Crosby Commons residents in Shelton enjoy variety of summer activities

Residents Eileen Keogh and Jon Krijgsman

SHELTON - Summer may be winding down as the new school year starts, but Crosby Commons residents are making the most of it and enjoying summer bucket list favorites both indoors and out. 

With trips to the shore for lunch, entertainment on the patio, Chef Hector’s famous smash burgers off the grill, yard games, and ice cream truck visits, Crosby residents had no shortage of opportunities for classic summer fun. 

“Residents love our annual outings to Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport and Riley’s By The Sea in Lordship for a glass of wine and a fresh seafood lunch outdoors on the patio,”  said activities director Lauren Donovan. “We have several residents from Stratford who love heading to Riley’s and stopping at Boothe Memorial Park rose garden on the way back.” 

“We also make a trip to Pepe’s in Fairfield every year for the fresh tomato pie, which is another resident favorite. It wouldn’t feel like summer without visits like those.”

Resident Steve Pecylak and Director of Spiritual Life Crista Hernan (with Boo) enjoy a Midsommer celebration.

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The senior living community, part of the Wesley Village campus, also hosted a few unique summer socials, including a strawberry festival, a Swedish Midsommer celebration, and a “Party Like a Pineapple” day. 

The festival featured homemade strawberry pie made with the Jones Family Farms' strawberry festival recipe, homemade strawberry shortcake, live entertainment, and an array of berry-themed treats. 

For the Midsommer celebration, resident Rita Lund made traditional Swedish cookies, the Crosby chefs prepared a Swedish meal, and residents crafted seasonal floral crowns. “Party Like a Pineapple” day was a celebration of all things summer, with reggae music and dance, a Dole Whip culinary demonstration, homemade pineapple upside-down cake, pineapple salsa, pina coladas, and a visit from “Little Miss Pineapple,” two-year-old daughter of Executive Director, David Fife.

The summer’s outdoor entertainment series included favorite performances by the bands, Over Easy and the Boogie Boys, as well as a performance by professional musician and vocalist Stephen Bennett, the son-in-law of a Crosby Commons resident. 

Patio entertainment came with an ever-changing menu of summer cocktails and mocktails such as strawberry-basil lemonade and root beer floats, and sing-a-longs around the campfire with homemade s’mores.

In early September, a week-long celebration in honor of National Assisted Living Week is planned. The week runs from Sept. 8-14.

“Our summer programming is always well-received,” said Donovan. “Crosby residents look forward to sharing their interests, ideas, and requests for favorite trips or events, and everyone comes together to enjoy them.” 

For more information about life at Crosby Commons, please contact Rhonda Stasulli at 203-225-5024 or rstasulli@umh.org.  

About Crosby Commons & Wesley Village: Crosby Commons offers independent and assisted living options at the Wesley Village senior living campus located at 580 Long Hill Ave. in Shelton. 

The campus is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization, and offers a continuum of care: independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support/memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. 

To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Village in Shelton celebrates birthdays of 2 centenarians

Larry Meehan

Norma-Jean Moore

SHELTON - Wesley Village Senior Living Campus recently celebrated birthday milestones for two centenarians, Larry Meehan and Norma-Jean Moore, both residents of Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community. 

Family members, friends, and Crosby team members gathered throughout February to send happy birthday wishes to these special individuals.

 

Meehan, who served as a firefighter for several years in Bridgeport, was surprised with a parade of local fire trucks, lights flashing and sirens blaring, driving by the community’s front entrance for the occasion. 

With the help of Lisa Bisson, Director of Community Outreach for the campus, Meehan also received a birthday visit from several members of the Bridgeport Area Retired Firefighters Association, who presented him with a special plaque in honor of his service to the community and his 100^th birthday milestone.

 

Moore is well known as Crosby Commons’ “artist-in-residence." 

Many of her paintings are displayed outside her apartment and several were showcased in the community’s weekly activities calendar in honor of her birthday. 

She enjoyed visits with family and friends, flowers, balloons in all her favorite colors, and a birthday cake detailed with songbirds. A lover of sparkles and all things jeweled, Moore was also presented with a rhinestone tiara adorned with the number 100, which she wore throughout the day.

