Mid-Shore Food: Finding the Balance between a Restaurant and the Family Kitchen Table
The below article by Dave Wheelan appeared in The Talbot Spy. You can see the original article and video here.
PHOTO CREDIT: The Talbot Spy
Bill Lynch might be one of the few chefs in America that works in the home kitchen of approximately 180 people every day. While it is true that Bill doesn’t get in his car to visit each one, the metaphor works in describing what it is like to direct the food service at the Londonderry on the Tred Avon community just off Port Street in Easton.
And that is where the challenge begins for Bill as he and his crew as they navigate the expectations of sophisticated residents with significant international culinary experiences but who also seek out simpler food options for their day to day meals.
That’s not an easy task for any chef, but with Bill’s own culinary background, starting with learning to cook from his Italian grandmother in Philly, to progressing through the hierarchy of professional kitchens, including some of the best in the Mid-Atlantic region, he has found himself very much at home himself is the new and satisfying change from what a traditional restaurant faces daily.
A few weeks ago, the Spy sat down with Bill to talk about this unique balancing act. You can watch this video (approximately 4 minutes in length) here.
Londonderry on the Tred Avon Residents Inducted into Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
Londonderry on the Tred Avon residents, Larraine “Lari” Caldwell, and James and Patricia Bradley were three of fifty honorees inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 26th in Glen Burnie, Md.
Londonderry on the Tred Avon residents, Larraine “Lari” Caldwell, and James and Patricia Bradley were three of fifty honorees inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame (MSCH) this year. They were recognized at an induction ceremony on Thursday, October 26th at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, Md. Founded in 1987, the MSCHF is a private, all-volunteer organization that publicly recognizes and honors Maryland senior citizens for outstanding service in their communities.
“We are proud to count these wonderful individuals as our neighbors at Londonderry,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry CEO. “Our residents pride themselves on community engagement and Lari, James and Patricia exemplify the great impact seniors can make by sharing their talents and experiences with the causes and organizations they care about.”
Lari Caldwell is a retired Licensed Certified Social Worker and is currently Vice-President of Care and Share, an organization that raises money for vulnerable adults and children who do not qualify for other forms of assistance. She serves on the Londonderry on the Tred Avon Board of Directors as well as on the board of the Friends of the Dorchester County Library. She is also active with the Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester and the Dorchester County Adult Public Guardianship Review Board.
James and Patricia Bradley are retired educators and founders of the Caroline County affiliate of Rebuilding Together, an organization that provides free homeowner services to the elderly, disabled, veterans and families with children facing necessary, but unaffordable, repairs to their homes. They also volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Voice of the Homeless – Winter Haven Cold Weather Shelter, St. Martin’s Ministries and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
About Londonderry on the Tred Avon
Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62 and over, offering a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, click here.
A Place to Belong
This cover story was written by Christy Brudin and appears on Page 14 in the Winter 2017/18 Maryland Edition of the Retirement Living Sourcebook. To view the complete publication, click here.
Pat retired her snow shovel. Susan and Chuck left behind their home in California to be closer to family. Nancy quit worrying about home maintenance. Peggy and Jim gave up the snowbird lifestyle and returned to the Eastern Shore. They all found a place to belong at Londonderry on the Tred Avon in Easton, Maryland.
Londonderry is a cooperative independent living community for ages 62 and over, offering residents all the amenities of a retirement community with the added benefit of controlling their financial investment. The community recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and remains the only waterfront independent living cooperative for residents 62 and older on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It is also one of only ninety-eight independent living cooperative retirement communities in the entire country.
At Londonderry, the residents are members of a corporation that owns all the real property, including all residences and common areas. The co-op owners control every aspect of Londonderry’s management and operations. Ultimately, residents enjoy all the benefits of homeownership without the burdens of maintenance or upkeep.
A Place to Lead
“One of my greatest joys is to watch the snow plow go right by my door and to know I don’t have to touch any snow,” said Pat Lewers.
Four years ago, Pat and her husband, Ted, moved to Londonderry in large part so they could relax—and retire their snow shovels. Prior to moving, the couple had lived in the same home for 40 years. Dr. Lewers had also practiced medicine in the area for more than 30 years, so the couple was very connected to the larger community.
Beyond wanting to relax, the Lewers also wanted to find a place where everything was taken care of for them. Following Ted’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Londonderry allowed for Pat to worry less and focus on spending time with her husband. Ted and Pat lived for two years at Londonderry together before Dr. Lewers moved to a long term assisted living to receive comprehensive care.
Through all these changes, Pat has had the support of her fellow residents and the team at Londonderry. “This is not a community. It’s not even a village. It’s a home,” Pat said. “I truly love it here. I love every minute. It feels like one big family.”
