GILDERSLEEVE GAZETTE - City of Kirtland, OH
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JANUARY 2022
GILDERSLEEVE
GAZETTE Kirtland Senior Center Monthly Newsletter
WELCOME CHIEF MCCALLISTER
As we move into the Holiday Season, I want to wish all of our Seniors the best
from the Police Department. We are privileged to have your support and
proud to represent the City of Kirtland as public servants.
Being new to the city, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My
name is Brian McCallister and I am honored to have been appointed as the
City’s new Chief of Police. I have spent time at both Richmond Heights and
Highland Heights police departments over the past 20 years. I have had the privilege to work in
many capacities and I have worked with many great men and women that have helped me along
the way.
There is still much to learn, but I am excited about the City of Kirtland and the dedicated
professionals at the police department. We are currently looking for ways to increase our
service to the community and I look forward to the opportunity to meet you all. I hope that
we can speak soon about the community and how the police department can assist you,
whether it is in quality of life or crime prevention, we are looking forward to having close
relationships with all of our Seniors.
I will be working closely with Teresa Szary to set up a meet and greet at the Community Center
so we can all sit down and talk over a cup of coffee and a donut or two.
In the meantime, I would like to address a common telephone scam used over the holidays and
at various times of the year. Beware threatening phone calls that demand payment for overdue
financial obligations or calls that report family members are incarcerated. These schemes are
designed to get you to purchase thousands of dollars in gift cards in order to remedy the issue
being reported by the scammer.
Please be vigilant and report any threatening phone calls to the police department before
making a commitment to these individuals. Your personal and financial safety are very
important to us and we will quickly work to help you identify whether or not you are being
defrauded.
To all, please have a Happy Holiday Season and I look forward to great things in the city of
Kirtland. God Bless!
~ Chief Brian McCallister Riddle Answers: Secret; Icicle
JANUARY 2022 PAGE 1
ALL THE THINGS
In the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure of writing holiday
cards to all those who support the Senior Center. While I don't
presume that anyone can actually read my handwriting, I was
reminded through the hand pain of how many people make this
Center what it is. All of the City employees from finance to Police
and Fire to Service and Zoning - you may not know how fortunate
you are to be part of City in which every one is here for one reason.
Thanks to all of them for sacrificing so much for this community
of neighbors. We also cannot even begin to express our gratitude
for all of our instructors and providers who have dedicated so much
time for all of you. We are so lucky that these wonderful groups
of people work hard for you every day!
We just arrived back from the annual Christmas party, and I also
have to thank Debbie Gifford for sharing her talents with us. It
was aPbeautiful
HOTO B spring-like
Y M A R Tday
I N and
R . would
S M I Tnot
H have been possible
without the hard work and donations from the Senior Board (more on THEM next month), the professionalism and
flexibility of Pine Ridge, the dedicated organization of Sharon, and all those who joined us.
In the next month, we are excited about the tour of the Little Red Schoolhouse in Willoughby, the State of the
Schools with Superintendent Chad VanArnhem, free AED training with the Kirtland Fire Department, our first
ever "Resolution Day," an informational meeting about our FIRST bus trip (to Holland, MI), the start of free
monthly movie screenings, a slate painting workshop with Connie (this is going to be so cool!), the resumption of
pickleball lessons, FREE reiki clinics, and our celebration of National Trivia Day! We know winter can be rough,
and said we weren't going to plan a lot in January, but apparently failed at that particular goal. Remember that if
Kirtland Schools are closed for snow, we are too!
February will be the last month to receive your newsletter if you have not yet renewed your membership for 2022.
For the low low price of $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents, you can enjoy all the above and more! New
members are always welcome, and we love seeing so many new faces around the Center.
I am now officially a year old here in Kirtland, and I tell anyone who will stay still long enough to listen - this is an
amazing community. Thank you for making me and Sharon both feel so welcome as we continue to get our feet
wet, and for being so accommodating and hospitable to those new or visiting.
I said it a year ago and reiterate it now - this is YOUR Center. Please take a few moments to fill out the attached
survey (or do so online at our website). We have so much to look forward to in 2022, and want to know how to
make your home even better. We can't do everything, but we are certainly listening and trying!
As I finish signing holiday cards, icing my sore hand, and enjoying a few more Hallmark movies,
remember that you make this Center our home, and we wish you the very best in the upcoming year.
