SQLC Headlines

On an average day, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) conducts 45 search-and-rescue operations, saves 10 lives and protects over $1.2 million in property. But lately, the USCG has been hard at work rescuing thousands of people in Texas and Florida after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma made landfall. Their heroic efforts caught the attention of millions across the country, including Edgemere resident Paul Lamb. The 88-year-old former Coast Guard officer can relate to what other members of the Coast Guard are experiencing. Lamb During his 25-year service, he responded to hurricanes in Bermuda, Florida and Alabama. He rescued people from flood waters, hoisted them off cruise ships and saved fishermen from vessels. Lamb says being in the Coast Guard was a blessing because he helped dozens of people over his career. He was even awarded a Lifesaving Medal for his efforts.

“I had a guilty conscience because I wasn’t able to help during the recent storms,” said Lamb. “I retired from the Coast Guard many years ago, but it will always be a part of me. The men and women who sacrificed to assist people during these catastrophic storms are true heroes. I know they went hours without food and sleep to make sure lives were spared. Seeing the photos and videos of the heroism brings out a lot of different emotions. The Coast Guard is a tight-knit family, and they consider those they assist as part of the family, too.  People put their lives in the hands of these officers, and seeing the gratitude in their faces means everything.”

Lamb was born in Fountain County, Ind. and was the youngest of eleven children. During WWII, four of his brothers served, and that inspired him to enlist in the Coast Guard on September 11, 1947. He served as a radio operator until 1956 when he went to Navy flight training to learn to operate helicopters. Lamb spent the next 16 years serving his country. He was stationed in Bermuda, Rhode Island, Florida, Alabama, Hawaii, and the Great Lakes. During his service, he experienced many ups and downs, but left the Coast Guard with great memories and was proud to be a part of it. He went on to graduate from the University of South Florida in 1977 and taught school until 1996 when he retired.

“I owe everything to the Coast Guard,” said Lamb. “They educated me, took care of my health, fed me and put a roof over my head. I was always someone who volunteered for everything. In the end, I moved up the ranks to Full Commander, that’s equivalent to a Lieutenant Colonel. It instilled values in me I still use to this day.”

Lamb still has a home in St. Petersburg, Fla. and is thankful it wasn’t heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma. He recently moved to Edgemere, a nonprofit Life Plan Community in Dallas sponsored by Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), and appreciates the senior living community’s support.

“Mr. Lamb is an inspirational resident with an excellent story,” said Luis Argote, executive director of Edgemere. “We find it fascinating to hear about his time in the Coast Guard and the different things he experienced. It’s heartwarming that he wishes he was still an active officer and could help with rescue efforts in Texas and Florida. Mr. Lamb has a heart of gold. We are thankful for his service and look forward to hearing additional stories in the future.”

On an average day, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) conducts 45 search-and-rescue operations, saves 10 lives and protects over $1.2 million in property. But lately, the USCG has been hard at work rescuing thousands of people in Texas and Florida after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma made landfall. Their heroic efforts caught the attention of millions across the country, including Edgemere resident Paul Lamb. The 88-year-old former Coast Guard officer can relate to what other members of the Coast Guard are experiencing. Lamb During his 25-year service, he responded to hurricanes in Bermuda, Florida and Alabama. He rescued people from flood waters, hoisted them off cruise ships and saved fishermen from vessels. Lamb says being in the Coast Guard was a blessing because he helped dozens of people over his career. He was even awarded a Lifesaving Medal for his efforts.

“I had a guilty conscience because I wasn’t able to help during the recent storms,” said Lamb. “I retired from the Coast Guard many years ago, but it will always be a part of me. The men and women who sacrificed to assist people during these catastrophic storms are true heroes. I know they went hours without food and sleep to make sure lives were spared. Seeing the photos and videos of the heroism brings out a lot of different emotions. The Coast Guard is a tight-knit family, and they consider those they assist as part of the family, too.  People put their lives in the hands of these officers, and seeing the gratitude in their faces means everything.”

Lamb was born in Fountain County, Ind. and was the youngest of eleven children. During WWII, four of his brothers served, and that inspired him to enlist in the Coast Guard on September 11, 1947. He served as a radio operator until 1956 when he went to Navy flight training to learn to operate helicopters. Lamb spent the next 16 years serving his country. He was stationed in Bermuda, Rhode Island, Florida, Alabama, Hawaii, and the Great Lakes. During his service, he experienced many ups and downs, but left the Coast Guard with great memories and was proud to be a part of it. He went on to graduate from the University of South Florida in 1977 and taught school until 1996 when he retired.