 

“One hundredth birthday milestones are some of the most special moments we share together as a community here at Crosby Commons,” said Activities Director, Lauren Donovan. “The opportunity to celebrate everything a resident has accomplished, and the uniqueness of their life is just as meaningful for the residents and their families as it is for our team.”

 

About Wesley Village: Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. in Shelton and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The Wesley Village campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing and short-term rehab. 

To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203.225.5024. 

To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

 

United Methodist Homes in Shelton wins Mature Media Awards

SHELTON - United Methodist Homes was a winner in the 30^th Annual National Mature Media Awards Program. 

The program, presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for the senior market, recognizes the nation’s best marketing, communications, educational materials, and programs designed and produced for older adults.

UMH, a local not-for-profit senior living provider based in Shelton, offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. Among the organization’s award-winning communities are Wesley Village (Shelton), Middlewoods of Farmington (Farmington), and Middlewoods of Newington (Newington).

The organization received a Merit Award for their e-book, “7 Myths about Life in a Senior Living Community,” in the category of publications and editorials for senior living. 

The book provides honest insights to common misconceptions about life in a senior living community.  It also discusses the anxiety many people have about making a move and addresses, with transparency, the issues of independence, cost, lifestyle, relationships, differences between assisted living and skilled nursing care, and more. 

The resource was designed and produced under the direction of UMH Digital Media and Marketing Manager Tracey Haughton.

“We see many seniors and their families overwhelmed by difficult emotions and misguided assumptions when they contact us for help,” said Elizabeth Schave-Bemis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for UMH. “For a lot of people, the idea of moving to a senior living community brings great apprehension about quality of life. Our goal with this book was to offer credible information that would provide a more accurate picture of real life in a senior living community and promote a greater understanding of its benefits.” 

To download the free ebook, click here or visit: (https://offers.umh.org/7-myths-about-life-in-a-senior-living-community).

Additionally, UMH was also awarded a Merit Award for their digital publication, “A Legacy of Caring: How Connecticut’s United Methodist Homes Changes Senior Care for the Better”. The article takes a closer look at the legacy of United Methodist Homes senior living communities in the Hartford area. As stated in the article, “Over the last two decades, these communities have emerged as optimal solutions for seniors looking to continue leading meaningful, active lives in the Farmington and Newington areas of Connecticut while receiving the award-winning care United Methodist Homes is known for.” 

To read more, click here or visit: (https://storystudio.ctpost.com/2020/04/22/a-legacy-of-caring-how-connecticuts-united-methodist-homes-changes-senior-care-for-the-better/).

All entries were judged by a distinguished panel of mature market experts from across the United States for overall excellence of design, content, creativity and relevance to the senior market. 

To request the 2021 complete list of winners, visit: (https://seniorawards.com/mma_main.html).

To learn more about UMH, its mission and longstanding history of care and service to older adults and their families, visit www.umh.org or call 1-877-929-5321.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Naugatuck Valley Health District: 10 more COVID-19 associated deaths

Senior housing options topic of talk at Shelton Senior Center

SHELTON - The Valley Senior Services Council will host a free senior housing options talk at 4:30 p.m. March 21 at the Shelton Senior Center, 81 Wheeler St.

A panel of experts will provide information and answer questions about congregate housing, assisted living, home care, and more. 

Refreshments will be available. 
RSVP to 203-924-9324 (Shelton Senior Center).

Greater Valley Chamber gives Milestone Award to Wesley Village in Shelton

Dave Lawlor, United Methodist Homes President and CEO, left, receives award  from Robert Lesko, Chairman, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber's breakfast in December at Oronoque Country Club in Stratford./  Photo by Fred Ortoli


SHELTON - Wesley Village recently received the Milestone Award at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce annual breakfast and awards celebration. 

The award-winning Independent and Assisted Living Community was honored for their 50 years of caring for seniors in the Shelton area. 

The 2018 ceremony took place at Oronoque Country Club in Stratford.

During the event, Chamber President Bill Purcell recognized Valley organizations for their contributions to the community, outstanding achievements, and milestones. 

“We’re happy and grateful to be recognized by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce,” said Dave Lawlor, UMH CEO. “We have grown with the community and with their help and support, we will continue to thrive and build nurturing environments based on caring relationships for residents in Shelton.” 

