Volume 4, Issue 1 January, 2011 Emerald Court Newsletter - Page 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR EMERALD COURT By Annette Overko Fall came a little late but it made its mark as she was dressed with brilliant colors enjoyed by all. November and December rushed in with a chill in the air. It was a time for family, friends and loved ones to gather and share good holiday times. The common at Emerald Court was adorned with a wonderful display of holiday lights, thanks to the Landscape Committee, who did a great job. Entering the New Year, 2011 brings hope for peace on earth and less turmoil with the economy. It’s a time for a good book, and a time to share a cup of hot chocolate or a cup of joe with neighbors and friends and just relax when the wind begins to blow and the snow blankets our emerald city. We have a wonderful clubhouse to gather with friends and enjoy the many things that are offered, things like cards, bowling, book club, computer class, quilt club, games, Sunday morning breakfast and Bingo. For most of these activities, you don’t even have to drive. There is no reason to feel cooped up through the long winter season. The Newsletter comes out every quarter and please feel free to contact our Newsletter Committee with any subject matter newsworthy for publication. We are always looking for those of you who have a hobby or special talent to be featured in our publication of “Talent in the Court”. If you’re interested, please notify Ann Capodanno. If you’d like to express your own literary talent, consider writing a piece (fact or fiction) for “Writer’s Window”. We wish all of you a wonderful, happy and healthy New Year. The days, weeks, years pass quickly, so enjoy each and every day to the fullest. Keep your mind busy and your heart full of love for you are living in the Emerald City and there is love all around us. IT WAS A GALA EVENT! By Annette Overko We were all dressed in our holiday best to compliment the beautiful evening. The holiday party, hosted by our own Social Committee, was held at the Senior Center where we gathered with our friends and neighbors and other surrounding Senior Communities. Thank you, Social Committee, you always go above and beyond to give us great times and to bring all of us together at the different events. This particular social event brought us into the beautiful season when friends and family get together and partake in their holiday. The Renowns brought us into a night of memorabilia with their wonderful voices and charm. The tree glistened and the centerpieces (made by Sandy Rand and Sue Pinto) graciously adorned each and every table. Our chairperson, Peggy Schleicher, prominently showed off her reindeer headdress and pranced around making sure things went as planned. As always, the food, catered by Pat Mastrorilli, was a great success. Everyone danced the night away and although it was a frosty night, there was no snow as in years past. Thanks to all who helped made this event a success from beginning to end. It was also wonderful to notice that although we had plenty of food, with much left over, it did not go wasted. Mastrorilli has an arrangement with local food pantries and he donates all extras to them.
Transcript
Volume 4, Issue 1 January, 2011
Emerald Court Newsletter - Page 1
HAPPY NEW YEAR
EMERALD COURT By Annette Overko
Fall came a little late but it made its mark as she was
dressed with brilliant colors enjoyed by all. November and December rushed in with a chill in the air. It was a time for family, friends and loved ones to gather and share good holiday times. The common at Emerald Court was adorned with a wonderful display of holiday lights, thanks to the Landscape Committee, who did a great job.
Entering the New Year, 2011 brings hope for peace on earth and less turmoil with the economy. It’s a time for a good book, and a time to share a cup of hot chocolate or a cup of joe with neighbors and friends and just relax when the wind begins to blow and the snow blankets our emerald city.
We have a wonderful clubhouse to gather with friends and enjoy the many things that are offered, things like cards, bowling, book club, computer class, quilt club, games, Sunday morning breakfast and Bingo. For most of these activities, you don’t even have to drive. There is no reason to feel cooped up through the long winter season.
The Newsletter comes out every quarter and please feel free to contact our Newsletter Committee with any subject matter newsworthy for publication. We are always looking for those of you who have a hobby or special talent to be featured in our publication of “Talent in the Court”. If you’re interested, please notify Ann Capodanno. If you’d like to express your own literary talent, consider writing a piece (fact or fiction) for “Writer’s Window”.
