Category Archives: Imperial Plaza

30

Jan. ’15

Trips

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I just got back from Charles Town, West Virginia with an overnight stay at The Inns at Charles Town and plenty of game time at Hollywood Casino.  A trip sponsored by Imperial Plaza and what a time we all had. There wasn’t one frown on anyone’s face, that I noticed, and everyone spoke well about the trip.  I’m not going to say who won or lost or even if I won or lost.  Let’s keep that close to the vest and say we all had a really good time and would like to go again although my wife and I often go it alone.  We are planning to go back to Maryland Live Casino on a day trip.  During the Christmas Holidays we spent four days there and while we were there we went to The Inner Harbor and Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore.

That’s what I love about Imperial Plaza, there is always something to do and someplace we are driven to at minimal cost.  We were driven to Maryland Live the last time and casino trips are every other month, alternating between Maryland Live in Maryland and Hollywood Casino in West Virginia.  I love taking the Imperial Plaza bus for either a day trip or for an overnight.  This way, unlike having a commercial bus taking us, which has a set time schedule, our bus does not.  I love it without set in stone time constraints.  And, thinking of money, there is not an issue of the possibility of money lost due to cancellation because of weather or some other reason.  We are called and told it is because of this or that and told they will reschedule, if possible.  No problem, no hassle.

I have heard a complaint about the staying in West Virginia overnight and I choose to overlook it.  This is my reasoning about this person’s comment.  The person that commented does not go on day trips and have nerve enough to talk about the overnighters.  There are only around fifteen or so of us that go on most of the trips.  These trips are not only to the casinos but the wineries, museums, etc.  Most of the same people can be counted on to go on the trips.  There are a lot of people around here that sit around and say there is nothing to do, no place to go and nothing to do.  I hear them but don’t hear them.  I find these people are negative about almost everything.  I’ve even heard them complaining about the restaurant and that place is great.

As for the other matter, here at Imperial Plaza, so far it’s quiet and I’m thinking it’s the calm before the storm.  I have another article, about that, coming in a few days.  But, another item, the employees have things looking good around here, like always.  I applaud them for all the good work they continuously accomplish.  They are very friendly and great.  Keep up the good work!

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24

Jan. ’15

Surprised

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I’m back so soon because yesterday I was shocked by the going on here at Imperial Plaza, aahhh, I should say Brookdale formally known as Imperial Plaza (as the sign out front say).  I’ll get into that later because I want to mention my surprise first.

I was on my way to my birthday party, thrown for January babies by Imperial Plaza, and saw all of the employees going to the auditorium.  Nosy me had to ask why.  There was an impromptu employee meeting called and it was mandatory for all employees to attend.  I saw the “queen” leading the pack into the auditorium.  Later, I went to the wine tasting and, after a while, here come the “queen”.  I have never seen her at any of our functions and, for that matter, be at Imperial Plaza after three o’clock.  Believe me, I was in shock and everyone was murmuring, especially when she walked by tables asking how they were doing.  By the way, she never approached my table and I cannot honestly say it was on purpose.

I don’t know what took place at the meeting but I am sure I will be told next week.  I am hoping she has not threatened anyone because good jobs are hard to come by and I don’t want to be the cause of someone losing it.  Maybe things are beginning to change.  I’ll know within the next two to three weeks.  I see a lot of good improvements and, as I have discovered, these things were implemented last year, before the “queen” got here.

Now to the Brookdale sign.  Last year, during a Townhall Meeting, it was announced that the name was changing from Imperial Plaza and that caused an uproar.  After a lot of debate it was decided that the name would remain Imperial Plaza but under the owner (Brookdale).  Brookdale own facilities all over the USA with Imperial Plaza being the largest.  There is even one other small facility on the west end of Henrico.

Some people would wonder why we were against the name change.  Welllll, there are several reasons with the main one being, seniors do not like change, no matter if it’s good or bad.  When musicians come here to perform, they play music from the twenties, thirties, forties and fifties.  Nothing modern, ever.    Then there is the fact that everyone knows Imperial Plaza.  I have tried to explain where I live by giving street names, etc. and no one could figure out what I was talking about.  As soon as I say Imperial Plaza, then everyone know exactly where I am.