“I owe everything to the Coast Guard,” said Lamb. “They educated me, took care of my health, fed me and put a roof over my head. I was always someone who volunteered for everything. In the end, I moved up the ranks to Full Commander, that’s equivalent to a Lieutenant Colonel. It instilled values in me I still use to this day.”

Lamb still has a home in St. Petersburg, Fla. and is thankful it wasn’t heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma. He recently moved to Edgemere, a nonprofit Life Plan Community in Dallas sponsored by Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), and appreciates the senior living community’s support.

“Mr. Lamb is an inspirational resident with an excellent story,” said Luis Argote, executive director of Edgemere. “We find it fascinating to hear about his time in the Coast Guard and the different things he experienced. It’s heartwarming that he wishes he was still an active officer and could help with rescue efforts in Texas and Florida. Mr. Lamb has a heart of gold. We are thankful for his service and look forward to hearing additional stories in the future.”

Mirador retirement community is working to lend a helping hand to those in the local Coastal Bend area affected by Hurricane Harvey. The senior living community has partnered with other local vendors to host a supply drive and special fundraising events for residents and guests, with all proceeds going directly to those in the local community who need the most assistance. Donations and supplies will be divided equally and given to the Rockport Chamber of Commerce and Port Aransas Independent School District. From September 18 until September 22, the public is invited to drop off their donations at the front desk of the senior living community, located at 5857 Timbergate Drive. Donations needed for people of all ages include diapers, socks and undergarments. Additionally, Mirador is also selling “Texas Strong” bracelets for $3 each to raise additional funds to purchase nonperishable foods and other supplies. The community understands that many in the local area were affected by the devastating storm and wants to do its part to help those most impacted get back on their feet.

“It’s difficult to observe the devastation from the storm and see how it affected our neighbors and impacted the greater community,” said Deborah Nugent, executive director of Mirador. “We want to do everything we can to make sure that everyone has what they need to regain a sense of normalcy. For many, there is a tremendous need for basic necessities. When we were thinking of a way to help it seemed natural to collect supplies like socks, which everyone can use to stay comfortable. We hope that this endeavor will be successful and that we are able to show our Coastal Bend neighbors they are not alone as we rebuild and look to the future.”

For those interested in contributing to the supply drive, call Vanessa Hancock at (361) 651-1115 for more information or drop off donations at the community’s front desk.

Mirador retirement community is working to lend a helping hand to those in the local Coastal Bend area affected by Hurricane Harvey. The senior living community has partnered with other local vendors to host a supply drive and special fundraising events for residents and guests, with all proceeds going directly to those in the local community who need the most assistance. Donations and supplies will be divided equally and given to the Rockport Chamber of Commerce and Port Aransas Independent School District. From September 18 until September 22, the public is invited to drop off their donations at the front desk of the senior living community, located at 5857 Timbergate Drive. Donations needed for people of all ages include diapers, socks and undergarments. Additionally, Mirador is also selling “Texas Strong” bracelets for $3 each to raise additional funds to purchase nonperishable foods and other supplies. The community understands that many in the local area were affected by the devastating storm and wants to do its part to help those most impacted get back on their feet.

“It’s difficult to observe the devastation from the storm and see how it affected our neighbors and impacted the greater community,” said Deborah Nugent, executive director of Mirador. “We want to do everything we can to make sure that everyone has what they need to regain a sense of normalcy. For many, there is a tremendous need for basic necessities. When we were thinking of a way to help it seemed natural to collect supplies like socks, which everyone can use to stay comfortable. We hope that this endeavor will be successful and that we are able to show our Coastal Bend neighbors they are not alone as we rebuild and look to the future.”

For those interested in contributing to the supply drive, call Vanessa Hancock at (361) 651-1115 for more information or drop off donations at the community’s front desk.

Leeza Gibbons, Emmy Award-winning pop-culture icon best known as a co-host for “Entertainment Tonight”, host of syndicated talk show “Leeza”, and winner of “Celebrity Apprentice”, recently spoke to residents and invited guests at The Stayton at Museum Way as part of the community’s Red Carpet Speaker Series. Gibbons delivered a keynote, followed by a Q&A. After the presentation, she signed copies of her new book “Fierce Optimism”.

