In 2008 Carol Adams, who is now a member of the Mars Hill Retirement Community staff, brought with her wonderful stories and unique souvenirs, of her travels throughout Europe. Once a month Carol shares another country and her adventures with our residents.

Residents and staff alike enjoy seeing her unusual costumes, and learning of the art, culture and the sampling of foods from different countries.  Last month Carol elected to share her adventures in the Republic of China she spent thirty three days there traveling throughout the country.

To Carol’s surprise, four of our residents had also visited in China, a couple of them during WWII.

After Carol’s presentation she and the residents had a wonderful time reminiscing their visits in this foreign country, and discovering from each other how much the country and its culture has changed.  Our residents are very impressed with Carol and look forward to her wonderful adventures.

This month…Italy!

Are you a Veteran or the Spouse of a Veteran?

• With 90 days of active military service?

• A discharge of any kind other than dishonorable?

• Age 65 or older?

If you can answer yes to these questions you should attend this event to learn how you may qualify for little known – little used VETERAN’s BENEFITS to assist with Long Term Care Expenses!  Up to $1,950 per month TAX-FREE!

(Expecially reserved for Veterans, Widows and their Children!)

Mars Hill Retirement Community invites all veterans and their families to a special veterans benefits workshop host at MHRC on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.  Please RSVP 828-689-7970 for this or future workshops!

Henry Shannon, born in 1921, began to hear whispers of a war in Europe in 1938 and in 1940 when congress passed the draft, he, like other young men knew it was just a matter of time before he would be called.

Born in Columbus Ohio, Shannon’s family was not rich, but his father, a carpenter and stationary engineer was able to take the family with him to different parts of the country to visit and to learn.

When Henry was old enough, he landed a good job that would help to protect him from the draft since the job was considered vital to national defense. Henry also had a girl friend.

“The love of his life, Ms. Helen.”  Life was sweet, Henry escorted Ms. Helen to the movies one Sunday afternoon and when they walked out of the theater Henry heard the words “Pearl Harbor has been attacked! He had no idea where Pearl Harbor was and even less of an inkling how those words would accelerate his life into a blur of change and ultimately, that this news would take him into a brand new kind of military unit, to fight a war in places with names he couldn’t even pronounce.

“By Sunday night (of Dec.7) the government called up every person who was a military reservist and actually put them in route to military camps” said Shannon, who now lives at Mars Hill Retirement Community.  “By Monday morning, all of the reservist where I worked were gone. Just gone!”

Shannon saw that he wouldn’t be deferred forever so he enlisted. But Shannon’s new outfit had more to do with bulldozers and ships. Desperate for the work that only bulldozers and trained crews could provide the US Navy had formed the Naval Construction Battalion in 1942 calling it the “CBs” for short.

That abbreviation soon gave way to the more colorful term “Seabees” and thus was born a new bread of American military man: They would build airstrips, the depots, and a dozen other construction projects crucial to waging modern warfare.

Shannon began his Seabee career in Fort Milney, New Guinea, building a depot for the invasion force slated to head from Australia. He was later sent to Subic Bay in the Philippines to build a railway station.

The Seabees were – and remain –a very distinctive legacy of that “day of infamy” that shattered a quiet Sunday morning. But Shannon stressed that lack of uniformity didn’t limit the effectiveness of this unruly group. Mr. Henry Shannon is the last living survivor of the 115^th Battalion. “General MacArthur once said that ‘the Seabees were the most unmilitary outfit in the world, and there weren’t enough of you.’” said Henry.

Of Ms. Helen, she waited for him and Henry made her his bride after the war. They

had three girls, one of which settled in this area. Henry and Ms Helen planned to move here. But Henry took a detour after his wife of 51 years died and he traveled all over the world.

The vest you see him wearing has a pin to represent a destination in each of his travels.

Shannon retired to Mars Hill Retirement Community in January of 2005. Of Mars Hill he said,” Mars Hill Retirement Community is as good as they come and I’ve met a good friend here.”

“The Times of My Life”   MHRC Featured Resident – JoAnn Allman

The moment you step into JoAnn Allman’s suite at Mars Hill Retirement Community you feel the warmth of your childhood.  JoAnn meets you with a warm smile and a cup of hot cocoa. As you look around the living room you realize that she has some very rare antiques As well as an antique doll collection that would make any little girl’s heart skip a beat

JoAnn was born in Marion, NC. After her graduation from Glenwood High School, she and a couple of girlfriends decided to attend Cosmetology School in Asheville. Joann graduated and went to the salon at Belk’s and then at Stella’s Salon.  She met and married her husband Robert during this time and designed a salon into the blueprint of their new home, this worked well as Joann could balance the care of her two children and her business at the same time.

