Joanne Wise: Putting Creativity to Work and Order to Art

Joanne Wise: Putting Creativity to Work and Order to Art

Joanne’s interests have always revolved around the arts, both professionally and personally. Her early career took her from her native Philadelphia to New York City, where she worked at Woman’s Day magazine. In 1976, she moved to Atlanta to serve as the national promotion director for President Jimmy Carter’s campaign. It was there she met her future husband, Doug. They later lived in Tokyo, where Joanne grew her collection of works by contemporary Japanese artists. When Joanne and Doug returned to the United States, they shared their collection with several national museums, including the Hood Museum of Art on the Dartmouth campus.

Today, Joanne continues to channel her passion for art in a multitude of ways that benefit people in the community-at-large and residents at The Woodlands. From connecting with local artists to facilitate displays of their work, to organizing art classes, which may be led by residents or local artists. There is a revamped pantry on the first floor that now serves as a dedicated art studio for these resident artists and other artists from the Upper Valley.

Joanne has also connected with the Dartmouth Institute program called Generations. Under Generations, a Woodlands-specific program is called “Reflections.” This program engages undergraduate pre-med students with Woodland’s residents in activities that support wellness through creative outlets, including the arts (not just painting).

Within The Woodlands, Joanne has been instrumental in organizing resident-owned artwork, much of which is on display throughout the hallways. She organized a committee that works together to help systemize, catalog, and rotate nearly 600 pieces of art that call The Woodlands home. Some of these pieces belong to current residents, while others were gifted to The Woodlands by former residents who chose to donate their artwork for one reason or another. Joanne also tagged wonderful artists from AVA (in Lebanon) to lend their contemporary paintings. The committee helps choose and rotates the art throughout the Woodland’s hallways and offices.

Joanne’s efforts truly demonstrate the power of sharing your passion with others. Living in a place like The Woodlands encourages residents to put their interests front and center. We’re so grateful to have Joanne in our community, and we appreciate the connection she has with the local art scene and how she brings it home for all of us.

Ask, Listen, Learn: A Recipe for Improvement

Ask, Listen, Learn: A Recipe for Improvement

Dining is pretty important in the daily life of residents at Harvest Hill and The Woodlands, offering not just nourishment but also a sense of community and comfort. To ensure we provide the best food and service possible, we conduct an annual resident satisfaction survey that covers many areas including dining. The questions are specific: How good are your meals; are they presented nicely; how is the service; do you have ideas for improvement? We give our residents a voice because their feedback matters. The results highlight the strengths of the dining experience while providing insights for enhancement.

What Residents Told Us

At both Harvest Hill and The Woodlands, residents consistently gave high marks to the taste and presentation of meals and most residents are satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of the food. In fact, 80% of the respondents were Very Satisfied or Satisfied. Menu variety is another strong point, with options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Residents also shared ideas for dishes they enjoy, such as seafood entrees, soups, and freshly prepared salads.

That said, some residents suggested more seasoning, expanding vegetarian options, and lighter fare. Residents also said they enjoyed family-style dining, praising a barbecue event from last summer. These suggestions help us to innovate with our meal planning, helping to ensure that dining remains a highlight in our communities.

Dining Room Service & Atmosphere

Service in the dining rooms received high marks and residents appreciate the attentiveness and professionalism of the staff. Comments from The Woodlands survey suggest that staff training and recruitment efforts are paying off, as residents notice the dedication and friendliness of their servers.

Community & Culinary Engagement

Beyond the meals themselves, dining at Harvest Hill and The Woodlands is a communal experience that fosters friendships and social connection. Some residents said how they value the ability to provide feedback and would like to see even more opportunities to suggest menu items.

With an already strong foundation in dining satisfaction, Harvest Hill and The Woodlands continue to evolve their food services to meet residents’ expectations. By incorporating feedback, fine-tuning menu selections, and maintaining our commitment to high-quality meals, we can continue to grow and change with our residents’ preferences and tastes.

