Dancing The Night Away
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Even though you could ask 100 people that question and get 100 different answers, we have one big way we like to celebrate here at Still Hopes Retirement Home West Columbia, SC and that is with our annual Valentine’s Day Dance. On Thursday evening, February 9th, Still Hopes continued our cherished tradition by having one big dance party. The Dick Goodwin Band provided the music which allowed our residents to dance the night away. All that dancing was accompanied by some seriously tasty desserts provided by the Daughters of the Holy Cross of Trinity Cathedral. So whatever your tradition may be, we hope you feel the love as much as we do with our friends here at Still Hopes. God bless! Experience an active retirement lifestyle on your own accord. As a Continuing Care Retirement Community, and the area’s first Life Plan Community in West Columbia, SC, Still Hopes offers an engaged and enjoyable senior adult community for the greater Columbia area. Our campus is continually adding new activities and offerings at the request of our wonderful residents. Learn how to play a new instrument at our retirement community. Paint your next masterpiece. Spend weekends with friends and family. Engage in a spiritual Bible study. Savor the variety at four unique dining venues on campus. Build strength and social ties in our Wellness Center. Plan your days exactly how you like them. Live the active retirement you want in an independent, maintenance-free environment without worrying about the tedious responsibilities.
Croquet on the Way!
Exciting times are ahead for the Still Hopes community as we break ground on a new feature that promises to enhance our vibrant living experience: a croquet court. This addition, made possible through the generous gift of Still Hopes resident Susan F. Boyd, signifies more than just an expansion of amenities—it's a testament to our commitment to enriching our residents’ lives with thoughtful, engaging outdoor activities. A New Chapter of Engagement and Enjoyment Introducing the croquet court is not just about adding another activity to our already vibrant portfolio. It’s about creating opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, and the joy of competition—all integral parts of a fulfilling life. Croquet, with its blend of strategy, skill, and social interaction, fits perfectly within the fabric of what makes Still Hopes a unique place to live. Thoughtfully Designed for All The new court is designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind. Here are some key features: Artificial Turf: Chosen for its low maintenance and durability, the artificial turf ensures the court remains in prime condition year-round, without the daily upkeep real turf would require. The design includes features like an area of taller "grass" around the entire court to slow overplayed balls, ensuring the game is enjoyable and accessible for players of all skill levels. Accessibility: The inclusion of assistive device-friendly spaces means the sport can be enjoyed by everyone, reflecting our commitment to activities that can be enjoyed across varying levels of mobility. In other words, it’s a game that’s also friendly to those using canes and walkers. Comfort and Convenience: Understanding the importance of comfort and social interaction, the pavilion will offer seating and ample space for observers to relax, perhaps with a cup of tea or a crockpot of chili on cooler days. Additionally, two unisex restrooms ensure convenience for all. A Gift That Keeps on Giving This project, spearheaded by the generosity of Susan F. Boyd, highlights the spirit of giving and community that runs deep in Still Hopes. Her vision for a space that offers both physical activity and social engagement reflects her understanding of the needs and desires of her fellow residents. Looking Forward As we embark on this exciting addition to our community, we look forward to the many ways it will enhance the lives of our residents. From leisurely afternoons on the court to the lively competitions that are sure to arise, the croquet court represents a new chapter of community life at Still Hopes. In the spirit of anticipation and community, we extend a heartfelt thank you to Susan for her generous gift. Her contribution goes beyond the physical court—it invests in the health, happiness, and connection of all who call Still Hopes home. As we look forward to the completion of the croquet court, we are reminded of the beauty of community, the joy of active living, and the promise of many memorable moments to come. Croquet on the way, indeed!