We wish all of you a wonderful, happy and healthy New Year. The days, weeks, years pass quickly, so enjoy each and every day to the fullest. Keep your mind busy and your heart full of love for you are living in the Emerald City and there is love all around us.
IT WAS A GALA EVENT! By Annette Overko
We were all dressed in our holiday best to compliment the beautiful evening. The holiday party, hosted by our own Social Committee, was held at the Senior Center where we gathered with our friends and neighbors and other surrounding Senior Communities. Thank you, Social Committee, you always go above and beyond to give us great times and to bring all of us together at the different events. This particular social event brought us into the beautiful season when friends and family get together and partake in their holiday. The Renowns brought us into a night of memorabilia with their wonderful voices and charm. The tree glistened and the centerpieces (made by Sandy Rand and Sue Pinto) graciously adorned each and every table. Our chairperson, Peggy Schleicher, prominently showed off her reindeer headdress and pranced around making sure things went as planned. As always, the food, catered by Pat Mastrorilli, was a great success. Everyone danced the night away and although it was a frosty night, there was no snow as in years past. Thanks to all who helped made this event a success from beginning to end.
It was also wonderful to notice that although we had plenty of food, with much left over, it did not go wasted. Mastrorilli has an arrangement with local food pantries and he donates all extras to them.
Volume 4, Issue 1 January, 2011
Emerald Court Newsletter - Page 2
When patronizing any of our advertising sponsors, be sure to tell them that you saw their ad here in Emerald Court’s Newsletter.
If you hear… Because we care about our community, if you are
aware of the passing of any of our neighbors, please inform us at [email protected] so we can get the information out to the community in a timely manner. One person’s loss diminishes us all.
EC Welcomes New Residents
New residents to Emerald Court since October:
• Bob and Mary Jean Wilson (Unit #3)
We at Emerald Court wish you all the happiness that we’ve found here.
Singer Song-Writer,
Jon Swenson,
Delights Emerald Court By Peggy Schleicher
On Friday, October 22, the Emerald Court
Clubhouse was filled to capacity with an excited audience eager to hear the music of Jon Swenson. Jon, an artist well-known to the New England folk community, has been composing and performing his original music since the late 1950s. From peace and pieces of life to pizza and proctologists, Jon’s songs touched our hearts and kept us chuckling long after we heard them. With a voice untouched by age and his signature tenor guitar, Jon’s passion for entertaining radiated throughout his performance. Jon has the talent and the personal touch that made his audience laugh, and cry, and sing along. Jon knew exactly how to get his audience involved. Personal stories, his genuine persona, and of course, those kazoos added to an evening filled with musical pleasure and enjoyment. During his continuous 75 minute set, Jon sang his way into the heart of Emerald Court. For weeks after the show, the EC community talked about how much the concert was enjoyed and expressed the wish to bring Jon back next year. Perhaps a new tradition was started: Jon’s night at Emerald Court.
Jon Swenson hits all the right chords!
Volume 4, Issue 1 January, 2011
Emerald Court Newsletter - Page 3
wodfWriter’s Window
Retirement By Carole Beaulieu
What do I do now that I’m retired? That’s a question I get asked a lot.
We got up at the crack of 10 am to get the pillbox ready for the week. There was a wedding in Methuen that afternoon with a reception in New Hampshire that we had to get ready for. Since we have a hard time seeing at night we spent the night in New Hampshire.
Got up early for breakfast and made it back to Massachusetts in time for the 11:30 Mass. Gave Communion to a housebound parishioner after mass and then headed to the mall to do some Christmas shopping for the grandkids.
On Monday, hubby and I went to our monthly lunch with friends from Salem, MA. We all had a senior moment and forgot that the restaurant we wanted to go to didn’t open until 4pm. Since we had plenty of time on our hands, we decided to go to BJ’s and Target for their great prices. We managed to go to A.C. Moore for a couple of picture frames for some odd shaped pictures. We had two coupons for 50% off one item per person. I went through the register with my frame and coupon and my friend did the same thing five minutes later. We still had time to go to the Christmas Tree Shop and then to dinner. We just made it home in time to see Dancing with the Stars.
