Our Interview with Resident Martha Howard
Martha grew up in Rome, Georgia and has wonderful memories of being with her mother and father. As an adult, Martha was a secretary at Bell Aircraft (Lockheed-Martin). She met her husband, Oscar at Lockheed and they were married for 65 years. Martha recalls that during WWII she was mustering out the GI’s at Tupane Co., and processing their insurance. The accomplishment that she feels most proud of in her life is that she has a wonderful son named Clay. Martha has learned that we should love one another and keep God first in our lives. She watched Dogwood Forest being built and her sister Mildred was the first resident. This was the time that she met our Dietary Director, Ken Jacobs. Martha likes assisted living here at Dogwood Forest in Marietta, GA very much, and says that the staff is so nice and very attentive. Dogwood Forest is so clean and the staff is so professional. Her best friend at Dogwood Forest is Ken Jacobs.
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Henry Shows Music Therapy Can Work
In March, I published an article on the benefits of music therapy for seniors who have suffered cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Last week, I came across a video about a resident named Henry who lives in a nursing home, and has Alzheimer’s disease. Henry’s response to his favorite music played on a iPod has made this video go viral. Check out the story about Henry below! It is pretty remarkable.
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Our Interview with Resident Mary Knapp
Mary Knapp was born and raised in Bridgeport Connecticut. She went to a private Catholic School throughout her childhood. Mary had a wonderful childhood. In speaking with her I have found out that her grandfather owned a winery and that she was a kind of wine taster at times for her grandfather’s business. Mary had a long time career as a traveling spokesperson for the Teamsters Union, which she enjoyed very much. Speaking out in front of crowd was one of her favorite things.
Mary was married to a wonderful man and had two lovely children. Mary’s son owns a bar in Key West, Florida and her daughter works for the government. She believes that whatever you learn in life you should give back to someone who might gain something from your knowledge. Her daughter brought her from Connecticut to to live at Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community in Marietta, GA so that she would be closer to her. She enjoys living at Dogwood Forest of Marietta very much. She says, “Dogwood Forest is very relaxing and they take good care of me.” She enjoys the entertainment here and loves to play bingo with her friends Hank and Alice. Her favorite part of living here at Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community of Marietta, GA is that she does not have to do anything as far as cooking, cleaning etc. and that everything is done for her. Mary Knapp has enjoyed every bit of her life and continues to do so in her home at Dogwood Forest of Marietta.
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Our Interview with Resident Dorothy Kraft
Dorothy grew up in Guttenberg, New Jersey and lived in New Jersey for the first part of her life. Dorothy had a happy childhood where she visited her aunt’s farm in upstate New York every summer. Dorothy loved to dance and enjoyed going to dances very much. She remembers going through the Depression but says that, in those days, no one was different than anyone else because everyone was in the same boat. That’s just how it was at that time. During WWII, she was still in high school and remembers that they lost many of the male students to go to war. At that time, there were not many males around due to the war, so she formed a girls club with her girlfriends. The group of girls called themselves “The Spinsters”. The girls would get together and go to dances, plays, trips etc.
Dorothy’s occupation was a legal secretary. She was very active in her church and spent a lot of time helping out there. Dorothy got married and had three sons. She has lived in Georgia for many years after moving from New Jersey. The accomplishment in her life that she is most proud of is the fact that she raised her three sons. The most important item that she had learned in life and would like to share is to have as good a time as you can without hurting anyone. She says that life is to short and don’t make enemies. She enjoys people and enjoys being around people. Dorothy’s son brought her to live here at Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community in Marietta, GA. She lived down the street and it was very convenient for her to move right in. Dorothy says that at Dogwood Forest of Marietta, they try very hard to please you. She enjoys living there very much and she enjoys the people there.
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Benefits of Music Therapy for the Seniors
I cannot think of one person I know that dislikes music. It is true that we all have different taste when it comes to music, but most people would say they enjoy it. I certainly have a great affinity for music. I listen to it at work, in my car, in my home, in the shower, and at the gym. There is something about the rhythm that keeps me in sync with life. When I think about it, my life has a soundtrack. When I hear certain songs, I know around what year the song was released because I recall what was going on in my life at the time. Many of us may recall listening to certain songs in high school to help us to get through a tough breakup- or to wallow in it. We may recall the songs we listened to while driving across country in college. Or, we may remember the first song we danced to at our weddings. We might even hear a certain song and it would remind us of a love one who is no longer with us. Music is certainly powerful. It affects our moods, and it ignites our senses. But is music medicine? Yes, some might say it is.
It is call Music Therapy, and it is great for seniors! Music Therapy is considered alternative health care in the allied health profession. This therapy requires a professionally trained music therapist. Typically, music therapists would have obtained a degree at a university in this field. Music therapy is a interpersonal therapy that uses music to improve or maintain quality of life. The theory is that music stimulates the mind and spirit. Music therapist work to improve an individual’s health in areas of kinesiology, cognitive functionality, and behavioral and mental health. The therapy is conducted one on one or as a group activity.
