Members visit Museum of Science followed by lunch in Cambridge

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Paula von Kleydorff

At Home member enjoying the Museum of Science exhibit

Submitted by Carleton-Willard at Home volunteer Kathy Marchese

On February 2, nine Carleton-Willard at Home members traveled to the Museum of Science to explore Pompeii, the Museum’s highly successful exhibition about to enter its last week. The exhibition was both enlightening and emotional, from the brief but powerful film of a computer-generated depiction of the 24-hour period surrounding the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, to the devastatingly moving body casts, strewn on several platforms. Lunch at Cambridge’s The Red House restaurant gave everyone a welcome chance to debrief over a leisurely meal. The “ah!” of the day was a generous bowl of lobster bisque, boasting both a whole claw and tail! Carleton-Willard at Home’s Mike Rader expertly dodged traffic jams and closed roads to get the members everywhere safely and on time!

The next scheduled outing is on March 22, when members will visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History, followed by lunch at Casablanca, also in Cambridge.

Lunch and Learn – Cooking for One

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Paula von Kleydorff

Stephanie Shenton demonstrating cooking for one for At Home members

Here is a post about a new At Home program by volunteer Kathy Marchese.

Carleton-Willard At Home members were treated on Tuesday to the first session of the Lunch and Learn Program with Stephanie Shenton, a nutritionist and health and wellness coach in Concord. Stephanie shared many ideas about stocking your pantry to make cooking for one or two both easy and varied. For instance, did you know that many hard cheeses, most nuts and many fresh herbs freeze very well? Just pull out the amount you need. Stephanie also suggested chopping, all at one time, a variety of different veggies, such as broccoli, peppers, carrots, scallions, onions and radishes, then keeping them in the fridge to use throughout the week as a base for different and healthy salads.

After demonstrating (and tasting) a delicious and simple broccoli chicken salad, the members made their own crunchy berry parfaits. We then walked next door to the Trail’s End Cafe for yummy soup and salad, followed by giant cookies and carrot cake. At Home members found Stephanie’s presentation to be both comfortable and informative, and left with lots of good suggestions and recipes to take home.

The next presentation, compliments of Carleton-Willard At Home, will be “Healthy Lifestyle and Exercise” on February 15, 2012. It takes place at noon at 97 Lowell Road in Concord. Lunch will follow at the Trail’s End Cafe for only $9.00.

What are you having for dinner tonight?

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Paula von Kleydorff

Mike Rader leaving Carleton-Willard to deliver Gourmet to Go meals.

Gourmet to Go, Carleton-Willard at Home’s new meal delivery program can be the answer. Each week you can choose from an extensive list of entrees and sides. How about Broiled Salmon fillet with Chive Butter or Roast Brandied Apricot Pork Loin? Want something a bit more unusual – Broiled Shrimp with Corn and Cheese Risotto Cake with Salsa Verde? Each meal comes with two side dishes of your choice and is flash frozen to ensure everything is fresh and delicious. And to make life really easy, Gourmet to Go meals are delivered to your door every Tuesday. You can store them in the freezer or have them that night. For seniors living at home it is a wonderful way to liven up mealtime with none of the work.

Upcoming Information Session

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Paula von Kleydorff

If you or someone you know might be interested in learning about Carleton-Willard at Home, there is are a series of upcoming information sessions. All are at 11am and all take place at the David Fitch House directly across the street from the main entrance to Carleton-Willard Village. Parking is available there. Please call the office to reserve your spot – 781.276.1910

Wednesday, January 18th

Wednesday, February 15th

Wednesday, March 21st.

Winter is Here

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Paula von Kleydorff

We have all been lulled into a false confidence that the warm (relatively) weather was going to linger on. But this week has reminded us all that it really is winter and with it comes all those winter worries. Don’t forget that Carleton-Willard at Home can help with many of your concerns. We have Preferred Service Providers who can plow your driveway, check your furnace, shovel your roof and repair those ice dams. And don’t forget that Gourmet to Go, our meal delivery program, can bring you wonderful hot meals to make those cold winter nights so much easier. Even if you are lucky enough to escape from New England, we have got a provider who will check on your house and make sure everything is taken care of no matter what the weather brings. Give the office a call if we can help.

