October 2011 | page 1

EVENT{FULL}Monthly updates from your {FULL} Life community

TOUCHMARK ON SADDLE DRIVE Issue 12, 2013 | page 1

Club thrives on books and lively discussionsClassic novels and modern ones, mysteries, biographies, short-story collections, histories, and best-selling authors have all been part of lively discussions on every topic imaginable for a strong, core group of Touchmark residents.

For the past five years, about 15 have gathered biweekly for Book Club. They are retired teachers, veterans, an attorney, librarian, physician, airline stewardess, chemist, firefighter, and builder.

“We are a very compatible group who share the experience of reading together and are very serious about books,” says the club’s leader Peg Weedman, who is also the youngest member at age 80. The retired nursing (cont.)

Sharing the warmth and love with children

The Quilting Group made 25 tie blankets to donate to Shodair Hospital. Residents delivered them to the hospital, where the blankets go to children in the psychiatric treatment units.

TOUCHMARK ON SADDLE DRIVE Issue 12, 2013 | page 2

home administrator explained that in addition to reading for entertainment, they often read books to educate themselves or prepare for traveling.

Weedman owns a Kindle but prefers reading printed books. A third of the group is blind or has other vision problems, and they enjoy their books on tape, while another member is learning how to read Braille. They frequently use the services of the Montana Talking Book Library. Residents also order books from the Lewis & Clark County Library and visit the Bookmobile, which makes frequent stops at the retirement community.

“I’m pleased so many with sight troubles are still able to read,” Weedman exclaims. “We talk about books just as often as we talk about anything.”

The Book Club’s most active member is former librarian Ellie Furbush, who is 94 and reads for several hours every day. Weedman says she always has profound things to share with the group.

During the summer months, the group

independently reads whatever they enjoy most. During the academic year, they read together, and their first book this fall is the Great Gatsby, the novel featured as part of the Library’s Big Read.

“This is an intelligent group that is not afraid to talk. We have varied conversations about what’s going on in the world,” says Weedman. Recently, the physician recommended a historical book to stimulate discussions.

Weedman’s favorite classic is To Kill a Mockingbird, the novel Harper Lee published in 1960. She says it is “the most wonderful story about the South, racism, and the law.” A visit from a member’s daughter (and public defender) shed new light on many aspects of the book’s legalities.

Touchmark’s Book Club also enjoys authors and writers as guest speakers. Most recently, award-winning mystery writer Leslie Budewitz of Bigfork came for a book reading and signing. A lawyer and prolific writer, Budewitz writes The

Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries, set in Jewel Bay, Mont.

With dozens of books and topics on their want-to-read list, this book club plans to continue reading—and discussing—thought-provoking works. (The book club was featured in the Independent Record. Check out the fun photos on the Independent Record’s website: http://helenair.com/news/local/gallery-touchmark-book-club/collection_2d1bfdf6-4e49-11e3-8767-001a4bcf887a.html#0.)

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October 2011 | page 1 TOUCHMARK ON SADDLE DRIVE Issue 12, 2013 | page 3

Team member Sarah Geisler has recently joined Touchmark in the bistro. Sarah, who was born in California, moved to Helena after living in the Reno, Nev. area to be near her mother and younger brother.

Sarah attended Truckee Meadow Community College, where she studied Fine Art. Two samples of her artwork are pictured. Residents and team members have been impressed by Sarah’s talent. Her love for the arts also extends to music: She has played jazz trombone for more than 12 years. Two other fun facts: Sarah enjoys Chinese food and escargot. Stop by and meet her!

Artist joins team

Marge Coalman, EdDVice President of Wellness & Programs

Celebrating the possibilities

“‘Why not’ is a slogan for an interesting life.” – Mason Cooley, professor and aphorist

Year’s end brings a time for reflection and shared memories. All of the holidays and holy days for people of faith have celebratory events and traditions. Often the gifts of the spirit, friendships, family relationships, victories, and losses are remembered.

