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At Village Concepts of Fairwood, residents can choose from many fun-filled ways to fill their days – recently, in preparation for Spring, they enjoyed some fun gardening activities![/caption]
With restrictions lifting, there’s even more to enjoy when you call this place home
We’ve all seen plenty of changes over the last year – and Village Concepts of Fairwood is no exception. Since opening their doors last March, as restrictions continue to lift they’re excited to welcome change – and you!
The brand new independent living, assisted living and memory care community nestled on the Fairwood Golf Course offers residents scenic views of the greens and the amenities and recreational opportunities of the club, including the 18-hole golf course, swimming pool and dining room.
While Village Concepts is new to Renton, their team has provided exceptional housing, support and services for seniors across Washington for more than 40 years – putting you and your loved ones in the right hands.
So what can look forward to when you call Fairwood home?
Recently, they’ve been excited to make some noise with live musical entertainment – so you can kick back, relax and enjoy the talent.
Painting classes and arts and crafts sessions let you explore your own creativity, or if you prefer to get your blood pumping or stretch it out with yoga, exercise and activity classes are also resuming. With a fully equipped fitness centre, there’s something for everyone.
Refuel after your workout in their newly reopened dining room. welcoming diners from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
And, with visits also reopened, you can show off your new digs to your loved ones. Guests are welcome in residents’ apartments, which has been especially popular for many!
“This is the change that’s definitely brought the most joy to our residents, they’ve spent months restricted to seeing their loved ones through a computer screen, for example,” Lynda White Eagle, Executive Director at Village Concepts of Fairwood, says. “Some are meeting their grandchildren for the first time, it’s a really heartwarming experience and a welcome change.”
Soon to return are Fairwoods’ weekly social events, including happy hours and coffee socials. And with the beauty shop reopening, they’ll have you looking your very best as you mingle with your friends and neighbors!
As restrictions continue to lift, there’s no better time than now to call Village Concepts of Fairwood home.
To learn more, make sure to visit them online or contact them today!"
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Jennifer Angell is the mastermind of the calendar project that gives local seniors the full Hollywood treatment. She does all the make-up, costuming and takes the photos. This 2020 takeoff on the movie “Elf” features Bill as Will Ferrell’s title character. Bill is one of dozens of residents at Spiritwood at Pine Lake retirement community to pose for the calendar project that benefits the Alzheimer’s Association.[/caption]
Seniors at a local retirement community are dressing up like Hollywood stars. For the last three years, residents at Issaquah’s Spiritwood at Pine Lake have had the full Hollywood treatment—including elaborate makeup and costumes—all for the sake of gracing the pages of best-selling calendars to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
“The project came about because I was looking for a way to earn more for the organization,” says Jennifer Angell, community relations director at Spiritwood. “We’ve had many benefits at the community to support that cause and I am always on the lookout for something unique.”
[caption id="attachment_13478" align="alignleft" width="300"] Jennifer recast Jack as Tom Cruise’s character in “Top Gun.”[/caption]
Jennifer is the mastermind behind the project. “I costume, photograph and provide the makeup for the residents,” she explains. The seniors are delighted to participate in the major makeovers that make them look like celebrities.
Over the years, star turns have included Marilyn Monroe, Tom Cruise in Top Gun, Queen Elizabeth, Alfred Hitchcock, Liza Minelli in Cabaret, the crew of Star Trek, the famous candy factory scene from I Love Lucy, Marlon Brando from The Godfather, and so many more.
The original inspiration for this unique project came when Jennifer noticed a strong resemblance between one of the residents and Katharine Hepburn. She thought to herself how fun it would be to dress her up like the iconic movie star.
And then, why not dress up even more residents like Hollywood celebrities? Taking their photos, creating calendars and selling them to earn money for the Alzheimer’s Association was the logical next step for Jennifer.
The project started in 2018, resulting in 2019’s calendar with its recreation of famous movie posters. Other photos have reinvented scenes from TV series.
[caption id="attachment_13479" align="alignright" width="300"] Spiritwood residents were transformed into iconic characters from the original “Star Trek” for the 2020 calendar, photo by Jennifer Angell.[/caption]
“In wake of the pandemic, I am only doing single photos this year instead group shots like years past,” explained Jennifer.