Christmas At Still Hopes: A Step Back in Time
There is enough research to indicate when you lose one of your senses, your others are heightened. And even more recent studies reveal that there is more brain activity associated with the olfactory stimuli than with visual stimuli. That would also prove true for Judge James Sanders Guignard, who remembers Christmas at Still Hopes Retirement Community Columbia SC from when he was just a small child. While Judge Guignard is now nearly blind, his memory is as sharp as anyone’s. He grew up just a couple miles away from the Guignard estate, where he would travel as a boy to see his father’s aunts, most of whom lived together in the Guignard mansion, or what he unassumingly referred to as the “family house.” Now, more than 100 years after it was built, Judge Guignard is a resident at Still Hopes (as is his sister, Emilie). As he walks through the house today, he remembers the scent of evergreens on the mantle, the candles in the windows, the beeswax of the floor polish and the lemon oil on the wood furniture, and imagines the bustle in the kitchen. He said those scents frame his memories, and take him back to holiday celebrations at the house, many years ago. We had the pleasure to hear about his holiday memories, and wanted to share them with you in his words: "I do remember coming to the house for Sunday dinners and big family feast days. And I remember Christmas. There was always a Christmas tree in the big hall in front of the large staircase. The big table in the dining room would be set for all of the adults, and a little side table for the small children. The children’s table would be set with the same china and glassware, except we didn’t have wine glasses. There were starched linen napkins. One of the men in the family would say grace and carve the turkey… and a turkey leg or two would be carved for the children’s table. There would be every manner of food - green beans, rice and gravy, stuffing, peach chutney, watermelon pickles, chow chow, hot buttered yeast rolls, and plenty of Still Hopes scuppernong wine for the adults, and milk for the children. And dessert would be a trifle custard or some sort of cake or pumpkin pie. It was always the kind of feast you would see in a Norman Rockwell painting. The food was incredibly good. They kept a garden in the back where they grew all sorts of vegetables. They had a cow that grazed out of the pasture. They ate wild onions and wild garlic and the milk tasted and smelled like it as well. There were always candles. The house was generally chilly in the winter but fairly cool in the summer because of the thick brick walls. There was a fire in every room. They started the fire in the dining room early so no one had to sit too close to the fire and get too hot. And there was a fire in the front music parlor, one in the front library, a fire in the back sitting parlor, and a fire in the dining room fireplace. And the little children would run and play in the main hall. Just inside the front double doors was an enormous brass grate, which I remember as being about four feet by six feet, and under it was a big furnace that spit out hot air which heated the lower part of the house a little bit, and the upper part of the house a lot more. All of the upper bedrooms had transoms over the doors so the heat could go in there, but the bedrooms also had fireplaces. The adults, of course, would have their time at the table. And there would be presents under the tree for the little children. I remember getting a wind-up toy car that would scoot across the hardwood floor. It was just a grand time for the children and for the adults. There was a lot of conversation and hub bub… all around the table would be family, cousins, aunts and uncles and occasional guests. It was a festive occasion. I remember the warmth of the season, the smells, the turkey cooking in the main kitchen, the fire logs, the candles, the green decoration in the windows… just a whole layer of different wonderful smells." Dr. Jane Bruce Guignard was the last remaining sibling, and after much discussion with the family, she decided to donate the home and it’s land to the Episcopal church to serve older adults in Columbia, West Columbia, Cayce, and Lexington. Now as a resident, Judge Guignard says he knows that Still Hopes embodies what his great aunt had hoped it would be. “Here I am, and all of the staff must have some sort of special quality about them that is a requirement for being hired. They are giving and caring people,” he said. “I can’t tell you what it means to me to be here to be with other people in similar circumstances. Not everyone here is blind, but everyone here is understanding that the caregivers are just incredible people. The staff and what they are doing to make this place is what Dr. Jane Bruce envisioned.” You can learn more about the Still Hopes history and Dr. Jane Bruce Guignard here. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our Still Hopes family to yours!