Gibbons is an advocate for health, wellness and caregiving. She started the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation in 2002 as a promise to her mother. The foundation’s signature program, Leeza’s Care Connection, offers free services for family caregivers. During the presentation, Gibbons discussed her own personal challenges of caring for her mother after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 62. The New York Times best-selling author offered an inspirational account of her family’s role as caregivers and offers compelling advice in her guide, “Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss.”

“We are thrilled Leeza Gibbons came to the community as part of our Red Carpet Speaker Series,” said Scott Thomas, executive director of The Stayton at Museum Way. “Her story is relatable to millions of families across the country who have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. She shared a message of hope for others battling the disease and for those caring for their loved ones.”

The Red Carpet Speaker Series at The Stayton at Museum Way provides unique and often once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for residents and invited guests to meet renowned individuals and hear inspirational presentations. The speaker series is a dynamic piece of the Masterpiece Living philosophy which encourages continual learning in all regards – physical, mental, social and spiritual.

Leeza Gibbons, Emmy Award-winning pop-culture icon best known as a co-host for “Entertainment Tonight”, host of syndicated talk show “Leeza”, and winner of “Celebrity Apprentice”, recently spoke to residents and invited guests at The Stayton at Museum Way as part of the community’s Red Carpet Speaker Series. Gibbons delivered a keynote, followed by a Q&A. After the presentation, she signed copies of her new book “Fierce Optimism”.

Gibbons is an advocate for health, wellness and caregiving. She started the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation in 2002 as a promise to her mother. The foundation’s signature program, Leeza’s Care Connection, offers free services for family caregivers. During the presentation, Gibbons discussed her own personal challenges of caring for her mother after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 62. The New York Times best-selling author offered an inspirational account of her family’s role as caregivers and offers compelling advice in her guide, “Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss.”

“We are thrilled Leeza Gibbons came to the community as part of our Red Carpet Speaker Series,” said Scott Thomas, executive director of The Stayton at Museum Way. “Her story is relatable to millions of families across the country who have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. She shared a message of hope for others battling the disease and for those caring for their loved ones.”

The Red Carpet Speaker Series at The Stayton at Museum Way provides unique and often once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for residents and invited guests to meet renowned individuals and hear inspirational presentations. The speaker series is a dynamic piece of the Masterpiece Living philosophy which encourages continual learning in all regards – physical, mental, social and spiritual.

After the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Mirador residents and team members are taking the time to reflect on the success of the evacuation at the Corpus Christi community. Mirador residents were shuttled to Querencia, a sister community located in Austin, Texas. 

To read the full story on Mirador's emergency plan for a safe and successful evacuation, click here. 

After the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Mirador residents and team members are taking the time to reflect on the success of the evacuation at the Corpus Christi community. Mirador residents were shuttled to Querencia, a sister community located in Austin, Texas. 

To read the full story on Mirador's emergency plan for a safe and successful evacuation, click here. 

On Friday September 8, Edgemere executive director Luis Argote was featured on Good Morning Texas to discuss the current expansion taking place at the community. Edgemere is in the midst of a $36 million dollar renaissance expansion, beginning in the lobby and continuing throughout the community. 

To watch the Good Morning Texas segment and learn more about the expansion at Edgemere, click here! 

On Friday September 8, Edgemere executive director Luis Argote was featured on Good Morning Texas to discuss the current expansion taking place at the community. Edgemere is in the midst of a $36 million dollar renaissance expansion, beginning in the lobby and continuing throughout the community. 

To watch the Good Morning Texas segment and learn more about the expansion at Edgemere, click here! 

On Friday September 8, residents and spectators gathered in the front lawn to participate in lawn darts as part of The Barrington Olympics. Residents competed against one another to take the gold! 

On Friday September 8, residents and spectators gathered in the front lawn to participate in lawn darts as part of The Barrington Olympics. Residents competed against one another to take the gold! 

The Barrington of Carmel is lending a helping hand to some of the most vulnerable residents affected by Hurricane Harvey: pets. The senior living community is hosting a pet supply drive to benefit the SPCA of Texas, which has taken in hundreds of evacuated animals from Corpus Christi, Houston and Beaumont, Texas. From September 1 until September 30, the public is invited to drop off donations at The Barrington of Carmel art studio located at 1355 South Guilford Road. Donations needed for both dogs and cats include dry pet food, canned food, cat litter, toys, leashes and gift cards to pet stores. The community understands organizations like the SPCA of Texas run on donations from the public, and they wanted to give back during this difficult time.