She describes 2021’s calendar as Famous Faces. “It focuses on look-alikes of famous people. We are featuring Salvador Dali, Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, Colonel Sanders, Willie Nelson, Mary Tyler Moore, the Bride of Frankenstein, John Lennon, Elton John, W.C. Fields, Andy Warhol and Charlie Chaplin.”
Jennifer had no idea the project would take off like it has, garnering attention from around the country. The calendar has been covered on CNN, the Good News Network, The Kelly Clarkson Show and Access Hollywood, to name only a few of the media stories. Jennifer remembers how the residents “went crazy” when Access Hollywood’s host, Mario Lopez, said the name of their community on TV. “The reaction has been fantastic,” she exclaims. “We’ve been getting letters from all over the country.”
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Marge Foydl smiles and poses for a photo before her flight at the Chehalis-Centralia Airport Sunday morning.[/caption]
Dream Flights: 97-Year-Old Marjorie Foydl Was Excited for Flight After Months of Isolation Due to Pandemic
Woodland Village in Chehalis is home to a few World War II veterans, but only one of them felt like heading to the Chehalis-Centralia Airport at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning for a joyride in a 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane — 97-year-old Marjorie Foydl.
The nonprofit organization “Dream Flights” is on a nationwide mission to put veterans in vintage planes.
Its quest has begun by flying members of the Greatest Generation.
“They are giving, across the country, all the World War II vets a chance to go up in these biplanes. They figured that it’s a pretty cool endeavor to give back a little bit to our war vets,” said Sharon Ripp, program coordinator at Woodland Village.
Foydl served in New York as a Yeoman in the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II recording interviews through shorthand notes.
[caption id="attachment_13704" align="alignleft" width="225"]
Marge Foydl smiles while sitting in a plane before her flight flight at the Chehalis-Centralia Airport Sunday morning.[/caption]
“We just went around to various places to take interviews. We could be in the hospital, we could be in prison,” Foydl said. “I had my original learning in Florida then I went up to New York.”
Born in Duluth, Minnesota, she followed in the footsteps of family who were also in the Coast Guard.
“I thought it would be kind of nice to get out of Duluth,” she said.
After the war, she and her husband of 43 years lived in Hawaii. She worked in Honolulu as an executive secretary and personnel director for an insurance company.
Once most of her friends there had died, her niece who lives in the area asked Foydl to move closer. She has been in Chehalis for eight years now.
Foydl recalled the hardships of being in a senior living facility throughout the pandemic, saying she felt disconnected from the outside world.
“I found it very lonely,” she said. “For fun I’d just get on the computer and play cards.”
So, the opportunity to get out of the house and up in a plane was a thrilling outing for her. And that’s exactly the feeling Dream Flights hopes to give to veterans.
After the flight, the pilot has lunch with the veteran and talks to them about their lives and experience in whichever branch of the military they served.
When asked about a standout memory from her time in the Coast Guard, Foydl told The Chronicle: “When the war was over New York went crazy. That was party time.”
To learn more about Dream Flights and how to schedule them for individual veterans or groups, go to dreamflights.org.
Dr. Mickelson, the new superintendent for the Sedro-Woolley School District, recently spent time getting to know the community one outing at a time, including Village Concepts, Country Meadow Village. Country Meadow Village is proud to continue the strong partnership with the school district as they support our seniors through volunteer opportunities and invaluable generational connections.
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At Village Concepts of Fairwood, residents can choose from many fun-filled ways to fill their days – recently, in preparation for Spring, they enjoyed some fun gardening activities![/caption]
With restrictions lifting, there’s even more to enjoy when you call this place home
We’ve all seen plenty of changes over the last year – and Village Concepts of Fairwood is no exception. Since opening their doors last March, as restrictions continue to lift they’re excited to welcome change – and you!
The brand new independent living, assisted living and memory care community nestled on the Fairwood Golf Course offers residents scenic views of the greens and the amenities and recreational opportunities of the club, including the 18-hole golf course, swimming pool and dining room.
While Village Concepts is new to Renton, their team has provided exceptional housing, support and services for seniors across Washington for more than 40 years – putting you and your loved ones in the right hands.
