Category: News

At 98 years old, Brandon Oaks resident Betty Pence has seen quite a bit. She will tell you she’s had a wonderful, full life – which she has. If you talk with her for just a few moments you will see how grateful and happy she is. What you will also see when you visit is beautiful illustrations, paintings and cross-stitching. Betty is an artist and an author. Yes, still an artist at 98 years old. She loves to stay busy – keeping her mind sharp with puzzles, illustrations, cross-stitching, reading and writing. Betty has authored a few books since the age of 91! In one of her books she writes:

Since God has given me some extra time, I feel as if I don’t want to waste a minute of it. If you feel discouraged by so called old age try to make it a gift that you didn’t expect and make the most of it!

With the New Year approaching and many thinking of how to plan out resolutions for losing weight or organizing spaces, try to treat every day as a gift and make the most of it, like Betty does! Below are a few of Betty’s pieces of art she’s created, most of which has been done since she’s turned 90. Inspiring to think how much you can do when you don’t let the constraint of age hinder you.

We are always trying new things to make sure our residents feel valued, appreciated and vibrant no matter what level of care they may be in. Our team at the Nursing and Rehab Center started a “Star for the Day” program and it has taken off. We were recently featured by a national healthcare news outlet, McKnight’s Long Term Care News! Click the photo below to see the story.

Although Brandon Oaks is a “retirement community,” there are two things residents want you to know:
1.) You don’t have to be retired!
2.) Retirement doesn’t mean less active or busy!

Along with the numerous activities, clubs and social events at Brandon Oaks, many residents also devote their time to other organizations in the Roanoke Valley.   From local hospitals to arts organizations, residents’ passions are as unique as they are. Many residents describe retirement as their opportunity to truly immerse themselves into community organizations that mean the most to them. In addition to the fun you’ll have, volunteering has been found to be good for your health. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that 25% of those over 60 years of age volunteered, and their mental health and emotional well-being benefited from it. The larger networks, mentally or physically stimulating tasks and social aspects of devoting one’s time to a cause were seen as reasons for the positive trend.

Many of our residents volunteer, or serve on boards, for organizations such as:

• Rotary Club of Roanoke
• Roanoke College
• Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
• Salem-Roanoke County Food Pantry
• American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop
• Opera Roanoke
• Center in the Square
• Virginians for the Arts
• Brandon Oaks Nursing and Rehab Center
• Many more!

 

From its black and white keys to the shiny coating encasing it, a piano is truly a work of art in itself. We have been blessed at Brandon Oaks to have been gifted a piano many years ago, however, due to age and frequent use, it didn’t play the same as it once had.

One resident, Deanne Vance, an accomplished pianist, took notice after presenting at “Professionally Speaking” (a monthly resident-led speaker series) where she played pieces that meant something to her through various points in her life. While the reception of it was wonderful, the existing piano didn’t cut it. “I realized the need for more musical performances was great, but, the existing piano wouldn’t be sufficient for quality performances, it was in very bad shape,” Deanne explained.

Soon after, Deanne spoke with her husband Sam about the possibility of helping fund a new piano for the community. In partnership with Director of Development, Julee Goodman and fellow resident, Janet Johnson, the “Friends of the Piano” was born. Between the Vance’s starter donation of $25,000, and an anonymous donation of $25,000, they were already half way to their $100,000 goal.

Over the course of a few months that included many one-on-one presentations, wine and cheese receptions and phone calls they raised the full $100,000 within 7 months!

Now the question was, what kind of piano should we get? The answer was clear for Deanne: a Steinway. Steinways are the Rolls Royce of the piano world. Hand crafted in Germany, they are composed of up to 12,000 individual parts and can take up to a full year to assemble. We found this amazing video that describes the process it takes to create these musical artforms.

Luckily, a Steinway showroom was close by in Greensboro, N.C. and Deanne paid a visit. “Each Steinway piano is unique and has a soul all its own, among the ones we saw, heard and played, we found the perfect one,” Deanne exclaimed. The gorgeous Steinway Model B Classic Grand Piano is now home at Brandon Oaks.

Along with the enjoyment among residents, the development of a public music series is underway. More information on this musical series will be out soon.

Brandon Oaks is home to not only this beautiful new piano, but residents with a drive to make positive changes in the community for themselves and future residents as well. We are grateful for the many diverse talents our residents bring to Brandon Oaks.

The decision to move to a retirement community is a monumental one in itself, but once that decision is made, the time comes for packing, moving and – typically – downsizing. Over the course of many years, people collect things that they need to fill their homes – furniture, artwork, linens, knick-knacks, etc. We spoke with Carol Cole of Smooth Transitions in Roanoke, who will be our featured speaker at our April Luncheon (click here to see our upcoming events), which is already full!

 

What do you find is the hardest part of downsizing?

Carol: Most of my clients have lived in their homes a long time and are used to having their treasures around them. The hardest part is letting go of so many things that will no longer have a place in their new smaller home. It is a part of the transition process that requires the client to “think backwards” by visualizing the new home and the wonderful freedoms the new life and space will bring. It is easier to let go of old things once that vision is adopted.

 

When do you think the best time to start the process is?

