Your Monthly News & Updates - April 2019
Upcoming Events
Dear McLean Community.... 

Please click the link below to view the April letter from Lisa Clark and Carlene Rhea.

 
 
            
  Photo from McLean Game Refuge
This Month's Events

Click the link below to view the April Calendar!

 

Family Dementia Education

We are excited to have the first offering of our Family Dementia Education! This program will cover a general overview of dementia, communication strategies, meaningful visits, care for the caregivers and a Q&A.

We invite interested family members of McLean to join us:

April 22nd
5:30-7:00 pm
Cole Conference Room, Health Center

A light dinner will be provided.

This program is presented by Ann Pavano, Director of Volunteers and the McLean Memory Care Program.

Please RSVP to our response line at 860-408-5150. Space is limited.

  
Hartford Healthcare Partnership Series

Join Us for Dinner With the Doc:

"Pelvic Floor - Problems Affecting Women"

 presented by Elena Tunitsky, MD, OB/GYN  
 
 
May 16th
6:00 - 7:30 pm
McLean Health Center

 
In this FREE educational seminar, learn more about treatment for some of the most common issues affecting women like:
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Overactive bladder
 

Registration is required. Please call 1.855.HHC.HERE (1.855.442.4373)
Building Services Update

The Building Service Department recently added a new stand-on vacuum, called the Chariot 2, to our fleet of equipment.  
 
This battery operated  high-performance, multi-surface cleaning HEPA 
commercial vacuum is designed for increased productivity and  
maneuverability on hard and soft floors.  
It allows us to vacuum 21,250 square feet per hour!  Wow!  This means we can completely vacuum the Pfirman Dining
Room, Koopman Room and the  
hallways of all neighborhoods in no time at all!   
 
Since the Chariot 2 is battery operated/without cords, it reduces the  
possibility of trips and falls. Operating at a noise level of only 68 dB(A), 
it is so quiet, it can be used in the evening without disturbing residents.
  
Take Charge of Your Medical Care 
Ask an Advocate

 
Health care decisions don't have to be overwhelming. Join McLean Home Care & Hospice and our guest panel for a free educational program and learn how you can take control and play an active role in
the decision process and the care you receive.

Know the right questions to ask and how to communicate with your doctor, understand insurance, levels of care, and how to advocate for yourself and loved ones during a hospital stay.

May 1st
6:00-7:30 pm
McLean Health Center, the Koopman Room

A Light Dinner Will be Provided

Registration is Required, Seating is Limited. Please Call 860-658-3723.

 
Village Expansion Project

During last month's Family Council meeting, David addressed several families regarding an exciting new expansion project that is planned for our Village. The plans for the expansion currently include building new apartment homes as well as adding amenities such  
as dining venues, and wellness and community spaces.  
He also mentioned that we've made some changes to our  
logo and look that honors our history and heritage but also  
expresses a vision of the bright future ahead.
 
We've chosen the eastern White Pine to feature on the new McLean logo because this tree carries a unique significance both in the McLean Game Refuge and in the historic countryside where Senator McLean lived.  
Click here to read on.
 
For more information on our new expansion project, or to learn about our Priority Plus program - where members will have access to early plans and pricing information for the new expansion building, as well as be first in line to reserve one of the new homes, visit ExploreMcLean.org .
 

Community Cafe

 
The Community Cafe at McLean is held once a month in the Health Center Koopman Room, for caregivers and their loved ones with early stage  Alzheimer's or Dementia. Based on the "Memory Cafe" concept originally developed in the Netherlands, it provides a safe environment for this group to come together for social
interaction, engagement and friendly support.

The next group will be held on:

Saturday, April 15th
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Koopman Room

Please call 860-658-3941 to register.
 
 
Bear Safety


Spring is here! Please be sure you have removed all bird feeders/bird seeds as they attract bears coming out of hibernation!

As the bear population continues to increase in CT and sightings are becoming more common in our community, the CT DEP advises us of the following safety precautions:

  • When a bear is seen in your town or neighborhood, leave it alone. In most situations, if left alone and given an avenue for escape, the bear will usually wander back into more secluded areas. Keep dogs under control. Stay away from the bear and advise others to do the same. Do not approach the bear so as to take a photo or video. Often a bear will climb a tree to avoid people. A crowd of bystanders will only stress the bear.
  • Back away slowly if you find you do become too close to the animal. Do not turn your back and run away.
  • Do not leave bird feeders, pet food or compost out between late March - November
Enjoy watching them from a distance as they enjoy our beautiful natural surroundings as much as we do!

 
 
From the Development Office 
 
 
"Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness."
 
~Dalai Lama XIV 
        
 
McLean is able to provide health, healing, vitality, independence and quality of life through our integrated health care services and campus community because of donors and friends of McLean.
 
Donations of all sizes, small and large, enhance quality of life, support expert and compassionate medical care, and sustain independence and quality of life.  
 
Your Generosity Makes a Difference!  Visit:
 
Sustain the health and vitality of your community for generations to come!  Leave your legacy today and include McLean in your will, or as a beneficiary of your IRA.   
 
To learn more about this and charitable gifts that pay you income, visit
 
Vickie Dirienzo, CFRE, McLean Development Office  
860-658-3702  
Vickie.Dirienzo@McLeanCare.org 
 
 
McLean Auxiliary Update
 
The Auxiliary held a very successful fundraiser in March. The main event was held at Flatbread Company in Canton, where the Auxiliary received a portion of the pizza sales made that evening. There was also a raffle of wonderful gift baskets and other items, and an online auction. All monies raised will go toward the Residents Personal Needs Funds at McLean. Thank you to everyone in the McLean Community who participated!

Last month, members also assisted residents in making St. Patrick's Day centerpieces for the Dining Room tables. Floral arranging is an activity the Auxiliary leads several times a year.

The next one will take place on Friday, April 19, for Easter. Volunteers will gather at 10:15 in the Greenhouse to prepare, and then go to one of the neighborhoods to work with residents.

We would all like to extend a huge thank you to Connie Norstrom, who has managed the Auxiliary Gift Shop for more than 10 years.  She has handled most of the aspects of the store during this time, including buying, training and decorating. Connie has always been sensitive to the residents' needs and requests.  Jane Stevenson will take over the coordination of the gift shop in April and Connie will enjoy a much more relaxed lifestyle.  Please join us in the McLean Living Room on April 24th from 1:00 to 2:30 pm for punch and cookies, as we wish Connie well!


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