When Robert became ill JoAnn was forced to work for Ingles to meet the family

obligations and she found she enjoyed being with the company. She retired after seven-teen years at the age of 50 and began taking classes at Asheville Buncombe Technical

college in landscaping, interior design, and sewing. After Robert’s death and the children grown,  JoAnn wanted to accomplish something meaningful she to preserve a track of land she owned, and decided to design and build a subdivision. Working diligently with every aspect of implementing her plan and seeing it through to completion.

Now having four grandchildren and her health continuing to decline, the children were to busy to stop by. She did not realize that the depression was what can cripple you; until the day came that she made the decision to sell the house, pack up her favorite antique furniture, art pieces, and dolls, and moved to Mars Hill Retirement Community.

Within a few of months Joann began to get stronger and needing less medication to make her feel well. She even started getting out more and driving again. She began quilting and making Amish dolls for her family and in 2008 flew off  to Hawaii in search of fabric and  a vacation with absolutely no medication at all!  JoAnn states, “ I could not have made the trip a year ago.” “I am so blessed to be at Mars Hill Retirement Community and I love the entire staff.” “I did not realize how much depression could take away all your energy.” “I could not have made it much longer living on my own.” “ Now I’m driving and traveling again and my life has meaning.”

JoAnn Allman

The moment you step into JoAnn Allman’s suite at Mars Hill Retirement Community you feel the warmth of your childhood.  JoAnn meets you with a warm smile and a cup of hot cocoa. As you look around the living room you realize that she has some very rare antiques As well as an antique doll collection that would make any little girl’s heart skip a beat

JoAnn was born in Marion, NC. After her graduation from Glenwood High School, she and a couple of girlfriends decided to attend Cosmetology School in Asheville. Joann graduated and went to the salon at Belk’s and then at Stella’s Salon.  She met and married her husband Robert during this time and designed a salon into the blueprint of their new home, this worked well as Joann could balance the care of her two children and her business at the same time.

When Robert became ill JoAnn was forced to work for Ingles to meet the family obligations and she found she enjoyed being with the company. She retired after seventeen years at the age of 50 and began taking classes at Asheville Buncombe Technical College in landscaping, interior design, and sewing. After Robert’s death and the children grown,  JoAnn wanted to accomplish something meaningful she to preserve a track of land she owned, and decided to design and build a subdivision. Working diligently with every aspect of implementing her plan and seeing it through to completion.

Now having four grandchildren and her health continuing to decline, the children were to busy to stop by. She did not realize that the depression was what can cripple you; until the day came that she made the decision to sell the house, pack up her favorite antique furniture, art pieces, and dolls, and moved to Mars Hill Retirement Community.

JoAnn perfecting her craft

Within a few of months Joann began to get stronger and needing less medication to make her feel well. She even started getting out more and driving again. She began quilting and making Amish dolls for her family and in 2008 flew off  to Hawaii in search of fabric and  a vacation with absolutely no medication at all!  JoAnn states, “ I could not have made the trip a year ago.” “I am so blessed to be at Mars Hill Retirement Community and I love the entire staff.” “I did not realize how much depression could take away all your energy.” “I could not have made it much longer living on my own.” “ Now I’m driving and traveling again and my life has meaning.”

Dozens of local boys and girls entered the door decorating contest hosted by Mars Hill Retirement on Saturday, Dec. 12, and fortunately not one was naughty—but all were exceptionally nice. That’s good because Santa Claus showed up to add holiday cheer to an already joyful and artistic competition.

The contest was won by Sarah Griffin, who is in second grade at Mars Hill Elementary School. Santa had a gift for every child, and a photo was made of every child and resident who sat on Santa’s knee as a gift from Mars Hill Retirement Community.

Sarah Griffin accepts her prize for winning.

“You could feel the excitement of both the children and the residents as the contest got underway,” said Teresa Hammack, marketing director for Mars Hill Retirement Community. “Residents were amazed at how well behaved and talented the groups of young children were, and you could tell each group had  designed and planned the doors ahead of time.” Each of the children’s teams also had an adult leader .

Residents and more than 50 guests watched in wonder as bits of paper, ribbon, and tape turned into wonderful doors of holiday cheer. The residents were as proud as the children and invited each other to view the wonderful displays on their doors.

The Winning Door!