Would you like to join us for a meal and experience it firsthand? Contact our Director of Sales & Marketing today at 603-308-0024 to schedule a tour and taste the difference!

Keep it Moving in the Winter Months

Exercise, even moderate, is a well-documented way to maintain both physical and mental health. Some studies even suggest it can enhance cognitive skills. And while many of us find it is easier to stay active in the summer with the longer days and warmer weather, winter doesn’t have to slow you down. At Harvest Hill, we offer plenty of activities to help you keep moving throughout the colder months—all without leaving the comfort of our community.

You can join one of our exercise classes, held 2–3 times a week, or participate in a gentle Yoga class (you can hear from visiting Yoga instructor, Kathryn Mills, about the benefits of yoga and how she offers safe, beneficial movement instruction for all levels and interests). Participating in a singing group can give you a boost of energy. We also offer brain fitness classes, and you can always sign up for one of our outings.  Even walking within our community can provide some needed steps toward better health.

For those looking to add more activity to their day, there are many online resources available. The National Institute on Aging, for example, provides a wealth of tips and ideas designed specifically for older adults who want to incorporate exercise into their daily lives.

No matter how you choose to stay active, stretching or getting your steps in, the key is to be consistent and stick to it. You don’t have to sweat or push too hard to get the benefits of regular exercise, and if you find the right activity, you can build a healthy habit for life.

Additional sources: AMA, Harvard Study, HealthLine, National Institute on Aging

May we Brag? Just a Little?

May we Brag? Just a Little?

Have you heard that on October 3, 2024, our own Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD), a member of Dartmouth Health, achieved Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department (GED) accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians. Situated here on our beautiful Lifecare campus, APD is the first critical access hospital in the entire United States to hold this distinction.

The GED program is a voluntary undertaking includes three levels (like a trauma centers’ designations) and provides specific criteria and goals for emergency clinicians and administrators to meet. The accreditation process includes more than two dozen best practices for geriatric care and the level of GED accreditation achieved depends upon how many of these best practices an emergency department can meet. A Level 1 emergency department must incorporate many of these best practices, along with providing inter-disciplinary geriatric education and having appropriate geriatric equipment and supplies available.  

Special acknowledgement goes the GED champion team: Melissa Beamer, BSN, RN, TNCC, GERO-BC; Kristie Foster, MSN, RN, GERO-BC, Emergency Department Nurse Manager and Clinical Educator; and Nichole Cassidy, MSM, Quality Improvement Specialist, and of course to the entire ED team for their commitment and work to help improve patient outcomes.  This important recognition is an example of APD’s continued dedication to the health and wellbeing of our entire community.

Susan E. Mooney, MD, MS, FACOG, president and CEO of APD said, “Our ED works tirelessly to improve patient outcomes for these patients, addressing common geriatric issues and ensuring optimal transitions of care to other settings. Level 1 GED accreditation is an important example of APD’s continued dedication to the health and wellbeing of our entire community.”

Congratulations to the Emergency Department team at APD. You are one more reason that Harvest Hill and The Woodlands are two of the most sought-after senior living communities in the Upper Valley.

About Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD)

Known for highly personalized and high-quality care, APD is the community hospital of the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. Founded in 1932 and a member of Dartmouth Health since 2016, APD’s areas of clinical excellence include surgical services, primary care, geriatric care, sleep health, orthopedics, and emergency services.

A Resident Perspective on Creativity and Community in The Woodlands Woodworking Shop

At The Woodlands Retirement Community at APD Lifecare, hobbies and passions are encouraged and nurtured, so residents can stay active, engaged and creative. For resident Al H., woodworking has been a passion for over two decades. He takes simple square pieces of wood and transforms them into intricate works of art—a process that is not only rewarding but incredible to see through from start to finish.