All of this go back to communicate and, if you are not from the immediate area, negotiate and ask questions.  All of this is before implementation of a policy or change.  Why get residents riled up when you can have them on your side by simply listening and calmly communicating.  Communication is a two way street and should be used as such.

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21

Jan. ’15

Lack of Communication

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Before I begin I want to tell those that view this blog on Facebook and see that it is not finished, at the bottom of the article is the “read more” box.  Click there and it will take you to my blog page on WordPress and that is “ tega227.wordpress.com “.  If you want a notification of when my next blog is posted, be a “friend”, and, if you please, put in a comment.

In my last blog I said to get someone’s attention that is hard to get to, rattle their cage.  I did just that and I did not exactly hear from the person, I heard from a representative and made an appointment for lunch.  My calendar stay rather full and the lunch date was today, after a five day wait.  I made room on my schedule just for that.  The cancellation was made by, again, a representative.  Now this is twice I’ve been insulted or must the “queen” only speak through others?  I do not; I speak for myself and make my own appointments.  I am at home and “the queen” is in my home.

I had many things to talk about at the lunch and all week I was constantly thinking about it, rethinking it, listening to others (residents and staff) without them knowing I was listening.  All the things I heard were interesting as well as disturbing.  Because of some of the disturbing things, some of the staff is gone.  Some of that is due to nepotism.  I do not call her “queen” (I purposely did not capitalize the word) because of non-socialization but due to the nepotism also.

Yesterday I attended the Townhall Meeting and was surprised at the information that was given.  The Head Maintenance man (he is new) talked the longest and answered many questions.  This eliminated most of the things I wanted to talk to the “queen” about.  This told me one thing; there is a lack of communication.  Remember the old movie “Cool Hand Luke”?  When the warden was about to punish Steve McQueen, he stated “What we have here is a lack of communication.”

I found out that there are volunteer committees, here at Imperial Plaza, which deals with almost every operation of Imperial Plaza.  If everyone know about where to get information, complain or make a suggestion, a lot of things would not have gotten out of hand.  That does not solve the problem with the staff and we here at Imperial Plaza have some very good people that are ready to leave after many years of service.  I believe the solving of that goes back to nepotism, communication and socialization.  By socialization I mean to get out among the people and be one-on-one (without an entourage) and to not make people afraid of their jobs (as I have heard from too many people).

I will make another date to see the “queen” and I will again attempt to help others.  If anyone have any input, contact me.

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16

Jan. ’15

Cage Rattling

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There is a saying that if you want to get someone’s attention, rattle their cage. I rattled the cage of the Executive Director of Imperial Plaza and got a lunch invitation. Since the availability of the Executive Director is scarce to common folk rattling the cage was the only way to get a response. I am suppose to be retired, not being in the middle of administrative squabbles. I want to live in peace but the problems here can not be ignored by me any longer.

Like all of the other times, when I was a manager or supervisor, I was a people person. My people came first and damn what overhead said. Listen to your people (and your bosses) and compromise for the best outcome to benefit all to the best of your ability. Most of the time it would work but on rare occasions it would backfire because of a stubborn higher up. Then, normally, you will find that the higher up has not conveyed the entire story or problem, trying to somehow benefit themselves. Congress is the same, in some ways.

A person will run for office telling you that this or that will be done and it is their priority. Upon being elected to office it’s all about what they want, not what the original bull was all about. I look at congress today and I look at Imperial Plaza and see virtually the same thing. As the saying goes…they are talking out the side of their mouth.

That was one reason, when I was a man-in-charge, I was always with my people and that was for, mainly, a couple reasons. First, the people kept me grounded, informed and always reminded me of where I came from and that I may be back. Second, the people could get information I was not privy to. I always knew what was going on and under no circumstances would I ever reveal where I got the information.