Teresa Szary ~ Coordinator
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 1: Notes from the Coordinator Page 6: Upcoming Events
Page 2: Weekly Schedule Page 7: Upcoming Events
Page 3: Class & Wellness Schedule Page 8: Community News
Page 4: General Info & Closed Dates Page 9: Bus trip info / Senior Board Note
Page 5: Upcoming Events Page 10: Senior Spotlight
JANUARY WEEKLY SCHEDULE
FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF SERVICES AND CLASSES AVAILABLE, CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT
WWW.KIRTLANDCOMMUNITY.COM
Monday Thursday
9:00 am – 9:45 am Strength Training
8:30 am – 9:30 am Advanced Pickleball Hour (drop-in)
JANUARY 2022
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Pickleball (drop-in)
9:00 am – 1:00 pm Polarity (January 13, 27)
10:00 am Knitting Group
9:30 am – 11:30 am Watercolor Painting
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm TaiJi Fit
1:00 – 3:00 pm Chair Volleyball (drop-in) 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Pickleball (drop-in)
10:30 am Cards – Hand and Foot (drop-in)
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Acrylic Painting
Tuesday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Tai Chi
88:30 am – 9:30 am Advanced Pickleball Hour (drop-in) 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Pickleball Lessons
9:30 am – 12:00 pm Piano Lessons (Dates TBA) 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Beginner Pickleball Hours (drop-in)
10:00 am – 11:00 am Aerobics
11:30 am – 2:30 pm Pickleball (drop-in) Friday
12:30 pm Bingo (Sunflower) 9:00 am – 10:00 am Gentle Yoga
12:30 pm Game Day (drop-in) 9:00 am – 10:00 am “Walk and Talk” Open Gym
1:00 – 3:00 pm Ping Pong (drop-in) 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Pickleball (drop-in)
2:30 – 3:30 pm “Walk and Talk” Open Gym (drop-in)
10:00 am – 3:00 pm Massage (January 7, 21)
10:30 am – 12:30 pm Reiki (January 14, 21, 28)
Wednesday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Aerobics (w/ cardio drumming)
9:00 am – 9:45 am Strength Training 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Chair Volleyball (in Violet Room)
9:00 am – 10:00 am Tai Chi – Bamboo Fusion 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Pinochle (drop-in)
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Sewing Group (no class – drop-in)
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Pickleball (drop-in) ALSO IN JANUARY
10:00 am – 11:15 am Fit Yoga
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Reflexology/Light Therapy Trivia Tuesday, January 4 @ 11:00
Drop-in activities require NO pre-registration
(January 12, 26) Bus Trip Preview Session Friday, January 7 @ 10:00
11:00 am – 1:00 pm Bridge (drop-in) Senior Board Meeting Wednesday, January 12 @ 12:00
AED Training Thursday, January 13 @ 10:00
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Chair Volleyball (drop-in)
Slate Painting Workshop Tuesday, January 18 @ 11:00
Men’s Lunch Wednesday, January 19
COMING IN FEBRUARY Movie Day Thursday, January 20 @ 1:00
Chili Cookoff Trash to Treasure January 24 – 28
Ladies Lunch Birthday Lunch Tuesday, January 25
Birthday Lunch Little Red Schoolhouse Tour Thursday, January 27 @ 10:00
State of the School Lunch Thursday, January 27 @ 12:00
PAGE 2
Cookie Decorating
Resolution Day Monday, January 31
PAGE 3
JANUARY 2022
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JANUARY CLASS & WELLNESS SCHEDULE
JANUARY 2022 PAGE 4
INDOOR BOCCE BEGINNER PICKLEBALL LESSONS
Indoor Bocce will be held on Tuesdays from New to Pickleball? Need to learn the basics? We
12:00 - 3:00 pm in the Violet Field Room. No got you covered with the ins and outs of
experience is necessary and all are welcome to pickleball. Lessons are every Thursday from 1:00-
join in on the fun. 2:00. Our next session (4 classes) will begin on
January 6. This is a FREE class.
SEWING CLUB
Sewing Club will continue to meet on Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Wednesdays from 10:00-12:00 pm for the Make sure to wear tennis shoes and comfortable
Winter months. There will be no formal clothing that you can move in!
instruction or projects, but rest assured Mae will
be on speed dial to answer any of your sewing EXPANDED PICKLEBALL HOURS
questions you may have. Mae will be returning Advanced Pickleball: Tuesdays and Thursdays
in the Spring to do projects & keep everyone in from 8:30 - 9:30 am. This is an opportunity for
stitches. our more seasoned players to play a bit more
competitively. If you join us, get ready for great
KNITTING GROUP shots and fast games!
