifice and we are
happy to share it with you.
P A R T
2: REPRINT: HISTORY OF THE PRAYING HANDS
Paulette Withington
Albrecht Durer was the father of 18 children. He and his wife lived in the 15th Century
in a small town near Nuremberg, Germany. He was a goldsmith by profession and
worked 18 hours a day to feed and clothe his large family. Two of Albrecht’s sons,
Albert and Albrecht, Jr., inherited their father’s talent in art. Although they longed to
attend the art academy in Nuremberg, they knew their father could never afford to
send either there. So the boys came up with a plan to pay for the expenses themselves.
They decided to flip a coin to determine who would go to the academy for four years
and who would stay behind to work in the local mines, to pay for the cost of the
other’s education. They further planned that when the brother who had won the coin
toss completed his art studies, he would return home and their positions would be
reversed, so the one who stayed behind could finally earn his long-awaited education.
Albrecht won the coin toss and left for Nuremberg, while Albert went down into the dangerous mines.
Albrecht’s work at the academy was accepted and acclaimed almost immediately. His etchings, woodcuts,
and oils were better than most of the students and some of the professors. By the time he graduated, he was
earning fees for his work and doing commissioned work. When he returned home to his village, his family had
a feast to celebrate Albrecht’s success. Albrecht rose from the table and raised a glass to his brother whose
efforts in the mines enabled his success. He looked at his brother lovingly and said, “Now Albert, it is your
turn to pursue your dreams, and I will take care of you.” The family watched as Albert shook his head sadly
and wiped away tears. “No, brother. It is too late for me. Look at what four years in the mines have done to my
hands. The bones in every finger has been smashed at least once, and I have suffered from arthritis in my right
hand so badly that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast. I cannot handle a pen or a brush now. It is
too late for me.”
One day to pay homage to Albert, Albrecht drew his brother’s abused hands with palms together and fingers
raised heavenward. He called his drawing “Hands,” but the world renamed his masterpiece as “The Praying
Hands.” Albrecht Durer’s portraits, copper engravings, silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, and
woodcuts have been displayed in every great museum around the world. But his most famous work has been
reproduced countless times on objects of all sizes and descriptions. You may have a copy in your office or
home. One might be stenciled or painted, but the next time you see this symbol, remember the sacrifice that
was made to create it.
The iconic work of art that symbolizes man’s communication with God will always have unquestionable
appeal. The sacrifice that it took to create The Praying Hands is an instant reminder of the greatest sacrifice
that was made for all mankind.
Page 8
W
H A T
’
S
H
A P P E N I N G
!
K a ti e J ay n e , J e n ny Ju h a s z , C h ri s t y S m it h ,
a n d B a rb a ra R o b i n s o n
Arcadia residents sang Christmas Carols during their Christmas
Show in the Morse Activity Room.
Rosemary Bouvette and family gathered around the
Christmas Tree before entering Winningham Court for
the Annual Cloister Christmas Party.
BG’s Second Annual Festival of
the Wreaths raised $300 for the
Generous Spirit Program. Pictured:
Goodie DiRaddo and her wreath.
Ellen Marckesano with daughter, Ginny, at
the Myers Hall Christmas Party.
Volunteers for Arcadia’s Holiday Sing-Along—left
to right: Bob Eels, Jim Piet, Cynthia Marterre, Joe
DiRaddo, Frances Carlisle, Barbara Robinson, Fran
and Peter Read, Susan Cebulka, and Kathy Harms.
Leila Street and family headed into Winningham
Court for the Annual Cloister Christmas Party.
View the GAB in color on-line at www.bishopgadsden.org/GAB.pdf
Page 9
W
H A T
’
S
H
A P P E N I N G
!
K a t i e J ay ne , J e n n y J uh a s z , C h r i s t y S m it h ,
a n d B a rb a ra R o b i n s o n
**Mark Your 2014 Calendars**
January 4 at 4:00 PM
Rockin’ in the New Year
Morse Activity Room
C h a r l e s t o n J a n u a r y
E v e n t s C a l e n d a r
Please note, these are not Bishop Gadsden events;
therefore, no transportation is provided.
January 3
Mozart, Rossini, & Barber:
Stories & Fairytales
Charleston Symphony Orchestra
723-7528
January 11 at 3:30 PM
Magic Show with VanDoren Magic Co.
