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Kendal at Ithaca
Resident Activities Groups and Committees:
The Kendal community is unique in that resident activities are initiated, run, and funded by the residents through their Residents' Council. Any resident can set up an activity or organize a group and, if the activity requires a budget, obtain recognition from and be affiliated with the Residents' Council to obtain budget funds. All groups and committees are open to any resident.
Kendal at Ithaca has some 36 residents' groups and activities covering just about any area of interest that one might conceive of. A listing of these follows along with brief descriptions of each activity. If you would like to find out more about any activity, please e-mail our Resident Web Site 8/20/04
kairesidents@kaires.kendal.orgTo find information about these activities/committees, click on the links below
GROUPS AFFILIATED WITH RESIDENT COUNCIL
COMPUTER
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AT ADDITIONAL COST TO RESIDENTS
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ANY ACTIVITY LISTED BELOW CONTACT THE RECEPTION DESK AT KENDAL at ITHACA OR SEND EMAIL TO kairesidents@kaires.kendal.org
EXERCISE CLASS |
TAOIST TAI CHI |
SENIOR TAP DANCE |
YOGA ON CHAIRS |
HEART MATE OF ITHACA |
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AV: Service--Maintains and operates video and slide projectors, PA systems, audio and visual recorders, projectors for 2"x2" slides. Overhead transparencies and computer displays, such as Power Point are available.
The 165 seat auditorium has all of these facilities and two conference rooms have PA equipment , including wireless microphones and wireless hearing-assistance devices. Don McPheeters, chairman (266-8814)
This committee solicits, selects, acquires, and displays rotating and permanent artwork displays on the walls of the hallways and adjacent living areas of the Community Building.
This is a gathering where Bridge players of various levels may meet and socialize with residents of like interests. A chairman organizes the activities and encourages all Bridge players to participate.
The group meets every Monday from 1:00 pm to 3:30 or 4:00 pm. Participants sign up and meet in the Living Room adjacent to the Windows dining room. Chairing the group currently: Marion Karim (157-9890) and Ingrid Kovary (266-8230).
This committee maintains the various main bulletin boards to insure that they are neatly organized and timely. The boards are monitored regularly so that they can be easily read by residents. Outdated materials are removed and returned to the original posters.
The Child Care Committee is a committee of the Kendal Residents' Association. We serve as a liaison between the residents and the Day Care at Kendal. The Day Care of K@I cares for infants and toddlers up to age 3 years. Residents are invited to volunteer at the Day Care. This benefits both generations. For the children it fosters respect and being with their elders. For the residents, it gives a purpose for the day as well as joy!
We now meet as needed (no set time)
Committee Chair -- Virginia Ainslie: Director
COMMUNITY
GARDENS
The Reeshon Feuer Kendal Community Garden had its inception at the opening of Kendal at Ithaca in 1995. Reeshon Feuer (Professor Emeritus, Agricultural Sciences) was a leading expert in soil science and Agronomy at Cornell. He played a leading part in the creation of the Kendal Gardens
Kendal at Ithaca made a large plot of land, adjacent to the resident areas, available as a Community Garden. Residents can sign up and be assigned a plot in this garden where they can raise their vegetables, flowers, etc each summer.
We have presently 32 plots, each from 2 to 4 feet wide by 30 to 40 feet long. There is a 9 foot fence around the garden to protect it from deer, etc. There is a garden shed to keep garden equipment in and a 3x12 foot gate at the garden entrance. We have a rototiller donated by Bob Story's family and a Manta Tiller to use, given by Cher Powell and Hank Stark. The gardens are located on the south side across the creek opposite the parking lot.
We do not meet regularly but as needed, and the first meeting will be in the spring. The purpose is to make our plots as productive as possible. We are an enrichment group and spend our funds for soil, mulch, compost, wood chips, fertilizer and fencing. The needs for the gardens are planned for by the members. Each gardener will be notified of any meetings in his/her message box.