Happy New Year

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Paula von Kleydorff

All of us at Carleton-Willard at Home want to wish you a very Happy New Year. And while you are making those New Year’s resolutions, remember that At Home is here to help you with them. You might decide that a home safety inspection will get January off to a good start. Give us a call. Or perhaps your have noticed a change in your hearing. At Home has an audiologist who will come to your home and assess your hearing as part of your annual membership. Worried about another winter full of ice dams and heavy snow on the roof, we can get someone there to help. We are here to give you peace of mind so that 2012 can be worry free.

Holiday Health

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Paula von Kleydorff

To Your Health, Carleton -Willard Villages’ monthly newsletter addresses some of the issues we often face around holiday times when missing loved ones or coping with changes. Perhaps you have a friend or relative who is struggling through the season. Maybe you need help yourself. Click on the highlighted title to find tools and suggestions for navigating the next few weeks.

Holiday Goodness

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Paula von Kleydorff

As we grow older, what we cook and what we eat can become more and more of a chore. Dietary needs change, tastes change and sometimes there isn’t the time or the energy to cook a good meal just for one person. Here at Carleton-Willard at Home, we are working to help make food and nutrition easier. Our new program Gourmet to Go, delivers delicious fully cooked meals to your home. At the same time, we want to help you understand the nutritional changes necessary to keep you active and well. Information, suggestions, health tip and recipes will an ongoing part of this blog. But this week, we want to share a rather more decadent recipe developed by Kathy Marchese, an At Home volunteer. Want something really delicious to serve your family over the holiday. Try this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake. Make several – if freezes well.

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE

Use a large loaf pan for this moist, tender cake; the pan will still be quite full. If possible, use Ghiradelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate chips. Because of the chips’ intense flavor and large size, you will be able to use less chocolate, and still have plenty of chocolaty goodness.

1 can cooked pumpkin, 15 or 16 oz.

4 large eggs

1 ½ c. sugar

½ c. vegetable or canola oil

½ c. applesauce (preferably Mott’s Natural)

2 c. all-purpose flour, or 1½ c. all-purpose flour and ½ c. whole wheat flour

2 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

1 t. ground cinnamon

1 t. ground ginger

1 t. ground clove

1 t. ground nutmeg

12 oz. chocolate chips or 1 ¼ c. Ghiradelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place a rack in the middle of the oven. Oil and lightly flour large loaf pan. In a large bowl or standing mixer, mix together oil and sugar, followed by the applesauce. Mix in eggs one at a time. Add the canned pumpkin. Whisk together remaining dry ingredients, then add into the wet ingredients until just blended. Gently fold in chocolate chips. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 55 to 70 minutes (length of time will depend on your oven, and how much chocolate you have added). Let cake cool in pan on a rack for 10 or 15 minutes, then turn out to cool completely on the rack. The cake freezes beautifully.

Out and about for fun and food

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Paula von Kleydorff

Carleton-Willard at Home doesn’t just want to make living in your home easier, we want to make it more fun as well. Sometimes, as we age, it can become more difficult to get out and see the latest art exhibit, or find ways to meet new people. Each month, At Home members under the expert guidance of volunteer Kathy Marchese, head off for a day of fun and food. Whether it is a boat cruise, a museum trip or a garden tour, the last stop is always for a lovely lunch. Kathy, who has a passion for cooking and good food, finds interesting and unique places to eat. Recently, member had a private tour of the Addison Gallery at Phillips Academy, Andover followed by lunch in a private room at the Andover Inn. Members really enjoyed the in-depth content on the tour and the lovely lunch.

Senior Living At Home – the life you love made easier

Posted on November 21, 2011 by datatech

Today there are so many different ways to retire and lifestyle choices to make; stay in the family home, move to a retirement community, travel extensively, relocate near children and grandchildren. For many people, the ability to stay in their home for as long as they choose is at the top of the list. Carleton-Willard at Home is here to help make that possible. Whether it is finding a plumber or a handyman, local transportation or even a home health aide, we can match you up with just what you need. Social activities, health and fitness even gourmet meals delivered – all of this is part of At Home – and it is all just one call away. Check back here often to find out what members are doing, learn more about our Preferred Service Providers and how Carleton- Willard At Home can help you live the life you love for as long as you wish.