Community Living

April 1999

Lori J. Schmitt R.N
Co-host of The Senior Connection Radio Show
Manager of Marketing, Cleveland Clinic Pain Management Centers

     Did you ever wonder what you would do to occupy your time once you retire? It certainly is on the minds of people my age. I could not imagine not always having to be somewhere at any given time. Consider this, by the year 2020 most baby-boomers will have already had to seriously think about that question as well as many others. What will be available for us? Where will we go every day? How will we get there? How will we be entertained? Where will our friends be? According to Mary Kaye Bozza, board member at Schnurmann House if you live in a community like Mayfield Heights, you may not have to worry about most of those issues. Let me tell you what is already available in Mayfield Heights for its community residents. Schnurmann House is a non-profit senior housing facility that offers affordable housing for seniors, along with supportive services, volunteer opportunities, social activities, and a variety of programs. Some of these programs include exercise and craft sessions, line dancing, a book discussion group, and speakers on various subjects on a regular basis. (All this makes me want to join now!) They also offer monthly day trips to plays, concerts and current special events. In addition to all that, they offer an on-site nutrition program, partially funded by Title III, a daily noon time meal and home-delivered meals to housebound persons. Transportation is available for shopping and medical appointments. Ms. Bozza also shared with me that the Schnurmann House has an active Tenant Council that provides input to all management decisions at this facility. Board members like Mary Kaye Bozza, take an aggressive approach and active role to providing additional services to community residents through the Schnurmann House.

     Under the direction of Marcia Rosenthal, the Activities Coordinator, residents of Mayfield Heights can enjoy a full schedule of leisure time activities that continue to enrich their lives. While many communities offer similar services, the efforts of the staff at Schnurmann House cannot go unnoticed. The Senior Connection and WELW applaud their commitment to seniors and welcome the opportunity to participate in their programming. On Tuesday, April 20 from 12:00-2:00pm we will be broadcasting live from the Schnurmann House Services Center in Mayfield Heights. Seating is limited and reservations are required. You can call Ms. Rosenthal at 440-461-4588 to learn more about Schnurmann House as well as our broadcast event. In addition to meeting Board member, Mary Kaye Bozza, we will also feature Mayor Margaret Egensperger the mayor of Mayfield Heights. For the second half of our show, we will have a health care update from the Cleveland Clinic Foundations Pain Management Centers. Dr. Riad Laham will discuss Chronic Pain Management in the elderly and the many treatment options available right in your own community. We look forward to meeting our listeners!