Chairing this committee: Ken Robinson (257-6996)
Was created in 1996, when Kendal was newly opened. The committee maintains a computing work center in the main building. This center is fully equipped and functional, with 4 new PC computers running WindowsXP and 2 iMac computers and 1 Mac Powerbook G4. Every computer is connected to a color, ink-jet printer. Two computers have new scanners attached. A fax machine is maintained for the convenience of residents. The center has materials and supplies and work space available for just about any sort of project that a resident might want to work on that might involve computer use. We maintain a high speed, ethernet internet connection open for all residents to use for e-mail and information searches. The center staff is always available to assist with projects that may require skills beyond those of residents.
Among the things that we have done in the past are: working with Kendal committees preparing posters, programs for various functions and activities, announcements, etc. for various committee projects, digital photography, printing photos, typing documents, using internet facilities.
The facilities are also used for computer instruction. This is done on an individual basis, when requested.
We provide a modest level of technical support for residents, when it is requested. This may involving such things as installing and setting up new computers, installing and configuring software, repairing minor computer breakdowns, connecting computers to the internet, setting up email accounts, advising on computer purchases (when requested). We will address any reasonabale request made by a resident and provide assistance when it is possible.
The committee meets on the 2nd Monday of each month. Meetings are generally held in conference room "A" with occasional demonstration meetings. The meetings are open to all residents. Anyone wishing to join the committee should attend a meeting and so declare.
Computer proficiency is not required for membership. However, the committee does need the involvement of some computer-literate members to serve in the technical support area. We extend an invitation to "computer-savvy" new residents to join our group.
For more information: email me at afratell@twcny.rr.com leaving your name and email address. I'll be happy to answer your questions....
Committee co-chairs (Anthony Fratelli or Janice Dowd) (607-266-5333).
CONCERTSThe Concert Committee had, as its initial purpose, the raising of money and purchase of the concert grand piano for the auditorium. It also takes responsibility for arranging periodic tuning and repair (for which Kendal pays). The committee works informally with the Entertainment Committee to find musicians (from amateur students to local professionals) who want to perform for residents at Kendal. Twice yearly, the committee selects a young musician (or group of musicians) to perform in the Bisk Memorial Concert (an established memorial fund reimburses those musicians).
This group does not meet regularly.
Committee Chair: Joyce Munchauer (607-257-4342)
KENDAL
Every Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. a group of interested people gathers in conference room A for a session of free-ranging conversation. Topics of conversation flow from the concerns and moods of the individuals in the group. No topic is off limits, but, we try to keep topics to areas that others might find interesting and pertinent. Topics have ranged from World Conditions Today to complimentary discussions on the dining room service. Everyone gets to speak.
Each session begins with a "go-around". Each person introduces him/her self and states any particular topic that he/she would like to put on the table for discussion. The sessions are moderated by a Kendal Social Worker, who manages to keep the discussions lively and decorous, insuring that no single person dominates the conversation. All in all they are usually interesting, lively, and informative sessions and they stimulate social interaction and mental acuity. We can highly recommend this group....Sherri Smart, Social Worker, moderator (607-266-5378)
CRAFT COMMITTEEThe Craft Committee meets for the purpose of doing various needle crafts such as sewing, quilting, weaving, as well as drawing and painting. Members learn from each other and have a fine time admiring each others work. Some members (called Stitch Witches) are available for simple sewing repair jobs such as replacing buttons and hemming.
The needlework crafts group meets every Tuesday and 1:00 p.m. in the Craft Room. The drawing and painting group meets every Thursday (not summer) at 10:00 a.m. in the Craft Room.
For information: contact Nancy Bond, chair (607-266-7424)
The Dance Committee arranges for monthly dances held in the auditorium during the fall, winter, and spring. The committee meets only once or twice a year to set up the schedule. Generally, the dances are on the third Saturday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.. Music for most of the dances is provided by CDs and tapes using our excellent sound system. The annual holiday party on December 14th will have a live band and special refreshments.
