Ecumen Scenic Shores: Residents to Explore Music and Memory
Local pastor Jim Joseph is helping Ecumen Scenic Shores in Two Harbors, Minn., kick off a new "Music and Memory" program. Learn more about Joseph's efforts and how local organizations have pitched in to support a program that brings those living with dementia and Alzheimer's comfort and joy without medication.
Lake County News Chronicle article by LaReesa Sandretsky: "Ecumen Residents to Explore Music and Memory"
Our thanks to Mr. Joseph, Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Store, the Two Harbors Christian Ministerial Association and First Baptist Church in Two Harbors for their support.
Ecumen Lakeshore Residents Sing the Praises of Opera
The residents at Ecumen Lakeshore in Duluth are discovering the enchantment of opera, thanks to the passion and knowledge of residents Jay Amato and Patricia Richard-Amato.
Jay and Pat suggested the idea of viewing operas on film to their fellow members of The Lakeshore Readers — the Ecumen Lakeshore book club. After reading 70 books together in seven years, book club members were open to new ideas, but even Jay and Pat were surprised by how popular the opera series has become.
"I have been very gratified by the number of residents who have appreciated something new and different at Lakeshore," said Jay. "I have had many appreciative comments from people who are getting exposure to the opera."
Residents of Ecumen Lakeshore now have the opportunity to view a new opera each quarter. On June 18 the group saw Gaetano Donizetti’s Opera, L’ Elisir d’ Amore (The Elixir of Love) and applauded enthusiastically. Residents stayed for discussion, h'ordeuvres and wine following the showing.
The events are open to any resident at Ecumen Lakeshore, even those who are unfamiliar with the opera. Each viewing begins with Jay briefing viewers on highlights to watch for, music and background information about each opera.
“Residents at Lakeshore come from all walks of life,” said Lakeshore Chaplain Alice Olson, who is also a member of the book club. “Events such as our book group and the opera provides us with both sharing life experiences, continuing to learn and have new experiences. The arts and literature feed us both mentally and spiritually.”
Oliver, the Golden Retriever, Feels the Love At Ecumen Scenic Shores
Oliver, the golden retriever, has an extended family of 40. He’s being raised by the residents of Ecumen Scenic Shores Assisted Living in Two Harbors, Minn.
Housing Manager Julie Luchsinger sums it up this way: “A big thing at Ecumen is creating home, and home to a lot of people is having a dog lying around,” she said. The Lake County News Chronicle tells Oliver’s story.
[Oliver is shown in the photo with resident Bobby Smith, who used to train dogs.]
Readers’ Choice: The Most Popular Changing Aging Blog Posts of 2013 (Part 2)
Yesterday we listed the top 5 Changing Aging blog posts for 2013. Today top posts ranked 6 through 10 are listed below with links:
7. Irene Carlson's Dream Come True
8. The 20 Basics From Ritz-Carlton - Have You Experienced Them?
9. Ecumen and MOJO Minnesota Launch AgePower Tech Search
10. A Volley Across the Generations Between Gustavus Adolphus College and Ecumen in Saint Peter
Readers’ Choice: The Most Popular Changing Aging Blog Posts of 2013 (Part 1)
As 2013 comes to a close, we’re sharing your favorite blogs from the past 12 months. The most popular stories are an eclectic mix of news and features about people and programs — inspired by Ecumen’s vision of “a world in which aging is viewed and understood in radically different ways.”
We are calling out the top 10— with the top 5 listed today and next 5 coming tomorrow.
1. Ecumen Receives $3 Million Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Grant
2. A Goodbye Without Tears – Almost by Ecumen Blogger Jim Klobuchar
3. Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Seniors: Ecumen Staff Offers Advice
4. A Visit with the Man with 125 Kids
5. Secrets to 75 Years of Marriage and a Final Goodbye on Valentine's Day
Ecumen Scenic Shores in Two Harbors Awarded VA Contract For Nursing Care
Veterans in the Two Harbors area will now be eligible to receive skilled nursing care at Ecumen Scenic Shores reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Previously, Duluth was the closest site for veterans to receive VA-reimbursed skilled nursing care.
“We are honored to better serve the Veterans of our community who have sacrificed so much,” said Blaine Gamst, executive director at Ecumen Scenic Shores.
Also, under the new VA contract, which was effective October 15, 2013, any Veteran needing hospice services will be 100% covered.
Ecumen Scenic Shores is a non-profit assisted living and senior care center community in Two Harbors, Minn., offering a wide range of senior services, including a long-term care center, short-stay rehabilitation, assisted living and home care.
For more information, please contact Terri Lanigan, Resident Services Director at 218- 834-8450.