Carol: Life is all about changes and staying in balance. We need to be on top of changes – deliberately and all the time. When a person becomes aware that their home is no longer the right size for them, or lost the advantages it once had, it’s time to think about what’s next. Many people begin to long for a simpler life with less complications, expenses, and chores.  This is the best time to envision the next chapter and begin planning the way to get there.  It is always harder to make the transition when circumstances force it or the family thinks they need to take charge.  In a nutshell, as soon as possible.  Don’t wait!  The choices are better when there is less urgency.

 

What are your top 3 tips for making a move?

Carol: 1 – Make a commitment; 2 – Make a plan; 3 – Get all the help you can.

 

Downsizing is a very personal process so if you’d like more information or how to address your specific needs, contact Carol by visiting her website {click here}.

We love our pets at Brandon Oaks!

We spoke with some of our residents, and their furry companions, about life here!

Adria & Don Casey & Nash

How did you and Nash meet?  Through a Washington, D.C. Weimaraner rescue group. We knew we wanted an older dog, because a puppy would have been too much, so we started looking for another Weimaraner (we have always loved the breed). We came across the adoptable pets from the Washington, D.C. rescue group, and that is where we found Nash. He had been rescued from West Virginia after being found outside, living in a pen, after the floods in 2016. He went up to Don, sat down in front of him and raised his paw. So we like to think he chose us. We still cannot believe how good of a dog he is. He is calm, doesn’t bark or lick people and he is just perfect for us and our life here at Brandon Oaks.

Have you both been lifelong animal lovers?  Yes! We have bred and shown Weimaraners for years.

How important was it that Brandon Oaks accepts pets? Very important. We lost our last dog a few months before we moved to Brandon Oaks, but we knew it wouldn’t be long before we would have another dog in our home.

What is something interesting about Nash?  Nash isn’t a barker, but he makes this funny howling-like noise when we put on his harness to take him for a walk. We think it’s his way of telling us he is happy.

Where do you live on campus? The Village Homes.

 

Water Dixon & Charlie

How did you and Charlie meet?  I was at a stop light at the intersection of Brandon Avenue and Edgewood Street, right up the street from Brandon Oaks, and I saw a tiny orange kitten run across the street and he almost got hit by a car. He ran towards my car but didn’t come out of the other side. I got out and I could hear him meowing, so I asked the driver behind me to honk the horn if he came out when I started to move the car. Very slowly, I moved the car and cautiously made my way back to Brandon Oaks. When I made it back, I didn’t hear anything so I went back into my apartment. Later that day, I went out to eat with my family and we noticed a crowd gathered around my car. We went outside and my daughter-in-law got under the car and was able to get the kitten out. Animal control came and got him cleaned up, gave him shots, and neutered him. A few weeks later, I was able to foster him, but that turned into a permanent stay. I never thought I would have a kitten but Charlie is very special.

Have you been a lifelong animal lover? Yes, but I never had any pets.

How important was it that Brandon Oaks accepts pets? Truly, it wasn’t important when I first moved in, but I was grateful for it when Charlie came into my life.

Where do you live on campus? Dogwood Apartments. 

 

Pattie Hamilton & Peaches

How did you and Peaches meet? When I decided it was time to get
another dog, I started to look around at various breeders. I had Poodles before and just loved them so that’s what I focused on. I found a breeder south of
Atlanta (where I was living at the time) and went to see their puppies. When I went to visit, Peaches waddled over to me and jumped on my leg. I picked her up and she gave me tons of puppy kisses. It was love at first sight. That was 13 years ago and she’s been my daughter ever since.

Have you been a lifelong animal lover? Yes, yes and yes! I love all
animals and always have.

How important was it that Brandon Oaks accepts pets?  If they did not
accept pets, I would not have come here. I would never give up Peaches.

What is something interesting about Peaches?  Peaches is the star of the 5-book children’s series Peaches The Private Eye Poodle. She has been on book tours around the South where she signs her books with a little paw print. She has also visited elementary schools for book readings. She sees a camera and she starts posing – she’s a doggie diva.

Where do you live on campus? The Main Building.

 

Bille Murphree & Socks

How did you and Socks meet?  I adopted Socks from Angels of Assisi here in Roanoke.

Have you been a lifelong animal lover? Yes, especially cats! I have had both dogs and cats throughout my life, and I used to show a beautiful German Shepard.

How important was it that Brandon Oaks accepts pets?  Very, very important. I lost my husband a few months before I moved to Brandon Oaks. I adopted Socks shortly after his death and he helped me with that sudden loss so I can’t imagine not brining Socks with me.

What is something interesting about Socks?   Socks walks on a leash just like a dog, which people here thought was a little odd at first but now
everyone is used to seeing me take him out for walks. Even though he is an
indoor cat, I wanted him to be able to still go outside and chase a bug or roll in the grass without running off. He really enjoys it and he gets along well with the neighborhood dogs we see out and about.

Where do you live on campus? The Main Building.

Brandon Oaks is proud to announce Ben Burks, NHA, as the new Executive Director, effective September 25, 2017. Burks previously served as the Executive Director of The Glebe in Daleville, Virginia. As a high-performing executive in the senior living field, Burks brings 14 years of experience in the continuing care retirement community (CCRC) industry.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Ben join our team,” said Heather Neff, President and CEO of Virginia Lutheran Homes. Neff continued, “He brings with him a depth of knowledge in managing CCRCs, but, most importantly, the understanding that our residents are our highest priority.”

“I am pleased to be joining a community with such a stellar staff and solid reputation,” Burks said. “I look forward to becoming an integral part of the team and of the community,” Burks continued.