So what can look forward to when you call Fairwood home?
Recently, they’ve been excited to make some noise with live musical entertainment – so you can kick back, relax and enjoy the talent.
Painting classes and arts and crafts sessions let you explore your own creativity, or if you prefer to get your blood pumping or stretch it out with yoga, exercise and activity classes are also resuming. With a fully equipped fitness centre, there’s something for everyone.
Refuel after your workout in their newly reopened dining room. welcoming diners from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
And, with visits also reopened, you can show off your new digs to your loved ones. Guests are welcome in residents’ apartments, which has been especially popular for many!
“This is the change that’s definitely brought the most joy to our residents, they’ve spent months restricted to seeing their loved ones through a computer screen, for example,” Lynda White Eagle, Executive Director at Village Concepts of Fairwood, says. “Some are meeting their grandchildren for the first time, it’s a really heartwarming experience and a welcome change.”
Soon to return are Fairwoods’ weekly social events, including happy hours and coffee socials. And with the beauty shop reopening, they’ll have you looking your very best as you mingle with your friends and neighbors!
As restrictions continue to lift, there’s no better time than now to call Village Concepts of Fairwood home.
To learn more, make sure to visit them online or contact them today!"
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[caption id="attachment_13603" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Katya Matsko, president of the Future Business Leaders of America Club and Earth Club at Sedro-Woolley High School, passes out Easter eggs Friday at Country Meadow Village[/caption]
SEDRO-WOOLLEY — The Easter Bunny paid an early visit Friday to Country Meadow Village retirement community.
Katya Matsko, president of the Future Business Leaders of America Club and Earth Club at Sedro-Woolley High School, passes out Easter eggs Friday at Country Meadow Village[/caption]
SEDRO-WOOLLEY — The Easter Bunny paid an early visit Friday to Country Meadow Village retirement community.
With COVID-19 protocols in place, members of Sedro-Woolley High School’s Future Business Leaders of America and its Earth Club worked with facility Program Director David Bricka to put on the parade.
[caption id="attachment_13608" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Residents of Country Meadow Village wear hats made by fellow resident Betty Newcombe during an Easter egg hunt and parade Friday at the retirement community.[/caption]
Residents came out on the sidewalks at the facility’s front entrance and the students paraded parallel to them — safely distanced — in the parking lot.
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Residents of Country Meadow Village wear hats made by fellow resident Betty Newcombe during an Easter egg hunt and parade Friday at the retirement community.[/caption]
Residents came out on the sidewalks at the facility’s front entrance and the students paraded parallel to them — safely distanced — in the parking lot.
“They listened to the song ‘Easter Parade’ and wore festive hats created by resident Betty Newcombe,” Bricka said.
Residents also hunted for festively decorated eggs dyed by students on behalf of the Easter Bunny, and in return the students received special Easter treats from the retirement community’s residents and staff.
[caption id="attachment_13607" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A resident spots an egg in a tree Friday during an Easter egg hunt and parade at Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_13604" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Betty Newcombe stands in front of a parade of residents Friday at Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley for an Easter egg hunt and parade. As creator of the decorated hats worn by the residents, Newcombe led the parade through the parking lot of the retirement community.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_13605" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Randy (left) and Mary Miller collect eggs Friday during an Easter egg hunt and parade at Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley. Randy was awarded a stuffed animal duck for finding one of the golden eggs.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_13606" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Randy Miller collects eggs Friday during an Easter egg hunt and parade at Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley.[/caption]
A resident spots an egg in a tree Friday during an Easter egg hunt and parade at Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_13604" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Betty Newcombe stands in front of a parade of residents Friday at Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley for an Easter egg hunt and parade. As creator of the decorated hats worn by the residents, Newcombe led the parade through the parking lot of the retirement community.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_13605" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Randy (left) and Mary Miller collect eggs Friday during an Easter egg hunt and parade at Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley. Randy was awarded a stuffed animal duck for finding one of the golden eggs.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_13606" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Randy Miller collects eggs Friday during an Easter egg hunt and parade at Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_13590" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Rosemary Boissonade stands next to some of her artwork March 8 at Country Meadow Village, an assisted living facility in Sedro-Woolley. The 95-year old is a resident at the facility who did not take up painting until her 70s. Oliver Hamlin, Skagit Valley Herald[/caption]
SEDRO-WOOLLEY — Residents of Country Meadow Village had little idea how talented an artist was they had within their midst.