Al’s journey in woodworking began more than 20 years ago, and what started as a hobby has grown into a fulfilling way to spend time at The Woodlands. Today, he helps run the woodworking shop activities, where about 12 residents can work on projects, socialize, and learn from each other. “Everyone comes at different times,” Al says, noting how the flexible nature of the workshop allows for a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

A Well-Equipped Creative Space

The woodworking shop at The Woodlands has evolved into a well-equipped space, thanks to the collective efforts and care of many residents over the years. Outfitted with essential tools for a wide range of woodworking projects, the shop reflects the dedication and passion of the community.

Among the tools, the router and shaper are favorites, especially for residents like Al, who enjoy transforming simple pieces of wood into stunning creations. “Id like to get a few more tools in here,” Al mentions, but he’s quick to acknowledge that the shop is what it is today thanks to the many hands that have contributed to its growth. From selecting equipment to sharing knowledge and ideas, the shop is a true labor of love, constantly evolving with the combined creativity and support of The Woodlands community.

Building Friendships and Beautiful Creations

While the woodworking shop is a place to hone craftsmanship, it’s also a place where companionship thrives. The 12 residents that frequent the shop come and go as their schedules permit, but the shared interest in woodworking creates friendships. The woodworking shop is about having a place where people relax and enjoy what they do.

One of the recent collaborative projects was an art cabinet that Al and his fellow resident and friend, Bill, built together. This cabinet is used to store art from the community at The Woodlands. Al, and other residents will take on projects to not only challenge their skills but to give back to The Woodlands and leave a lasting mark at the community.

A Place for All Woodworking Enthusiasts

The woodworking shop is open to any resident interested in learning or expanding their woodworking skills. Before anyone can start working, however, there’s a short application process to ensure everyone is familiar with the equipment and safety protocols. “Safety is always the top priority,” the Director of Sales & Marketing, Carol, stresses.

Al is eager to assist anyone who may need help with the machines or guidance on a project. “I’m always available to help,” he says. Whether it’s someone looking to build something for their apartment or wanting to try their hand at a new technique, Al is there to support and encourage their endeavors.

In addition to the joy of working with wood, Al and the other woodworkers are always on the lookout for fresh ideas and methodologies. “We’re constantly learning from each other,” Al remarks. This spirit of curiosity and continuous learning is what keeps the woodworking shop such a dynamic and vibrant part of life at The Woodlands.

For Al and the rest of the woodworkers, the shop is more than just a place to build—it’s a place to connect, share and create. The shop offers endless possibilities for those who love the art of woodworking.

An Inside Look: The Guides of the The Woodlands

An Inside Look: The Guides of the The Woodlands
Front: Nancy, Melanie, Sue, Lois, Amy, Ellen
Back: Bill, Dick, Lynn, Jack, Jack

Harvest Hill’s sister community, The Woodlands, offers an interesting take to prospective move-ins with tours guided by Woodlands’ residents.

Nancy (a Woodlands’ resident today) had toured another Senior Living community, where a resident gave her a guided tour, which left a lasting impression. When Nancy eventually settled on living at The Woodlands, she introduced the idea of resident-led tours to the administrators. Together, they brought that idea to life, and from it, The Woodlands Tour Guides, known as “The Guides,” bloomed.

A Resident-Led Approach

One thing that sets The Woodlands Independent Living apart is its unique approach to tours. While most communities rely on staff, here at The Woodlands, prospective residents experience the community through the eyes of its current residents. Nancy, along with 11 other dedicated tour guides, a mix of couples and individuals, provide personal insights into what it’s really like to live at The Woodlands.

Each guide comes from a diverse background, offering prospective residents’ various perspectives. This resident-led approach brings authenticity to the tours and fosters a deeper sense of connection. It’s a unique opportunity for visitors to hear directly from people who live there

Nancy’s Role Behind the Scenes

While Nancy prefers to keep a low profile, her role in organizing and coordinating these tours is essential. She works closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing to ensure everything runs smoothly, though Nancy says it’s easy because all the guides are wonderful and great at what they do. From training the new tour guides to planning the itinerary, Nancy is the quiet force behind “The Guides.”