“It is heartbreaking to see all the rescued animals that families had to leave behind,” said Jesse Sias, executive director. “Pets are great companions for people of all ages, and we want to make sure they are well taken care of during this time of transition. Our community has a connection to Texas. Not only is our corporate office headquartered in Texas, we also have five sister communities throughout the state. When we were thinking about how to help, animals came to mind almost immediately. I know the city of Carmel and surrounding areas will step up and help us send hundreds of donations to the south. We hope to make this a successful fundraiser and show the Gulf Coast they are not alone during this disaster.”

Hurricane Harvey is the first major hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Wilma in 2005. The Category 4 storm first made landfall on August 25 in Rockport, Texas at peak intensity. The storm headed up the coast dropping over 40 inches of rain in the Houston area then traveled east, dropping another 30 inches in the Beaumont- Port Arthur metropolitan area. Hurricanes and tropical storms can be traumatic events for everyone involved, including pets. During this disaster, the SPCA of Texas has put every available resource behind assisting pets and people who have evacuated the Gulf Coast.

“The SPCA of Texas is a wonderful organization that provides disaster relief to pets affected by this storm,” said Nikki Meeker, senior living coordinator. “These volunteers have hearts of gold, and we hope to make their jobs a little easier by collecting items and having them sent to Texas. When you adopt you not only rescue that animal, but you make room in the shelter to give other animals a second chance at life. That’s exactly what this organization is doing for the animals they have rescued during Hurricane Harvey.”

The Barrington of Carmel is lending a helping hand to some of the most vulnerable residents affected by Hurricane Harvey: pets. The senior living community is hosting a pet supply drive to benefit the SPCA of Texas, which has taken in hundreds of evacuated animals from Corpus Christi, Houston and Beaumont, Texas. From September 1 until September 30, the public is invited to drop off donations at The Barrington of Carmel art studio located at 1355 South Guilford Road. Donations needed for both dogs and cats include dry pet food, canned food, cat litter, toys, leashes and gift cards to pet stores. The community understands organizations like the SPCA of Texas run on donations from the public, and they wanted to give back during this difficult time.

“It is heartbreaking to see all the rescued animals that families had to leave behind,” said Jesse Sias, executive director. “Pets are great companions for people of all ages, and we want to make sure they are well taken care of during this time of transition. Our community has a connection to Texas. Not only is our corporate office headquartered in Texas, we also have five sister communities throughout the state. When we were thinking about how to help, animals came to mind almost immediately. I know the city of Carmel and surrounding areas will step up and help us send hundreds of donations to the south. We hope to make this a successful fundraiser and show the Gulf Coast they are not alone during this disaster.”

Hurricane Harvey is the first major hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Wilma in 2005. The Category 4 storm first made landfall on August 25 in Rockport, Texas at peak intensity. The storm headed up the coast dropping over 40 inches of rain in the Houston area then traveled east, dropping another 30 inches in the Beaumont- Port Arthur metropolitan area. Hurricanes and tropical storms can be traumatic events for everyone involved, including pets. During this disaster, the SPCA of Texas has put every available resource behind assisting pets and people who have evacuated the Gulf Coast.

“The SPCA of Texas is a wonderful organization that provides disaster relief to pets affected by this storm,” said Nikki Meeker, senior living coordinator. “These volunteers have hearts of gold, and we hope to make their jobs a little easier by collecting items and having them sent to Texas. When you adopt you not only rescue that animal, but you make room in the shelter to give other animals a second chance at life. That’s exactly what this organization is doing for the animals they have rescued during Hurricane Harvey.”

Here at the Barrington of Carmel, we work to create an environment of fun and interactive learning for residents. One of our residents, Sandy Godich, is sharing her love and talent for basket weaving to teach other residents the art. She is hoping to have classes weekly or bi-weekly to allow residents the opportunity to learn along with her. 

Here at the Barrington of Carmel, we work to create an environment of fun and interactive learning for residents. One of our residents, Sandy Godich, is sharing her love and talent for basket weaving to teach other residents the art. She is hoping to have classes weekly or bi-weekly to allow residents the opportunity to learn along with her. 