Rosemary Boissonade stands next to some of her artwork March 8 at Country Meadow Village, an assisted living facility in Sedro-Woolley. The 95-year old is a resident at the facility who did not take up painting until her 70s. Oliver Hamlin, Skagit Valley Herald[/caption]
SEDRO-WOOLLEY — Residents of Country Meadow Village had little idea how talented an artist was they had within their midst.
They found out recently when an art show titled “The works of Rosemary ‘Cooper’ Boissonade” opened at the Sedro-Woolley assisted living community.
The 95-year-old Boissonade has lived at Country Meadow Village for the past eight months, moving from Roseville, California, to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law.
“I was very surprised and happy with all the positive comments,” Boissonade said about seeing her paintings in a gallery-like setting. “Everyone has been so complimentary. I’m so glad that my son (Bob) helped David (Bricka, program director) set this up. Everyone loves all the animal pictures.”
[caption id="attachment_13592" align="alignright" width="300"] "Horse Whisperer" by Rosemary Boissonade hangs on a wall at Country Meadow Village, an assisted living facility in Sedro-Woolley. The work was part of a show titled "The works of Rosemary 'Cooper' Boissonade," which featured one of the facility's residents. Oliver Hamlin/Skagit Valley Herald[/caption]
Though artistic as a child, particularly with regard to music, Boissonade didn’t put brush to canvas until 2003 when she was in her 70s.
"Horse Whisperer" by Rosemary Boissonade hangs on a wall at Country Meadow Village, an assisted living facility in Sedro-Woolley. The work was part of a show titled "The works of Rosemary 'Cooper' Boissonade," which featured one of the facility's residents. Oliver Hamlin/Skagit Valley Herald[/caption]
Though artistic as a child, particularly with regard to music, Boissonade didn’t put brush to canvas until 2003 when she was in her 70s.
Shortly thereafter, she took a class taught by Margot Schulzke, an acclaimed pastel painter and author in Newcastle, California.
“I just thought it would be a fun thing to try,” Boissonade said. “And then people that were working in Newcastle saw my work and wanted me to come work with them.”
It wasn’t long before Boissonade was entering her work in juried art shows. Her first entry, titled “Horse Whisperers,” was of two rather stunning white horses.
She eventually began to sell her work while also giving paintings to family members. She produced about 300 paintings and still retains a vast portfolio of unframed pieces consisting of still lifes, landscapes and portraits.
“I entered lots into shows over the years,” she said. “I received plenty of kudos for my work. If there was a show, I’d enter it.”
Joan McMurray, who lives in Thousand Oaks, California, was a classmate of Boissonade at the Schulzke-led class. Both were members of Northern California Arts, Inc. — a group that supports artists — and both took the Schulzke class to work on their pastels.
McMurray described her classmate’s work with one word.
“Awesome. She was an awesome pastelist, and she was prolific at it as well. She always had a painting with her in order to have the teacher critique (it),” McMurray said.
[caption id="attachment_13595" align="alignleft" width="240"] "Alex's Friend" by Rosemary Boissonade hangs in her apartment March 9 as part of her private collection at Country Meadow Village, an assisted living facility in Sedro-Woolley.[/caption]
“And very little had to ever be changed following those critiques. She was just that good. She certainly worked at her art. She never just threw something together to take to class. She worked at it every day, but I believe she was a natural.”
"Alex's Friend" by Rosemary Boissonade hangs in her apartment March 9 as part of her private collection at Country Meadow Village, an assisted living facility in Sedro-Woolley.[/caption]
“And very little had to ever be changed following those critiques. She was just that good. She certainly worked at her art. She never just threw something together to take to class. She worked at it every day, but I believe she was a natural.”
Pastels were Boissonade’s favorite medium and the reason was simple.
“They were cheap and not too messy,” she said.
Boissonade said animals, including horses, dogs and cats, were her favorite subjects to paint.