A Tour to Remember

Tours start in the lobby, where guests are introduced to the layout and amenities. From there, The Guides lead visitors through some of the most loved spots in the community. For men, the woodshop is often a highlight – a place where craftsmanship and camaraderie thrive. The fitness center and swimming pool are also popular stops, giving prospective residents a taste of the active lifestyle available here.

The tour concludes with a visit to two apartments, helping guests to imagine what life could be like at The Woodlands. Nancy believes this part of the tour is important to prospects. Seeing the apartments helps them visualize themselves living at The Woodlands.

A Community Like No Other

For Nancy, being a part of The Guides is about more than just showing people around. It’s about helping people feel at home before they even move in. It’s this sense of community, transparency, and personal touch that helps set the Woodlands apart from other independent living communities. It’s truly special experience.

Meet The Woodlands Executive Chef

Meet the Woodlands Executive Chef

Choosing a career path can be hard unless you really know what you love to do. Jason knew what he enjoyed but it took a few turns to get there. Growing up in neighboring Massachusetts, he started working in restaurants at an early age, and tried out most of the roles — from dishwasher to “front of the house.” Over time, he realized his love was the preparation of the meal. It’s creative, it’s physical, and it’s rewarding when people enjoy the food. He admits he never enjoyed the typical kitchen culture (have you seen, “The Bear”?), so over the years, he’s worked to change the culture in the kitchens he’s managed. Today, he truly enjoys his team and what he does.

Jason went to college out of high school, then joined the Navy in his 20s where he became an electronic technician. It’s a career he could have pursued, but he chose to follow his passion and enrolled at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI.

Jason has worked at inns, restaurants, colleges and even another senior living community. Several of those positions were more management than hands-on in the kitchen, but the fit at The Woodlands is just right and he loves being back “behind the line” doing what he loves most. He designs the menus, and he confirms from his experience, the food they serve at The Woodlands is restaurant quality. Though he adds, who wants to eat at a restaurant every day? He and his team also add down-home meals to the menu, like a BBQ Platter, or Fenway Park Night (yup, great hot dogs and made-from-scratch cheesy nachos). Residents enjoy the variety. He incorporates seasonal foods, too, and will continue to tap local producers and products for The Woodlands’ menu.

He and his family moved to the area around 2001 and they love it. He enjoys riding his bike (even to work when he can) and hiking. Most of his family is still in Massachusetts, so it’s easy to visit. Jason really enjoys the people at The Woodlands. He says the residents are friendly, and the culinary staff is great — they can really cook! 

Meet Woodlands Resident Jack DeGange

Jack DeGange built a successful 50-year career as a writer and editor before moving to The Woodlands in 2016.

A graduate of Bates College and an officer in the U.S. Navy, Jack started his professional career with newspapers in Stamford and New Haven, Conn. In 1968, he became the sports information director at Dartmouth College where, over nine years, many of his publications won national awards. He then worked in printing sales and marketing before spending a decade in the corporate communications field. A return to Dartmouth in the 1990s to work in fund-raising communications preceded nearly two decades as a freelance writer and editor.

For several years Jack was board president and campaign chair for United Way of the Upper Valley and also volunteered at David’s House in Lebanon where his wife, Jane, was executive director for about 20 years.

Jack became familiar with The Woodlands in 2010 while doing a freelance article for Trumbull-Nelson Construction, the company that built The Woodlands (and several other buildings on the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital campus). His research included interviews over dinner he and Jane shared with three couples who were longtime friends and among the earliest residents at The Woodlands.

“After dinner, Jane and I agreed that one day The Woodlands would be a good option for us,” Jack said.

For 25 years, before moving to The Woodlands, their home was a large farmhouse on four acres about three miles from The Woodlands. When they decided the time was right to leave lawn mowing, snow blowing and splitting firewood behind, they didn’t look beyond The Woodlands.

“When making a decision about downsizing, I encourage people to plan early, while it’s still a choice, not a necessity,” Jack said. “The Woodlands was the right size for us. It’s easy to get to know everybody. We’ve acquired many new friends, there’s a great social atmosphere, the people are interesting, and conversations can go in any direction.”

