All Posts By

Francis McGill

Dec 17
0

Residents Share Stories in Moth-Style Slam Event

By | Blog, Events

It has to be true. It has to be told from your perspective. And, oh yes, you have to tell it live with no notes.

Those are the three main rules for Moth-style storytelling. Sounds intimidating, right? Nevertheless a group of Wake Robin residents learned the art in the Moth-style Storytelling Workshop as part of Inquire, Wake Robin’s lifelong learning this semester.

The workshop would culminate in a spotlighted live performance in Wake Robin’s brand new Meeting Room.

Discovering the Meaning of a Good Story

Sue Schmidt breaking down the composition of a story.

The workshops began in October and were led by comedic storyteller Sue Schmidt.

Sue is a master Moth storyteller and a big believer in the power of storytelling. As she writes on her website, stories “connect us to each other and define who we are, where we have been, and where we hope to go.”

Wake Robin residents gathered with Sue on Thursday afternoons and unpacked what makes a good story. For one: raise the stakes. What do you stand to gain or lose in your story? Perhaps of more importance: start with an opening line that takes hold of the audience’s imagination. Other key elements Sue stressed to her Wake Robin students included knowing your intention for the story and connecting with the audience through vulnerability.

Testing Boundaries

The storytellers performed in front of a packed crowd in Wake Robin’s brand new Meeting Room!

Many residents doubted whether they could perform live, worrying about remembering and properly delivering their tales. Some were much more comfortable writing down their stories and were challenged by translating them into spoken word. On top of that, there was a time limit, only 5 minutes per story.

During practice, residents kept honing their tales, and Sue, as a seasoned storyteller, had some well-informed advice – embrace your fear.

Performance Night

A Wake Robin artist delivering her slam story

Residents mustered the courage to share their tales live on stage. Alone in the spotlight, each one shared tales that moved the audience. Stories ranged from helping a cow in distress to a serendipitous cab ride!

After the cheers and applause, the Wake Robin storytellers stood on the stage with their teacher for a memorable photo.

Reflecting on the entire process, one workshop member commented, “It was a really great experience because afterwards everyone knew more deeply about the others. And that helps strengthen our community.”

Such is the power of storytelling here at Wake Robin.

To learn more about Moth storytelling, you can visit their website. 

The Moth-style storytellers and teacher Sue Schmidt.

 

Nov 22
2

Wake Robin Wins 2019 Workforce Innovation Award

By | News

Wake Robin HR Director Anne Levesque accepts the Workforce Innovation Award from the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce

We are extremely excited to announce that Wake Robin was honored as The 2019 Workforce Innovation Award recipient during the 109th Annual Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce Dinner. This was the first year The Workforce Innovation Award had been presented and Wake Robin was honored to be one of many organizations to be nominated.  Human Resources Director Anne Levesque accepted the award and shared with the audience some thoughts on the many creative efforts the Wake Robin community consistently realize.

Anne Levesque poses with Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, LCRCC Chair of the Board of Directors Kurt Gruendling, Vermont Lt. Governor David Zuckerman, U.S. Congressman Peter Welch, Kim Anderson, and Vermont Governor Phil Scott and others at the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner.

The Chamber’s press release on VT Digger described the Workforce Innovation Award as celebrating a “business that is ahead of the curve in retaining and building their future workforce, recognizing achievements in diversity and inclusion, employee retention and training, collaboration with other institutions and businesses, and innovative practices that benefit their employees, and in turn our community.” Wake Robin’s unique performance reviews, described as  “Job Talk”, and its on-campus opportunities to advance skills, were just a few of the reasons The Chamber delivered the 2019 Workforce Innovation Award to Vermont’s only nonprofit Life Plan Community.

We’re grateful for the recognition and will continue to develop innovative ways to attract employees and residents to our caring community. Congratulations to a fantastic, hard-working team!

HR Director Anne Levesque delivers Wake Robin’s acceptance speech

Nov 11
0

What’s in a Name? The Origin Story of “Wake Robin”

By | Blog

Before Wake Robin became Wake Robin, it was just an idea of two visionaries.

They may not have known it in 1983, but Wake Robin founders Stokes and Mary Jane Gentry began planting seeds that, years later, would blossom into Vermont’s only nonprofit Life Plan Community.

