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pie pic pies for case managers at St. Jude from Emerald Court senior living community team

What better way is there to say thank you before Thanksgiving than with a pie! Emerald Court, a Kisco Senior Living community in Anaheim, recently showed their thankfulness to St. Jude medical group by delivering whole, fresh pumpkin pies to St. Jude’s case managers. Emerald Court appreciates the great care that St. Jude takes for Emerald Court’s residents and for referring seniors who are looking for a thriving senior living community.

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Grandparent's Day wall at Emerald Court

For Grandparent’s Day, residents at Emerald Court, a Kisco senior living community, received a special surprise: a wall full of letters, cards, drawings, and photos from their families! Over 100 pieces were received at Emerald Court to put together this beautiful wall of love for grandparents living at Emerald Court.

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Wayne and Mildred Burtt at Emerald Court senior living community in Anaheim

Wayne Burtt, a resident of Emerald Court, recently celebrated his 100th birthday! A parade of family -including great grandchildren- and friends from the Fullerton Garden Club and Fullerton Presbyterian Church, and beyond came to drive by the Emerald Court senior living community in Anaheim with signs of love and words of celebration.

Wayne’s partygoers dropped off balloons, cake and other goodies, and some of the signs for Emerald Court associates to take safely to Wayne’s residence. He and his wife, Mildred, could hardly see across their apartment because it was so full! Later that day, Wayne’s family and friends including those out-of-area joined him in a large Zoom call to chat. Wayne had a blast waving to everyone and receiving his birthday gifts!

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August 11 was National Son and Daughter Day, and Emerald Court senior living community in Anaheim is celebrated by collecting favorite family photos from residents to create an entertaining slide show for their in-house CCTVs! Check out some of these photos above.

These photos come with sweet memories, such as the one titled “Youngs Then.” The Young family said that this photo was taken during a summer trip to Lake Mead. It was so hot that when they left their campsite to go swimming, a green apple someone left on the table had baked red! Even funnier, everyone has their clothes mixed up in this photo; the girls were in the boys’ clothes, everyone had their swim suits on, and the family laughed remembering that Zane (the dad and Emerald Court resident) is in a tiny little swimsuit with a button up shirt and his work boots on. The “Youngs Now” picture was taken at Zane’s 90th birthday party last year. Zane and his wife, Bobbie, also celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at Emerald Court during the first couple weeks of the pandemic.

“As you can tell from the photos, the Youngs are just one of the many great families we get to see and interact with at Emerald Court,” says Patricia Gustin, executive director of Emerald Court. “Even though we can’t see residents’ families as often or in person right now, it’s wonderful to see residents and their family members sharing their favorite memories for the whole community to enjoy. It’ll provide great conversation starters for their neighbors later on, too!”

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exercise at home with videos Wellness tips from Kelsey Wittig, Wellness Director at Emerald Court senior living community in Anaheim

Kelsey Wittig, the wellness director at Emerald Court senior living community in Anaheim, shares her top five tips to keep senior citizens engaged and well during the pandemic.

COVID-19 quarantines continue to keep many senior citizens – inside and outside of senior care communities – isolated from normal life which for some can be disheartening and lonely. Over time, this can leave seniors feeling apathetic, physically less mobile, even depressed and more prone to illness. The following tips that come from Kelsey’s day-to-day work at Emerald Court keep seniors active, sharp, and happier overall.

  1. Utilize video content resources online for easy exercises and relaxations.“I create weekly 15-minute exercise routines that Emerald Court plays in our CCTVs, but we’ve also found great videos on YouTube for gentle exercise, beginner’s yoga, cognitive activities, and meditation walk-throughs that are great for any age.”
  2. Explore the world without traveling. “Some of our seniors have really enjoyed travel-based video content such as scenic tours from other states or countries, or live camera streams from zoos with baby animals! You can find endless amounts of travel and discovery videos online that will fascinate and interest you.”
  3. Try something new every day. “Our wellness team comes up with a variety of new things for our seniors to try, with something different each day. It could be a short story to read, a brain teaser or maze, or a DIY craft bag that we bring them. If available, families and friends can help deliver resources for new activities or even share their activity ideas for seniors living at home!”
  4. Try different ways to keep in touch with others. “You may not be able to meet up with friends, but phone calls and writing to pen pals are still fun and easy ways to stay connected. Many of our residents have also learned to use Skype, Zoom, or Google Duo to video chat with their friends and family.”
  5. Stick to your original, pre-COVID routine as best you can. “Many daily activities may need to be modified, but keeping a routine as close to what you had before quarantine is best. Eat sleep, and keep regular activities around the same time of day as before. If you take walks in your neighborhood, stretch your legs in your yard or spacious room indoors instead of skipping it. Adjustments like that can help keep your routine feeling regular.”
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What started as a way for senior living residents to share positivity and uplift each other turned into the most wholesome message of gratitude and appreciation for the associates and residents at Emerald Court with smiling faces in every frame. The full video shared on the community’s Facebook page, Emerald Court residents provide their wisdom, holiday wishes, birthday plans, and favorite things that help get them through the day since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Residents thanked the Emerald Court “busy bees” for their friendliness, energy, support, singing and even how delicious their room-delivered meals have been. Here are some of our favorite quotes:

  • “We’re all in this together… everybody is giving, giving, giving, and it’s such a beautiful feeling. I’m glad to be in a place like this.”
  • “I have such love for all the people who come through that door.”
  • “It doesn’t go unnoticed to me what you guys do around here, so I’m just glad I can be here and not stuck somewhere else because I think it’s the best place in the county.”
  • “I’m going to share what I’m hoping the rest of you are feeling, and that’s that you can’t find a better place to live... I think the girls and guys that deliver our food are just angels… I want to say to the staff and Ben, you’re going a great job and we appreciate you.”
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Christmas is an enchanting time of the year, and it is especially magical for children. However, it can also be a time of uncertainty. For families in need this holiday season, it doesn’t matter if the children have been naughty or nice, their parents simply do not have the means to provide anything outside of the bare necessities. The idea of sweet children not being able to experience the magic of the holidays pulls at the heartstrings of seniors living at Emerald Court, a Kisco Senior Living community. Some know firsthand what it is like to grow up in humble beginnings and can resonate with these families. Others who grew up with plenty have found themselves inspired by their friends, families and fellow residents to join in the spirit of giving back and help people in need. Regardless of their backgrounds, the residents are teaming up to ensure that children and families served by local nonprofits get to experience the Christmas they deserve.

Emerald Court residents are participating in two programs this year. The first is the “Adopt-A-Family Holidays 2019” program organized by the OC Family Justice Center Foundation (OCFJC). The mission of the OCFJC Foundation is to provide direct-victim assistance and empowerment, as well as prevention resources for victims and families whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and elder abuse. This year, the senior living community adopted two families and will be purchasing gifts for four parents and nine children. The items on their wish lists are pretty simple: clothing, shoes, dolls, slippers, Legos and other toys, which Emerald Court will deliver on December 11. Participating residents and associates will attend a Christmas party at the OCFJC on December 19 from 3-6 p.m., during which they will be able to watch the families open all of their gifts.

“I grew up as a poor coal miner’s daughter in the Appalachian Mountains, and every gift we received came as a donation from an organization similar to the ones we are donating to,” said Helen Stevenson, a resident of Emerald Court. “Now that I’m in a position to give back, I am very happy to do so. I have been busy making a few quilts and two stockings for the families. I am so excited to present each family with one of the snowman stockings I made and filled with goodies for all to enjoy. It will be very rewarding to see everyone open their gifts. In a community like Emerald Court, where we are catered to every day and are truly living the good life, it can be easy to forget that there are families that don’t have as much as we have. It’s so wonderful that many of my fellow residents realize that if we come together, we can fill needs in our surrounding community.”

Emerald Court is also partnering with the Anaheim Fire Department to provide new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages. From December 1-20, the senior living community will collect toys for the “Spark of Love Toy Drive.” The public is encouraged to participate and bring their donations to Emerald Court (1731 West Medical Center Drive, Anaheim, CA 92801). As a thank you, the chef at Emerald Court is preparing decadent pastries in the community’s BLU Bakery and will send some home with all who donate. In the last 25 years, this drive has collected 10 million toys for children and teens.

“We are calling on the public to help us provide Christmas gifts for children of all ages,” said Cynthia Edwards, executive director of Emerald Court. “We are eager to partner with local organizations and make a positive impact on the families and children they serve. Emerald Court has worked with both groups in the past, and we look forward to providing our continued support to these nonprofits. Knowing that our efforts will put countless smiles on the faces of these families is the joy that drives us.”

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During the month of September Emerald Court, a Kisco Senior Living community, worked diligently collecting teddy bears for first responders in honor of the senior living community’s 30th anniversary. Recently, residents and team members delivered over 600 teddy bears to the Orange County Family Justice Center  These special bears will be used by first responders in various capacities when additional care is needed.

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The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of karate is most likely Carl Douglas’ classic song “Kung Fu Fighting” or even the 80s’ classic “The Karate Kid”. That’s why it might come as a surprise to learn that a group of senior residents from Emerald Court, a Kisco Senior Living community, will soon tie on their white belts and begin learning the ancient art of karate. On Friday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m., the residents will gather together at the senior living community (1731 West Medical Center Drive) for their first martial arts class. During the lesson attendees will learn not only how to balance their body and improve their physical wellness, but also the basics of self-defense. For residents participating, the class will be particularly exciting as it provides the opportunity to improve their well-being all while learning something new.

The karate seminar will be the first of many as the community begins a partnership with the American Martial Arts Academy. The academy has been serving the community in Orange County for more than 25 years and strives to help people of all ages improve the physical, mental and social aspects of their lives while working together as a team. The partnership with Emerald Court began after Shirley, the mother of the academy’s co-owner and CFO, Bonnie Wenneberg, and mother-in-law of the academy’s co-owner and CEO, Shihan Brad Wenneberg, made the decision to call the senior living community her new home. When the first session begins, Sensei Jeremy Schilling will lead the attendees as they start their journeys into the world of karate.

