Tag Archives: Imperial Plaza

06

Feb. ’15

Just Thinking

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“History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives”, Abba Eban 1915-2002 (Israeli Diplomat and politician).  I add this, “Things change when a lucrative job is at stake.”  It is copiously true concerning what is happening here.  Most people learn important lessons by observing others.  They will see what they do and the consequences bestowed for that action.  Then there are those that see bad actions, bad consequences and never learn that lesson.  They are of a mind that say, they can get away with it.

These actions not only occur here but have occurred elsewhere in the past and will continue into the future.  Humans are creatures of habit and creatures of “trying to get the upper hand and trying to get away with it”.  These people also think others will roll over and take it.  They don’t believe they will run into resistance and they can go about life doing whatever.  However: “Habit is necessary; it is the habit of having habit, of turning a trail into a rut, that must be incessantly fought against if one is to remain alive.” (Edith Wharton, American author 1862-1937).

This is something I have been trying to get many others to see.  Seniors are inherently resistant to change and will fight tooth and nail against it.  This living in the past is passed on from one generation to another.  Since I’ve been living here at Imperial Plaza I generally attend the live music performance.  This is when musicians play for the residents.  A couple of times modern music was featured and the attendance was very low.  When dated music was featured, there was a large attendance.  I can give example after example of things like this but some people still don’t get it.

When I think of habit, another example really caused  uproar.  Every Holiday an employee’s child freehand draw and paint pictures on the mall corridor windows.  These pictures are very pretty and the child is very, very good (plus it’s free).  Many residents will sit in the chairs, along the corridor, and watch.  We all have looked forward to it.  Now it is forbidden and no one knows why.

Habit and expectation of the habit continuing is human nature.  It is a comfort zone that humans do not want to evacuate.  The five senses kick in and a person is sent back to happy times within their life.  It’ll bring memories of things long forgotten.  As you grow older, especially if a significant other is no longer around, these memories, in most cases, are all that is left.  I and others are hard core against change without a heart to heart discussion of why it is a good thing for me.  This goes back to another article….communication, not dictated to.  I will and have changed (ask my wife) but tell me why I must before the change is made.  It’s easier to swallow and, I’ll tell you no lie, others are just like me.

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01

Feb. ’15

The Condo

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I have noticed the new viewers that I have acquired on the site and I say “Welcome” and I hope you like what I write about and continue viewing. Spread the word and have others follow also.

I have a part-time job and it is at a high rise condo building that is home to quite a few of the “old money” people of Richmond. An example of one is a woman that live in the building and have another condo in Florida. She own quite a bit of commercial and rental property in Florida, therefore she spend a lot of time there. She also own quite a bit in Petersburg, Richmond and the surrounding areas of both cities. People that live in the building I part-time for are not poor or middle class. There is a top Virginia Delegate and a recording producer/writer, just to give you another example.

These people, looking at them, seem like, talk like and act like ordinary people and they seem to know most of what is happening all over. Many times I am asked about Imperial Plaza and what is going on (this was before some of them started to read my blog) and they seem very interested. I try to answer their questions truthfully but not to the point of stomping on Imperial Plaza’s good name. There is no point in beating a horse that has stumbled. I believe Imperial Plaza will right itself and walk tall again.

In talking with these people, I am mindful of their power in the area and elsewhere. It is said that money know money and nothing gets done or gets past the people that have money. It is fascinating how similar the people at the condo sit around in a group and gossip like it’s done at Imperial Plaza. I’ve observed them talking about everyone and everything and if they really don’t like something, changes are miraculously made.

I’ll take a stab at how this is done. The majority of the people are elderly (I’ll get to the young ones shortly) and the adult kids, power players, will do anything for mom, dad, aunt, etc. because they hold the money and/or got them to wherever they are now. They are dedicated to these people. Sometimes they will talk to whomever at the synagogue or one of the other super large Richmond church.

There are a handful of young adults and most don’t even have a job. Their parents will do anything for them, no matter what it is. One guy, I know of, don’t have a job but have the expensive condo, expensive car and all he does is go out every night and party, including in the condo.

I said all of that to say this. Imperial Plaza is being talked about and I hope it’s name remain in the good graces of the people at my part-time job. They wield a lot of power.

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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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01

Jan. ’15

Happy New Year

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Happy New Year….hope this year is better than last year for you and yours and is sprinkled with lots of fun and love. I realize I have neglected my writing for a few months but a lot of interference have occurred that prevented (or should I say “made me lazy”) writing the blog. I promise to do better than I have been lately. I want you to hold me to it, put my feet to the fire. I need to get back to writing on my book but that is another story. Being too busy is no excuse and I don’t like it when I drop the ball like I did. This is a new year, a fresh start and the coals under my feet are hot.

Here at Brookdale’s Imperial Plaza there is a new person in charge of the facility and she is disliked by personnel and residents. When attending supervisory or management schools (I have attended a few) one of the first things that is taught is “there is always a resistance to change”. This woman have made a lot of changes and a lot of things that used to be are no longer. This has riled quite a few individuals including me. If she left today, myself and everyone else would be very, very happy, highly elated to say the least. It is so terrible of me to dislike a person I have only met twice in the three or four months she have been here. Oh well….nothing I can do about it.