Grab your knitting needles & yarn and come on
down to the Center on Mondays at 10:00 am. Beginner Open Play: Thursdays from 1:00 -
Set aside an hour or so every week and join our 3:30. If you want to start playing, get some
group. Knitting is a great way to release stress, practice, or work on your game, this is a great
be with friends (or make some new ones), relax time to do it!
and have a good time! No registration is
necessary. TAICHI - BAMBOO FUSION
Join us as we experience the flow when the
CHAIR VOLLEYBALL mind and body connect, by following along to
Chair Volleyball includes physical activity, the gentle mindful movements of Tai Chi. This
social interaction, competition, and most of all, class you will discover Bamboo Fusion, where
lots of laughs! The game is played with a beach we combine Tai chi with standing Yoga poses.
ball and a five foot high net. More fun than you Anyone can do it, no experience necessary. Just
can possibly stand while seated! We play every move, breathe and have fun! This class is offered
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 1:00-3:00. by Tim Shea on Wednesday mornings at 9:00.
CARDS
Calling all card players! We are looking for BINGO
anyone interested in playing cards. On We are playing Bingo every Tuesday! Come
Thursdays come to play Hand & Foot cards take a chance on winning a gift card, lottery
Games begin at 10:30 & our Pinochle Group tickets or other great prizes. Bingo will be held
meets on Fridays at 12:00. Come join the fun. in the Sunflower Room at 12:30. There is no
All are welcome! cost to play Bingo.
The Senior Center will be CLOSED
December 23 & 24 - Christmas
JANUARY 3 - New Years OBSERVED
JANUARY 2022 PAGE 5
2022 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Membership renewal for 2022 is OPEN! It will run through all of next year but renew early so you
don't miss any of the exciting things we have to offer. The cost of renewal for a Kirtland resident is $5
per person and $7 for a non-resident renewal.
LADIES LUNCHEON
Our next Ladies Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at
12:00 pm. Cost is $7. Please RSVP by February 11. The menu will be Bologna
Sliders, Salad & Tater Tots. The next lunch will be on April 20, 2022.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MEN'S LUNCHEON
The next Men's Luncheon will be on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 12:00
pm. Cost is $7. The menu will be Fried Chicken, Potato Salad & Cole Slaw.
Please RSVP by January 14. The next luncheon will be on March 23, 2022.
BIRTHDAY LUNCH CELEBRATION
January's Birthday Lunch will be held on Tuesday, January 25 at 12:00
pm. The cost is $7. Please RSVP by January 20. We will be enjoying
Stuffed Pork Chop & Salad. EVERYONE is welcome, regardless of your
birthdate! Our next Birthday Celebration will be on Tuesday, February
22 at 12:00 pm.
TRASH TO TREASURE
Our next Trash to Treasure Sale will be held from January 24 - 28.
Drop off any household items you would like to donate for our sale.
No personal items, clothing or electronics please! We will be
accepting items during business hours (8:30 am - 3:30 pm).
SURVEY
In this month's newsletter, we have included our annual survey. Please
take a few moments to fill it out - this is YOUR Center and we want
to make sure that your opinion is heard. Last year's survey results were
a huge help as we planned for events and activities for 2021, and we
want to make sure that we are taking your thoughts into account as we
work on making 2022 great!
SLATE PAINTING WORKSHOP
Come join our resident Art Instructor, Connie Adams, on Tuesday, January 18 at
11:00 am for Slate Painting Workshop. Cost will be $15. Registration must be made
by January 12 so all the slate can be prepped and ready to go the day of class. You can
register online at www.kirtlandcommunity.com or in person here at the center.
JANUARY 2022 PAGE 6
STATE OF THE SCHOOLS LUNCHEON
Please join Kirtland City Schools Superintendent Chad VanArnhem for
lunch on Thursday, January 27 at 12:00 pm. The menu is chicken parm with
pasta, salad, and garlic knots. Cost will be $7 and you must RSVP by Friday,
January 22. Following lunch, Mr. VanArnhem will be giving a short State of
the School address and answer any questions you may have for him.
LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE TOUR
UPCOMING EVENTS
On January 27 at 10:00 am we will be going on a field trip to the Little
Red Schoolhouse (5040 Shankland Road) in Willoughby for a "Senior
Reminiscence Program." Join the school marm' there as she leads us
through our readin' - writin' - and 'rithmatic lessons. The program will
end with a good old fashioned spelling bee! This program lasts
approximately 2 hours and is FREE. Please RSVP online or in person here at the Center. Unless
you need a ride, we will meet at the Schoolhouse.
FREE REIKI CLINIC
Start the New Year off right with a wellness Reiki session. Reiki is a non-
intrusive technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes
holistic healing of the body, mind & spirit. Reiki can be administered
through a gentle touch or a hovering of the hands above the fully clothed
body. Clients may be sitting or lying. FREE 20 minute Reiki sessions will
be offered on January 14, 21 & 28 from 10:30-12:30 on a first come, first
serve basis. No need to register. Since Reiki involves sustained close contact a
mask is recommended.
TRIVIA -- TUESDAY, JANUARY 4
National Trivia Day! Bring your A game and all of that useless
knowledge you never thought you would use on Tuesday, January 4 at
11:00 am. We will continue our preparations to achieve crowning glory
in this year's regional Mind Challenge Trivia competition. If you know
all the things or only a few - come on out and have some fun!
WALK AND TALK
Looking for somewhere to walk (& talk) during the cold winter months?
Look no more as our gym will be available on Tuesdays from 2:30-3:30
pm and Fridays from 9:00-10:00 am for you to do just that!
GAME DAY
Every Tuesday at 12:30 we play games! Whether we play board games, card
games, or the Wii, everyone is invited to join in. Bring a snack to share and your
own beverage. If you have a favorite game we would love to play it! Come join
the fun.
JANUARY 2022 PAGE 7
MONTHLY MOVIE DAY
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Thursday, January 20 at 1:00 pm come and get out of the cold and
join us for our first FREE monthly movie for 2022. We will be showing
the 2019 version of Little Woman. Popcorn, drinks & snacks will be
provided.
RESOLUTION DAY
Throughout the month, let us know what you resolved for 2022,
and we will do our best to help you fulfill them on January 31!
That Monday, we will be offering FREE exercise and wellness
previews. Details will be available throughout the Center and on
our fancy TV display in the lobby. Free salad lunch will be offered
at noon - bring something healthy to share with everyone!
AED TRAINING
The Kirtland Fire Department will be offering FREE training on how
to use an AED (Automated External Defribrillator) here at the Center.
It will be held on Thursday, January 13 at 10:00 am.
HEARING SCREENING
It is medically recommended to have your hearing tested annually, just like your blood pressure
or cholesterol. Adults with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia. Hearing
loss is not just an ear issue, it is also a quality of life issue, a health issue, and safety issue.
Hearing loss can occur naturally due to age, but it can also be caused by other health reasons
that may surprise you. Holly's Hearing Aid Center will be conducting FREE hearing
screenings on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Registration is required.
GREEN THUMB
Do you have a green thumb? We are looking for someone to volunteer to take care of
all the plants here at our Center. If you are willing to spend an hour a week or less to
water our plants please see Teresa for more details.
KNITTING GROUP
Grab your knitting needles & yarn and come on down to the center on Mondays
at 10:00 and set aside an hour or so every week & join our group. Knitting is a
great way to release stress, be with friends or make some new ones, relax and have
a good time!
HOLLAND, MI BUS TRIP PREVIEW DAY
Tim from Premier Tour and Travel will be here on Friday, January 7 at 10:00 am to preview
our upcoming bus trip to the Tulip Festival in Holland, MI (May 10 - 12), and to answer any
questions you may have! More details available on Page 9.
Welcome to our new members this month!!!
Connie, Elder Dennis, Sister Ursula, Cindy, Mike, Vickie, Donna, Jela, Dianne, Donna, Robert, Daniel, Peggy, Wendy
JANUARY 2022 PAGE 8
LAKE COUNTY MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
The Lake County Mobile Food Pantry is now once a week! Held each Tuesday
through January 25, 2022 from 10:00 - 11:00 am at LAKETRAN Mentor Park-
N-Ride (8650 Market Street). Please reserve your pick-up by calling 211 or the
Council on Aging at 440-205-8111. There are 100 spots available each week.
