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woodbury mews in the News
By Kelly Roncace
June 05, 2010, 2:07AM
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Staff photo by Kelly RoncaceNoami Biggs, (left) and Walter Trakimas were crowned 2010 Prom King and Queen at the Woodbury High School Interact Club's 4th annual Senior Prom held at Woodbury Mews.For most teenagers, Memorial Day weekend means pool parties, cookouts or trips to the Jersey Shore. |
However, the members of the Woodbury High School Interact Club kicked off their summer by hosting the 4th annual Senior Prom for the residents at the Woodbury Mews Retirement Community.
Maria Lario, Woodbury High School English teacher and Interact Club advisor, said the club is a service organization sponsored by the local Rotary Club.
“The Interact Club, like the Rotary Club, wants to make the community, region and world a better place,” Lario said. “We accomplish this by doing service projects.”
She said a former student, Erin Gassner, suggested hosting a Senior Prom for the residents and the event has gone off without a hitch for four years.
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Staff photos by Lori M. NicholsNicholas Schoning, a senior in the Interact Club of Woodbury High School, sets up the community room for the senior prom organized for Woodbury Mews residents. |
Interact Club president Zoe Mowl, a junior, said the prom is one of the club’s main projects.
“We visit throughout the year,” Mowl said. “It makes them happy that we take time out to talk to them. We love to talk and dance and have fun.”
Chelsea Murphy, club sergeant at arms and also a junior, said she enjoys participating in the event as well.
“I love helping,” she said. “It feels good and brightens up their day.”
This year’s prom theme was Mardi Gras.
“The kids did all the decorating themselves,” Lario said. “They did a great job.”
She said the club holds fundraisers throughout the school year to raise money to purchase decorations, food and souvenirs for the residents.
“Our main fundraiser is a volleyball tournament in March,” Lario said.
Mews resident Virginia Aydt attended this year’s event.
“This helps keep them connected to the community and it keeps them busy,” Aydt said.
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Chelsea Murphy, (left), and Zoe Mowl, set up the community room for the senior prom the club organized for Woodbury Mews residents. |
Each year a prom king and queen are crowned, and this year two more residents received the honor. Walter Trakimas was crowned 2010 Prom King and Naomi Biggs was crowned Prom Queen.
“Would anyone like to dance?” asked freshman Dan Shamlian, who then escorted Biggs to the dance floor.
“They are a great group of kids,” Lario said. “They really get out there and mingle with the residents.”
Line dances, slow dances, spinning and dipping kept the residents and students entertained during the event.
One student shared the true meaning behind the event.
“We’re here to give back to those who gave to us when we were growing up — and to have fun.”
By Kelly Roncace
There have been countless inspirational quotes written about the trials and tribulations of motherhood. But, if you’re looking for some sound advice on this Mother’s Day, there’s no better source than a mom with several years of experience behind her.
Recently, some Woodbury Mews Retirement Community residents gathered to discuss Mother’s Day, stir up memories and offer their motherly advice on parenthood.
Virginia Aydt
Eighty-seven-year-old Virginia Aydt, mother of two, grandmother of two and great-grandmother to one, grew up in Collingswood and moved to Woodbury after World War II. She has lived at the Mews for six years.
“Mother’s Day makes me think of my own mother and grandmother,” she said. “It also means loving and caring and doing your best, and tough love sometimes.”
Aydt’s first daughter was born in 1949.
“The first Mother’s Day was the most memorable, but they are all special, especially when the kids write little cards of their own making,” she remembered. “It’s precious.”
As for favorite gifts on the special day, Aydt said no present is better than her children.
“Being a mom is one of the greatest things ever, even with all the bumps in the road,” she said.
View full sizeStaff photo by Tim HawkJoan Dolcebac, (left), and Virginia Aydt pose for a picture at Woodbury Mews.
Even though times are very different now from when she was raising her children, Aydt said she did have to work outside the home and strived to spend as much quality time with her daughters as she could. One thing she did was teach responsibility.
“I would get things for dinner ready a day ahead of time and have the oldest start it,” she said.
When Aydt arrived home, she would help her daughter and was able to spend time with her in the kitchen.