For more information: contact Janice Dowd, chairman.
Many Kendal residents and employees have all sorts of fascinatingly interesting collections. Residents and employees are invited to make their collections available for viewing by all Kendal residents. Display cases, designed to "showcase" collections, hobbies, and treasures of residents and employees of Kendal, are located outside the Windows dining room. The displays are securely locked for display. Collection displays may be made by one individual or a group. The displays are changed monthly. For information please call:
Marj Decker at (607) 257-6386.
This committee assists the staff in making plans for possible emergency situations at Kendal. They also survey the willingness and ability of residents to be on call for emergency situations and to conduct training for emergency situations under staff direction.
This committee arranges for talks, musical groups, slide shows, movies, and trips for the entertainment of residents. The committee serves as both a service group and an enrichment interest group.
The committee meets several times during the year, as necessary.
For information please contact: Dorothy Wiggans (607-266-7629).
The Environment Committee of Kendal at Ithaca is concerned with achieving, then maintaining, the highest possible air, water, and soil quality attainable. We are concerned with avoiding unnecessary, possible toxic, chemicals to be used within the buildings and/or lawns. We are striving for efficient ways to use electricity and are in the process to generate wind (or possible solar) power on the site, provided this can be done on an economically sound basis. We are responsive to input and suggestions from any resident who feels that the environmental quality can be improved. The committee meets when necessary.
The purposes of the Fitness Committee are to:
- Encourage physical fitness among residents and staff.
- Promote the use of the facilities and equipment at Kendal at Ithaca including: exercise equipment, walks, games such as shuffleboard, bocce, and tennis, swimming and others. (there are separate tennis and swimming pool committees).
- Establish guidelines for the use of the equipment to ensure its safe operation.
- Assist staff, as needed, in providing instruction on the proper use of fitness equipment.
- Determine needs, in consultation with staff, for additional equipment and/or repairs and modifications to existing equipment.
- Meetings are held as needed.
- If interested in joining the Fitness Committee please contact the chairman (Jim Spero at present (257-0768) or the Director of Physical Therapy.
The mission of the Food Committee is to be a liaison between residents and the staff of the Dining and Nutrition Services. As a service group, its function is to encourage and facilitate good nutritional practices, concern itself with dining issues and to enhance the dining experience at Kendal.
The Committee considers, discusses, and tries to resolve any issues regarding food and dining. It makes recommendations to the Dining Staff and keeps residents and Council informed of food and dining issues.
The committee meets regularly on the third Wednesday of the month at 1:15 p.m. in conference room "A".
For further information or to join the committee contact: Carol Franklin at 607-257-6933.
The purpose of the History Committee is to collect and preserve material concerning Kendal at Ithaca from its planning stage to the present. The collection consists of snapshots, recorded oral recollections, obituaries, a book about Kendal at Ithaca's beginnings, a Book of Remembrance, newspaper clippings about Kendal and its residents, a book recording gifts and donations to Kendal, and digital pictures recorded on CD-ROMs. This information is available for research, for reference, or just for fun.
The committee meets at 10:00 a.m. in Meeting Room "A" the first Monday of each month, except June thru September. For information: contact Mary Ann Payne, chairman (607-266-0636.
The purpose and mission of this committee:
1. To provide ecumenical services that foster spiritual interests of all residents, including those living in the Health Center.
2. To provide programs that encourage and expand the interest of residents on timely topics involving social/economic/political/ethical issues of the day.
3. To promote the compassionate involvement of residents in our own community and in the larger Ithaca community.
Activities:
1. Conduct an Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in the Kendal Auditorium on the Sunday afternoon before the Thanksgiving Holiday. The service, in the spirit of the Holiday, is also a memorial for residents who have died during the preceding year. Family and friends of those being remembered are invited to the service and to the reception which follows. At the service, a free-will Thanksgiving Offering from Kendal residents is presented to two Ithaca social service agencies selected as recipients for that year.