Morse Activity Room
January 11
Gullah Rag Quilting Workshop
The Charleston Museum
722-2996
January 13 at 11:00 AM
Firearms in History with Grahame Long
Myers Hall Activity Room
January 11
The Medal of Honor Bowl
Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium
www.mohbowl.com
January 10 at 4:00 PM
Healthcare Fall Series Art Show
Miller Art Loft
January 14 at 4:00 PM
International Piano Series Concert
Bishop Gadsden Chapel
January 16 at 4:00 PM
Higher Keys A Cappella Group
Blackmer Hall
January 20 at 10:45 AM
Book Lovers Group: New York Times Bestsellers
Myers Hall Living Room
January 24 at 10:00 AM
Tour of James Island with Doug Bostick
Departs from Commons Entrance
January 25 at 3:15 PM
Chili Cook-Off
Morse Activity Room
January 26 at 4:00 PM
An Afternoon of Tea and Poetry
Myers Hall Living Room
January 29 4:00 PM
Piano Music with Lisa Smith
Put’s Pub
January 14-15 The Addams Family on Stage
N. Charleston Performing Arts
529-5000
January 14
The Art & Heart of Philanthropy
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
763-7333
January 19
Barry Manilow in Concert
N. Charleston Coliseum
529-5000
January 26
Lowcountry Oyster Roast
Boone Hall Plantation
884-4371
January 31
Black & Blue: An Evening with
Laura Ball
Charleston Convention Center
Ballroom
740-5847
Resident Update Meetings
Myers Hall: Thursday, January 9, at 11:00 AM
Myers Hall Activity Room
Apt/Cottages: Wednesday, January 15, at 10:00 AM
Blackmer Hall
Read Cloister: No Meeting
Page 10
J A N U A R Y
1
2
3
3
4
4
5
6
6
6
6
B I R T H D A Y S
Laura Wallace
Mary Turner
Fran Ireland
Elise Robertson
Anne Ball
Charlie Collins
Mary Robinson
Mary Chitwood
Ruth Cusick
Frances Porcher
Ray Willeford
7
10
10
12
14
14
14
15
18
19
20
Josi Hahn
Cal Calcote
Jane Osborne
Ann Settle
Lucia Childs
Sarah Darwin
John Witsell
Vivian Looms
Barb Burbello
Eve Evans
Beryl Arnold
20 Chet Waldron
21 Lee Baker
21
23
24
24
25
26
30
30
31
Alice Ector
Melba Jones
Jack Bowe
Mary Moore
Bill Harms
Norman Smith
Helen Clement
Gerri Reynolds
June Warner
Welcome New Residents
Alex and Jane Dickson Cheves and Polly Smythe
Ron and Sandy Tedesco
M O V I E S
(FROM THE SENIOR’S PERSPECTIVE)
S a l l i e G o ug h
“The Book Thief” is such a good movie. Although fiction, it is
totally authentic in the setting (small town in Nazi Germany)
and the history. The strength, love, loyalty, courage, and
sacrifice of the family are inspiring. Unusual is that the movie
is narrated by Death. Death’s final statement is “I am haunted
by humans.”
The film “Philomena” is a heartfelt and moving experience.
Judi Dench is fully aged and wrinkled, yet proud and beautiful.
The movie is done excellently. The convent nuns of the
orphanage are unsympathetic, intolerant, and inflexible.
I wonder if Roman Catholics would like the movie.
Because “The Hunger Games” may be the biggest
blockbuster of all time, we had to see what is driving this
frenzy. We had seen the first one last year, and this second
one follows on it so closely that if you had forgotten the
characters, you were slightly bewildered. This one stops
rather abruptly, and next year the third will be coming out.
Reasonably entertaining, and not overblown with special
effects.
We read the newspaper’s movie reviews and were surprised
to see that “Anchorman II” had earned four stars. Well, we
have now lost all faith in that reviewer. The movie was stupid and pure drivel. That’s not worth four stars in
my book. Even the popcorn could not redeem the movie.
“American Hustle” deserves every star. It’s a wonderfully entertaining, fun, intelligent, amusing movie. If
you liked the movie, “The Sting,” you’ll enjoy this a lot. We loved every bit of it.
Another movie we absolutely adored is “Saving Mr. Banks.” It’s everything I look for in a movie…
heartwarming, charming, intelligent, amusing, terrific acting. I adore Tom Hanks, and “Saving Mr. Banks” is
my favorite movie of the year!
Page 11
W A I T
...DON’T TAKE DOWN THAT TREE!