Aydt said she is glad she doesn’t have the challenge of raising a child in today’s times.
“There’s so much temptation out there, so pray a lot,” she said. “The best advice I have is tell them that you love them. Ours was a generation that didn’t speak it, but we showed it. You need to tell your children.”
Joan Dolcebac
Joan Dolcebac, 79, mother of four, grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of four, said to “live one day at a time” is her best advice to offer other moms.
“Learn from your mistakes, they’re the stepping stones of life, and pass your positive attitude on to your children,” Dolcebac said. “We’re their first teachers.”
Being a mother comes with no instructions, she said.
“My mother was my inspiration,” Dolcebac said. “To me, Mother’s Day means gratitude, love and caring.”
Her first of four children was born 56 years ago, and she agreed there are many “growing lumps” along the way.
“Once I was sitting in the living room and here came a six-pack of beer down from upstairs outside the window,” she said, laughing and remembering. “Oh, the stories I could tell. The teenage years were hard to deal with.”
Mother’s Day 2010
Now, after more than 50 years of motherhood, both Aydt and Dolcebac plan to spend time with their children this year, as they have every year since they gave birth.
“I’m going to be with my two daughters Saturday for lunch,” Aydt said.
Dolcebac said her son-in-law traditionally hosts a get-together to celebrate all the moms in his life, including his wife.
“I like the idea that my son-in-law cooks for his mom and for me,” she said. “He’s a good cook, so it’s nice.”
Other residents offer their advice to mothers:
Eleanor Baldwin, a mother of five, said:
“Talk to your children, share everything about your life with them, teach them to be honest, decent human beings, and to have a good disposition.”
Pauline Nicgorski, who has 10 grandchildren, said:
“Motherhood is a blessing and the greatest joy is when you hold the baby in your arms for the first time. The best advice is always lead by example and savor every moment.”
Rosemary Mazer, a mother of four, said:
“Enjoy them while they are young — they grow up very fast.”
Doris Lomax, who has five great-grandchildren, said:
“Make their home safe and happy.”
Staff photo by Tim Hawk
Joan Dolcebac, (left), and Virginia Aydt pose for a picture at Woodbury Mews.
Starting today, Pauline Jonas will bring culture and art to the Woodbury Mews Retirement Community through the “Life of Various Artists and Their Work” program.
Woodbury Mews Executive Director Kelly O’Neil said the first time they offered a program such as this was last fall.
“It was well received,” O’Neil said. “It’s a nice way to bring a cultural event to the residents.”
Course presenter Pauline Jonas, art consultant for Deptford Township, said she presents an art film which focuses on different artists once a month at the Mews.
“They really enjoy it,” Jonas said.
O’Neil said previously the average class had about 25 participants.
“We have a lot of people interested in this course,” O’Neil said.
Jonas said the first film features well-known pop artist Andy Warhol.
“They are very receptive,” Jonas said of the residents. “It stirs memories of when they went out to art museums. I think it fills a need in them for exposure to art.”
She said the next film, scheduled for April 13, will feature sculptor Henry Moore.
“They are exposed to different aspects of art, including modern and classical,” Jonas said.
Later this spring, participants will study dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov in a film titled “Baryshnikov Dances Sinatra and More,” which also features dancers from the American Ballet Theater.
“Baryshnikov is a very well known classical ballet dancer. It shows him doing classical dances to some Sinatra songs, but then he changes to a more modern ballet with dancer Twyla Tharp,” Jonas said.
She explained that modern ballet is totally different than the classical movements.
The Woodbury Mews Retirement Community presents a program for the residents called, "Life of Various Artists and Their Work.' The program features films of artists, including sculptor Henry Moore and pop artist Andy Warhol.
Even though she doesn’t care for modern ballet as interpreted by Tharp, Jonas enjoys exposing program participants to new and different forms of art.
“Sometimes they don’t like it, but they are still participatory,” she said. “They’re very open minded. I love these people.”
Jonas doesn’t consider herself a teacher, but rather a lover of art.
“Sometimes they bring in articles about artists,” she said. “It’s just sharing. I learn as much from them as they learn from me.”
Jonas also presents art films once a month and curates art shows at the Deptford Township Municipal Building.