As 2014 approaches, many ponder, “What’s next?” Perhaps the better question is, “Why not?” Things on the bucket list might be due for a move to the action list.

Healthy aging means nurturing curiosity, passion, and imagination. Lifelong learning, community service, volunteerism, adventures, and new beginnings are characteristics of Touchmark champions.

To learn more about champions and share your individual talents, strengths, and skills, contact a member of the Full Life team. Continuing to grow and succeed in self-determined goals is the essence of active aging.

TOUCHMARK ON SADDLE DRIVE

Contact a Full Life team member for additional details, including registration, transportation information, and participation requirements.

Sunday, Dec. 1, 1:15 pm Bus leaves for Cohesion Dance Project of the Nutcracker on the Rocks at the Helena Civic Center. This new show in town brings a twist to the holiday favorite. Please sign up. Cost: $25 per ticket.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 10 am Bus leaves for Festival of Trees at the Helena Civic Center. This extraordinary event has become a tradition of Helena’s holiday season while raising funds for children’s programs at Intermountain. Touchmark residents will have a chance to preview the decorated trees before the actual start of the event. No charge. Sign up.

Monday, Dec. 9, 9:30 am Bus leaves for Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Montana State Capitol Rotunda. Across the country at the same time, volunteers will post wreaths for each service branch along with an MIA flag. Please sign up. No charge.

Tuesday, Dec. 10 through Thursday, December 12 Creche Exhibit. Share and feel the true spirit of Christmas as you view a spectacular collection of nativities from all over the world. Lobby.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7 pm The Helena Xpress Singers will give a holiday concert. Forum.

Friday, Dec. 13, 2:30 pm Christmas Time Tea and Treats. Forum.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 1:30 pmStudent Piano Recital. Forum.

Sunday, Dec. 15, 1 pmSt. John’s Lutheran Church Choir will perform traditional holiday hymns. Lobby.

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6:45 pmBus leaves for Live! at the Civic’s Craicmore: Celtic Yuletide Celebration. This concert will feature holiday songs along with traditional Scottish and Irish music. Sign up. Tickets: $25.

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2 pmSenior Medicare Patrol presentation. This statewide program helps educate consumers on health care waste, fraud, and abuse as well as investigates cases. Forum.

Friday, Dec. 20, 3 pmOperatic Songs for Christmas by Harlan Reidmohr. Followed by an eggnog and cookie reception. Harlan is a student opera singer at Montana State University and the grandson of Touchmark resident Larry Reid. Forum.

Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 pmHelena Christmas and Holiday Light Tour. Please sign up.

See the full calendar of events online: TouchmarkHelena.com/pdf/community-

event-calendar.pdf

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Issue 12, 2013 | page 4

October 2011 | page 1 TOUCHMARK ON SADDLE DRIVE

Residents have been taking part in a variety of fun events, including music by a local high school jazz band, donning Halloween hats during a fitness class, moving to the music during the Dance for PD® class, and celebrating Veteran’s Day.

Snapshots capture the fun

Issue 12, 2013 | page 5

TOUCHMARK ON SADDLE DRIVE915 Saddle Drive • Helena, MT 59601

406-449-4900 • Touchmark.com

© 2011 Touchmark Living Centers, Inc., all rights reserved

BRAIN BUILDERS

Creative thinking! With all the presents open, imagine—and list—what you could do with empty boxes. Example: Make a small fort with children.

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Sharing the {FULL} Life!

It’s a great way to celebrate the season. We invite you to visit and share the joy, friendship, and fun—discover all that’s offered at Touchmark. Happy holidays to you and yours!

Featured (pictured): Cottage 901Offering: 1,548 square feet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and many upgrades, including silhouette blinds throughout, updated paint and flooring, and attached sunroom with gas stove.

Featured: Apartment 221Offering: 904 square feet, one bedroom, one bathroom, and large den. Call to learn more about this great value.