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This page is dedicated to the thousands of elderly seniors in the area who are lacking information as to what is available to them in the way of services.

I have spent several thousand hours in Assisted Living Facilities in New Bern and I wish to share with you what I have learned about the health care seniors received.

The Courtyards at Berne Village is one of the premier Independent Living Facilities which has settled in New Bern, North Carolina. It provides limited services for those aged 55 or more. It is adjoined by a community of Assisted Living apartment homes which also provide a number of healthcare services for seniors aged 55 or more. The apartment complex accommodates over 100 tenants on an 18 acre tract. Another facility offers care for those afflicted with Dementia and Alzheimers Disease. This article addresses the services offered by the Independent Living Care facility.

In addition to the Independent Living and Assisted Living appartments the Courtyards consists of a separate facility for caring for those afflicted with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

New Bern has a fascinating history which dates back to the Tuscarawas Indians, the buffalo and bear which occupied this land. It has been rated as one of the ten top retirement cities in the Nation. See the "History of New Bern".

The Courtyards in an attractive setting provides a dramatic new life style for those who have lost their spouse or are in need of special care. It is a lively place where the goal is to keep everyone happy. The residents and staff have an excellent rapport with one another. They greet each other with a cheery smile and a happy "Hello".

Welcome Aboard and congratulations to Todd Brenemen who has joined th

e Courtyards team

Executive Director on July 2, 2009 He comes to us with a great amount of experience in banking, communications, teaching, recruiting and healthcare. H he has a passion for care giving and has volunteered in that capacity for almost se for seven years. He lives in Winterville, NC near his mother and sister. He ha a son, Kirk who is 10 years old and a daughter Drew who is 10 years old. Both chi old live out of state but visit often.

Todd has Todd already held a number of meetings with staff and members of the Resident staff This has resulted in a number of suggestions for positive change.

Good Luck Todd. We are glad you are here and we look forward to working with you.

We also acknowledge the efforts and compassion of Linda McGuire, our Marketing Director who is the key to this happy place. Other members of the staff also enjoy their mission and are quick to respond to requests of it's residents. Linda makes it a point to meet and learn about the folks who live here. Her bright engaging smile and friendly personality are an asset to the prestige of this community. The Courtyards reminds me of an exclusive country club. Anna Peugh, Activities Director fills the week with scheduled trips and other activities which are participated in by the residents. Happy Days Are Here Again.

Dinner is provided each evening. Residents are encouraged to invite relatives and friends to join them in the beautiful dining room or the special family room Bruce Thomas, Dining Room Manager always puts on a "Happy Plate". All the utensils, glasses, salt & pepper are already set up and waiting for you along with hot coffee and iced tea.. No paper plates or plastic utensils The menu always includes soups, salads, fresh fruit and a choice of three entrees prepared by professional chefs. This is followed up by an array of delicious deserts. The dining tables are covered with cloth table cloths and napkins. . You may request any condiment you wish. Waitress and waiter service is attentive.

Well, so much for the description of some of the special services provided. . Now we will show you pictures of happy residents enjoying their new found life style and all the things that make life worth living.. It is the dedicated staff that make it possible.

1.Dinner Staff. Above you see the happy dinner staff who caters to serving residents now under the direction of chef Bruce Thomas 2. Waitress serves dinner to Dave Uehlein. . 3. Just Chatting. Darlene Browning assists Dave Uehlein. Darlene is kept very busy volunteering to help tenants wherever aassistance is needed. A real asset to The Courtyards. .4. Dinning Room Manager Bruce Thomas dressed for a special Family Dinner. Prior to joining The Courtyards, Bruce owned and operated "Chef Bruce" on Trent Road. This was recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the New Bern area. Extensive wine selection, quick and courteous service , attractive dining room and above all ,excellent cuisine.

5. Receptionist Tara Swindell, Administrative Assistant is the first staff member you will meet as you enter the frond door of The Courtyards. Whether you need transportation or have someother problm Tara looks forward to helping you 6. Meal Time. Although apartments are equipped with kitchenettes, most residents prefer to have someone else cook their lunch. Here Betty Mackey serves up a meal to Everett Klipp . 7.Bingo is a very popular activity here which occupies many. Here Bingo Caller Robin Pentek calls out the winning numbers. 8. Big BINGO Winner. Yes and we have an excited winner Florence Young who frequently wins four or five times each session. As a matter of fact Florence has on occasion won at many as six times at a session. .9. Bingo Caller. Here Larry Elswick takes his turn calling out the BINGO numbers. When Larry is not conduction BINGO he is providing transportation his main job for the residents. He also assists in setting up equipment for many events.

10. Finance Director. Melissa Arnold is responsible for preparation and collection of bills, preparation of budgets, financial reports etc. 11. Its Donut Time. The dining room is the scene of David Ueblein enjoying morning coffee and donuts at the Dining Room. He is also BINGO Champion with a nine time win. 12. Its Fondue Time . Activity Director Anne Peugh sets up the Fondue cheese platter for residents at 11:30 AM. 13.