AARP DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE AT WOODBURY MEWS- A WATERMARK COMMUNITY Tuesday, April 27 & Wednesday, April 28
Woodbury, NJ (March 2, 2010) – Vision, hearing, and even certain medications can affect a person’s driving skills. Woodbury Mews – a Watermark community will host the informative two-part AARP Defensive Driving Course on Tuesday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For AARP members, the cost is $12 and $14 for non-members (please make checks payable to AARP). Participants are required to attend both days to receive a certificate of completion, which in some cases, can be submitted to auto insurers for a discount. Individuals should check with their insurers to see if this discount applies to their own policies.
Lunch will be provided for everyone registered.
To sign up or learn more, call Woodbury Mews at 856-432-4783 by April 20.
Presenter Joe Palma will teach helpful strategies for drivers to stay safe on city streets, and rural roads and highways in good or inclement weather. He will also provide a refresher on how to deal with vehicle break-downs, handling aggressive drivers, and other general road safety tips.
Worried about the weight of so much snow from the previous storm, Michael, the maintenance director, took on the task of shoveling the roof on Tuesday in order to prepare for Tuesday night’s snow. (The Executive Director’s Blackberry is still lost somewhere inside one of last Saturday’s snow drifts.)
To cover for associates who couldn’t make it in for their shifts, many associates worked varied shifts and duties while getting an hour or two of sleep on a sofa or chair.
WOODBURY — Recently, the Woodbury Mews Retirement Community’s crochet and knitting club made a donation of six hand-made quilts and blankets to Project Linus through the Kennedy Health System.
The seniors spent many hours creating the security blankets for Project Linus, a national volunteer organization that serves children from infants to teenagers, who are traumatized and seriously ill. Traditionally, the group makes donations of their hand-made blankets several times a year to help children in need.
By Kelly Lin
The habit of picking up a telephone and speaking to a friend, or sitting down with a pen and paper to scribe a letter to a loved one is becoming more rare.
These days, many people keep in touch via the Internet.
Even local senior citizens are getting in on the Web networking craze through a Watermark University course being offered at the Woodbury Mews Senior Living Community in Woodbury.
Kelly O’Neill, executive director at Woodbury Mews, said the introductory course has been up and running for two weeks now.
“It’s not real big yet,” she said. “It’s more just people trying to figure out what it is.”
She said residents who have their own computers and use it to pay bills and send e-mail have more of a comfort level with social networking sites.
seniornet.jpgView full sizeKelly O'Neill, executive director of Woodbury Mews, teaches residents how to use Facebook. Below, a screen capture of the social networking Web site is shown. Staff photo by Lori M. Nichols
Kathy Wise, executive director of Blue Bell Place, a Watermark community in Pennsylvania, created the course to help her residents find people from their past.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” she said.
The social networking class was inspired by other courses she was teaching.
“We were doing e-mail classes, and Internet 101,” she said. “Then I showed them there are so many cool things you can do just by having an e-mail address.”
She said several residents own a computer and were fine with the new concepts, but others were apprehensive until she showed them “how easy it is.”
O’Neill said she is teaching the course and using her own, personal Facebook page for demonstrations.
“They had a ball with that,” she said of the residents viewing her pictures and Web page.
O’Neill said the residents are still working to get comfortable with the technology, but they are learning that using social networking sites to stay in touch with family and friends can be rewarding.
Wise said one Blue Bell Place resident got interested in Facebook so she could see her great- granddaughter as often as she wants.
Facebookscreen.jpgView full size
“Her grandson, who lives in Washington, just had a baby and she never gets to see her,” Wise explained. “So we set up a page for her.”
Wise said Facebook not only keeps residents in touch with people who may be far away, but also creates a common bond between them and visitors.
“When the grandchildren come in to visit, they can look things up together,” she said. “Reactions from the families are hysterical. They love the idea.”
She said she is also interested in linking residents from other Watermark communities together through social networking.
“I would love to get residents from other communities to become pen pals,” Wise said. “It’s going to take time for them to get comfortable with it, but it’s going to grow bigger and bigger.”
Watermark Retirement Communities director of communications Jill Hofer said the organization strives to be innovative in the approach to retirement and always hopes to “break the mold.”