Christmas at Still Hopes: Memories, Traditions and Recipes
This holiday season, we have the privilege of sharing some heartwarming and funny memories and some delicious recipes from three of our Still Hopes Assisted Living West Columbia, SC residents. Laurely Nance The stockings were hung by the chimney with care Citrus fruit was a real treat in Cincinnati in December back in the late 30s. My Christmas stocking always held a tangerine, a walnut or two, an almond, and hard candy. We had to eat our tangerine before we could go downstairs to see the tree and our presents. I tried that with our three children. It backfired! They still laugh whenever I mention tangerines and agree that was a tradition best forgotten. Counting down the days When my husband was stationed in Germany in 1962 and ‘63, I discovered Christmas Advent calendars. There was a tiny window to open every day for 24 days showing candy, cookies, wreaths and bells, but on the 25th, the window revealed the baby Jesus, the Christ Child. I sent many as gifts to young parents. Our children looked forward to that calendar every year. “Santa” brings the tree German tradition in Cincinnati was that Santa brought the tree at Christmas. My parents would hide the bought tree in our enclosed garage. Of course, my bicycle was also in that garage. I would tell my mom that I wanted to go bike riding. She would snap “it’s too cold,” or “your big sister will get it out for you,” or “I need you to ....” On Christmas Eve after I was asleep, Daddy would set up the tree and decorate it. He fell one year, barely catching himself on the mantle. I never heard a thing! It was always so miraculous to me how Santa remembered to always trim our tree with the same well loved ornaments every single year without fail. Santa’s been here Our younger daughter remembers the bell pull hung next to the Christmas tree. There were big sleigh bells spaced on it from top to bottom. When those sleigh bells pealed their merry sound on Christmas morning, I would call out “Look, Santa’s been here.” All three children would tumble out of their beds and come traipsing in to the tree together. That daughter thought it was extra special because they all came together. No one sneaked in ahead of the others to peak and check it out. Favorite Christmas presents My husband, Luke, got a Red Flyer stake body wagon one year. He hauled everything in it. I’m surprised he didn’t want to sleep with it! That was his most prized possession. I was not surprised when he bought a Red Flyer stake body wagon for our first grandson. We have lots of cute pictures of our grandchildren in that new little red wagon. I had a Madame Alexander doll, McGuffey Ana, that I dearly loved and played with a lot. One Christmas there was a beautiful doll under the tree. She had blond hair piled up in curls on her head. She was a vision in a floor length black velvet cape lined with peach satin. Her ball gown was peach satin with a peach lace overlay. I was in love! I grabbed her and was scampering up the stairs to my room when my mother asked where I was going. “I want to introduce her to McGuffey Ana,” I replied. “Honey,” my mother said, “that is McGuffey Ana. I just fixed her hair and made her a new outfit for you.” That burst my bubble. For a moment I thought I had two dolls! By the way, she still has her original trunk, drawers full of clothes, her original straw hat plus shoes and socks. Her hair, though, is getting as thin as mine but we both are happy here at Still Hopes and still looking good! Laurely’s Sweet Potato Casserole INGREDIENTS: 4 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes 1 cup sugar 2 eggs beaten ⅓ stick butter, melted 1-½ cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla Mix all ingredients, pour into 2 1/2 qt baking dish TOPPING: 1 cup brown sugar, packed down 1 cup chopped pecans ⅓ stick butter, melted Stir together and crumble on top of potatoes. Bake 350 degrees 30 to 35 minutes. Laurely’s Christmas Coffee Cake (also now baked by her daughters every year!) INGREDIENTS: 1-½ cup Bisquick 1 egg ⅓ cup sugar dash of cinnamon ½ Tbsp. oil ½ cup milk 1+ cup of the following combined: fruit cake mixed fruits (including cherries cut in half), chopped pecans, chocolate chips and raisins. Stir all ingredients together. Mound into a low round baking dish, well greased. Sprinkle top lightly with cinnamon and sugar, or decorate with Christmas colored sugars in a wreath or tree pattern or pecan halves around the edge. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes til done. Test with a toothpick. Don’t overbake! Mary Ross and Sally Wiseman (sisters) Sally has clout with Santa Mary: When Sally was about six- or seven-years-old she wrote a letter to Santa, asking him to “bring my little sister and me a doll, and please bring my brother a wagon.” And he did! We felt like Sally had an “in” with Santa, and that she could get us whatever we wanted for Christmas! Christmas on the farm Mary: Our aunt had a farm out in the country where the whole family on our mother’s side would gather for Christmas. 20 to 30 people would be staying there! No matter where you were at Christmas you came home so you can be with your loved ones. There was wonderful food - our grandmother’s chess pie and my mother’s ambrosia salad too. Sally: My cousin, my sister, and I would all pile into a big four-poster feather bed on Christmas Eve. Our family was close and we have always had such wonderful memories there. Butterball the pony Mary: Everyone always asks for a pony but never gets one. One year, we got a pony for Christmas! His name was Butterball. After that, we found out ponies can be very stubborn! Passing along the tradition Mary: Years after the cousins all had kids and the families got too big to stay at the farm, Sally would carry on the tradition of gathering our family at her house. And sometimes we would invite a few extras! All the children would come no matter where they lived. Sally: I had four boys and now one of those sons has carried on the tradition with his wife. It’s been passed through four generations! Merry Christmas to our entire Still Hopes family!