14.. Guardians. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my Guardians who live in River Bend. I refer to them as my Guardians as they have helped me to search out The Courtyards as a place to live in my senior years. For years they have assisted me with shopping, transportation, moving furniture from shelter to shelter. Bob is Director of New Business Development at the Craven Community College and is a valuable asset to our community. They have provided love and affection to Agnes and I while we were going through some very difficult times. 15.. Music By Peggy. When the Lounge heated by a glowing fire in the fireplace begins to fill to capacity at 4:00 PM you know that Peggy Mitchell is on her way. She arrives with a hearty "Hello People" and proceeds to shake the hand of everyone present with a word of encouragement. Peggy is no doubt one of the most popular entertainers to come to The Courtyards. You know that when she hits the keyboard of her piano you are about to hear her sing-along of the Oldies. The audience joins her in singing the songs of yesteryear many made popular by Lawrence Welk TV and still bringing back memories today. What is amazing that Peggy plays by ear and knows all the old songs by heart. She is a very experienced musician having played in her own band over the years. 16. Community Singing Class. In addition to all of its other activities The Courtyards is home to a class of young children teaching them how to sing. The Instructor is Barbara Harper. 17. Exercises. Here you see Anne Peugh leading a small group of handicapped seniors just in front of her in light exercises to limber up the muscles.

220, 21, 22. Snow in New Bern. Well this was unexpected when I looked out the window of my apartment here at The Courtyards. My Realtor had convinced me that it never snows here .since we are warmed by the Gulf Stream. Here are the pictures. You be the Judge.. 23. Chinese Exercise. The Tai Chi Group repeats lessons following an ancient heritage of exercise designed to keep the body limber. A word of wisdom followed by the group: "The goal of a healthy solitude is love; love and acceptance of ourselves as we are and where we are and why we are, and love and compassion for others".

23.Dining at the Cracker Barrel. One of the many trips to out of area restaurants. 24.A busy restaurant. Waiting to be served. 25 Olive Garden. in Greenville where we had a long wait as they do not take reservations. However the meal was excellent. 26. RubyTuesdays in James City. . Specializes in a very extensive salad bar. However most of our group ordered hamburgers.

27. Alzheimer's Director Cara Baxter holds discussion in the Club House on this terminal disease which affects over 60,000,000 victims each year. 28 , Dancing at The Courtyards Mari Gras celebration. 29 . Old Friends visiting from Oriental.. 30. Presiding Larry Elswick is always around whenever there is an event going on. If not officiating in one capacity or another Larry's primary responsibility is transporting tenants wherever they wish to go. . 31. Church Guitarist From Neuse River Baptist Church sings hymns.

32. Mardi Gras Reveler having a great time. 33 . Where are the Boys? 34. Culinary Exhibit The Dining Room staff is to be congratulated on the fine job of providing an atmosphere similar to the Mardi Gras held in New Orleans. 35 . Strike up the Band. The beat of the Mardi Gras Band was lively and encouraged everyone to take to the dance floor.36 . Honored Guest. Janey Anderson, Editor of the River Bender joined us for our Mardi Gras celebration. You won't recognize her as she and Linda McGuire are having a Happy Time together as they hide behind the eye shields.

37. Belle of the Mardi Gras. 37, Pets at The Courtyards. Here Putts a very friendly English Bull Dog guards his Mistress Misty Pecclario, Human Resources. 38.A Little Dog. Loved by Sue Peterson. 39. Pets Boost Morale of Tenants. Here a guest_holds one of the little Caregivers who are an asset to The Courtyards. 40. A Happy Waitress. Here Whitney Smith displays a happy smile as she goes about her waitress duties while serving Tolar Simons.

41. Taking Muster. Larry checks the passengers going to Olive Garden. 42. Boarding bus. Here Larry operates wheel chair lift to board Bill. . 43. Leaving Bus. Again Larry checks out the passenger list after completing trip. 44.. Attending Church Service. The Lord's faithful. Church services are given at the Courtyards three times a week by local churches. The Courtyards bus also transports tenants to other churches in the area on Sundays.

445. Salad Bar. Best food in Town. 46. Fresh Strawberries. Wow! They are sweet. Young Visitors Welcome Here a youngster enjoy their dinner at The Courtyards. 47. Having a Happy Time. Hey Dad, don't leave me out. 48. Honored Guest. We were privaiedged to have Elizabeth Brinson attend our St. Patricks Day Celebration. Elizabeth has served a number of years as Member of the River Bend Town Council. She and her husband Ken are outstanding Caregivers and have a profound interest in health care . For the past 10 years they have individually sponsored Thanksgiving Day dinner for all the fRiver Bend families who would otherwise be alone on this blessed holiday.

49. Caregiver. Martina looks after Bruce 50 , New Bingo Champ. Here Dave Eubline looks over his Bingo cards after a big win of 9 times in one session. The payoff is not high but veryone gets quite a bit of enjoyment from the competition.

51. Security Director. Dale Hagen, always pleasant doing his job to see that everyone is enoying their quarters. 52. Rumikub Tolar Simmons plays a popular game which is a pastime among the tenants. 53. Refreshments. Larry tends the refreshment bar which is always open at these daily events.

54. Our Maintenance Man. This is Pat Hoell one of the best capable and experienced in solving any problem you may come across in your apartment. I have called upon him on several occasions. He is always quick to respond to a call for help and most important he is patient and courteous. The type of personnel we are proud to have making up the Team. 55. Expert BINGO Caller. Here Sara Stuart is one of our best callers. She calls out the numbers clearly and at a pace tenants find easy to follow. 56. Celtic Music. Accordian player Sean MacMahon entertained with lively music on St Patrick's Day Celebration. 57. Classical Music. Here singer and talented band leader plays many of the popular classics for the pleasure of many tenants who love this music. 58. Post Office Delivers. Her Rick Lime, US Postal Service delivers mail to tenants private locked mail boxes.

NOTE TO COURTYARD TENANTS; If you note an error, missing a name or have a suggestion for your special web site please refer it to our Webmaster or Official Proof Reader.

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