The focus is on the use of music in a variety of ways such as singing, clapping, listening, moving to music (dancing), free improvisation or a discussion on music. Usually benchmarks and objectives and goals are established. Music therapist work with children, stroke victims, the mentally disabled, and the elderly. Some of our residents at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Marietta, Ga. participate in a music therapy program. Residents in both of our community neighborhoods in our assisted living in Marietta, Ga. and across Atlanta have engaged in music therapy for cognitive needs and occupational and physical rehabilitation.
Music Therapy is unique because unlike other therapies that affect the human body, Music Therapy is considered both an art and science. There are qualitative and quantitative research, and data to measure outcomes. This therapy involves several fields such as musicology, music therapy, and clinical therapies. Music Therapy can be prescribed by a physician, psychiatrist, or recommended by a psychologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists.
Benefits of Music Therapy
- Improved awareness and concentration
- Improved memory and recollection
- Happier outlook on life
- Increases mobility and coordination
- Diminishes pain and improves recovery time
- Promotes relaxation and reduces stress
- Enhances interest levels and social interaction
Source for Benefits of Music Therapy: Music Works Wonders
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Tai Chi to Improve Senior Health
T’ai chi ch’uan, also known as Tai Chi, has become increasingly popular the last two decades. This ancient Martial Art form has been common place early mornings in public parks and private yards across China. Senior adults in China have reaped the tremendous benefits of Tai Chi for years. Only in recent years has the art become more prominent in western society. Seniors are embracing the healthful art in hospitals, senior centers, and assisted living communities in Marietta, Ga. and across the US. So what is Tai Chi? How does it help?
Tai Chi is an martial art that has been around for many centuries. You might recognize it as the slow moving exercise often performed at sunrise because if meditative and relaxation qualities. Its origin is in both Taoism and Martial Arts. Tai Chi resembles shadow boxing and the Tai Chi Chuan actually means “Supreme Ultimate Boxing.” At Tai Chi’s origin, the art was used as self defense. However, with its use of relaxation, movements and breathing patterns many are using this Martial Art for exercise. Tai Chi promotes health in seniors by:
- promoting balance control
- improving cardiovascular fitness
- Promoting flexibility
- Improves organ function and stimulates body system
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Strengthens bones and muscles
- Improves joint function
- helps those recovering from chronic stroke, heart failure, high blood, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer,
- Reduce fall risk in the elderly
The art’s slow, rhythmic movements and focus on breathe control also help to burn calories. The exercise itself focuses on inner energies and requires quiet and focus. Tai Chi is a great way to exercise all while enhancing your inner strength.
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Our Interview with Resident Dorothy Brazeal
Dorothy was born in Bloomfield, Nebraska but was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up, she had four brothers and a dog named Zipper. Her career entailed being a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. She raised four wonderful children and has two fabulous grandchildren. Dorothy was also a housewife until the children were in High School and then she worked retail in a health food store and a children’s clothing store. The events in history that she remembers well are: The invention of color TV, the microwave oven, and the JFK assassination. The biggest accomplishment in her life was raising her children. Dorothy feels like you should always keep a positive attitude and a smile on your face. She also feels that you should spend time with your children because they grow up too fast.
Upon deciding that she would move to assisted living in Marietta, GA, Dorothy and her family visited a lot of places before choosing Dogwood Forest of Marietta. They chose Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community – one of the most well-known in Marietta, GA – because it felt the most like home. She loves living here and thinks that everyone is so nice. Her favorite part about living at Dogwood Forest is her friend, Calvin the resident dog. Along with Calvin, she has many friends at Dogwood Forest of Marietta.
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Our Interview with Resident Tam Duffil
Tam Duffill was born in Bremerton, Washington. His father had spent 30 years in the Navy and was a retired Admiral. The first 16 years of his life he lived in Arlington, Virginia where his father was stationed at the Pentagon. He later moved to Mobile Alabama.Tam was in a rock and roll band named “The Rebel Rockers”. He appeared on TV and had a record called “Cooly Dooly”. Tam was friends with the drummer of the rock group “Lynyrd Skynyrd”. He played with that band on occasion.
In 1959, he attended Alabama College, which is now known as The University of Montivella and graduated in 1963. Tam worked for Martin Luther King Jr. for 3 years, working the varitype machine for him. Tam said that he wanted to join in on some of the marches they had but was told they needed him more at the varitype machine.
He was a teacher in Savannah High School and sang in folk music clubs while living in Savannah, Georgia. Tam has been married 4 times and had one child. He was an avid motorcyclist until he was run into by a woman in a car in 1977 and broke his hip. He was in a hip cast for 1 1/2 years and had to have 4 operations. This is what brought him here to Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community in Marietta, GA.
He volunteers to play his guitar and sing for our other assisted living residents, and enjoys performing here at Dogwood Forest of Marietta, GA.
You can see him perform every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.
He has recently had the honor of being inducted into the Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame.