“Kathy’s success in teaching these Facebook and social media skills to residents is a wonderful demonstration of the educational programming available at all Watermark Retirement Communities,” Hofer said. “We’re thrilled that all our Philadelphia area communities will offer this same class in the upcoming Watermark University fall semester.”
He isn't the only one who can claim the unofficial title of "Mr. Woodbury." Jack Scott, the whirlwind volunteer, has carried the tag for years. Former Mayor Don Sanderson, too.
But Bill Riskie, although perhaps not the visible community servant Scott has been nor a public servant of Sanderson's considerable profile, gets more than his share of votes at Woodbury Mews, where he resides.
And if you put the rap on Woodbury for its downtown struggles in Riskie's presence, you're itching for a fight. He loves his hometown.
"They'll have to contend with me," says Riskie, who turned 87 on Monday and has lived in the city 82 of those years. "Things are on the move here. I have only optimistic feelings about my town."
"My" town. That gives you just a hint of his allegiance.
Bill and his older brothers Harry Jr. and Ed (both deceased) moved to Woodbury from Philadelphia with their parents, Harry Sr. and Elizabeth, in 1926. Each of the Riskie boys graduated from Woodbury High School and each served in World War II.
Describing himself as "a young, untrained bank clerk," Bill left his job at Philadelphia National Bank in 1942 and enlisted in the Army. He was assigned a military ordnance post, relying on his typing and other non-mechanical skills. He served stateside in California and North Carolina before being shipped out to Portsmouth, England for one year and then on to tenure in Paris. "Lucky duty," he admits.
Discharged in January 1946, Riskie walked in the front door of his Ford Avenue home in North Woodbury and was greeted by his mother: "Oh, hello, Bill, your old room is ready for you."
Bill went back to Philadelphia National, training this time for loan work, and embarked on a long and successful banking career that embraced three states and concluded in Gloucester County near his home.
He was with the Philly bank for 30 years, until 1976, resigning as vice president. Next stop, the Bank of New Jersey in Camden, where he was senior vice president and remained six years.
The country was in the throes of a recession. "It was a tough time for banking," Riskie says. "The bank was sold and I helped sell my department to another bank."
Early retirement crossed his mind but Riskie wasn't finished with banking. An old friend convinced him to commute by bus to New York City three days a week to be vice president of Banker's Trust, where for six years he was active in financing equipment. "My bag in banking," he says. When Banker's sold to Fleet in the late 1980s, Riskie again pondered retirement but was talked into remaining with Fleet in its Cherry Hill office.
Then, after all those years of commuting to Philadelphia and New York, Riskie actually retired -- briefly.
The Bank of Gloucester County's 1-2 tandem of Scott Kintzing and Warner Knobe convinced Riskie, then 73, to join them in their North Woodbury main branch to review commercial loans.
"Old bankers die or become consultants," Riskie laughs. "I lived just a few blocks from The Bank and enjoyed the six years. But it was time somebody put me out to pasture. So I finally retired in 1995."
Riskie says his banking career was enhanced significantly by the 10 years he spent attending Penn's Wharton evening school before and after the war.
But there has been much more to Bill Riskie's rich life than banking. Mentored by Mike McGuinness, he served two terms on Woodbury council in the 1950s before his busy banking career took precedence. "We did a lot on council," he says, citing a new police station and development of the lakes and parks system.
He joined Woodbury Exchange, serving a term as president. Over the years he has volunteered for Main Street Woodbury, Woodbury Olde City Restoration Committee and the Mental Health Association of Southwestern New Jersey as treasurer and director. He was on the committee that brought the World War II Memorial to Evergreen Avenue.
Riskie and close friend Dr. Jim Kehler started Big Band Productions Inc. and brought bands like Sammy Kaye to the county. A church member for 58 years, Riskie served as St. Stephen's Lutheran Church council president.
Riskie recalls when 100 passenger trains came through Woodbury in a single day. He doesn't think the return of trains will bring many shoppers.
"I want to see the trains come back but I see Woodbury's rebirth coming anyway," says Riskie, recalling the city's halycon days when Broad Street was bustling. "Local groups are working hard toward that end. Within five years, I see changes coming, business coming back.