It was her portraits, however, that impressed McMurray.
“Most of her paintings I saw were of people,” McMurray said. “She had lots of portraits and some still lifes, but mostly portraits.
“She never worked small. She always worked pretty good-sized pieces. Most people start out with a little, small piece. But she always started out with a big piece. Regardless of the size of the work, they were really amazing.”
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[caption id="attachment_13544" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Laura Foster (front) vaccinates Colton Peach while Caroline Davis (back) vaccinates Sandra Jensen on Wednesday at Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley.[/caption]
SEDRO-WOOLLEY — Country Meadow Village hasn’t had a case of COVID-19 among its residents.
Laura Foster (front) vaccinates Colton Peach while Caroline Davis (back) vaccinates Sandra Jensen on Wednesday at Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley.[/caption]
SEDRO-WOOLLEY — Country Meadow Village hasn’t had a case of COVID-19 among its residents.
And staff have done everything possible to keep it that way.
“We started screening visitors the last week of February 2020 as we realized the virus was on its way,” said Country Meadow Village Building Administrator Sandra Jensen.
In the ultimate effort, the owner of the Sedro-Woolley assisted living facility, Village Concepts, provided 101 COVID-19 vaccinations Wednesday to Country Meadow Village’s residents and staff.
“Once we knew the vaccine was getting close, we registered with the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as did as a lot of other long-term care providers in order to get the vaccine and provide it to our seniors in their living areas,” said Village Concepts Corporate Director of Wellness Laura Foster.
Village Concepts partners with CDC-approved Consonus Healthcare for its 14 facilities in the state and the Consonus pharmacy provides residents with their pharmaceutical needs.
“We contacted them (Consonus Healthcare) and worked together to bring all these vaccines to our residents,” Foster said. “It has been a great relationship. They helped with a lot of the heavy lifting in regards to paperwork and we took care of that on our end while we provided the nurses and clinics within the communities.”
The vaccines were administered by Foster and Country Meadow Village Resident Care Director Caroline Davis. After receiving the injections, individuals were monitored for any reactions. There were none on this day, and Foster said the vaccination has been tolerated well by those at the Village Concepts facilities.
“It was a joyous day at Country Meadow Village, and my arm feels good,” program director David Bricka said.
In three weeks, Consonus Healthcare will return to Sedro-Woolley to administer the second dose of the vaccination, completing the two-shot program while also offering an initial dose to any new residents and employees. Those new individuals will get the final dose during a third visit.
“We have received nothing but positive feedback (from those receiving the vaccine),” Foster said. “They were all excited to see it coming today. They were very excited to see that vehicle pull up with the vaccines in it.
“It gives them hope that maybe they can eventually eat meals with their friends again in the dining room and see their families and loved ones. All those things.”
Village Concepts is offering vaccinations to residents and staff at all its facilities. Foster said Village Concepts has encouraged everyone to get the vaccine.
“We have 14 buildings and this is day 10,” Foster said. “So we have four more clinics to go and we’ll be through our first round with our residents and part of our staff. And we’ve had a very good turnout.
“We have that second round all scheduled so we’ll have a little break and then start back again. And we even have a third. It’s great to be able to have three clinics set up in order to offer choices for everybody.”
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string(7457) "Star-Studded calendar earns national attention and raises money for the Alzheimer’s Association
[caption id="attachment_13477" align="aligncenter" width="670"]
Jennifer Angell is the mastermind of the calendar project that gives local seniors the full Hollywood treatment. She does all the make-up, costuming and takes the photos. This 2020 takeoff on the movie “Elf” features Bill as Will Ferrell’s title character. Bill is one of dozens of residents at Spiritwood at Pine Lake retirement community to pose for the calendar project that benefits the Alzheimer’s Association.[/caption]
Seniors at a local retirement community are dressing up like Hollywood stars. For the last three years, residents at Issaquah’s Spiritwood at Pine Lake have had the full Hollywood treatment—including elaborate makeup and costumes—all for the sake of gracing the pages of best-selling calendars to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
“The project came about because I was looking for a way to earn more for the organization,” says Jennifer Angell, community relations director at Spiritwood. “We’ve had many benefits at the community to support that cause and I am always on the lookout for something unique.”
