The Longest Day
The Alzheimer’s Association explains, “The Longest Day is all about love. Love for all those affected by Alzheimer’s disease…together, we will raise funds and awareness for care and support while advancing research toward the first survivor of Alzheimer’s.”
Tara Gamier, Memory Lane Director and Kimberly Strabala, Marketing Nurse Liaison organized the event which included an invocation by Copeland resident, Rev. Dave Andrews, live music, refreshments, and raffle baskets.
Kim Strabala, Nurse Liaison at Crandall, gave a speech at the event and spoke about the importance of bringing awareness to Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She noted, “35 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s or some type of dementia and because we generally live longer today, it is estimated that by 2030 that number will double.”
Kim explained that preparing for Alzheimer’s and accepting it is important, doing things that keep your mind busy and are hands-on can make a big difference in the quality of life. But most importantly she touched on how those affected with Alzheimer’s just want to be loved and cared for.
Kim went on to say, “Some people are afraid to communicate with people who have Alzheimer’s because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. So in return, we’re seeing that people stop talking to them, or ignore them. Or maybe we see that person being talked around, or above. They want to be included, make them a part of the conversation. Everyone wants to be noticed, everyone wants to be heard, and most definitely everyone wants to be loved. Stop, listen, let them know that you care, everyone has a story, let them tell their story.”
The event concluded with a balloon launch in memory of those who have suffered from Alzheimer’s. Copeland Oaks resident Marilyn King did the honors of counting down for our The Longest Day balloon launch in memory of those affected by Alzheimer’s. Marilyn is an active advocate for Alzheimer’s research and awareness in honor of her late husband, Dr. Chris King. “I’m very thankful for this place, and I wouldn’t have wanted to be anyplace else with my husband and now myself. Thank you for all that you do to help Alzheimer’s Association to help find a cure and to help caregivers,” said Marilyn.
Upcoming Events
Happy Independence Day!!
Wednesday, July 4th at Dusk
Grab a lawn chair and watch the fireworks from the front lawn of the Beeghly building (weather permitting, maintenance will set up additional limited seating). Fireworks begin at dusk.
Summer Concert Series
- Tuesday, July 10th—Deerfield Community Chorus
- Thursday, July 12th – Salem Quaker Band
- Thursday, July 26th—Alliance Symphony
Time: Shows start at 7PM
Join us in Murphy Auditorium for our Summer Concert Series. These concerts are free and open to the public so call your friends and invite them to enjoy them with you!
Copeland Oaks Annual Car Cruise-In
Sunday, July 29th
Time: 12PM-4PM
Join us for our 2018 Classic Car Show admission is FREE. Guests are invited to bring their families, stroll around the beautiful 5-acre lake and see classic car models like the ’57 Chevy, ’66 Mustang and of course the Model T Ford! The Copeland Oaks team will be serving FREE hot dogs and snacks from the food tent. There is a $5 registration fee for classic cars that will be donated to the local food pantry.
Meet The Woodsman, Don Danford
Carving Out a Wonderful Life at Copeland
- Don enjoys villa life with wife Carol and their Shih Tzu Mindy
- Facilitates the Copeland Oaks Carvers club
- Won 1st Place at the 2017 LeadingAge Art Competition
- Restores old cars and trucks
Why Copeland Oaks?
Don and Carol said they moved to Copeland Oaks because they heard great things about the campus lifestyle. “Moving to Copeland is one of the best things we’ve ever done,” Don says.
Don loves the community. As a retired policeman and water plant superintendent, he enjoyed serving the public. While repairing water lines, Don discovered an old gnarled wood that intrigued him, so took it home and carved it into a coiled snake. That’s his hobby, creating walking sticks for friends and even a life-sized bear now exhibited at the University of Mount Union Nature Center. To keep busy in winter, he restores antique cars and trucks, including a 1932 Model A truck. He cruises around Copeland Oaks with Carol and Mindy in a golf cart that he turned into a replica of a Jeep Wrangler.
Meet Sharon Rouse, Bookkeeper
Sharon has been working at Copeland Oaks for 25 years. Sharon was one of the first employees to work at the Lakeview Terrace when it was first opened. She worked there for 5 years before moving to the Accounting Department as the Bookkeeper.
Sharon was nominated by her coworkers for this award and one peer said, “Sharon is a blessing to many residents and their families. She is quick to provide a listening ear demonstrating empathy and providing encouragement. Her willingness to find answers to resident and family members’ questions helps residents feel cared for and makes family members feel valued.”
Sharon says her favorite part about working at Copeland Oaks is getting to know the residents and helping them out. “I really enjoy just talking with them, they truly become friends,” she said.
“Copeland Oaks is a really great place to work, I wouldn’t still be here after all this time if I didn’t truly like it,” added Sharon.
Congratulations again, Sharon. Thank you for all of your years of kindness and excellent customer service!
Ask us how you can receive one-month free rent when you move into a Lakeshore Apartment by July 31st.