"OK, I'm an optimist. But this has been my home since I was 4 and I love it. It's a town that was built on the strength of its people."
Woodbury Mews resident Carole Atkinson displays three gold medals - Bowling, Slalom, Table Tennis - she won recently at the 2009 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Spokane, Wash. She also recently was notified that she won a silver medal in Poker Rally. Carole has about 60 medals in total from competing in the last decade at both the Golden Age Games and the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Her service dog, Gina, made the trip with her.
Woodbury, NJ (April 9, 2009) – Woodbury Mews – a Watermark community has recently named Kelly O’Neill Executive Director. As the Executive Director, O’Neill is in charge of all aspects of the community and its daily operations. She joins the Woodbury Mews team with a wealth of knowledge and 10 years experience in senior housing.
Prior to joining the Woodbury Mews team, O’Neill worked in several other retirement communities in the Greater Philadelphia area. O’Neill began her career in senior care at Paul’s Run Retirement Community in Northeast Philadelphia, where she worked for eight years. She began as a staff recruiter and then moved up as the Human Resources Director. O’Neill was further promoted as Director of Facility Services where she oversaw security, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and more. O’Neill’s career then took her to Manor Care in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania where was the Assistant Administrator and was promoted to Interim Administrator. Most recently, O’Neill was the Administrator for Manor Care in Deptford, New Jersey.
“I am honored to have this position at Woodbury Mews. Not only do I bring the experience to oversee the community, I find it personally rewarding to have a close connection with residents and their families,” O’Neill said recently. “I am also looking forward to connecting with the greater Woodbury community and becoming a resource with my knowledge of senior housing. I’m also looking forward to welcoming groups to Woodbury Mews who would like to use our meeting space or collaborate on future community events.”
O’Neill has an extensive education background which prepared her for her role at Woodbury Mews retirement community. She completed her undergraduate studies at York College in Pennsylvania and earned her Master’s Degree in Health Administration from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Additionally, O’Neill is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and holds a Certificate of Professional Human Resource Management. She and her husband live in Pennsauken, New Jersey with their two children.
Located in the historic city of Woodbury, New Jersey just seven miles from Center City Philadelphia, Woodbury Mews – a Watermark community tailors programs to meet and exceed the expectations of each resident. This independent, assisted living and memory care community of luxury rental apartments offers maintenance-free living so residents can enjoy a vibrant, independent lifestyle. Woodbury Mews is located at 124 Green Avenue in Woodbury, New Jersey. For more information, call 856-599-4221.
Watermark Retirement Communities has owned and operated successful, innovative senior housing communities for over 20 years. Watermark is committed to creating a culture where everyone is encouraged to express their true selves. These communities are full of spirit, character, compassion and adventure and are located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Arizona. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com.
Posted by South Jersey News Online March 13, 2009 7:28AM
Local artist opens studio at Woodbury Mews Narcissa Weatherbee, the prolific, highly respected artist, has recently opened an art studio at Woodbury Mews - a Watermark community. There will be a Studio Opening Party on Friday, March 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Anyone who would like to see the new studio space is welcome to attend the festive event that will feature live music, Weatherbee's artwork and the artwork of her students. A course catalog with information on workshops and pricing will also be available. Woodbury Mews is located at 124 Green Lane in Woodbury.
The Artist's Studio is open for use to Woodbury Mews residents and to the general public.
Currently, Weatherbee has a variety of workshops available for young people and adults in the surrounding area as well as workshops and time for residents to enjoy creative expression in the studio.
Weatherbee is delighted to have this beautiful space with several classrooms and a large workshop/exhibit space to provide opportunities for all people to get more involved with painting, sculpting, writing and many other artistic processes.
Weatherbee was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. where she attended the Cooper Union Art School in Manhattan. She came to New Jersey in the 1960s as a student at Glassboro State University (now Rowan University) where she earned both a bachelor's degree in fine arts and education. Weatherbee went on to earn a master's degree in religion from LaSalle University.
Seeing herself more as a facilitator than a teacher, she believes her role is to give people permission to learn about themselves and their ability through art. All people need encouragement to express themselves and Weatherby loves to bring out the magic of the creative process during her workshops
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