Over the past 50 years, Wesley Village has grown from a single nursing home facility to a comprehensive senior living campus offering short and long-term skilled nursing, independent and assisted living, increased care needs and memory support, and outpatient therapy and fitness programs. 

About Wesley Village

Wesley Village, a campus of senior care communities including Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Assisted and Independent Living Apartments and Cottages, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, is owned and operated by UMH, a local, faith-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. 

The campus is at 580 Long Hill Ave. To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, please visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Village to offer virtual dementia tour at event in Trumbull

SHELTON - Are you struggling to understand your loved one’s dementia? 

Are the challenges they are facing a mystery to you? 

Experience the 
Wesley Village Virtual Dementia Tour™ and walk in their shoes. 
The Shelton senior living campus is offering this “simulation tool” Jan. 18 at the Trumbull Marriot, 180 Hawley Lane,Trumbull. 

Experts from the Lifestyle Transitions Specialized Assisted Living and Memory Support Community at Wesley Village will serve as your guides. Sessions will be offered at 4, 5 or 6 p.m. 
To reserve your space or to learn more, contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024 or lbisson@umh.org. Space is limited.

To learn more about Lifestyle Transitions and its expansion opening this Spring, visit Wesley Village for an Open House from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 21, 580 Long Hill Ave. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Village in Shelton breaks ground for expansion

Groundbreaking ceremony held recently for expansion of Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Village in Shelton./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village has officially broken new ground.

Senior living campus officials today announced the expansion of Lifestyle Transitions, a specialized assisted living and memory support neighborhood, originally opened in January 2015.

Lifestyle Transitions offers a secure, supportive environment for those needing a higher level of attention and engagement, and for those in the early to mid-stages of memory loss. 

Unique to Wesley Village, Lifestyle Transitions provides a mission-based, relationship-centered approach to care, as well as: affordable pricing, a wander-protection system, 24-hour staffing with caregivers trained by the Alzheimer’s Association, nurses seven-days a week, on-site physician services, engaging activities, a variety of apartment styles for individuals or couples, education and support services for residents and families, and a specialized design to maximize independence. It also focuses on developing daily routines for successfully managing individualized physical, social, and cognitive challenges. 

The expansion will include 20 new specialized assisted living apartments in three added wings within the Wesley Heights community at Wesley Village. 

Additional spaces will include a family-style kitchen for baking; a great room for entertainment, exercise, art classes and more; lounges for reading, visiting and relaxing; and an enclosed outdoor courtyard for gardening, walking and fresh air. The design, colors, textures, lighting, and furniture were chosen with the help of senior living design consultants to create both vibrant and soothing spaces that best meet resident needs.

Wesley Village is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The campus offers assisted and independent living, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or call 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Heights in Shelton to hold open house

Contributed photo

SHELTON - Are you 62 or older and looking to downsize? Wesley Village has immediate availability of beautifully renovated one-floor independent living cottages.  

The community will hold an open house March 26, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with availability to tour our independent living cottages, Wesley Heights apartments, and Lifestyle Transitions neighborhood.

Wesley Heights Cottages are Independent Living, market-rate cottage rentals. 
These luxurious cottages are the perfect home for seniors looking to maintain their independence while enjoying the benefits of living in a community. 
Monthly market rental rates apply. 
Cottages are available for $2,044/month, with limited availability. (For all cottage tours, enter through Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community.) 

Lifestyle Transitions offers Specialized Assisted Living and Memory Support options, with a unique design that allows for maximized independence throughout transitions of care. Options include a variety of apartment styles for individuals and/or couples. (Lifestyle Transitions is located in the Northwest Wing of Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community; use Wesley Heights main entrance for all tours.)

For more information or to RSVP, contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024 or at lbisson@umh.org, or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 
To tour any of our other communities at Wesley Village, visit our website or contact Lisa Bisson to schedule a personal appointment at a later date. 


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Heights in Shelton to hold open house, tours in November

Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village will hold an Open House from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 13.

Tour the Independent Living Cottages and Apartments and Lifestyle Transitions Neighborhood.

Tours will be available at:

• Lifestyle Transitions – Specialized Assisted Living and Memory Support

With apartments for specialized assisted living and memory support, the unique design allows for maximized independence throughout transitions of care. 

