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Hamlet Goes Green!

A few months ago, 25 resided a recycling committee to try to convince Hamlet management that recycling could help Hamlet and help the environment.  Management was resistant to the idea because they thought it would take a lot of extra manpower to handle recycling for 250 independent apartment residents who are seniors.  The residents were persistent and called in Diane Bickett with Cuyahoga county to make a presentation to Hamlet president, Marc Benson.  Hillside resident, Glen Jenkins, headed the committee.  Glen calls this an "historic moment."  She says they researched other apartment complexes in the area, and none of them provide recycling opportunities for residents.  Hamlet is the firsdt.  Hamlet has signed a contract with Waste Management.  A blue recycling bag for all paper products is delivered to each resident every week.  Waste Managment has designated a container for recycled products.

Executive Director, John Eberle, says, "We've made the commitment.  This is a good program.  We hope to continue to expand."

      Director of Maintenance Mike Markosky uses an energy efficient light bulb in Hamlet lamps

 

Maintenance employee Miro Durokov drives an electric golf cart around Hamlet campus to pick up trash.  This saves gasoline that would be consumed by a large truck.

 

Dining Room Manager, Barb Grzincic:  "We use everything we can.  This is paper from old menus that our servers cut up and use for our breakfast orders.  We recycle all of our cardboard, cans and food containers.  There is a huge wall of recycling materials twice a week."

 

Atrium dishwasher, Freddy Rondo, breaks down boxes for recycling.

 

(Left to right) Elizabeth Misko, Kathleen Kadunc, and Elaine Levin show the blue recycling bags used for collection of recyclable paper products.

 

Hamlet residents buy locally grown foods at the new North Union Farmer's Market in downtown Chagrin Falls every Sunday, all summer and fall.

 

Hillside resident, Joan Jagow, grows her own food in the community garden.  Yummy tomatoes!

(Back row - left to right):  Team Manager Laurie Fox, Shirley Badger, Bill Koepf, Capt. Dick Ziegler, Dorothy Pulsford, Emily Kertis, Doris Domoracki, Irene Butler, Elise Somershield

(Front row - left to right) Dorothy Marek, Evelyn Bichsel, Elinor Nyiradi, Marcy Kozlik, Elaine Behrens, Capt. Les Wigal, Serene Shaper

    The "Hamlet-Has It" Chair Volleyball team has had an active schedule this spring.  Captans Les Wigal and Dick Ziegler have led the team to two victories, which is substantial for a newly formed team.  The senior center league is very competitive.  Hamlet regularly plays Chagrin Falls Geauga Senior Center and Twinsburg Senior Center.  They will soon play Solon Senior Center and will be on to a tournament with all four teams this summer.

    Hamlet's team began when Joey Tomsick, director of Chagrin Falls Senior Center, invited a group from Hamlet to their facility to learn the game.  Hamlet's Lifestyle Coordinator, Laurie Fox, quickly purchased a net and learned the rules of the game and started a team.  For the uninitiated, a penalty is issued if a player accidentally stands to hit the ball.  You must remain in the chair!  After several weeks of practice the Hamlet Has-Its had the confidence to compete.  Shirley Badger came up with the Has-It team name.  It was voted on by the players, and t-shirts were printed.  The games are lively and fun and draw large crowds of spectators.

   

Sara Hill teaches exercise class to Hamlet Hillside residents on Tuesdays and Fridays.  She also teaches water exercise to Hamlet residents at Solon Wellness Center.  Sara is also the instructor for Elderlife exercise classes at Federated Church, where Dick Ziegler and some other Hamlet residents participate.  She also teaches some classes at Solon Rec Center.

    Sara has been teaching at Hamlet for 7 years now.  She received training from the Arthritis Foundation and the Red Cross.  When asked why they like Sara, Shirley Badger says, "Sara does it just right."  Esther Frederick says, "Sara is like a soap opera.  We can't wait to come to see what will happen next!"  Les Wigal says, "We call it Sara's sagas - we love to hear about her family and daughter each week."  Norma Bargar says, "We never take pills for arthritis since we have been coming to Sara's class.  We just don't need to.  Also, Sara is so entertaining!"

    Ballroom dance instructors Carl Siberski and Joyce McMahon teach dance steps every Thursday afternoon at Hamlet Atrium.  They have been volunteering their skills here for a year and a half.  They are active at Solon Senior Center and attend Hamlet dances regularly.

    Carl also teaches exercise and dance at Solon Senior Center.  Carl and Joyce met at a dance class.  He was an Arthur Murray instructor and Joyce was a Fred Astaire instructor.  Carl taught 4th grade for 43 years in Solon.

    The students love him because he is very patient and a very good teacher.