LAKETRAN HOLIDAY CLOSURES
In 2022, Laketran will be closed on the following holidays:
COMMUNITY NEWS
Saturday, January 1 - New Year's Day
Monday, May 30 - Memorial Day
Monday, July 4 - Independence Day
Monday, September 5 - Labor Day
Thursday, November 4 - Thanksgiving Day
SENIOR DISCOUNT ON WATER AND SEWER BILLS
In an effort to assist low-income senior citizens with utility costs, the Board of Lake County
Commissioners and the Department of Utilities established a program to provide a 25% discount on
water and sewer bills to all qualifying senior citizens. Commissioner John Plecnik proposed the senior
discount earlier this year, which was unanimously adopted by the Board of Commissioners on
November 18th.
“Lake County is grateful to Commissioner John Plecnik for putting our seniors first,” said President
John Hamercheck of the Lake County Board of Commissioners. “His proposal for a 25% discount on
water and sewer bills for seniors in need will make a very big difference in our local community.”
Although Lake County Utility customers already pay some of the lowest rates in Northeast Ohio, the
discount comes at the right time. With rising fuel prices, increasing costs on many consumer goods and
growing home energy expenses, routine utility bills can be challenging for senior citizens on fixed or
low incomes.
“Inflation is a hidden tax and seniors on a fixed income are being taxed out of their homes,” said
Commissioner John Plecnik. “My colleagues and I are committed to running our government in Lake
County super efficiently to keep taxes and fees low and return the savings to the taxpayer. In working
with our County Prosecutor and the Department of Utilities, we learned the Ohio Revised Code allows
us to grant a discount to seniors who are eligible for the Homestead Exemption. As soon as we
confirmed the Board of Commissioners had the legal authority, I said we need to make this happen for
our seniors.”
“Lake County is a family, and we care deeply about our seniors,” said Commissioner Ron Young. “My
colleague John Plecnik is to be commended for working hard with multiple county departments to
propose and draft this resolution to provide meaningful help to seniors in need. Lake County is lucky is
to have John as our newest Commissioner.”
“The Lake County Department of Utilities is excited to implement Commissioner John Plecnik’s
proposal for a senior discount,” said Randy Rothlisberger, Utilities Department Sanitary Engineer.
“Like most programs that offer financial assistance, customers who have water and sewer services
provided by
the Utilities Department will need to satisfy three eligibility requirements. The applicant must be 65
years of age or older, must own and occupy the property, and must meet the income qualifier
established by the Ohio Homestead Exemption. In 2021, the household income threshold is $34,200.”
To enroll, please visit https://www.lakecountyohio.gov/utilities/, click Public Announcements, print the
Senior Citizen Discount Application, and mail it in. Residents can also contact the Billing & Customer
Service Office at (440) 350-2070 to have a form mailed.
JANUARY 2022 PAGE 9
BUS TRIP TO HOLLAND, MI
MAY 10 - 12, 2022
Let's board up and ship out to Holland, Michigan for a celebration of their annual Tulip Festival!
Tour includes:
Roundtrip deluxe restroom equipped Motorcoach with 54 seats.
Two nights lodging (Fairfield Inn in Holland), taxes, and luggage handling.
Two nights deluxe continental breakfasts, one lunch coupon, and one dinner
Two hour guided tour of Holland, MI
Admissions included for Dutch Village and Veldheer's Tulip Farm.
Reserved seating for two evening shows sponsored by the "Tulip Time Festival."
Premier Tour Manager throughout your tour.
Tour Cost*
Double: $649 Triple: $559 Quad: $509 Single: $929
Registration and Payment Instructions
Go to www.premiertourandtravel.com
Click on the Registration/Online payment at the top of the home page
Click on 22-146
Click on the registration button in the upper right-hand corner to register. Be prepared to make your initial
deposit when you register to activate the trip protection.
PAYMENT DUE DATES:
$200: January 17, 2022 $150: February 17, 2022 Balance based on number in room: March 17, 2022
*Tour cost is based on a minimum for 44 paying customers
Seats are limited and will fill up fast!
Cancellation insurance is available at booking and HIGHLY recommended.
Join us for an informational preview day on Friday, January 7 @ 10:00 am.
FROM THE SENIOR BOARD
By the time you read this we will be in the heart of the Christmas season. Take the time to enjoy family and
friends, but remember to stay safe with Covid cases rising around us. We all want to remain healthy.
Soon it will be time to make resolutions for the New Year. Remember besides an exercise room, the center has
yoga, aerobics, and cardio drumming classes. What a better way to meet that resolution then by taking some of
our classes.
For those unable to take classes, remember the wellness therapies that are available. Reiki, Reflexology, and
light therapy are great ways to tackle your aches and pains. These popular programs have a growing list of
patrons, all working on taking their troubles away.