A Christmas Message
Christmas Time is Here!! Here at Still Hopes Retirement Community West Columbia, SC we are a faith-based community, so we pray our way through the seasons. During this time each year, amidst the excitement and wonder of this Holy season, we are often beset with stress, and concerned with the tragedies that just don’t seem to stop for Christmas, no matter how much we want them to! I try to keep in mind that Christ did not come into a perfect world. The world that He entered was an occupied and oppressed land, and the people longed for God—sound familiar? What came to us that first Christmas wasn’t peace and good will, but God’s love for us. Emmanuel (God with us) is the promise of Christmas. God is with us through it all-the good, and the bad times. The promise of the Christmas season is that no matter what we experience in our lives, joy, hurt, or whatever else we feel, God is with us. It’s God that allows us to feel that Peace that the world cannot give, that Peace that is beyond human understanding. That is the Peace of the Christmas season. We are loved perfectly by God! That is what allows those of faith to say Merry Christmas to all! May the Blessings of the Holidays be yours! Rev. Rich Crozier
Chapel Gift
The Chapel of the Holy Spirit at our Dementia Care West Columbia, SC has recently been given a Memorial Gift in memory of Bill and Doris Willoughby by their son, The Reverend Fr. William Willoughby. The gift consists of a complete set of four Chasubles with matching stoles appropriate for the different seasons of the liturgical year. These are worn by the priest who is leading worship with Holy Communion, or the Lord's Supper. Red is used for Palm Sunday, Pentecost Sunday and special Saints' Days. Green is used for Epiphany and the season of Pentecost. Purple is used for Advent and Lent and White is used for Christmas, Easter, funerals, weddings and other special days. It will be thrilling as we go through the year and remember Bill and Doris Willoughby by the tangible reminder of their dedicated service during their tenure with us. Bill was an important member of the Lay Reader team and a great supporter of the Chapel. Doris was also a very faithful worshipper in the Chapel at Still Hopes. This gift along with all the others in the past is a reminder that our Chapel is made possible entirely by contributions. It is certainly an integral part of life in this community, and a symbol of our connection with God.
Celebrating The Heart of Still Hopes
*The following blog post was written by Mrs. Esther Ilderton, Director of Human Resources at Still Hopes at our Retirement Home in West Columbia, SC. Thank you, Esther! Employee Appreciation Week at Still Hopes was held August 22nd - August 26th and what a wonderful time celebrating our employees! Every year, a week is set aside to express our gratitude to our employees for their hard work and dedication to the residents of Still Hopes. The celebration kicked off on Monday, August 22nd, with a Breakfast Buffet. The rest of the week, we had events like a Spa Day on Tuesday, and a Milkshake Day on Wednesday. The events continued on through Thursday with a meaningful Memorial Service led by Father Johnnie Davis. The week concluded on Friday, August 26th, with a Luncheon in the Keenan Event Center where staff enjoyed BBQ and games. Sheila Vaughn, Service Manager in Culinary, was selected as the 2016 Still Hopes Employee of the Year. Sheila has been with Still Hopes since June 14, 2004. During her time at Still Hopes, Sheila has served as Hostess, Bistro Supervisor and Service Manager. Sheila also is a graduate of the Leading Age of South Carolina Leadership Academy. Congratulations Sheila Vaughn, 2016 Employee of the Year! Thank you to all who help make Employee Appreciation Week possible and a special thank you to the Employee Focus Committee and so many employees who helped set-up, prepare food and cleaned up for the events this week. Thank you to the residents for allowing Employee Appreciation Week to take place and recognizing our staff for a Job Well Done! Please click here to watch the video where our Directors and residents thanked our employees personally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5jIIb44bVM Esther H. Ilderton Director of Human Resources
Carrying On An American Tradition
Though it appeared the threat of rain loomed near, that couldn’t stop the Still Hopes Retirement Community West Columbia, SC family from gathering for our annual Flag Raising Ceremony on this Fourth of July. The idea for a flag raising ceremony was originally brought up by Still Hopes resident Margaret Twomey four years ago, and today’s flag was dedicated in her honor. “I just think it’s important that we get the flag on display and that everyone has a part in it.” says Margaret. The flag was raised today by Karl Pfaehler and Richard Murphy, both of whom are veterans. Karl is a retired Army Colonel who served for 26 years, and he thinks having a tradition like this is important not just for Still Hopes residents, but also for generations to come. “I think it’s really important, particularly for younger people. We need to carry on a tradition. We need to impart upon younger people the importance of the flag and what it means to us. I think a lot of times we take for granted the liberty we have in the United States. I think doing this at least once a year reminds us to be thankful for what we have.” states Karl. From all of us at Still Hopes, we want to extend our gratitude to each of our veterans and every person who has helped insure the liberty and independence we celebrate today. Thank you and God bless!