The story goes like this.  Stokes and Mary Jane were returning from their 30th reunion weekend at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. During their stay, they visited nearby CCRCs that were guided by Quaker principles. The Gentrys were deeply impressed, and they both agreed that it would be “wonderful to have something like this in Vermont!” So began the challenging journey toward Wake Robin.

Entrance sign to the community

Back in Vermont, Stokes and Mary Jane gathered like-minded people to form the Founding Committee. The group of 32 people began conducting research, exploring the different models of CCRCs, and sending out surveys to gauge interest.

The Committee’s hard work paid off. They generated the Founding Principles which still shape Wake Robin today. Perhaps no more important was the first principle: “Belief in the dignity, independence, and worth of each individual.”

By 1985, the Committee received 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation status from the IRS. A series of important tasks lay ahead. But before they could get ahead of themselves, they had to name the nascent community.

From the recent publication, What’s Next? The Continuing Journey of the Wake Robin Life Care Community, by Lynn Bond and Jacqueline Weinstock, the origin story is chronicled as thus: “the Founding Committee devoted great care and much thought to naming their new nonprofit corporation.” The founding members connected strongly to nature and environmental values, and so they wanted to have a place-based name that correlated to the experience of the Vermont landscape.

Why the name Wake Robin?

The founders foreshadowed the emphasis we have on active aging today. For, in keeping with a naturalist approach, they selected “Wake Robin” as the community’s name. A red variety of the trillium plant, Wake Robin are among the first wildflowers that blanket the forest floor in spring. The founders were not interested in making this a retirement community, but rather, like the trillium plant itself, as a community of new growth.

The Wake Robin trillium, first sign of spring!

Wake Robin founding member Cathy Yandell, explained the name choice this way: “[We] felt that the bond between people and plants was indeed a strong one – that the carpets of trillium, white and red, together with the name Wake Robin could carry the message of spring throughout the year.”

So even as we approach the winter months, among residents there remains a strong conviction in growth and renewal. It is the essential Wake Robin way.

Oct 28
0

Spotlight: Sondra Brooker

By | People of Wake Robin

Sondra Brooker is a woman of many talents. She bakes, cuts hair, and may even be a dog whisperer.

Beloved by the Wake Robin community, Sondra just started her 23rd year as an employee: 22 years in dining services, and this her first year as Wake Robin’s salon hair stylist.

Wake Robin’s multi-talented hair stylist Sondra Brooker

Hospitality runs in Sondra’s family. Her grandparents owned and operated a summer restaurant in Ticonderoga for years; Sondra would often help out.

At Wake Robin, she worked her way up from dining server to floor manager, and oversaw lunch and dinner, which usually served over a 120 people a day. “I just loved the fast pace of it. Interacting with the residents and making them happy.”

When Wake Robin needed a new hair stylist, Sondra jumped at the opportunity. She earned her hair dressing license at O’Brien’s College of Cosmetology, and has been cutting hair for family, friends, and private clients ever since high school. Sondra’s part of a longstanding tradition: her grandfather was a barber in Italy!

Sondra’s passion for hair cutting relates to her love of baking. “They’re both a precision thing,” she said.

Now Sondra enjoys a lakeside window view and gets to know and appreciate residents better. The salon will soon have a makeover and feature new flooring and seating.

Once the renovations are completed, the salon will be open every Tuesday through Friday, from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Walk by during this time and you’ll usually hear laughter or good conversation!

Summing it up, Sondra said, “You always need to eat and you always need a haircut.” She’s provided both, which is why she’s such a valued member of the Wake Robin family.

 

Oct 21
1

Wake Robin Hosts Autumn Informational Gatherings

By | Events, News

There might not be a better time to visit campus when the foliage is peaking in red and orange colors.

It was appropriate then that Wake Robin held two informational gatherings for prospective residents this October.

Residents sharing their experiences at Wake Robin

Folks interested in Vermont’s first and only Life Plan Community arrived at the Community Center for a breakfast spread, good conversation, and to hear from current residents. Director of Marketing, MaryBeth Dudley, kicked the event off by sharing the history of our Continuing Care Retirement Community. Then, taking center stage by the fireside, a panel of residents discussed what they love about Wake Robin and why they chose this active community. Depositors asked great questions about lifestyle, care, and transitioning into the community.