Pat was recently elected President of the Board of Londonderry and is really looking forward to the opportunity to give back. “This community is really operated by the residents,” she explained. “I feel very honored that they elected me and gave me this responsibility, and I hope I can live up to it.”
Pat may have put down her snow shovel, but she is still very active—and very much a leader.
A Place With Family
When their son married and moved to Easton, Susan and Chuck Andrews became frequent visitors to the Eastern Shore. They loved the area, but California remained their home.
“We saw Londonderry several years ago, and we thought it looked really nice, and we loved that it was on the water,” Susan recalled. “We started thinking that we really needed to find a place where we could be taken care of and just enjoy life.”
During their next visit, the Andrews stopped and added their names to Londonderry’s waiting list. When they came back to tour their first cottage, things happened quickly.
“Chuck said, ‘We’ll take it.’ And that was that,” Susan explained. “It was a major move for us—moving across country—but we wanted to be closer to family, and we couldn’t be happier with the decision.”
Both former educators who were active participants in their long-time community in California, Susan and Chuck are still impressed by how quickly they felt at home at Londonderry. “We knew nobody coming in here, and we were immediately embraced,” Susan noted.
Although they never really considered the cooperative aspect of the community before moving, Susan is now grateful for the residents’ level of involvement. “I think most of the people here were involved in leadership roles in their past,” she said. “Once they get here, they can continue to be involved, and to have a say in everything about the community.”
For Chuck, being involved means pursuing his passion for making wine and beer and sharing the fruits of his labors with his friends and neighbors. “Once a month, all of us on the wine committee dress up and serve the wine we made to everyone,” he said. “We also make beer for those who prefer beer. We really have a great time.”
Susan and Chuck moved thousands of miles to be closer to their family, and they found a whole new family at Londonderry.
A Place to Rebuild
Nancy Burns and her husband, Bernie, had called the Eastern Shore home for more than 30 years prior to moving to Londonderry. They owned a place on the water and frequently hosted their four children and twelve grandchildren.
“The children all called it the Burns’ Camp,” Nancy said. “It was wonderful, but it was big, and it was just getting to be too much for us to take care of. We realized that it wasn’t fun for us anymore.”
When the Burns saw Londonderry, they discovered an answer to their home maintenance problems. They could still enjoy the beautiful shoreline and give up the burdens of seemingly endless home repairs.
“We immediately liked the atmosphere here,” Nancy said of the couple’s first visit to Londonderry. “Everybody was friendly. We saw so many smiling faces, and people were always stopping to talk to us.”
When tragedy struck just six weeks into her residency, Nancy learned the true value of the caring atmosphere at Londonderry. “We had only been here for six weeks when my husband passed away,” she said. “That changed my whole view of Londonderry. It is not just friendly; it is so much more. The support here has been wonderful. From the very first day, people came and invited me to dinner and activities and made sure I wasn’t alone.”
At Londonderry, Nancy has found a place to rebuild her life as a widow. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be here. I have so many great friends and everyone is so supportive,” she said. “At least half of the people here have already lost a spouse, so they really know what it is like. I do feel like I am part of a big family.”
A Place to Own
A native of the Eastern Shore, Peggy Sloan spent most of her life in the area before moving to Florida with her second husband, Jim Sloan. After twelve years in Florida, Peggy and Jim decided it was time to head north again.
“I just had enough of Florida,” recalled Peggy. “I thought it was time to get back to family, back to home.”
The Sloans toured Londonderry and thought it would be a good option. When a cottage became available while they were still in Florida, they sent Peggy’s daughter to tour the property. They immediately knew it was the right place for them.
“We are so glad to be here. To be close to family and to be a part of this close-knit community is just perfect,” said Peggy. “We also love owning our home and knowing that we have equity in it.”
A retired nurse who spent many years working in geriatrics, Peggy is thrilled to have found a retirement community that is the perfect fit. “I was uncertain if I wanted to move to a community or not, but I’m having a ball,” she said.
Peggy’s involvement in the community started shortly after the Sloans moved in when she joined the community’s musical group, the Jammers. “I mentioned to our CEO that I played the piano, and she brought a Jammers t-shirt out of her office and asked me to join the group,” Peggy recalled. “After that, I decided to participate in the talent show at the last minute, and I did a little Minnie Pearl routine. It was fun, and everybody called me Minnie for a long time after that.”
As a member of the Activities Committee, Peggy appreciates how much influence the residents have on how the community is operated. “There are so many ways for people to get involved. It is nothing like what people think of as an old folks’ home. This community is filled with vibrant people doing exciting things,” she said.
Jim added, “I always say that we live just east of Paradise, just a little east.”
A former National Security Agency employee, Jim met Peggy when he went to the doctor’s office where she worked. After more than a decade, he was also ready to leave Florida behind and return to the Mid-Atlantic. At Londonderry, he has found an active community of like-minded peers. He participates in the beer and wine making club and enjoys an array of other activities.