T h e R ev . F r a n k R u s s , C h a p l a i n
When do the Twelve Days of Christmas end? Many think
the 12-day period is a countdown to Christmas, beginning on
December 13. Christmas is actually a 12-day season,
beginning on December 25 and ending on January 5. For this
reason the chapel is not decorated until just days before
Christmas. And liturgically, Christmas carols are not sung
until the 12 days of Christmas.
Several feast days are observed during the Christmas season:
the Feast of St. Stephen on December 26, the Feast of St. John
on December 27, and the Holy Innocence (commemorating the
infants slain by Herod) observed on December 28. The Church celebrates New Year’s Day by observing the
Feast of the Holy Name on January 1, which recalls the naming of Jesus eight days after his birth.
So there is much remaining to be celebrated after Christmas Day. I hope each year you will observe this
holy season that only begins on Christmas Day.
What is Epiphany? The Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated on January 6. Epiphany means “the
manifestation of God” and emphasizes the means and ways that God was revealed through Christ. On the Day
of the Epiphany the commemoration of the visitation of the Magi is celebrated. They represent the first
Gentiles to whom the Christ Child was revealed. This year the Epiphany falls on a Monday, and there will be
a celebration of the Holy Eucharist on that day at 10:30 AM in the Chapel. Please join us!
Allow me to wish you all a very joyous and bountiful New Year!
Y O U R
’ COUNCIL AT WORK
Marilou Watts
R E S I D E N T S
All during the 2013 holiday season, the committees of your Residents’ Council had meetings and solved
problems—generally trying to make the good things we enjoy here better.
The Residents’ Council formally approved the Community Garden Committee’s becoming a sub-committee
of the Environmental Services Committee. The Dining Services Committee finds the dress code for Sunday
Brunch an issue still, as seating is at 1 PM. Dining management representatives attend the council meetings
and are aware of these problems. There are plans to correct them. The Village Shop with all its many
volunteers did good pre-Christmas business. Administration and Finance Committee reports occupancy rates
are high and all objectives are met.
The new committee chairmen for 2014 are now looking for members. So if you are of mind to contribute to
the Bishop Gadsden experience, get on a committee and work with your friends and neighbors to make this
great place even better.
A N N U A L R E S I D E N T A S S I S T A N C E G I V I N G
B Y B I S H O P G A D S D E N R E S I D E N T S
Kimberly Farfone Borts, Dir. of Development/PR
Last July, the Gadsden GAB published a list of those residents that had supported the Annual Resident
Assistance Fund from January 1 through June 30, 2013.
Please note that in the February 2014 issue of the Gadsden GAB, we will publish a complete list that will
include all the names of resident donors from January 1, 2013—December 31, 2013. This information will
again appear in the 2013 Annual Report, which is set to be published in the second quarter of 2014.
We thank all the donors who gave to the 2013 Annual Fund for Resident Assistance; at the time of printing
this GAB, the 2013 Annual Fund had raised more than $230,000 from donations from residents, staff, families,
and friends! A much needed effort in serving those residents who required Resident Assistance in 2013, thank
you!
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #032
www.bishopgadsden.org
P A Y I N G
I T
F O R W A R D
S a l l i e G o ug h
A lovely thing happened in Eliza’s Attic on a recent Saturday before
Christmas. Four large, comfortable, and handsome chairs had been
donated. The two in the best condition sold right away for $50 each. The
last two were marked down to $40 each since there was minor fraying on
the arms. A young employee of Bishop Gadsden came in and knew
immediately that one of the chairs was perfect for his home. He asked if
the Attic could hold it for him until the next week when he would be paid.
Attic policy requires that a hold of any merchandise be made with a
down payment. When asked what he could put down on the chair, the
young employee said he had no money at all. He would have to hope the
chair would be still available after the next payday.
A shopper in the Attic, not one of our residents, immediately pulled $10 of out her pocketbook and gave it to
him for a down payment on the chair. He was quite overwhelmed.
It was just a lovely spontaneous act of kindness, so perfect at Christmastime.
The Gadsden GAB is a monthly publication written by and for the residents of Bishop Gadsden.
Frances Porcher,
Editor
Kimberly Farfone,
Managing Editor
Emmy Lou Anderson
Walt Ector
Noel Ferguson
Sallie Gough
Katharine Harms
Katie Jayne
Vince Lannie
Stephanie Ochipinti
Marilou Watts