I’ve been hitting the casinos lately. My wife and I just got back from a four day stay at Maryland Live between Christmas and New Year. While there we visited the new Casino in Baltimore (Horseshoe) and Inner Harbor (for some good food and after Christmas shopping). I’ve been asked by a few people if I won at the casinos and I have the standard answer. I’ve never expected to win (although I hoped and wished), I just went to make a donation and I wanted to spread out the donation to cover the entire trip plus have fun doing it.

Now that we are home my wife have decided to lose weight with my weight included. I am not over weight but my gut have grown a little. I guess I have no choice. I will have to work this in with learning to play the guitar, writing, going to my part-time job, and a few other chores I have to attend to along the way. Did I mention sleep? I’ll figure it out somehow.

Before I go “HOW BOUT THEM COWBOYS”!!!!!! just had to put that in to antagonize the Dallas Cowboy haters out there. See ya soon and, as I used to say on the radio, BE KIND TO YOUR NEIGHBORS BECAUSE YOU’LL NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU’LL NEED THEM…..ALSO, INSURE YOURS WORDS ARE SOFT AND SWEET BECAUSE YOU’LL NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL EAT THEM.

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20

Oct. ’14

Cold Is Coming

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Time is really flying, autumn is here, the air is cool and, soon, the snow will be upon us. I am not a fan of cool or cold air. It is beyond my comprehension on how people can endure the coldest of cold weather. I shiver thinking about it and don’t ever want to have anything to do with it again. I can take off clothes to make me cooler but I seem to be unable to find enough clothing to warm my body.

I guess you are wondering why. Well, Ill try to tell you why or, at least, give you enough that you’ll hopefully understand. As I was growing up it was the era of wood and coal for cooking and heating. It was my job to get the wood and coal, make the fires and keep them going in good weather or bad, warm or cold. It was never easy, in the winter, nor could I ever get the house warm enough for me. I was glad to go to school because it was warm there but it was a long walk to get there.

When I went into the U.S. Air Force I was always stationed in cold weather, with the exception of Viet Nam, Thailand, Florida and northern California (it got cold but it wasn’t too bad). The worst cold weather place was Minot, AFB, North Dakota. That place was too cold for human existence and I never want to see that place again. I thought being stationed atop a mountain in West Germany was cold but North Dakota made me rethink that thought.

I have walked K-9 patrols, in the forest (woods) and in fields, when it got so snowy and cold that we took the dogs back to the kennels and us K-9 handlers were taken back to our positions and we patrolled without dogs. It seem that it was too snowy and cold for a dog but not for a man. I still can’t wrap my brain around that thinking.

When I retired from the military and became a city policeman, I had my fights with the cold. There were always accident pile ups when it was either pouring rain, extremely cold or both. To make matters worst, I was normally the person for multiple car accidents and, when you’re wet or cold or both, things seem to slowly drag along.

Hopefully you understand why I don’t like cold weather and it will soon to be here with everything it can produce. At least now, being here at Imperial Plaza, I can just stand it my window and look out at it. Good luck to all of you this coming winter and I hope you can keep dry and warm. Take care….

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13

Oct. ’14

Football and Exercising

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I am into pro-football and my favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys.  Win or lose, I’m with them all the way.  Each team, in the NFL, is lacking something or there are injuries to key personnel or other things I just can’t say at the moment.  I’ve been for the Cowboys from the beginning, when they were first formed.  Believe it or not, I was a Baltimore Colt fan before that.  You can remember black and white television, outside stadiums, Johnny Unitas, Ray Berry, Snowshoe Moore, and, when it rained or snowed, plenty of gooey mud.  Those were some good Sunday afternoons.

I called some of my friends, those that are Washington Redskins fans and detest the Dallas Cowboys.  This is what I said when they answered the phone….”I have only one sentence to say and that is five and one against one and five”.  The Dallas Cowboys, so far, have won five games and lost one and the
Redskins have won one and lost five.  I shouldn’t say more but I have this one thing.  They beat last year’s Superbowl champions and I didn’t think they could do it.  That’s how much I know.

I am getting my exercise the hard way and it’s accidental.  There are two elevators in my building and one was broken, the other day.  To make matters worse, someone was moving in and had that elevator dedicated to the move.  I had to walk the stairs, seven floors, but I’ve walked it before.  It felt really good and I will continue as much as I can and, hopefully get back into some sort of shape.  I have exercise equipment in my apartment and there is a gym in the next building.  I used to use it all the time but, lately, I’ve gotten lethargic.

I don’t even want to ride my bicycle or do my walks.  I just want to watch my pro-football.  Every now and then I’ll watch some college football.  Taking a closer look and really thinking about it, a football fan and exercising does not go hand in hand.  A fan eats plenty of food, on the couch or tailgating, while sitting around watching a game.  Now that is exercise coupled with enjoyment.  At least the eyes and mind gets a great deal of exercise and that includes the voice.

Some people will call me lazy however, as I look at those around me, there is only one other person, man, that is exercising and riding his bicycle.  He is a retired military man also and I guess it is drilled into our heads to stay in shape no matter how old you are or your condition.  There are only three of us military retirees here at Imperial Plaza and all three of us are in better shape than a lot of people much younger than we are here at Imperial Plaza.

Anyway, I will be getting more exercise, trying to get into better shape.  Take care and see you around.

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