[caption id="attachment_13478" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Jennifer recast Jack as Tom Cruise’s character in “Top Gun.”[/caption]
Jennifer is the mastermind behind the project. “I costume, photograph and provide the makeup for the residents,” she explains. The seniors are delighted to participate in the major makeovers that make them look like celebrities.
Over the years, star turns have included Marilyn Monroe, Tom Cruise in Top Gun, Queen Elizabeth, Alfred Hitchcock, Liza Minelli in Cabaret, the crew of Star Trek, the famous candy factory scene from I Love Lucy, Marlon Brando from The Godfather, and so many more.
The original inspiration for this unique project came when Jennifer noticed a strong resemblance between one of the residents and Katharine Hepburn. She thought to herself how fun it would be to dress her up like the iconic movie star.
And then, why not dress up even more residents like Hollywood celebrities? Taking their photos, creating calendars and selling them to earn money for the Alzheimer’s Association was the logical next step for Jennifer.
The project started in 2018, resulting in 2019’s calendar with its recreation of famous movie posters. Other photos have reinvented scenes from TV series.
[caption id="attachment_13479" align="alignright" width="300"]
Spiritwood residents were transformed into iconic characters from the original “Star Trek” for the 2020 calendar, photo by Jennifer Angell.[/caption]
“In wake of the pandemic, I am only doing single photos this year instead group shots like years past,” explained Jennifer.
She describes 2021’s calendar as Famous Faces. “It focuses on look-alikes of famous people. We are featuring Salvador Dali, Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, Colonel Sanders, Willie Nelson, Mary Tyler Moore, the Bride of Frankenstein, John Lennon, Elton John, W.C. Fields, Andy Warhol and Charlie Chaplin.”
Jennifer had no idea the project would take off like it has, garnering attention from around the country. The calendar has been covered on CNN, the Good News Network, The Kelly Clarkson Show and Access Hollywood, to name only a few of the media stories. Jennifer remembers how the residents “went crazy” when Access Hollywood’s host, Mario Lopez, said the name of their community on TV. “The reaction has been fantastic,” she exclaims. “We’ve been getting letters from all over the country.”
During Jennifer’s recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, she was presented with a “National Award for Kindness” and a check for $1,000 to go toward the cost of more costumes.
[caption id="attachment_13480" align="alignleft" width="300"] The theme of the 2021 calendar is “Famous Faces,” featuring residents who are look-alikes to famous individuals. In this photo by Jennifer Angell, Carla poses as Eleanor Roosevelt.[/caption]
The start of all this attention was a bit of an accident.
Jennifer, who is always looking for uplifting stories— especially since COVID upended everyone’s lives— sent the Good News Network a video of residents singing the national anthem at a “virtual ballpark visit” and she accidentally attached a picture of the calendar. The news outlet skipped over the video and instead wanted the calendar.
After that, calls from other news programs and entertainment shows came pouring in.
“This project has been heartwarming, and it’s created an even closer bond between us,” says Jennifer of the special relationship she has with the residents. “Posing as the stars and then autographing glossy photos of themselves makes the seniors feel like stars themselves.”
After the photo shoots, the ‘stars’ would parade through the dining hall in their costumes to the clapping and cheers of their fellow residents.
“Everyone would go nuts!” says Jennifer. “Seniors have something amazing to offer,” she adds. “They feel wonderful, plus it all benefits a good cause.”
[caption id="attachment_13481" align="alignright" width="281"] Jennifer’s makeup, costuming and photo transforms Dale into W.C. Fields. Dale has appeared in all three calendars.[/caption]
Even during COVID, community members were still able to observe the photo shoots. “Having the calendar has been a lifeline for many of our seniors, even those not in the calendar itself,” says Jennifer. “It’s been so much fun for everyone,” she adds.
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The theme of the 2021 calendar is “Famous Faces,” featuring residents who are look-alikes to famous individuals. In this photo by Jennifer Angell, Carla poses as Eleanor Roosevelt.[/caption]
The start of all this attention was a bit of an accident.