2. Hold an Interfaith Service with a guest speaker on the second Sunday afternoon of the month.
3. Arrange for the "Bill Whyte Forum" on the second Saturday afternoon of each month. It is a talk by a guest speaker on a topic of current interest, followed by a discussion.
4. Conduct "Words out of Silence", a Quaker-style meeting on the first, third, and fourth Saturday afternoon of each month in conference room "A".
For information: contact --- Brtainard Fancher (266-0068).
The Interior Design Committee, as a service group, is responsible for the arrangement of practical, comfortable, and esthetically pleasing furnishings in the public areas of Kendal at Ithaca's community center. The committee plans and purchases a few additional furnishings each year when funds from the capital budget and the Residents' Association are allocated for that use.
Meetings are not held on a regular basis, but are scheduled to plan the use of budget fund allocations or to respond to requests from residents or Kendal's management team.
For information: contact Jean Jagendorf, Chairperson, or committee members: Barbara Bayer, Peggy Hill, Lou McIsaac, Mary Ann Payne, Lois Yennie.
KAITV13 is Kendal at Ithaca's "in house" TV station. operated by the Residents, for the Residents and the Kendal community.
We present a daily overview of events and happenings which would be of interest to our viewers. Residents contribute to the operation, the programming, photos and materials of interest. We supplement the weekly movie (held in the Kendal auditorium) with occasional movies and short subjects of interest. Our operating hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.
For information contact: Ike Hathaway or a staff member (607-257-4483).
The Kendal Library is a treasure with over 11,000 volumes of fiction and nonfiction books, 99% of which have been contributed by residents. Included in this number is a collection of large print books and a collection of children's books (for little visitors). All books are cataloged by title, author, and subject in the card catalog. In addition, there are many video tapes, books on audio tapes, music audio tapes and CD's. All of these can be checked out by signing the card and stamping the date.
Also, there are many magazines and newspapers which do not circulate but can be read in the comfort of the library. There is a magnifying machine and a talking reader for residents with vision problems.
The library is operated by resident volunteers who do most of the preparation of books for circulation and should be contacted if you have a number of books to contribute.
Mae Chaskey operates an outreach bookcart service to Healthcare residents and keeps the small uncataloged libraries in order.
For information contact: Ceil Spero (607-257-0768) or Dorothy Rinaldo (607-257-5667).
The LoVision support group is sponsored by the Kendal Occupational Therapy and the Social Services Department. It provides programs or speakers of interest to residents with various visual problems. Participants support one another and provide anecdotal evidence of help they have received.
The group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 1:15 p.m. in conference room "A".
For information: contact Sherry Smart (607-266-5378) or Kamal Mehta (607-266-5337).
The Lyceum Program is an "institute" for learning in retirement. It appeals to persons who want to keep their minds active. We plan 5 to 7 programs per month for 9 months of the year and fewer programs in December, July and August.
Knowledgeable speakers are asked to make 1 hour presentations on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. This includes time for a question and answer period. Occasionally we have a series of 3 programs on the same subject. Many speaker show slides with their presentations.
The Lyceum committee meets in the Kendal conference room "A", the first Monday of most months, at 4:00 p.m. to discuss and plan programming.
For information: contact Marion McPheeters
KENDAL
The Newsletter Committee publishes the community monthly publication - the BREEZE. This involves soliciting articles, editing them, and doing the necessary computer work which is submitted to the designer. New members are always welcome.
The committee meets on the first Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m..
For information: contact Carol Sisler, (607) 257-8840.
The Storytellers' and Writers' group is an activity for anyone who wants or likes to write. It is an enrichment group. We write stories, articles, chapters of our new books, autobiographies, etc.. We listen to each other read what we've written and provide feedback if it is wanted.
The group meets every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in conference room "A".
