It’s hard to believe that Decatur House is Karen’s first job working with older adults. Her warmth, kindness and easy-going nature make her a natural for this line of work. Previously, Karen worked in food service. However, she says that she has always had a “soft spot” for older adults. She feels that being at […]
Staff/Resident Spotlights
April 2023 Community Spotlight: Marilyn Sheprow
Upon first approaching Marilyn Sheprow’s apartment, one might muse, understandably, “I’ve a feeling I’m not in Kansas anymore.” The surrounding air is faintly scented by fresh flowers, and a tiny dish of nuts rests alongside a crystal decanter of sherry – offerings to the nearby statuette of Buddha and also to passing neighbors. The hall […]
March 2023 Spotlight: Shirley & Stefan Vogel
Residents Shirley and Stefan Vogel — typically seen holding hands, her head resting lovingly on his chest — could easily be mistaken for newlyweds. But in fact, the Vogels will celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary in August. Asked for the secret to their enduring, fairytale-like relationship, Stefan is quick to reply. “We’re both religious – […]
SPOTLIGHT: SYLVIA & TED WAHL
While Sylvia and Ted Wahl are relatively new to Decatur House, they already are carving out their own comfortable routine. They enjoy hanging out in the sunroom, where Sylvia – sporting her signature Red Sox cap – nestles in a high-back chair engrossed in a good book. Ted, however, was accustomed to a far more […]
SPOTLIGHT: Joe Foote
Tall, soft-spoken and gracious, Joseph Foote is a unique addition to our Decatur House family. Yet his courtly bearing belies a venturesome spirit, perhaps inherited from his mother, a school teacher with “a broken heart.” When the man she loved was lost in battle, Joe said, she felt a void that could only be filled […]
SPOTLIGHT: BARBARA BUCHENAN
A well-traveled multi-tasker, Barbara Buchenan grew up in Bolton, Mass., where she and her late husband, John, raised a family of three. In addition to being ‘mom’ she also served as administrative assistant to school superintendents and the bookkeeper for John’s machinery business. “She’s always been a busy lady,” her daughter, Kirby, said. Barbara’s family […]
