October Course - "Middle East Update"

On Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27 – 2 pm to 3 pm, Kendal will welcome back Professor Jean-Marc Ran Oppenheim to give a course “Middle East Update”.

The world and its nearly 200 nations produce an abundance of headlines. Yet no region holds the attention of informed Americans like the Middle East.

Most of us follow the trials and tribulations of this region with close attention. This is likely due to the region’s producing the three monotheistic religions and their scriptures, its geostrategic location at the vortex of three continents, its role as an energy supplier for most of the past century, and its permanent sectarian conflicts.

In this four-part series combining Professor Oppenheim’s observations and residents’ questions and comments, we will examine, discuss, and assess the region’s dynamics on its populations, their governments and, especially, on American policy priorities.

Dr. Oppenheim, who has taught at Kendal since 2006, was educated in Egypt, France, and the U.S., earned his Ph.D in history from Columbia, and currently is Adjunct Professor at Fordham University’s Middle East Studies Program.

To enroll, contact Fran Kelly.

Zoom Activities

Though residents are precluded from most meetings because of the virus regulations, a considerable amount of activity is taking place on Zoom.

The Contemporary Issues Discussion Group meets Thursdays, 10:00 am. Call Gene DuBow for ZOOM link.

Classes (enroll with Fran Kelly):

“Sapiens by Yuval Haran” with Yoel Magid Wednesdays, 2:00 pm August 26, September 2, 9, 16.

“Climate Change” with Professor Paul Olsen Fridays, 2:00 pm September 4, 11, 18, 25.

Fitness: Call Cathy Disomma for ZOOM link.

Stretch and Balance with David: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 am

Pilates with Regina: Tuesday 10:00 am

Yoga with Rochelle: Thursday, 11:15 am

Zumba Gold with Amy: Friday 11:15 am

Pool open Monday-Friday, 9:30-11:30 am and 1:00-3:00 pm.

Upcoming Art Show

The next Kendal Art Show on the Rue des Artistes has been scheduled. It will open October 20, 2020 and run until April 16, 2021.

The theme is: AWAKENING.

This is the Art Show that was postponed last spring due to the pandemic. The curators ask for submission of artworks made by residents and staff, and not seen before on the Rue des Artistes. You may submit paintings, collages, photographs, fiber arts, assemblages, or whatever can hang on the wall or fit in the case. Details to come in the near future .

If you have any questions, please contact one of the curators: Lynn Brady, Ann Holloway, or Judy Baker.

Meeting New Residents

Those Independent Living residents who have started entertaining up to two others in their apartments may want to consider using this as a way to meet some of the new residents whom we have not been able to invite for meals in the Bistro or Formal Dining Room (FDR).

The Bistro and FDR were closed just as the new residents arrived in March. We will have others arriving in September. You may have seen some of them on Zoom classes and calls, but it is unlikely that you have gotten to know them that way.

The Welcoming Committee hopes that many of you who enjoy entertaining will see this as a lovely opportunity.

Art Workshop

Kendal announced a new Art Workshop: “Display and Discussion of Artist Books.”

This in-house event will take place on Friday, August 28, 3:30 pm in the Art Room.

Sheila Benedis, a resident artist, will show her new artist books and lead a discussion of ideas, process and materials. In keeping with our current group meeting regulations, this event is limited to five participants.

Contact Gretchen Engler to reserve a spot.

Sleepy Hollow Mural Project

The Village of Sleepy Hollow is about to undertake a new community-wide art project called “Riverwalk Community Mural: The Wishing Wall”.

The Village of Sleepy Hollow announced that a mural is to be painted on the curving wall along the river by the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse.

The “Call for Ideas and Artists” flyer is on bulletin boards throughout the KoH buildings and on the shelf by the mailboxes. Click here to see it. This is a great opportunity for Kendal resident artists.

Questions? Contact Lynn Brady.

Health Unit Visitor Information

In the past week, a program has been instituted for outdoor visits with residents in the Skilled Nursing Unit (Clearwater). However, as a precautionary measure, visits to Assisted Living Unit (Adirondack), and Memory Unit (Sunnyside) are on hold for the time being.

In order to keep everyone involved safe, strict regulations as to masking and social distance have been put in place.

Visits must be scheduled two days in advance and can take place for a limit of 30 minutes, Monday - Friday, during the periods of 10 am - 11:30 am and 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm.

Visitors will be accompanied by a Visit Ambassador from the Kendal staff to the outside visitation area. They must first fill out a paper screening form and have their temperature taken.

Visitors must wear face masks and maintain six-feet social distancing.

It should be obvious to all that the safety of the residents involved is of prime importance. Kendal is under the direction of the New York State Department of Health.

Questions should be addressed to Lisa Wacht, Kendal’s Health Services Administrator.

Important Notices

Art Brady reminds us, “If you are part of a group using the Gathering Room (or other public space), please make sure that the last person who leaves turns out all the lights.  Lights left on overnight use a large amount of electricity.  Guess who pays for this waste! Thank you.”

Residents who require Kendal transportation are urged to note their need in the book at the front desk as early as they can. Late entries make it very difficult for our drivers to plan their schedules to best accommodate all residents. Your attention to this would be appreciated.

ENJOY YOUR TV MORE

If you are having problems hearing movies or other programs without subtitles, you can utilize the Closed Caption feature on your TV.

If you have the older FIOS remote, the button with the asterisk * on it, to the left of the 0, turns subtitles on. However, you can use the following process on any remote:

Step 1: Press Menu on remote   

Step 2: Scroll and select Settings (OK button) 

Step 3: press OK to select System   

Step 4: press OK to select Accessibility   

Step 5: press OK to select Closed Captions   

Step 6: Press OK to select Service Selection. Most residents want subtitles in English so that would be Closed Caption (CC) OPTION 1.  

Step 7: Press the right-arrow to highlight Save, press OK, and press OK again to confirm.

For help contact Anthony Bradford. He is available Monday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm.

Cul-de-Sac Cardio

With gyms being ruled as “out of bounds” because of the coronavirus, the workout regimens of many of our residents have suffered badly.

In order to remedy the situation, Nu-steps, bikes and portable strength stations have been made available outside by the cul-de-sac between Mary Powell and Clermont, Monday- Friday 9:30-11:45 am and 1:30-3:00 pm, weather and staff permitting.

For more information call Cathy DiSomma.

It is hoped by all that the Fitness Center will soon be open once again. If so, we will be hearing from Cathy, and new regulations will be shared with all residents.