• Wesley Heights Cottages and Apartments – Select Market Rate Rentals

Looking to downsize? Wesley Heights now has limited availability on select market rate one-floor independent living cottages. Studio and one-bedroom apartments are available as well in a cozy one-floor building. (Enter through Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community for all cottage tours.)

Both communities are on the Wesley Village Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5024 or at lbisson@umh.org., or by visiting www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Village in Shelton to host open house

Contributed photo

SHELTON - An Independent/Assisted Living and Memory Care Open House will be held at Wesley Village from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 18.

Tours of Wesley Heights Independent Living Cottages, Assisted Living Apartments and Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care will be available. 
Wesley Heights is located on the Wesley Village Senior Living Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave.

Wesley Heights Cottages are Independent Living market rate cottage rentals. 
All cottages offer one-floor living. Monthly market rental rates apply. 
Assisted Living apartments also offer one-floor living. Lifestyle Transitions offers Specialized Assisted Living and Memory Support options, with a unique design that allows for maximized independence throughout transitions of care. Options include a variety of apartment styles for individuals and/or couples. 

Lifestyle Transitions is located in the Northwest Wing of Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community. 
Please use Wesley Heights main entrance for all tours. (Parking is available by the main entrance.)

For more information or to RSVP, contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5024 or at lbisson@umh.org, or by visiting www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 

To tour any other communities at Wesley Village, please visit the website or contact Lisa Bisson to schedule a personal appointment.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Village in Shelton to host open house June 5

SHELTON - Join us for an Independent Living and Memory Care Open House at Wesley Village from 1-3 p.m. June 5.

Tours will be available at Wesley Heights Independent Living Cottages and Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care. Both communities are located on the Wesley Village Senior Living Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave.

Wesley Heights Cottages are Independent Living market rate cottage rentals. All cottages offer one-floor living.  Monthly market rental rates apply. Cottages are available for $1,992/month, with limited availability. (For all cottage tours, please enter through Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community.) 

Lifestyle Transitions offers Specialized Assisted Living & Memory Support options, with a unique design that allows for maximized independence throughout transitions of care. Options include a variety of apartment styles for individuals and/or couples. (Lifestyle Transitions is located in the Northwest Wing of Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community; please use Wesley Heights main entrance for all tours.)

For more information or to RSVP or to tour any other c, contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024 or at lbisson@umh.org, or by visiting www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 

To tour any of our other communities at Wesley Village, visit our website or contact Bisson to schedule a personal appointment at a later date. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Resident at Wesley Village in Shelton celebrates 100th birthday

Wesley Village resident, Christina Sudol poses for a birthday photo with staff member, Graciela Lopez and “Jonah,” a visiting Shih-Poo. /Contributed photo

SHELTON - Residents and staff at the Wesley Village senior living campus gathered Dec. 4 to celebrate Christina Sudol’s 100th birthday. 
Sudol, a resident in the Lifestyle Transitions neighborhood on the campus, was the first person to move in to the new wing, which was opened in January 2015. 
Staff from across the campus joined in the celebration and sent birthday wishes through 100 greeting cards, which were presented to Sudol by Lifestyle Transitions program director Lisa Kelleher. 
“We’ve been collecting cards from everyone – staff, residents, family and friends. Students from Park City Magnet School in Bridgeport even sent a bundle of handmade cards for Christina,” Kelleher said. “She was delighted!”

“I’m not 100,” Sudol argued, with a smile. 
“How about 50 x 2?” Kelleher suggested, to which Sudol agreed. 
Along with the birthday cards, the festivities included a beautiful birthday cake and Sudol’s favorite musical tunes: big band, classical, and Frank Sinatra. 
Wesley Heights Resident Services Coordinator Donna Brice also surprised Sudol, a dog lover, with a visit from her dog, Jonah, a Shih-Poo. 

Sudol received a proclamation from Mayor Mark Lauretti, recognizing her 100^th year and sending her best wishes. Before cutting her cake, she stopped to thank her guests and enjoyed the afternoon, posing for birthday photos and reading her many birthday cards. 
“It was a big party,” she told her daughter.

Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. on the Wesley Village campus. 
The program offers specialized assisted living and memory care options for individuals in need of personalized routines and a supportive environment. 
The campus also offers assisted and independent living, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services. 
To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.