Tuesday wasn’t quite as hectic. I had my hair done. We did a bit of food shopping and some errands. I had a meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society that night. As secretary I had to type up the minutes from the last meeting and get the agenda ready. I managed to make it home to see Dancing with the Stars.
We had our weekly breakfast with a couple of Emerald Court friends on Wednesday. Had enough
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time to go with the Red Hats to the North Shore Music Theater to see “Chorus Line”. It was a wonderful show.
I love doing my genealogy on the Internet. I reconnected with a couple of classmates from the class of 19** who wanted to do it also. I discovered why I’m so crazy. In 1807 my great, great, great, great grandfather and grandmother, who were first cousins, married each other. My classmates found out which ship had brought their ancestors to America and when. We had a lot of fun gabbing and searching for ancestors.
Finally, there’s bowling on Friday. What more can I say? The Emerald Court bowlers don’t get many high scores but we certainly have a lot of fun. We bowl in North Reading and I had a 1:00 meeting in Chelmsford for AARP taxes. So I had to run to make that meeting. I prepare tax returns for seniors at the Senior Center.
I was up early Saturday to fill the pillbox for the week. Hubby and I then went to see “Nunsense“ at the Senior Center which included lunch. It was a wonderful show and it was good to see people that I haven’t seen in a while.
Maybe I should go back to work to get some rest!
Volume 4, Issue 1 January, 2011
Emerald Court Newsletter - Page 4
v Bits & Pieces from the Social Committee
By Peggy Schleicher
Planning Events for 2011: Something for Everyone! The Social Committee is starting to plan events for
2011! To help in this process, we are reviewing the events of 2010, and we are hoping that you will provide us with input that will guide us in planning the 2011 events. Below is a list of the events that the Social Committee worked on last year. We thank the other EC Committees and individual community members who worked with us in order to bring these events to Emerald Court. The goal of the Social Committee is to provide a variety of events so that we have “something for everyone!” Please think about your favorite events and let us know. Email or call Peggy Schleicher to share what events you would be interested in attending in 2011. We want your feedback! Thanks in advance.
Events of last year: January-- Appetizer Night February-- Jimmy Merrick: Oldies, Classics and
Country Music March-- Bayberry St. Patrick Dinner April-- Atkinson Bus Trip Brunch May-- Project Wish Gift Basket Project
Bayberry Dinner June-- Ice Cream Social July-- Bayberry Dinner Club House Committee Barbecue August-- Doo Wop Night (Bill Cunha) Bayberry Diner October-- Jon Swenson Coffee House Night November-- Tree Lighting (Landscape Committee) December-- Holiday Gala Dinner/Dance Holiday Bus Trip (Joanne Dell’Arciprete) Annual Sing-along
The Social Committee extends sincere appreciation to retiring secretary, Mary Discepolo. Mary has given our committee not only her time and effort by writing clearly organized meeting notes, but also she shared her enthusiasm, sense of humor, and positive attitudes. Mary originated the committee’s motto: “Meet, Greet, and Be Happy.” Whenever a job needed to be done, Mary was there to help. Her smile, common sense, and great ideas have helped the committee to bring many fun events to Emerald Court. On behalf of the whole community, the Social Committee thanks Mary for her wonderful contributions to Emerald Court.