Potential residents enjoying the lake view from Maple!

After breakfast, the visiting groups toured the Maple apartments (where they had a stunning view of Lake Champlain)…and were even given a tour of the renovated ground floor of the Community Center!

Expect more events like this to be hosted by the marketing department next year. To schedule your own personal tour, send us a message, or please call 802-264-5100.

 

 Touring a Maple apartment

 Touring the nearly-finished Meeting Room!

Oct 21
0

Wake Robin Residents Win ChampBot Competition

By | Events, News

It took months of tinkering and testing, testing, testing. But the “Geezer Bot” team was focused on bringing home a victory for Wake Robin.

At the Champlain Mini Maker Faire held at Shelburne Farms, residents Ed Cobb, Steve Silverman, and Jim Wick competed in The ChampBot Challenge, an opportunity in which teams build a remote controlled aquatic robot to swim the waters of Lake Champlain and navigate obstacles.

Some of the challenges included: feeding their baby Champetta (female), setting fire to their enemy robots, and hiding from danger by submerging!

Not only did the Wake Robin squad finish in first place, earning a $1500 prize, but they also won the popular vote cast by the Faire’s audience. It may have helped that there were many enthusiastic Wake Robin residents in the crowd.

Jim Wick at the helm

Champetta and the team were the talk of the town.

The Shelburne News ran a story about their ChampBot victory and the team appeared live on MyChamplainValley news.

Check them both out in their respective hyperlinks!

Champetta breathing fire!

Sep 20
0

Recreation Services Continue to Expand Programming for Health Center Residents

By | Blog

A note from Wake Robin’s Recreation Services Manager, Andrea Longe, ACC/SMC, CDP

The Recreation Department continues to focus our efforts on customizing our cultural enrichment programs, both on and off campus. We have placed an emphasis on individualizing our practice and branching out beyond the Linden Health Center. We continue ongoing conversations with residents in Linden about their interests and develop programming based upon their response.

Many of the program additions are collaborative offerings that include the entire Wake Robin Community, because friendships should not be limited based upon the location of your home. We are very excited to offer more opportunities that include our friends in the Independent Living community and challenge the traditional health center/nursing home boundaries.

Group gathers outside historic house

Linden and IL residents touring the Hildene Lincoln Family Home

An example of these collaborative offerings is the recent trip residents took to Manchester, Vermont. We visited the Hildene Lincoln Family Home on a beautiful summer day for a guided tour and lunch. Everyone enjoyed the company and camaraderie.

So much of our well-being is based upon our social circles and our abilities to feel purpose. When facing a level of care change, the social self is often quite fragile. We see it as a necessity for us to continue to offer opportunities that stretch beyond a person’s limitations. Some of our most recent program additions have touched upon that very need, from a group of Linden residents who make sandwiches for Committee on Temporary Shelter, to a cohort who together each week take classes in The Great Courses educational art series.

A group makes sandwiches

Linden residents prepare sandwiches for COTS Burlington.

We are happy to share with anyone information about our initiatives. Please be in touch, and we look forward to speaking with you!

Andrea Longe, ACC/SMC, CDP
Recreation Services Manager
alonge@wakerobin.com (802)264-5149

Aug 21
0

Summer Fun Chronicles Part II

By | Blog, Events

Circus Smirkus Wows Linden Health Center Residents

The contortionist performers

Non-Profit Circus Arts Group Draws Oohs and Aahs

Wake Robin celebrated Carnival Day this month. The main event excited the entire Wake Robin Community, and a group of impressive young performers dazzled the resident audience. The group’s name? Circus Smirkus… and folks cannot stop talking about them!

What is Circus Smirkus?

Circus Smirkus is a nonprofit arts and education organization based in Greensboro, Vermont. Its mission promotes the skills, culture, and traditions of the traveling circus, and inspires youth to engage in life-changing adventures in the circus arts. Camp staff teach children of all ages (and even adults!) acrobatics, clowning, aerials, and much more.

Accordingly, participants of Circus Smirkus have a fun and unforgettable camp experience. We encourage you to view their Circus Smirkus Camp Experience video.