He now applies his experience as a contributor to the residents’ monthly newsletter and, as president of The Woodlands Board of Directors, encouraging residents to get involved in community life.

Unlike many other independent living retirement communities, the residents, with the support of The Woodlands staff, organize clubs, outings, and other activities for everyone to participate in and enjoy.

“This is our home and residents find it easy to get involved. In a sense, interests and initiatives energize the community,” Jack said.

Meet Woodlands Resident Carol Kelley

Carol was one of the first residents to move into The Woodlands almost 13 years ago. After a visit to a friend living at Harvest Hill, she decided this was the retirement community for her on a beautiful, wooded campus with large apartments, great views, and a lot of activities to choose from. The Woodlands was still under construction at the time, but as soon as it was open, Carol moved in.

“Everyone is very friendly and I feel safe living here. If you need help someone is always available and the food is really good,” Carol said.

Carol grew up in Little Falls, New York. She earned an associate’s degree in science from the  Suny School in Alfred, New York and worked in a laboratory at the University of Rochester Medical School. Carol’s husband was a physician and his career brought them to Hanover, New Hampshire where they lived for 43 years and raised two daughters.

Carol is very active in the community serving as the Social Team Leader, the group that organizes events like the monthly social gathering open to all residents on the first Wednesday of every month, the Ladies Lunch-Out monthly outing, and Pub Night every Friday. Carol enjoys reading fiction and non-fiction, especially history, and is also on the Library Committee. The Woodlands has a substantial library for residents with a room dedicated to hardcover books and one for paperbacks and magazines. Carol and the other library volunteers make sure books are checked back in and shelved properly.

“I’ve made a lot of friends here, most of them from working on various committees,” Carol said.

When she is not arranging social gatherings or helping to keep the library ship-shape, Carol enjoys going to the many exercise classes offered at The Woodland taught by professional instructors. She also likes to travel to visit her daughters and grandchildren. Her daughter in Maryland is a judge for the Department of Veteran Affairs in Washington D.C. and when she is visiting they take in the many museums near the Capitol. She also loves visiting her daughter, a doctor like her father, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, spending time on the beach, and enjoying the many fun restaurants and shops in the area.

“The Woodlands is such a friendly place and the staff takes such good care of us. There are a lot of activities to choose from, a great menu with a lot of variety, and regular guest speakers,” Carol said.

Meet Woodlands Resident Robert Sands

Robert moved to The Woodlands four years ago drawn to the natural beauty surrounding the community and in his words, “all the well-educated, well-traveled, interesting, and nice people living here.”

Robert is one of those well-educated, well-traveled, interesting, and nice people whose family once owned the famous King Arthur Flour Company. He grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts and earned an economics and geography degree from Dartmouth College.

“I chose my professors rather than my courses and I took the classes offered by the ones I liked the best,” Robert said.

He entered graduate school but was called to serve his country during the Vietnam War, becoming a member of the Army Infantry and stationed in Berlin for two years. After that he spent six years in the Army Reserve, traveling throughout Europe, Turkey, Finland, and as far as Morocco.

“My travels helped me realize this simple truth; people are people no matter what color, what religion, or beliefs they have. People do things differently and have their own reasons for doing those things. Never judge people from what you see only from your point of view,” Robert said.

When he left the Army Reserve Robert joined the family business for a few years before moving to Washington D.C. to work for the United States government focusing on U.S. and Canada relations. His work with Canada expanded Robert’s worldview even more and he says the Canadian people were good to work with. While in Washington D.C. he also attended the National War College and worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a few years.

When it came time to retire, The Woodlands was his first choice. He enjoys his first-floor apartment overlooking the courtyard, often inviting friends over for a glass of wine while they enjoy one of the many live music events held there. 

In nearby Lebanon, Robert enjoys taking classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth which offers educational programs year-round for residents in the greater Upper Valley. He also likes going to the Dartmouth College rugby team games.