Holiday Sing-Along
“Jingle Bells” rocked the room and filled the crowd with holiday spirit. The annual holiday sing-along, led by wonderful song leader, Sylvia Usmari, reminded everyone that the holidays are about spreading cheer and good will and the importance of community. Numerous people helped to make this event a big success. A giant thanks to the band: Larry Senibaldi on guitar, Gene Tucceri on keyboard, and their friends, Dave on bass and Tom on trumpet. The band filled the room with music that made us clap, sing and tap our toes. Although no one believed her, Sylvia really did hear sleigh bells and reindeer hoofs on the roof; because moments later, Santa and Mrs. Claus with Rudolph magically appeared! Thanks to Pat and Bob Colozzo, Maureen and Neil Sullivan, and Barbara Cuoco for arranging the visit from the North Pole. It’s nice to have connections! The big song of the evening, “The 12 Days of Christmas”, led by Ginny Thomas, was huge fun. It was surprising how many times the phrase “five golden rings” repeat in that song! (You had to be there.) Thanks also to the behind the scenes people who made the great coffee, shared sweets, set up and cleaned up. Because of the efforts of Moe Bedard, the sing-along will be featured on the EC website. Thanks to the Overkos for the delicious cake. Maybe the 60+ people who filled the clubhouse might consider taking this show on the road.
Coming soon to your mailbox
In the next few weeks you will be receiving a survey from the Board of Trustees. This survey has been developed to gather thoughts and opinions from all unit owners. Although surveys often yield a small percentage of returns, we are hopeful that the Emerald Court Community will be the exception and have a high rate of returns so that each person’s opinions are noted. The survey will be anonymous – you do not need to put your name or address on the survey unless you chose to do so. It will be sent to all residents. If a household has more than one resident, each will receive a survey since each person will have a point of view. If informative, survey results – in the aggregate – will be shared with the community. When you receive it, please take a few minutes to complete and follow the instructions for returns. We do want to hear everyone’s voice.
Volume 4, Issue 1 January, 2011
Emerald Court Newsletter - Page 5
Need an Address for the
Board of Trustees?
We just want to let you know that the Board of Trustees has an official mailbox right here at Emerald Court. If you need to send them anything, their address is:
1331 Emerald Court Tewksbury, MA 01876
Emerald Court Holiday
Lighting Trip By JoAnn Dell’Arciprete
On December 8, many residents of Emerald Court enjoyed a holiday bus trip to Bright Nights in Springfield, Massachusetts. The fun-filled excursion included a stop to the Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn & Gift Shop. The Farm is 175 years old and had many gorgeous Christmas ornaments that were enjoyed by all.
The bus rolled on to our next stop which was a delicious lunch at the Salem Cross Inn. All the hungry siteseers enjoyed some laughs and conversation and the homemade chicken pie that has made the Inn a favorite spot for a tasty meal.
Our next stop was in Deerfield, Massachusetts to the well-known Yankee Candle Factory where we saw how candles are made. Some of us made our own candles and scented them ourselves. Lots of packages were carried out of there and then we were off to the Bright Nights, which is New England's most elaborate Christmas Light Display.
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Everyone turned into little kids again, ooohing and aaahing at the lights. It is a park that is decorated with thousands and thousands of lights and different sceneries including Dr. SuessLand and many other displays. The bus drove through the park very slowly so we could enjoy the sights.
On our trip home there were prizes given and lots of laughs. A wonderful day was had by all.
Holiday Lighting
Mother Nature played her little game of “rain-out”, causing our Holiday Lighting event to be postponed until Sunday. Throngs of residents, numbering into the fifties, gathered at the front entrance to witness the ceremonial occasion. Their attendance was rewarded with cookies, cakes, coffee and conversation. If you missed it this year, you’re in luck, it’s an annual event. Mark it on your calendar for next year. On a serious note, haven’t the residents of this community done a marvelous job of decorating the area? I’m not talking only about the landscape committee (and kudos to them) but also those residents that have brightened up Emerald Court, whether it’s Villa owners or Magnolia owners lining the parking lot. Every few days I drive around the entire complex and just soak in the beauty. I must say, I’m proud to be a resident of Emerald CourtRThank you and happy holidays.
Volume 4, Issue 1 January, 2011
Emerald Court Newsletter - Page 6
“CHEFS COOKING IN THE COURT” By Eileen Murphy
Happy January 2011! The new year is upon us
already. Hopefully we will only be measuring the snow by inches and not feet. Maybe the temperatures will be nice, comfortable degrees for everyone. This quarter's Newsletter is about cooking measurements and oven degrees. It is a handy reference to help in the kitchen.