Jennifer, who is always looking for uplifting stories— especially since COVID upended everyone’s lives— sent the Good News Network a video of residents singing the national anthem at a “virtual ballpark visit” and she accidentally attached a picture of the calendar. The news outlet skipped over the video and instead wanted the calendar.
After that, calls from other news programs and entertainment shows came pouring in.
“This project has been heartwarming, and it’s created an even closer bond between us,” says Jennifer of the special relationship she has with the residents. “Posing as the stars and then autographing glossy photos of themselves makes the seniors feel like stars themselves.”
After the photo shoots, the ‘stars’ would parade through the dining hall in their costumes to the clapping and cheers of their fellow residents.
“Everyone would go nuts!” says Jennifer. “Seniors have something amazing to offer,” she adds. “They feel wonderful, plus it all benefits a good cause.”
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Jennifer’s makeup, costuming and photo transforms Dale into W.C. Fields. Dale has appeared in all three calendars.[/caption]
Even during COVID, community members were still able to observe the photo shoots. “Having the calendar has been a lifeline for many of our seniors, even those not in the calendar itself,” says Jennifer. “It’s been so much fun for everyone,” she adds.
CNN interviewed Kip Steele who, with his best friend Jack Guptil, posed as the Blues Brothers. The wheelchair-bound Kip told CNN that his experiences give him the confidence to try new things, like art class or “popping wheelies over curbs.” His big goal, he said, is to get out of the wheelchair and walk on his own. But in the meantime, he’s working on a final goal, reported CNN. “You know what the last thing on my bucket list is?” asked Kip with a laugh. “Don’t kick it.”
Jennifer reflects on what the project has meant to her. “The calendar has been the most exciting thing I’ve ever done in my life. Working on it makes me want to give more time to the community. I tear up when I think of it. It has changed my life.”
Residents of this assisted living facility take on the roles of showbiz icons.
Marge Foydl smiles and poses for a photo before her flight at the Chehalis-Centralia Airport Sunday morning.[/caption]
Dream Flights: 97-Year-Old Marjorie Foydl Was Excited for Flight After Months of Isolation Due to Pandemic
Woodland Village in Chehalis is home to a few World War II veterans, but only one of them felt like heading to the Chehalis-Centralia Airport at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning for a joyride in a 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane — 97-year-old Marjorie Foydl.
The nonprofit organization “Dream Flights” is on a nationwide mission to put veterans in vintage planes.
Its quest has begun by flying members of the Greatest Generation.
“They are giving, across the country, all the World War II vets a chance to go up in these biplanes. They figured that it’s a pretty cool endeavor to give back a little bit to our war vets,” said Sharon Ripp, program coordinator at Woodland Village.
Foydl served in New York as a Yeoman in the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II recording interviews through shorthand notes.
[caption id="attachment_13704" align="alignleft" width="225"] Marge Foydl smiles while sitting in a plane before her flight flight at the Chehalis-Centralia Airport Sunday morning.[/caption]
“We just went around to various places to take interviews. We could be in the hospital, we could be in prison,” Foydl said. “I had my original learning in Florida then I went up to New York.”
Born in Duluth, Minnesota, she followed in the footsteps of family who were also in the Coast Guard.
“I thought it would be kind of nice to get out of Duluth,” she said.
After the war, she and her husband of 43 years lived in Hawaii. She worked in Honolulu as an executive secretary and personnel director for an insurance company.
Once most of her friends there had died, her niece who lives in the area asked Foydl to move closer. She has been in Chehalis for eight years now.
Foydl recalled the hardships of being in a senior living facility throughout the pandemic, saying she felt disconnected from the outside world.
“I found it very lonely,” she said. “For fun I’d just get on the computer and play cards.”
So, the opportunity to get out of the house and up in a plane was a thrilling outing for her. And that’s exactly the feeling Dream Flights hopes to give to veterans.
After the flight, the pilot has lunch with the veteran and talks to them about their lives and experience in whichever branch of the military they served.
When asked about a standout memory from her time in the Coast Guard, Foydl told The Chronicle: “When the war was over New York went crazy. That was party time.”
To learn more about Dream Flights and how to schedule them for individual veterans or groups, go to dreamflights.org.