 A lunch of turkey sandwiches, chips, cookies and milk were served to the guests as they waited for Santa to arrive and the winning door to be announced. When the residents and children heard Santa was in the building, it was hard to contain the excitement! Children excitedly got in line along with some of the residents to have that special moment to exchange wishes with Santa and to catch that special look to ensure that their holiday wishes would come true. For such good kids, they probably will.  

 MHRC would like to thank everyone who participated this year!

Happy Holidays!

Mars Hill Retirement Community is “calling all kids” to enter the door decorating contest being held at the senior living community this Saturday, Dec. 12, from 12 p.m to 5 p.m.  Elementary school-aged children are invited to find an adult and form a team to create an attractive holiday-themed door, which will be judged between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.  Winners will receive Toys-R-Us gift cards and lunch will be provided at no charge. 

“We thought the local community would enjoy sharing the holiday season with some of our senior residents while competing for some great prizes,” said Teresa Hammack, marketing director for the Mars Hill Retirement Community. “There’s even been a report that Santa Claus himself will make a visit. I am happy to confirm that report.”

Besides fun with Santa, great food and exciting prizes, the children and their adult team leaders will also enjoy visits from the Sugar Plum Fairies, elves, and a princess.  

As an added bonus for taking part, kids and their parents will receive a free photo of themselves taken with Santa as a gift from Mars Hill Retirement Community.  There will also be plenty of hot cocoa and cookies on hand throughout the afternoon.

Bring your sunglasses! The talent will be brillant!

Mars Hill Retirement Community hosts “So You Think You Have Talent Show” at the Hertiage Festival, October 3, 2009 in Mars Hill, NC.  Teresa Hammack, Marketing Director will emcee the event on Main Street starting at 10:00am Saturday morning.

Then, later mosey up to Mars Hill Retirement Community on South Main Street and have some hot apple cider and snacks with Tammie. We would love to show you around. There’s a good reason Madison County is know to be “The Jewel of Blue Ridge.” Come discover the best kept secret in WNC!

If you enjoy crafts, art, dance, music, singing and food the Hertiage Festival is for your entire family. Mars Hill is just a hop skip and a jump from Asheville, NC – North on 19-23. Exit 11 Mars Hill.  Take a left off the ramp and follow  Carl Eller Road to Main Street. 

Seniors who want to learn how a “reverse mortgage” can fit their financial goals are invited to attend a free presentation by Tom Schunk, reverse mortgage specialist for OnTrack Financial Education and Counseling.  The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2009.  Schunk will deliver a provocative and informative program about reverse mortgages, the economy, and specifically how each area is affecting seniors today.  Schunk is a North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) Reverse Mortgage Counselor and specialist in senior financial services.  The event will be held at Mars Hill Retirement Community, 170 South Main Street, Mars Hill, North Carolina 28754.  This event is free and open to the public.  Seating is limited.  RSVP by calling (828) 689-7970.

Mars Hill Retirement Community is once again providing free “Vial of Life” program materials to local residents and organizations as a way to help emergency workers find vital information in the shortest possible time. The program offers participants a proven and convenient resource to help them record their specific key health information and place it where EMT persons are trained to look for fast answers—usually inside the refrigerator. Gaining access to this kind of information allows them to make treatment decisions in the crucial first few minutes that can make the difference between life and death.

“The program has met with huge acceptance each year we have offered it as a free service to the community,” said Teresa Hammack, marketing director and director of the Vial of Life program at Mars Hill Retirement Community. “But we’re still amazed at how many people still don’t know about it. As long as there’s someone who doesn’t have these life-saving materials, we will keep providing them as a free service as long as our supplies last.”

The Vial of Life program materials include a “vital facts” sheet for each person to fill out, a moisture-proof plastic bag or bottle to place the fact sheet inside, and a special red label that goes on the refrigerator door. Organizations can also place these red labels on the windows of vehicles so that EMT workers know to look inside the glove compartment should their employees encounter emergencies while out on the road. Whenever an accident or health crisis occurs and the person cannot speak for themselves, the Vial of Life will “speak” for them.

“EMT workers are unanimous in supporting the merits of the Vial of Life program,” says Hammack. “It makes their jobs immensely less stressful when they can open a vial and find the name, birth date, medical information and medications, names of family and personal physician with phone numbers, and a photo if there is more than one person in the household. Program sponsors suggest that those who want this kind of safety measure take the information sheet with them on their next doctor’s visit and let their nurse fill it out for them.”

Persons or organizations may request free supplies from Mars Hill Retirement Community by calling Teresa Hammack at (828) 689-7970, or by visiting the website at www.marshillretirement.com. There is no charge for the materials and they are usually sent out within a few days of each request.