Measurements
Use standard measuring spoons and cups. All
measurements are level. Pinch or dash = 1/8 teaspoon or less 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon 4 tablespoons = ¼ cup 5 1/3 tablespoons = 1/3 cup 8 tablespoons = ½ cup 10 2/3 tablespoons = 2/3 cup 12 tablespoons = ¾ cup 16 tablespoons = 1 cup 2 cups = 1 pint 4 cups = 1 quart 4 quarts = 1 gallon 8 quarts = 1 peck 4 pecks = 1 bushel 16 ounces = 1 pound 32 ounces = 1 quart 1 ounce liquid = 2 tablespoons 8 ounces liquid = 1 cup 12 ounce can = approximately 1 ½ cups 16 ounce can = approximately 2 cups 20 ounce can = approximately 2 ½ cups 28.5 ounce can = approximately 3 ½ cups 56 ounce can = approximately 7 cups
General Oven Guide
Very slow oven 250 – 300 degrees Slow oven 300 – 325 degrees Moderate oven 325 – 375 degrees Medium hot oven 375 – 400 degrees Hot oven 400 – 450 degrees Very hot oven 450 – 500 degrees
Equivalency Food Guide
Food Quantity Yield
apple 1 medium 1 cup banana, mashed 1 medium 1/3 cup butter 1 stick or ¼ lb ½ cup cheese (American), grated 1 pound 5 cups crackers, saltine 28 crackers 1 cup fine crumbs cream cheese 3 oz package 6 2/3 tablespoons chocolate, bitter 1 square 1 ounce coconut 1 ½ lb package 2 2/3 cups cornmeal 1 pound 3 cups cornstarch 1 pound 3 cups egg 4 – 5 whole 1 cup egg whites 8 – 10 1 cup egg yolks 10-12 1 cup evaporated milk 1 cup 3 cups, whipped lemon 1 medium 3 tablespoons juice marshmallows 16 1/4 pound onion 1 medium 1/2 cup orange 3 – 4 medium 1 cup juice raisins 1 pound 3 1/2 cups sugar, brown 1 pound 2 1/2 cups sugar, powdered 1 pound 3 1/2 cups sugar, white 1 pound 2 cups vanilla wafers 22 1 cup fine crumbs
Quick Fixes
Hard brown sugar - Place in a paper bag and microwave for a few seconds, or place hard chunks in a food processor.
Soup, sauce, gravy too thin - Add 1 tablespoon of flour to hot soup, sauce or gravy. Whisk well, to avoid lumps, while the mixture is boiling. Repeat if necessary.
Sticky rice - Rinse rice with warm water. Too salty - Add a little sugar and vinegar. For soups
or sauces, add a raw peeled potato. Too sweet - Add a little vinegar or lemon juice.
A Note from Eileen: This will be my last contribution to the Emerald Court Newsletter. I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed and had a chance to use the recipes from the quarterly Newsletters. Thank you to all the "Chefs" that sent in their recipes. The recipes are wonderful. Thank you also for allowing me to be part of the Newsletter team.
If you would like your own copy of the Newsletter, e-mail Bob Schleicher at: [email protected]. Black & white copies will be available in both MAIL ROOMS.
Computer Help - For those interested,
EC’s Tech Team is available on the 1st and 3
rd Fridays
of every month to answer participant’s questions. After the Q&A session, they will continue to cover the basics. So bring your own list of questions and join us in the Clubhouse. The next opportunity will be on Friday, Jan 7
th from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.
Get Yourself Published “Writer’s Window” is still looking for budding writers.
It is an open space for airing the creative talents of Emerald Court residents. If anyone has an interest in seeing their own article appear in the Emerald Court Newsletter, send it to [email protected] or call him at (978) 851-6569. It will appear in a future issue. It can be ‘fact’ or ‘fiction’.