I thought I was retired and could lay back and do whatever whenever. There is no hurry in being retired. However, I was talked into being on the Activities Board, here at Imperial Plaza, and was given a list of who was on the board with me. At the bottom of the paper I noticed my name again and beside that was vice-president. That is like looking at your morning paper and the headline have you elected to congress. That happened to me years ago, when I was in the military. I belonged to the NCOA (Non-Commissioned Officers Association) and was elected vice-president when I was absent. The following year I was President of a sizable chapter that wielded considerable power on base.

I said that to say this. I know what power is. I was a Kennelmaster, Flight Sergeant, First Sergeant, etc. I know you have to be tuned to the people because that is where your power, bread and butter, is. Do not listen to the people and you will eventually fail.

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10

Jan. ’15

Moaning & Groaning

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So far the new year have been good but it has just started and I am a pessimist. I have been taught in the military and law enforcement to expect the unexpected and to always be on guard for it. The unexpected have a way to jump up and bite you on the ass. It has happened to me many times and I am now forever watching and waiting. I’m not gloomy but constantly on my guard because life can be harsh and non-forgiving.

The same can be applied to living here at Imperial Plaza (Brookdale) where we get into a tranquil feeling, attuned to the status quo. The Christmas Holiday is a good example of that warm, good feeling. We all expected the same celebrations as we did times before and, maybe, a little extra added. The painted windows along the corridor, where the Activity Rooms are located, was expected. The decorations, placed by dedicated residents, on the table on each floor in front of the elevator, especially in The Dogwood Building, were beautiful. The Christmas trees and other decorations were the norm.

We recently acquired a new Executive Director and things changed dramatically and, to a lot of us, caused quite a bit of moaning and groaning. No more window painting or independent table decorations, etc. From what was expressed to me, the rest of Brookdale properties did not do this and we were to be in-tuned to what the other sites did. This also meant the executive director is seldom seen by the residents except for the Townhall Meetings in which most of the meeting is run by the Imperial Plaza staff. Then add in the change in the news letter that come out once a month. It is all about Brookdale all over the country.

As for my feeling about it, it’s pretty but I live at Imperial Plaza in Richmond and that is what I care about and want to read about. What happens in Florida or New Jersey, etc. does not interest me or do I care about. Different mind set, different living conditions and different surroundings. The way things are done elsewhere normally does not apply to me or Imperial Plaza.

As I’ve said before….there is always an inherent resistance to change. Is this a change for the better or am I self-centered and really don’t want any changes, good or bad? I ask another question….can I make the change as things change around me? I will see and time will tell. I like it here at Imperial Plaza. I like the people, the conveniences, the location and the quality of living. However, if things get really bad or the rent get outrageous, I can always go elsewhere. I gave up a perfectly good house to come here and I can always go to some other facility or get another house.

I wish all a Happy New Year and will get off my whinny horse and try to start the New Year right. See you next issue.

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09

Oct. ’14

Fun At Imperial Plaza

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I went to Imperial Plaza’s Oktoberfest and had a great time.  It bought back many fond memories of days of yore.  Not only was the music great but there were dancers (women in the traditional dresses and the men in leather hosen) and a wonderful female singer singing in German.  I remembered and understood most of the songs and was lulled into dreams of my ten years in Germany.

There was not only the music and dancing but plenty of beer, wine and food.  I believe I had more than my share but I didn’t run them dry.  The food was good but, although they tried hard, it was not cooked the way Germans cooked their food nor did it taste German.  Good try but no cigar.  I can cook somewhat like a German but not like a true German.  What I wouldn’t give for a real Wiener Schnitzel (those of you that were station in Germany with me know what I mean).

Yesterday Imperial Plaza spent most of the day touring the Richmond Federal Reserve and, again, it was great.  I’m not only talking about the money but they view from the twenty third floor dining room was fantastic.  As someone commented…..it’s like when you look down at a model train set with the tiny village, that’s what we see……we could see and pick out most of the points of interest in Richmond.  Those that did not take the trip missed another great endeavor that Imperial Plaza’s Activities Department presented.

