When I arrived here in March I was the newest "American Idle" among you, and I assumed that by then I had missed the heaviest snows New Hampshire had to offer. Hah! Think again.

And when our "general", Mary Anne Bonafair, discovered my career had been in journalism, thoughts of a new Woodward newsletter danced through her head. Would I be interested? "Of course- if we can have some fun with it!" Our good friend, Ruth Kellom offered to help with some writing. (see her "Our Guy" piece and "Bits and Pieces" in this our first issue of The Chat Room, named for the solarium gathering place.)

Your comments and contributions will be appreciated so let's hear from you. Personal memories, jokes, commentary about life at The Woodward – or whatever! Just drop it off at mailbox #9 or to any staff member. We hope to have four issues each year and we'll include some bios on staff or residents in each one.

It's great to be here with "y'all" as they say in Florida.

                                                                                         Jack Fones, Editor

In the Spotlight- Jeanette Truesdell
The Woodward want–ad in the August 1982 sentinel was for a caring staff, but when Jeanette Truesdell of Winchester, applied for it, the job had been filled. "However," she was told, "we do have an urgent opening in our dietary staff if you are interested." She said yes and has enjoyed helping to prepare and serve meals for nearly a quarter of a century. I’m not sure I would have been as happy on the care-staff, she said. I love helping people who need help, Jeanette says and we can easily see that she means it as we benefit from her labors. She has cut back her work from five to four days a week and deserves the extra day off!

Jeanette is a New Yorker by birth, in Newport, NY (Herkimer county) in March 19ahem! She lives in Winchester with her husband, Elley, a daughter and my only grandchild, 3 year old Daniel, who is a lot of fun. During her tenure, Jeanette has seen a few changes. Most significant is that in the old days, it was more of a retirement home, but now she likes it as an assisted living home. Here were more men than women and 2 kitchen makeovers. It would be hard to replace one more dedicated and professional, so stick with us lady.

Dining Room Face Lift June 2007

We currently have vacancies at the suite and full bath level. Do you know someone that would benefit from quality assisted living in a home-like environment? Please invite them to stop by for lunch and a tour or visit us on-line @ www.woodwardhome.org When vacancies allow, The Woodward welcomes folks looking for respite care. Please call Mary Anne for additional information. (603) 352-3235

Now you've fixed up the troublesome knee, And you feel so much better (don't you agree?) Take it easy, my friend and enjoy therapy, (which never appealed very much to me.) You are missed, Mary Anne, to the "Nth" degree. How much longer will you be absentee? All is well at the Woodward, 's far's I foresee- The snacks and ice cream are still dished out free. The hurts that you've had were no jubilee, And I bet your poor leg is as stiff as a tree! But think of it this way- it was only one knee. Suppose (oh my gosh!) it had been two or three! JF

My thanks to all for the flowers and cards during my recent surgery. I want to especially thank Jack Fones for the art work and poem…. I wish I really looked as good as the lady on the card!!! And a special thanks to my staff that never missed a beat! - Mary Anne

"Our Guy" By Ruth Kellom
Winston, our strong silent cat, has a long haircut and is The Woodward's VP of Operations. He cruises our many rooms, hallways, open drawers and closets. Sprawled in the sunshine or determining cloudiness, you can find him in the proper position - curled up on a rug or a bedspread. It's no coincidence our carpets are blue, a nice contrast to his golden locks and he is partial to my royal blue bedspread. As I write he is curled up, snuggled close to the headboard pillow. Thanks to Lou LaSaulce, resident, animal lover and long-distance walker, Winston is lovingly cared for and combed daily (much to his dismay).

I've never heard Winston meow, speak or growl. His presence speaks for him. BUT JUST DON'T CALL HIM KITTY!

We netted $1038.50 from the yard sale. Thanks to all the staff that volunteered their time and to the board members that helped out, Ruth, George (and wife, Charlotte) and Judy.

Have you seen anything more beautiful?

Welcome to new Staff Masa Leah Maureen Phyllis Marion Patrick Lydia

2007 Woodward Board of Directors Merle Larracey – President Nancy Vincent – Vice-President Bob Beauregard – Secretary Yvonne Goldsberry- Treasurer Barry Faulkner Eileen Hunt Rhonda Lake Rosemary Nichols Ruth Parent Judy Perry Bonnie Rill George Scott Advisory Committee Judy Putnam Walter Shelley Charlie Loos

Firing Up The Grill In Surry The Woodward is a non-profit, 501c (3)

A picture is worth a thousand words Woodward Annual Yard and Bake Sale
Ruth working the crowd - What a saleswoman!	Jon and George take five
There is no doubt these two are running the show!	Tired but it was worth it!
Final Tally for the day -$1038.50 and tons of fun!	BBQ at The Surry House with magician Jason Purdy - 6/21/07
Use it or Lose It Exercise Class	You have how many left?

Information about senior living options can often be confusing. Questions range from what is available to who pays for what. Mary Anne and the staff are available to speak to your staff or organization about issues affecting parents and family members. Please call us at The Woodward, 352-3235 to schedule this free of charge service or share our name and number with your human resource department.