“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to work with the residents and show them that martial arts isn’t just about self-defense,” said Schilling. “Karate provides a number of benefits to the student, foremost being improvement in one’s health and wellness, but also a sense of confidence and pride in one’s ability to perform the movements. When you regularly engage in martial arts there is a level of discipline that is applied to the practice, giving students a strength that is physical but also mental as well. When I teach I have students as young as two all the way to 90, so it will be exciting to see how the residents react and engage with the class.”

After the initial seminar, the community and Schilling will determine whether the class becomes a regular part of the community’s health and wellness activities. Schilling wants to use this first lesson as an opportunity to evaluate the residents and assess their physical capabilities and limitations to ensure that as they move forward it will be beneficial to their overall health and wellness.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to begin our karate program and are looking forward to seeing our residents get started,” said Cynthia Edwards, executive director of Emerald Court. “Our philosophy is to ensure residents have the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest, and with programs such as this one we know they have access to an activity that will enable them to have fun and enjoy themselves all while improving their health and well-being.” 

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With Veterans Day quickly approaching, men and women across the country will soon pause in reflection of their military careers while also honoring the men and women who continue to serve today. For veterans such as George Leyva and David George, residents of Emerald Court (a Kisco Senior Living community) who served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars, Veterans Day is an annual opportunity to look back on their respective careers and remember sacrifices made while serving our country.

“I’ll never forget my service and what I witnessed,” said Leyva. “As an aircraft mechanic, I saw plenty of combat, and each one of my memories is still so vivid. While serving in Europe I was part of the D-Day invasion, flying with my crew to our target: a German airbase in France. I’ll never forget the feeling of awe I had looking out to see planes in every direction for miles as we flew to our assigned targets. The battle that day was unlike anything I had ever seen, and it was difficult to watch as nearby planes went down. It’s an honor to have been a part of such a pivotal day in the history of the war. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of the opportunity to serve my country. While in the military, you become very conscious of how wonderful our country is, mostly because you understand the cost of freedom. Veterans Day is a special time to honor those who served and continue to do so, and I hope that by sharing my involvement in the war our sacrifices are never forgotten.”

Leyva was drafted into the Air Force in January of 1943 and trained as an aircraft mechanic. Not long after finishing his training, he joined up with a group that had volunteered for combat missions, and he soon found himself working as a mechanic and gunner aboard a B-17. From May to October of 1944, he saw more than his fair share of combat, participating in 32 missions, including the D-Day invasion. After completing his missions, Leyva and his crew returned to U.S. soil where they trained new flight crews until the end of the war. Throughout his life he remained close with his crew, keeping in touch and sharing life’s adventures with one another. For their service, Leyva and his crew each received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. Additionally, a few years ago Leyva also received the Legion of Honor from the French Government for his actions during the war. Today, as the only living member of his crew, Leyva believes in the importance of sharing not only his story, but those of his crew to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten either.

Like Leyva, George, often reflects on the importance of his early military service and how it would remain a lifetime calling. His service began with his enlistment in the Marine Corps shortly after finishing high school and served for three years, finding himself stationed in Japan and Korea during the Korean War. After leaving the USMC, George finished college and accepted a commission in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for another 18 years. During his service in the Air Force, George was stationed in several states, including California, Florida, Ohio, and Texas, and he saw combat during the Vietnam War as an avionics maintenance officer. He received a Bronze Star for Valor and the Meritorious Service Medal. His other tours of duty included Germany, England and Spain. Upon retiring from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel, he joined the defense industry where he worked for General Dynamics and the RAND Corporation. According to George, his life’s work was dedicated to ensuring the safety of this nation.

“I was always interested in serving my country, and I knew there were several different ways I could do so,” said George. “Whether on active duty in a service branch or working in the defense industry, I did so with the objective to keep our country both strong and well defended. Whatever the job, no matter how large or small, it could make a difference. As Veterans Day approaches, my heart and mind are with those who continue to serve our nation, in all capacities, focusing on their safety and well-being. It is the least we can do to show our appreciation for what they do every day to keep America safe.”

Both men, along with 68 of their veteran neighbors or neighbors with spouses who served during the military are recognized for their service as part of Emerald Court’s Veterans Wall. The wall is the community’s way of ensuring the stories and bravery of those who served are shared with everyone who visits the community. The wall was the first to be displayed across the Kisco organization and inspired 19 of Emerald Court’s sister communities to honor their veteran residents in a similar way. The Veterans Wall will be on display during Emerald Court’s Veterans Day celebrations on Sunday, November 11 during the community’s BBQ lunch and on Monday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m. when the community gathers to celebrate the country’s veterans, with a ceremony recognizing those in attendance and all branches of the military. Pins will be provided for veterans in attendance and flowers will be given to surviving spouses. During the ceremony, veterans and surviving spouses will also share stories about how military service influenced their lives.

“At Emerald Court, we’re privileged to have a number of men and women who served our country and now call our community home,” said Carole Bush, executive director of Emerald Court. “Their unique stories and dedication to our nation is a reminder of the importance of paying tribute to those who served and continue to do so. We’re honored to have individuals like George Leyva and David George who inspire us as they share their stories and remind us of the sacrifices for our freedom.”