In two weeks Imperial Plaza will be going on it’s every other month trip to a casino and, this time, we will be going to Maryland Live, not too far north of Washington D.C.  I understand that there is another casino, farther north that just opened and, as new casinos do, there are plenty of winners (just to pull players there through word of mouth).  I’m game and want to try it.  Since I’m going to Maryland Live this month and Imperial Plaza’s next casino trip will be either December or January, I think I’ll go next month and see if I can get a share of the loot.  Imperial Plaza’s next trip should be West Virginia to Charlstown Casino but the horses aren’t running then.

We have a new Executive Director here and, thank-you very much, she is a Dallas Cowboy just like me.  We talked about it and I think we’ll get along just fine.  Win or lose, I am a cowboy fan with the Dolphins as my second team.  Unlike many others, I am not a fanatic because, like I always say, I don’t get paid by them; I just enjoy watching them and hope.

Say hello via e-mail or comment on this blog.  I want to know you are there.  And, as I used to say at the end of my radio programs…Be kind to your neighbor for you’ll never know when you’ll need them.  Bye-bye

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29

Sep. ’14

Musings

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I am having problems syncing my blog with my other sites, such as Facebook. If I don’t fix the problem soon I will go back to my old computer until I get it in order. Then, not only will the people that only come to my blog page see what I have written, the people that follow my other sites will see the blog also.

Imperial Plaza Activities is really getting a lot more on it’s calendar and I am finding it hard to participate in most of it and I find I am spending more money than I intended. The activities doesn’t cost much but it adds up quickly and then you find you are getting close to being broke, if not broke. However, it does not cost as much as when you go it alone or with another outside agency.

I was thinking, the other day (that can be a dangerous situation) and estimated the number of mobile people that live within the four units and I then began to realize that only a very small percentage of the residents participate in anything that happens here. This includes the Townhall Meetings in which only about half of the auditorium (on a good day) is occupied.

It is finally fall, the air is cooler and the leaves are beginning to change. I will have to get more bicycle riding done and do other exercises. My wardrobe is getting smaller and smaller and I mean size, not volume. On my job, I wear dress pants and I don’t like the squeezed feeling I have for eight hours. Since I can’t just leave my pants open, like I do at home, I will have to buy larger pants. I’m getting that old age spread. Back to the gym and cycling.

Have you noticed the new shows on the fall lineup on television? I like to watch pro-football and they have some good shows at the same time the games are on and that include Thursday night. Now I have to watch a lot of shows, on my tablet or laptop, a few days later. I don’t like to do it because of the constant buffering but I guess I will have to put up with it if I want to see the show.

I guess I am now officially part of the government’s Health System because I received a letter saying they will give my specialty care to a civilian facility because they are overbooked. I phoned them and said I had one they can assign me to and to tell my doctor to call me (I even faxed them my records from the place in order to give them a head start). That was a week ago and I haven’t heard from anyone about anything. Oh well, I guess it’s like when you file a claim, hurry up and wait. How long does it take to make a quick phone call and to say yes or no to my suggestion.

See you next time………………;)

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26

Apr. ’14

Here’s The News From Imperial Plaza

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From the Imperial Plaza “Plaza Professional Pharmacy Newsletter” April is alcohol awareness month.  I did not know this.  After reading the newsletter I only found a couple things I did not know but, for the most part, it was pretty informative.  It is very true that elderly people should not drink or, at least, drink very, very little.  I drink very little because I need my faculties for driving, bicycling or writing.  I’m not trying to be a Puritan but, over the years, I’ve had MORE than my share of alcohol.  I still, every now and then, put one on but the hangovers are stronger now.

The play last Saturday night was really good.  Before I went, I was pretty apprehensive but, while watching, I was lost in the performance.  The actors were better than I thought they would be and I was surprised at the few stage props that were used.  I would go to see them again if all of the performances are like this one.  It was only an hour and cost only three dollars.  I heard a few people complaining about having to pay but, personally, I don’t think it was much at all.

Next month is casino month.  We are going to Maryland Live again and this is one of my favorite casinos.  I have been to many casinos but this one has everything a person would want.  Unlike a lot of casinos, this one have the mall next door and, no matter how hard you try, you will not be able to shop all the stores and have time for the casino also.  That means half casino time and half mall time along with keeping a close watch on the clock so you won’t miss the bus.