The Place They Belong
All these residents have one thing in common. They were looking for the right place to retire. They needed a place to lead, to connect, to grow and to own. At Londonderry, they all found a place to belong—and that place belongs to them.
By: Christy Brudin / Retirement Living Source Book
Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates 25 Years
Londonderry on the Tred Avon celebrated its 25th Anniversary at a gala event on October 4th on the grounds of the Londonderry Manor House. More than 200 residents and community members attended to commemorate this important milestone in the life of the cooperative. Maryland State Senator Addie Eckardt and Delegate Johnny Mautz presented citations in honor of the event.
Established in 1992 as Londonderry Retirement Community on some of Talbot County’s most historic land, Londonderry on the Tred Avon has grown from its initial 15 individual cottages and 17 residents to a vibrant community of over 97 cottages, 26 apartments and more than 150 residents. The cooperative independent living retirement community is resident owned and operated and was the first of its kind on the Eastern Shore.
“Londonderry serves an important need in our community. The location, beautiful facility and grounds, and quality of staff really make it an ideal place to call home. It’s wonderful that they are celebrating their 25th anniversary,” said Al Silverstein, Talbot County Councilman and President of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce.
“This event celebrated our past and future,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry CEO. “It was a special opportunity to reflect on our history as we move into an exciting time with the construction of our new Clubhouse slated to open next year. Big things are happening and it was important for us to celebrate where we began.”
The celebration, planned and designed by Kari Rider Events, featured food from Blue Heron Catering, live music from Guy and Dolls from Rockville, and dancing with Schafers Swing Dancers from Baltimore, Md.
“It was a very enjoyable party and we were thrilled to be invited,” said Judy Geoghegan, event guest. “The people (at Londonderry) are always friendly and so interesting to talk to and, we loved celebrating with them.”
About Londonderry on the Tred Avon
Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62 and over, offering a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, click here.
Londonderry on the Tred Avon celebrated its 25th Anniversary at a gala event on Wednesday, October 4th on the Londonderry Manor grounds. More than 200 residents and community members attended the event including Senator Addie Eckardt, Delegate Johnny Mautz, Mayor Robert Willey and representatives from the Talbot County Council. Pictured is Senator Addie Eckardt presenting a Maryland Senate Resolution to Londonderry. Left to Right: Londonderry CEO, Irma Toce, Easton Mayor, Robert Willey, Londonderry President, Pat Lewers, Talbot County Council Member, Al Silverstein, Senator Addie Eckardt, Talbot County Council Member, Chuck Callahan, Delegate Johnny Mautz and Talbot County Council Member, Jennifer Williams.
Londonderry employees to become Habitat homebuyers
Londonderry on the Tred Avon employees Shavonte Green and Duval Mills (below) are each pictured with Londonderry resident Lari Caldwell and a representative of Habitat for Humanity Choptank. Both Green and Mills recently signed up and were approved to go through the process of becoming homebuyers through Habitat for Humanity with the encouragement of Caldwell, a long-time volunteer for the organization.
Two employees of Londonderry on the Tred Avon are on the path to realizing their dream of owning a home thanks to Habitat for Humanity Choptank and the assistance of one of Londonderry’s residents.
Shavonte Green and Duval Mills both learned about Habitat for Humanity when representatives from the organization visited Londonderry to talk employees and fill them in on the process of becoming a homeowner.
“It felt like a good option for me,” Mills, head waiter at Londonderry, said. “I’m very excited.”
Green and Mills were both able to learn a little more about Habitat from Londonderry resident Lari Caldwell, who’s volunteered with the program for about a decade. A former social worker, she serves on Habitat for Humanity Choptank Homebuyer Selection Committee, helping to look into applicants’ backgrounds and choose good candidates for the program.
Though she recused herself from the committee in this case, she’s done what she can to encourage them both along.
“I did promote them as responsible young people who would do well as candidates for Habitat,” Caldwell said. “They’re both very pleasant and personable, and I think this will be wonderful for both of them.”
According to Habitat for Humanity Choptank, applicants must be free of outstanding collectible debt before closing, save for closing costs, pay an affordable mortgage for the cost of the home, and assume responsibility for maintaining the home, and for paying home owners insurance and property taxes. The biggest piece of the process is the completion of 300-400 “sweat equity” hours — essentially volunteer service to the program.
“Our philosophy is about building neighborhoods and helping people to live their best life in their communities,” Caldwell said. “We really want to assure that the people that come into our program really want to be there.”
Green and Mills are still early in the process, but are very much looking forward to going through it. In fact, Caldwell says Mills has already done many of many of his sweat equity hours despite just being approved by Habitat.
“He’s really, very motivated,” Caldwell said. “I’m very proud of both of them for doing what they have to take this step in life.”
Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62 and up, offering a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, click here.