Watch Tam perform on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvzEF9MFUzk
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5HFZmsIK94
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Our Interview with Resident Mary Bowen
I grew up on a farm in Pinehurst, Georgia (Dooly County), going to church with my family and cooking with my mama for family meals and many church socials. I enjoyed helping my grandmother tend to her many camellias in her entire front yard. My husband (Ralph) and I used to take our kids fishing in Florida every Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday. So my entire family loves to fish even to this day. My children and grandchildren were involved in many sports at their school and we enjoyed attending all their games and related events with basketball, football, baseball & the livestock association. I was a Sunday school teacher for 45 years, sang in my church choir and I was also a substitute school teacher. It is very gratifying to me to have some of my students come up to me today and thank me and tell me how I made a positive impact on their lives.
I was at home cooking with my daughter Deb when the news came on that President John F. Kennedy had been shot in Dallas. I remember turning off the stove as the world seemed to just stop at that moment in time. I grabbed my daughter, hugged her tightly and began to pray for the President’s family and my country in its time of need. I attribute my biggest accomplishments as being able to raise my daughter & two sons as well as my beautiful grandchildren in a loving Christian home. Our lives have truly been blessed! I would tell our future generation of students to keep their minds and hearts open to all new possibilities. It is important to keep a positive attitude and apply themselves. Spend time with your children – nothing can replace quality time spent with your family!! As a parent it is important to nurture a child especially in their young formable years. Allow them to make their own mistakes and learn from their experiences. Most importantly – always tell them you love them no matter what happens in their lives.
After my husband passed away, I moved here to assisted living in Marietta, GA because my daughter lives in this area and she wanted me to be closer to her. I like the way Dogwood Forest is designed with all the rooms and activity areas being on the ground floor. That makes it very easy for me to participate in all the wonderful things that Dogwood Forest has to offer. I enjoy participating in the spiritual and inspirational functions offered here. We have a lot of musical entertainment and sing songs. Some of my friends here tell me that I know the words to all the songs. I used to play the piano when I was younger so music has always been a big part of my life.
My favorite part of living here in assisted living in Dogwood Forest’s Marietta, GA community is while the facility itself is very nice and clean, the best part is the staff!! Everyone is so nice and helpful to me. Whatever I need help with the staff is always so friendly and always willing to help me. The food here is great, and Ken and his staff are amazing!!! Mary Frances and Margaret are some of my dearest friends here at Dogwood Forest. We enjoy each other so much.
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Our Interview with Resident Hank Brancato
Hank was raised by immigrant parents in Hackensack New Jersey. He was the youngest of six children. His father had an apple orchard and his father & mother were hard workers. Their names were Dominque and Angelina. Hank worked as a golf caddy at the age of 10 and contributed financially to help his parents make ends meet. His love for the game of golf began there. He was also known to earn money by boxing on the side in offbeat hangouts in the town of Hackensack. It’s hard to imagine a man allowing people to tape his hands up so he can potentially damage them fighting. They fought without gloves. You would think he would want to protect them for his golf game, but he learned many things through his short boxing career that would later help him in life.
In the town of Hackensack, Hank laid ground for building relationships through his work, cultivating and setting himself up for a place in society. At one point he was The Secretary for the board of Health for Hackensack.
Hank eventually gave up boxing for another interest. After serving in the US army in the Phillipines and Japan in WWII, he became an Arthur Murray Dance instructor. He had spent his early years following the Dorsey brothers around Coney Island, Westchester and Manhattan. He really enjoyed the Fox-Trot & Lindy and dancing to the Big Bands, the music of the that era. He was very graceful on his feet probably due to his early boxing days. This only helped him to enhance & perfect his golf swing.
Hank eventually turned pro, class “A” PGA . He was on tour during the 1950′s, making the local papers with his successes. He taught at Inglewood CC New Jersey, Commack Hills CC Long Island, NY, Bethpage CC Long Island NY, and others like Rockhill Long Island.
He had enjoyed an athletic career where he was able to teach a community of comedic celebrities like Buddy Hacket, Joey Bishop, Dick Shawn. Other celebrities he taught golf to were Rocky Marciano, Carey Grant, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and many others.
When asked about his proudest life accomplishments as he looks back on them from Dogwood Forest assisted living here in Marietta, he said, raising his four children, being a golf professional, and proud of taking care of the health of his family and himself. When asked about advice to a college graduates, he said stay out of other people’s business. Keep your nose to the grind, and stay focused. When asked about starting a family his comments were about learning how to save money for the future. These responses were typical coming from a young adult of the “Great Depression”.
He came to Dogwood Forest’s assisted living Marietta community two years ago due to the inability to drive correctly and the lack of interest to feed himself. We wasn’t interested in cooking for himself anymore, so he got sick and was hospitalized.His daughter’s friend, Karleen Turner, recommended Dogwood Forest Marietta (called Eden Gardens at the time) because her father was there and loved it.
What he enjoys the most at Dogwood are the activities. He loves bingo and word games. He wins prizes which in turn he gives them away to others. This act of giving helps him feel purposeful and good about himself.
His best friends at Dogwood are: Mary, Jeanne, Tam, Andy and Calvin the dog!
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