All eyes were on the sky for the total solar eclipse. The celestial event captivated the country as millions observed the natural phenomenon on Monday, August 21. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the sun when viewing it from Earth. As the light of day faded briefly from view, Edgemere, a premier senior living community in Dallas, hosted a “Solar Eclipse Viewing Party” to commemorate the event. For Glendora Trescher, who goes by Dodie, this event is one she did not want her neighbors and friends to miss. The senior living community began planning for the event after Trescher recommended that everyone should have the opportunity to view the eclipse and join in on the fun with their own solar viewing boxes. Family members joined residents in the courtyard of The Plaza at Edgemere, the community’s health services neighborhood, as they celebrated this historic day.

“This was the first total solar eclipse in 99 years to be visible in its totality exclusively across the United States,” said Rachel Cabal, lifestyles coordinator of The Plaza at Edgemere. “In Dallas, we saw about 77 percent of the sun blocked out. Observing an eclipse like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we were thrilled to host this event for residents in all levels of living, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. It was extra special to share this moment together.”    

Before the event, residents crafted their own eclipse viewing boxes. Residents learned more about the eclipse, as well as eye safety and the significance of the eclipse. Cabal says making their own viewing boxes created a stronger connection with the event itself. She hopes the experience will be one they’ll always remember.

“It was like we were all back in science class,” said Cabal. “The residents used a box to make a pinhole projector to safely watch the eclipse. As they made the device, we discussed the sequence of events around the eclipse and the significance of this project. We were all very excited about the eclipse, and thrilled to use our finished products.”

All eyes were on the sky for the total solar eclipse. The celestial event captivated the country as millions observed the natural phenomenon on Monday, August 21. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the sun when viewing it from Earth. As the light of day faded briefly from view, Edgemere, a premier senior living community in Dallas, hosted a “Solar Eclipse Viewing Party” to commemorate the event. For Glendora Trescher, who goes by Dodie, this event is one she did not want her neighbors and friends to miss. The senior living community began planning for the event after Trescher recommended that everyone should have the opportunity to view the eclipse and join in on the fun with their own solar viewing boxes. Family members joined residents in the courtyard of The Plaza at Edgemere, the community’s health services neighborhood, as they celebrated this historic day.

“This was the first total solar eclipse in 99 years to be visible in its totality exclusively across the United States,” said Rachel Cabal, lifestyles coordinator of The Plaza at Edgemere. “In Dallas, we saw about 77 percent of the sun blocked out. Observing an eclipse like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we were thrilled to host this event for residents in all levels of living, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. It was extra special to share this moment together.”    

Before the event, residents crafted their own eclipse viewing boxes. Residents learned more about the eclipse, as well as eye safety and the significance of the eclipse. Cabal says making their own viewing boxes created a stronger connection with the event itself. She hopes the experience will be one they’ll always remember.

“It was like we were all back in science class,” said Cabal. “The residents used a box to make a pinhole projector to safely watch the eclipse. As they made the device, we discussed the sequence of events around the eclipse and the significance of this project. We were all very excited about the eclipse, and thrilled to use our finished products.”

Turning 105 is a milestone not many people get to experience, but for one resident at Edgemere that day is now a reality. John Tower celebrated his 105th birthday on Monday, August 21. The celebration, located at Edgemere (8523 Thackery Street), honored Tower, and family members were present along with fellow residents to share the occasion. There was cake, punch and the singing of happy birthday for the 105-year-old! 

The WWII veteran grew up in Weymouth, Mass. before moving to University Park. He married his wife Grace in 1941 and together they had four children. Tower was an engineer and worked for the U.S. Department of Energy before retiring. He has lived through a lot of history and has plenty of stories to share. The centenarian keeps his mind active by reading the newspaper each day and listening to music. The community says he is quite popular as he receives more mail than any other resident.

Turning 105 is a milestone not many people get to experience, but for one resident at Edgemere that day is now a reality. John Tower celebrated his 105th birthday on Monday, August 21. The celebration, located at Edgemere (8523 Thackery Street), honored Tower, and family members were present along with fellow residents to share the occasion. There was cake, punch and the singing of happy birthday for the 105-year-old! 

The WWII veteran grew up in Weymouth, Mass. before moving to University Park. He married his wife Grace in 1941 and together they had four children. Tower was an engineer and worked for the U.S. Department of Energy before retiring. He has lived through a lot of history and has plenty of stories to share. The centenarian keeps his mind active by reading the newspaper each day and listening to music. The community says he is quite popular as he receives more mail than any other resident.