The week before Christmas will be the election of the Senior Board. With Covid last year the terms of office
have been mixed up. The Senior Board has decided to fill the complete board terms over staggered years to meet
our needs. Last month I wrote about expressing an interest if anyone wanted to run, and from that we came up
with our 10 candidates to fill the 10 slots.
I hope those in attendance enjoyed the Christmas Party. To the rest of you, I wish you a Happy Holidays.
- DaveJANUARY 2022 PAGE 10
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
We're breaking tradition this month, because there are no rules. Also, I struggle mightily to fit a life story onto
one page. My to-me-from-me Christmas gift is to allow myself some leeway, and we hope that you enjoy PART
ONE of our monthly Senior Spotlight.
I'm going to start this story exactly the way it was told to me. When Bridget Welter was 28 years old, she and
her husband were asked to be godparents in New York. Amongst other aspects of the trip, she was very much
looking forward to meeting a wonderful person she had heard about. She met said woman, struggling with the
stairs, riddled with our old friend arthritis. She looked up at Bridget who, although the name of the woman
escapes her, will never forget her face lighting up with a smile. Bridget made a wish then and there that when she
"got to be an old lady," she would have that same smile. If you've been at the Center for any length of time, I
guarantee that you will realize that wish made by a young 28 year old woman came true.
Bridget was born at a very young age on the Dalmatia coast of Croatia. Her saintly mother, loving father, two
brothers, and two sisters made up her immediate family. Just as importantly, the town in which she was raised
were all considered family. Her creative father made a happy and safe home for all of his children until outside
circumstances made that reality impossible. When she was ten, her safe world turned into an occupied state as
Italians, Germans, Communists, and Partisans invaded her idyllic childhood and beloved home country. Her
father's main concern was for his family, and they moved to Zagrab in 1942. In January of 1945, they relocated
again to Austria.
The effects of the war stayed with all of them as the wickedness of man overshadowed the humanity of mankind.
After the war was officially over, both of her brothers and two uncles were taken by the Communist forces of
Yugoslavia for the dual crime of being both Croatian and Catholic. The family never received death notices and
mourn the loss of these beloved men in ignorance of what happened to them.
Both the United Nations and Catholic Services came to the aid of displaced persons and Bridget's mother was
advised to send her to the USA. Her mother, a fluent Italian speaker, was needed to help at the camp, and her
sister was unable to be admitted to the country for health reasons. The decision was made to send 18 year old
Bridget to the United States by herself. On that day at the train depot, Bridget received the blessing of a saint
disguised as a priest and this penniless, 18 year old who spoke not a word of English boarded a train in Austria, a
ship to New York, and another train into the unknown. Continuing along a rapidly familiar theme, she was
greeted by two priests at the train station in Alexandria, Virginia. She lived at a local parish with the intent of
working at the church as a secretary. She assisted the housekeeper in cleaning, and befriended the current
secretary, who was of Italian descent. Although not fluent, Bridget could
understand Italian and was brought into their house for family meals and
fellowship. Her limited language skills made it possible to communicate
with both her new friend and the priest. She spent about a month entering
into a new life of working, learning English, and immersing herself into an
unknown culture.
Obviously Bridget has experienced hardships that have been forced upon
her and seen things that no one should never have to endure. Despite this,
or perhaps because of it, the gifts that she brings to our community, her
family, friends, and strangers are immeasurable. This lovely steadfast
member of our Center is fluent in three languages and can fake it with
more. Her infectious joy, stubborn competitiveness, and gracious humility
are a model for all of us and we are fortunate to have her as part of our
family.
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January Riddles:
If you have me, you want to share me. If you share me, you have lost me. What am I?
What lives in winter, dies in summer, and grows with its roots upward?
Answers inside!
The Kirtland Senior Center serves adults aged 55 and over
with quality, affordable programming to provide
opportunities for social interaction, recreation, fitness, and
KIRTLAND SENIOR CENTER minor health and wellness services close to home. The aim
(440) 256-4711 to keep adults active, motivated, and engaged in their
communitycenter@kirtlandohio.com community for an optimal quality of life. Don't be misled by
the term "senior!" Our programs are for the youngest Baby
www.kirtlandcommunity.com
Boomers through those in their Golden Years.
Become a member at any time!
Funding provided by the City of Kirtland Recreation and Senior Levy
and the Lake County Commissioners Senior Citizens LevyYou can also read