For information: contact the Durfees, (Shirley or Horton -- 607-266-8461).
This is a volunteer group that provides assistance to residents with packages and visitors at the main reception desk after the day shift employees go home (5 to 7 p.m. weekdays and 4 to 6 p.m. on weekends). This committee provides a good way to meet your neighbors from the other side of the center mall. New volunteers are always welcomed.
The Swimming Pool Committee coordinates the activities in the swimming pool and informs residents of the State and County health department regulations that provide for the safe and healthful operation of the pool.
The committee organizes and supports the volunteer residents who serve as deck observers (sitters) as required by the State and County since there is no lifeguard on duty at the pool.
There is also a group of volunteer residents who check on the pool every hour on weekends when there is limited staff available. These "Pool Peekers" are also organized by members of the committee.
The technical and mechanical operations of the pool and spa are handled by the Environmental Services maintenance staff. This includes all work on the pump and filter systems, cleaning the bottom and sides of the pool, adding the proper chemicals to the water and the testing of water quality three times a day. The pool area and locker rooms are kept clean by the housekeeping staff. The Swimming Pool committee serves a liaison with the staff.
For information: contact Adele Erenstone (607-257-9252).
The Tennis Committee's purpose is to promote tennis at Kendal. We see tennis as focused exercise, a way to meet and socialize with others interested in playing or relearning tennis. For anyone interested in joining this group, put a note with your name and phone # in the front of the tennis sign up book at the reception desk and we will contact you --- or --- call one of the persons listed below.
We meet irregularly as a committee but do sign up in the book at the reception desk to play at specific times.
For information: contact one of the following: Joan Bechhofer (607-266-8244).
The Trails Committee planned and helped to build the "more than" one mile of grass trails bordering the meadows, streams, and woods at Kendal and the foot bridges that were constructed at several sites. It is now engaged in maintaining and expanding these trails and foot bridges. Kendal residents enjoy hiking on these trails.
This committee meets irregularly, at Kendal, as the need arises.
For information: contact M. H. Abrams, (607) 257-7012.
The Wine Making Committee is made up of those Kendal at Ithaca residents and staff members who are interested in home wine making.
The Kendal at Ithaca winery and wine cellar are located in the back of the brick house on North Triphammer Road. There is ample equipment for any resident or staff member who wishes to make wine. Each wine maker purchases his or her own juice and yeasts at local wineries in the fall. Transportation is shared and a small fee is assessed to purchase shared supplies such as corks and chemicals. (The wine cellar also has space to store wine for residents who do not make wine but who buy wine in quantity.)
Members of the wine making committee will provide instruction in home wine making for any Kendal resident or staff member who wishes to join the group. No prior experience is necessary.
It the fall the wine makers conduct a tasting of the new wines for all interested Kendal residents and staff.
The Wine Making Committee does not use any funds from the Residents' Association.
For information: contact Jim Spero (607-257-0768).
The Wood Shop maintains a shop with modern equipment and supplies a place where those interested in creating objects of wood can work in a safe environment. The members assemble kits, repair, refinish items, build carport storage lockers for a residents and the administration. This is done for a very reasonable donation that covers cost of materials and a nominal labor cost. For information contact: Ed Burgin (607-257-9868).
The Transportation Committee identifies the on-going transportation needs of Kendal residents (off site and on-site), works toward the improvement and expansion of safe and suitable transportation services, and to provided information to the Kendal Community.
For information: contact Betty Weneser, 607-266-0398.