Juggling several batons

A Riveting Show in Wake Robin’s Juniper Garden

In the Juniper Garden on a beautiful summer morning, a troupe of youngsters performed several fantastic feats. There was juggling, flipping, dancing, and even human pyramids! The performers synchronized their every move, offered humorous dialogue, and simply delighted the crowd with their energy.

What is even more impressive, is that the road show performance is part of the summer camp series which lasts for only 3 weeks! The first half of camp is spent learning and mastering the routine while the remaining time is dedicated to area performances.

Flip!

During the finale, the performers bowed to raucous applause. Each Circus Smirkus member announced where they hailed from; one teen lived close by, in Charlotte, while a couple of others grew up in Washington D.C. and Florida.

Afterward, the group of teenagers had a chance to introduce themselves and visit with residents.

Thanks to Recreation Services

Above all, Carnival Day created an atmosphere of cheer and conviviality. Both residents and staff enjoyed good company, good treats (think fried dough!), and a wonderful performance. We must thank Recreation Service Manager Andrea Longe, ACC/SMC, CDP, who coordinated the entire day.

Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post about future Linden Health Center programming!

 

Jul 31
0

Summer Fun Chronicles Part I

By | Blog

Wake Robin Residents take to Lake Champlain

 

Wake Robin residents insist on an active lifestyle. On land, and on sea.

As a result, Wake Robin residents gathered at the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory pier to board Melosira, UVM’s research and teaching vessel. 45-feet long and weighing 18 tons, Melosira has been uncovering the mysteries of Lake Champlain since 1987.

The Wake Robin crew 

Captain Steve Cluett steered the ship and helped the Wake Robin mariners identify the fascinating elements of the lake’s ecosystem. During the two-plus hour tour, residents took and measured water samples, saw how the boat’s computer system gathered data in real time, and examined small water species in Petri dishes.

Besides scientific endeavors, residents also enjoyed the sheer beauty of the Adirondack Mountains; the captain even directed Melosira north so the Wake Robin crew could witness the dramatic rock face at Rock Point, located in Burlington.

Perfect day to be on the water!

Along with the boat tour, Wake Robin has a slate of summer fun activities ahead. Outings to Shelburne Farms, Shelburne Museum, the Lincoln Family Hildene Estate and many others make for an adventurous time here at Wake Robin.

Stay tuned for more summer fun chronicles!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jul 24
1

Gems of Wake Robin: Tree Marker Plaques

By | Blog

Gems of Wake Robin: Tree Marker Plaques

2014 was a BIG year at Wake Robin. It marked the 20th anniversary for Vermont’s first Life Plan Community. Rightly so, residents and staff celebrated the occasion in a variety of ways.

A map of all the tree markers on campus

Five years later, one particular commemoration still lives on: tree marker plaques. Spread around our wooded campus, the tree marker plaques were put up not only to educate, but also to honor Wake Robin’s commitment to natural conservation. A total of eighteen different trees — from Vermont’s quintessential Sugar Maple, to the appropriately named Shagbark Hickory — were cataloged, described in detail by their features, and given a plaque.

How it Began

Wake Robin’s lead landscaper Peter Hausermann and resident named Mary spearheaded the project. They both wanted to identify trees that the buildings on campus were named after.

Mary remembers hatching the idea after seeing tree markers from the Audubon Society. Since Wake Robin values green living, Mary thought: why not do the same here?

The project was meticulous, taking over two years to complete. Mr. Hausermann identified the trees, while Mary and a committee researched tree information, and the Wake Robin wood shop built the backings and posts for the plaques. The Wake Robin Residents Association funded the project.

“Walk Along the Tree Trails” Celebration

The Shagbark Hickory plaque

Wake Robin hosted residents and priority depositors for a “Walk Along the Tree Trails” event as part of an ecological exhibit that toured the wooden grounds. Mr. Hausermann capped the event with a presentation on tree history and land enrichment as Wake Robin moved from year one, to year twenty.

“One of the beauties of Wake Robin is that it allows people to have close access to nature,” he said.

Next time you go for a stroll take a moment to notice all the different trees you are passing. There is always so much to learn, and so many to see here at Wake Robin.