From Bob Michalski
July seemed to have a cool front move through on the night we heard the music of Michael Shull at our Assisted Living Community in West Columbia, SC. We felt like we were in the mountains where is is cool. We enjoyed the selection of music. It was interesting to see the various instruments Michael plays. We are still laughing about the possum caught in the headlights! In August, we will be having our Olympics. Athletes are training now for a wonderful event to be held in the JBG Nursing Center. I'm sure many medals will be awarded. We continue to enjoy visits with Peter Buttress and his border collie, Chase. This duo is faithful as they visit our residents every month. We look forward to wonderful music each Friday from Faye Brooks on the piano. Faye is a crowd pleaser as she plays the music from our era. We consider ourselves fortunate because one of our own, Tome Savage, can be seen playing his clarinet several times a month for the residents. We really enjoy Tom! Assisted Living Community in West Columbia, SC. Finally, during one of our "finish the phrase" activities, I asked the residents to fill in the black: a new broom sweeps _______. Of course the answer is "clean." One resident at our however, said "but an old broom knows the corners." That beautiful season the summer! Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Be the reason someone smiles today! Volunteer at Still Hopes
Are you looking for ways to enrich your life by adding meaning, engagement, fun to another’s? Do you have a group or team of people who want to give forward in a meaningful way? Do you want to learn more about life, about our later years, by spending time with people who are living them? Do you want to be the reason someone smiles today? We at Still Hopes need you! We welcome individuals and groups who bring ideas, plans, energy, engagement, and relationship to the Still Hopes table. Learn more about volunteering at Still Hopes by attending our Volunteer Orientation open house on April 26th at 5:30pm on the Still Hopes campus in the Keenan Event Center. So, gather your thoughts, questions, and your friends, and RSVP to Michelle Rabon, Still Hopes Dir. Of Life Engagement at mrabon@stillhopes.org. We’ll see you there!
Barbara's Story
"Do a push up. Ok, now one more..." This is the style of coaching Barbara Carter thought she would be receiving when she decided to pursue Personal Training with Taylor Hall and his Shearouse Center for Wellness Staff. She quickly discovered her plan - custom tailored to her specific goals post-operation - would give her back the independence she thought she'd lost. Watch her full story below.
Art4Life at Still Hopes: An Innovative Approach to Resident Enrichment
In a notable achievement for Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, our Life Engagement team recently applied for and was awarded the Art4Life grant, a testament to our unwavering commitment to resident enrichment. This success didn't come without effort; it involved extensive training for our team. This preparation was crucial to ensure that the implementation of Thriving4Life's program by our Life Engagement staff aligns with the grant’s core values, particularly in protecting and honoring the dignity of all participants. Art4Life: A Natural Extension of Our Mission The Art4Life initiative is about using art as a therapeutic tool to enhance dignity and personal autonomy. At Still Hopes, particularly in our Jane Bruce Guignard Long Term Nursing neighborhood, we see this as a natural extension of our mission. We understand that life enrichment encompasses emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, not just physical care. Empowering Through Creativity The Art4Life program is about empowering residents to express themselves creatively. It's closely aligned with our ethos of celebrating each resident's individuality. Art4Life offers various art forms as mediums for residents to share their experiences and emotions, echoing our commitment to honoring the unique stories of our community members. A Community-Wide Effort Still Hopes is an ideal recipient for the Art4Life grant because of our holistic approach to care. The program’s goal of extending beyond art therapists to involve caregivers resonates with our belief that everyone on our team plays a role in enriching residents' lives. This inclusive approach ensures that all residents, regardless of their challenges, can participate in and benefit from the program. Looking Forward As we gear up for the first Art4Life session, we're excited about the possibilities this program brings. It’s an opportunity to deepen our commitment to providing an engaging, supportive environment where every resident can enjoy a rich and varied life. The Art4Life program is more than just an artistic endeavor; it's a reflection of our dedication to ensuring every resident at Still Hopes has the opportunity to live a vibrant and expressive life. This grant marks a significant step in our journey to enhance the quality of life for our residents. We look forward to sharing updates and successes from the Art4Life program at Still Hopes. To learn more about Thriving4Life's mission or the Art4Life grant, visit their website below. http://thriving4life.org