The concept of One Kendal came about at a Kendal Quality of Life meeting in
2001. A resident, Madonna Stahl came to express a point of view. She stated
that we residents in independent living were kept “in the dark”
about the identity of Health Center residents. “I want to know if my
neighbor, currently away, is on vacation or is possibly ill and in either
the hospital or the Health Center. If the latter is true, I want to be able
to visit him/her,” she said. We wanted a community that would unite
Cascadilla Houre (Adult Home), Taughannock House (Skilled Nursing), and Independent
Living. These efforts produced the committee that we named "One Kendal"
Her words struck a chord with the members of the Quality of Life Committee, who immediately formed a task force to address the problem. For the next six months, this task force met at regular intervals with the health services Administrator and staff to find answers that would be acceptable to independent residents, Health Care staff and Health Center residents. We wanted a community that would unite Cascadilla House (Adult Home), Taughannock House (Skilled Nursing) and independent living. These efforts produced the committee that we named “One Kendal.”
Issues requiring clarification were as complex as confidentiality and liaison between staff and volunteers and as routine as space. In November, 2001, over 50 residents held an organizational meeting with Maria Giampaolo, Activities Director for the Health Center, as staff consultant.
The first activities
of One Kendal included:
* The One Kendal Reception Desk – is open daily from 3:00 pm to 5:00
pm, seven days a week. Each day, except weekends and holidays, a daily Health
Center census is made available at the desk and also in the main Kendal Library.
Two volunteers deliver mail to Health Center residents unable to get it themselves,
visit residents, and direct other visitors as needed.
* The Roy Unger Dining Club – brings together residents from the Health
Center and independent living for lunch or dinner in The Windows and the Blue
Heron dining rooms. This continues to be a popular activity .
* The Book Cart – begun by Mae Chaskey, provides residents with library
books and writing materials.
During the
last three years, the One Kendal Committee has continued to seek new volunteers
and has added other services.
* Escort Service – Transporting Health Center residents to functions
within Kendal.
* Plants and Gardens – Maintained in the Health Center and courtyards.
* Helping Friends – Running simple errands for those unable to get our.
Weekly volunteers posted on in-house TV
* Pet Care – Caring for another’s pet in an emergency. List kept
of pets and volunteers.
* Comfort Watch – Providing a comforting presence, via trained volunteers,
to lone residents during end-of-life stages.
* Safety Watch – Providing companionship and supervision to Health Center
residents at family’s request.
* Visitors’ Group – Expansion of visiting to ensure that all Health
Center residents are getting attention. Maria Giampaolo alerts us to special
needs, brief biographies to be written, book cart to be used as needed.
Current officers
for 2004 – 2005: co-chairs Helen Morey and Henry Cowan. For more information
contact either co-chair
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The Grounds Committee was created recently by the merger of several other committees including the horticulture group, landscaping group, etc. This committee has the responsibility of developing and maintaining the flower beds in the public areas of Kendal at Ithaca, including the courtyard, the entrance areas and other areas considered public. In addition the committee supports supports the Kendal long-range planning of the landscaping for Kendal.
The committee consists of volunteer residents who work in conjunction with the Kendal personnel to maintain and enhance the Kendal environment. The committee meets when needed.
For information: contact Carol Sisler (607-257-8840) or Bud Stanton (607-257-0566).
The Archie Ammons Poetry Group, named for its founder, Archie Ammons, who was professor emeritus of Cornell University, internationally known and respected as a poet, winner of numerous prestigious awards for his poetry and a former resident, now deceased, of Kendal at Ithaca. This group meets to read and to encourage attendees to write poetry.
For information: contact Ben Boynton at 607-257-0950
This group reads books and discusses the author and the book contents.
The Sing Along group meets each Monday before lunch to sing for one-half hour by the entrance to Taughannock House. The sing along welcomes any and all residents, including those in the Health Center. Wheelchair bound residents enjoy attending these "fun sessions" and join enthusiastically in the singing. For information: contact Nancy Jones (607-257-1740) or Henry Cowan
The Speech-Reading group meets weekly during the 1st and 2nd semesters of Ithaca College school year. Residents desiring to learn to speech-read (read lips) can attend. Guidelines and supervision are provided by the Speech and Hearing Clinic at Ithaca College. For information contact: Loretta Ramstad (266-8309).