Lastly, today was a great day to be riding bicycles in Bryan Park.  It was such a beautiful day but, having things to do, I only put in a little over four miles and I stopped four or five times to take some very beautiful pictures of the flowers (mostly all different colored Azaleas)and a few blooming trees.  The storm, yesterday, bought down a few trees.  They did not fall close to the road therefore they did not damage anything.  There also was evidence of the roads being flooded all over the park but no damage was seen.

Take care and I’ll see you again.

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20

Apr. ’14

Very Fine Outings

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It was a very fine, although busy, week and my wife and I had plenty of fun.  I thank the Activities Department, here at Imperial Plaza, for having so much to do and making sure it is all very interesting.  No one could ask for any more from their hard work and the care of all the concerns of everyone.

I will start with the trip to The Riverside Theater in Fredricksburg, on a beautiful Wednesday morning, for a wonderful lunch and a nice play.  Like the normal dinner theater the waiters and waitresses were the actors/actresses for us.  The musical was great although it did not hold mine or my wife’s interest.  To tell the truth, with a full belly, I almost fell asleep.

Thursday evening, my wife went out with The Red Hats to the dinner/theater at The Swift Creek Mill House Theater.  She told me it was like Thursday’s theater but the music was better because it was all from the sixties.  The women (I know a lot of them because I go out on the majority of excursions) wanted to know why I didn’t accompany them to the theater.  My wife told them I didn’t want to come to a women’s outing.

I haven’t gotten onto my bicycle but twice this week because, like I’ve said before, I’m a fair weather rider.  It was kind of cool and, although bundled up like a mummy, I still had a wind chill factor on my face.  I will try to do better and I know the weather will have to get warmer.  Some days I just want to sit and write an article or two for Yahoo Voices (pocket money).  There is work to be done around the apartment also.

By the way, the Harp Trio was great last Monday evening.  I really enjoyed the music and I won the door prize, their latest CD.  I listened to the CD and put it on my computer for some good music while I do my thing.  From what Ron say, there are some great things coming to the auditorium.  Stick around for more and greater things.

I have written more and more for Yahoo Voices and I am now up to seventeen articles and counting.  Look me up and pass me on (this article and that one).  Take care and I hope you had a Happy Easter.

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02

Mar. ’14

Warm Weather Is Coming

This week has been a really good week in that I have been very busy.  Imperial Plaza has had a lot of things going on but I have had to cut back because I have crucial deadlines coming for my writing.  I hate to cut back but either I have a lot of external fun or I have my writing fun.  However, I must continue what I have started until it is finished and then I can get back to other things.  That also means writing this blog once a week instead of twice a week.  I guess some of you have noticed that I have already begun this and not by intention but by accident.

I am also looking toward the future in that spring is almost here and the weather will be warmer and more conducive for being out of doors.  I have made plans to get a new bicycle and restart my bike riding all over the place.  What places?  Well, Bryan Park and all over Lakeside or I may go to the baseball park and back or who knows where else.  I will just go riding to where ever.  But that will also take away other things which mean I will have to make critical decisions on which things to bypass and which things I will maintain.  I really enjoy getting out with the Imperial Plaza people but first things first.  With so many outings scheduled on Wednesdays, I will have to keep Wednesday open as much as I can.

The Dinner Dance was great with good music and food.  The band Second Floor is always great and they kept the dance floor full.  Being that I was already inside, because I helped get things ready, I took the table in front of the band and reserved a seat for my wife, who was coming later.  When the doors opened, there was person after person coming to the table to get a seat and to reserve the rest of the seats for friends who were not there yet.  When I said the chair beside me was for my wife, I was asked to move to another table and that they were always at the front table.  When I said no, they got a little angry but moved to another table.  I finally was situated at a table of eight with only five of us there, up front and right in the middle.

I had already talked to some of the people that were setting up the room, about how people show up early and reserve seats at tables for other people and that most reserve seats are for people that don’t show up for the event.  The others, which were setting up, also mentioned that they knew who would be at which table.  So, I upset the applecart by being at a table I shouldn’t have and by refusing to move.   Sorry about that but isn’t it first come first served?

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