Crosby Commons in Shelton to host healthy aging presentation Sept. 25

SHELTON – Crosby Commons senior living community will host a community education series this fall, beginning Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m. with “Healthy Aging: Lessons from Those Who Live the Longest,” presented by Neil Anand. 

Anand, owner of ComForCare Homecare, will sponsor the event along with Valley Regional Adult Education. 

Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community is on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave.

Attendees will gain valuable insight and wisdom from individuals who have achieved longevity and learn about the unique qualities of their living environments. 

For more information about the program, or to RSVP, contact Lisa Bisson, Director of Community Outreach at lbisson@umh.org or 203-225-5027. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about senior living options at Crosby Commons, contact Rhonda Stasulli at 203-447-5454 or rstasulli@umh.org.  

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Crosby Commons in Shelton to host healthy aging presentation

SHELTON - The event will be held at Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community, located on the Wesley Village Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave. 

Attendees will gain valuable insight and wisdom from individuals who have achieved longevity and learn about the unique qualities of their living environments. 

For more information about the program, or to RSVP, please contact Lisa Bisson, Director of Community Outreach at lbisson@umh.org or 203-225-5027. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about senior living options at Crosby Commons, please contact Rhonda Stasulli at 203-447-5454 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. 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.

Crosby Commons in Shelton hosts couple's 65th wedding anniversary celebration

Crista Hernan, UMH Director of Spiritual Life at Crosby Commons, performs a wedding vow renewal ceremony for Vito and Barbara Scodese. 

Crosby Commons residents Vito and Barbara Scodese celebrate 65 years of marriage during a special wedding vow renewal celebration hosted by the community. 

SHELTON - Wedding bells were ringing at Crosby Commons Senior Living Community during a recent vow renewal ceremony and wedding reception Aug. 30 for Crosby residents Vito and Barbara Scodese, who celebrated 65 years of marriage in the company of family and friends. 

With the help of members of the Crosby team and under the direction of Activities Director Lauren Donovan the community hosted a series of wedding festivities which culminated with a vow renewal ceremony in the community’s front lobby and a reception in the resident dining room.

The entire Crosby community, along with members of the Scodese family, was invited to attend the wedding celebration. 

“We sent out invitations, we sampled champagne and hosted a cake-tasting, we arranged flowers and photos and even had a special wedding ‘reveal’ event to announce the bride and groom,” said Donovan. “There was a great sense of anticipation; everyone was very excited.” 

Arrangements were made for the bride to have her hair and nails done at the Crosby spa, and make-up applied by Crosby team member and C.N.A., Jailene Pellot. 

A special chef-prepared luncheon was held in the Crosby bistro for the Scodese family, who traveled from across the local area to attend the event. Rows of chairs were set up in the Crosby front lobby and the dining room was prepared with centerpieces, wedding favors, and entertainment by D.J. Jeff. 

Piano music by Rosemary Allen welcomed guests to their seats while the room filled with applause at the arrival of Vito and Barbara, who walked down the aisle together to renew their vows.

Crista Hernan, Director of Spiritual Life, performed the ceremony, which began with a few heartfelt words from the Scodese’s daughter, Lori Todice, and a flower presentation to the bride from flower girl, Addison Fife, daughter of Crosby Commons Executive Director David Fife. 

Hernan presented the renewal of wedding vows, followed by a kiss shared by the couple and a champagne toast.

“Married life over 65 years has lots of ups and downs,” Todice said, “but here we are today, remembering all the lives you’ve touched and wishing you many more years together.”

Following the ceremony, guests mingled in the Crosby Dining Room for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, the customary cake-cutting and dancing. As a special surprise, Crosby Chef Manager, Hector Velez, prepared a favorite dish of the groom’s (frog legs!) and presented it to the couple during the reception before they cut the wedding cake.

Crosby residents, staff, and family members danced together to classic wedding favorites, from The Twist to The Chicken Dance, along with musical hits from Motown to Frank Sinatra. Perhaps the most memorable moment of the day, however, was the dance Vito and Barbara shared in the center of the room as their wedding song played, “Because of You” by Tony Bennett.  

“Moments like these are what life at Crosby Commons is truly all about - a shared celebration of relationships, memories, special lives, and special people. It was an honor for our entire community and team to be part of this wonderful day for Vito and Barbara and their family,” said David Fife, Crosby Commons Executive Director.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. Crosby Commons is at 580 Long Hill Ave.

Community, staff show support to residents at Wesley Village in Shelton

Chef Hector Velez creates an omelet for a resident of Crosby Commons Assisted Living Facility in Shelton./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - The community and staff at Wesley Village are continuing to bring joy and support to residents despite the current global health crisis. 

COVID-19 restrictions may be prohibiting activities and visitors, but that has not stopped the outpouring of love, support, and acts of kindness.

The team at Wesley Village is finding creative ways to engage residents while practicing social distancing. Our dining teams show their love through food. 

Special meal deliveries to apartments and cottages always bring joy, especially when Chef Hector Velez, from Crosby Commons prepares doorway omelets for breakfast or fires up the pizza oven for individual pies. 

Each evening when the dining team at Bishop Wicke completes their work, they head outside to make rounds and greet each resident at their window. 

At Wesley Heights, Chef Richard Scaife and his team make Breakfast Baggies for staff with healthy food and inspiring notes.

Due to social distancing restrictions, residents are no longer able to gather together. Social distancing doesn’t have to equate to social isolation.  

A top priority has been finding new and creative ways to engage residents and continue to enrich their lives. One important step taken was the creation of WVTV, a TV channel created for Wesley Village residents, full of programs based on resident input. 

A variety of original content has been created, including “Words of Inspiration with Chaplain Cathy,” exercise classes, virtual BINGO, and debuting yesterday, “GNN – The Good News Network Show”, highlighting all the good taking place on campus. 

The show can be viewed on our YouTube channel (UMHCaring) via this link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD4wfKL99Y.     

Both family members and the local community have shared their support. 

State Rep. Jason Perillo, R-Shelton, donated over 2,000 face masks to Wesley Village.  

Local business including AIEP Host Families donated hand sanitizer and Modern Plastics, who recently changed their production to make face shields for healthcare workers, dropped off a supply to the campus.

Meals donated

Matt McGee, a senior at Shelton High School and an active member of the community, took to social media asking for donations from local businesses and families to support Wesley Village. 

Since then, more than a dozen families and organizations have stepped forward to provide take-out meals for our staff to thank them for the care and service given our residents. 

If you are interested in showing support for the Wesley Village team, please email goodnews@umh.org.

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

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

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Village residents in Shelton make blankets for wildlife in Australia

From left: Terry Moffat, MaryAnn Griffith, and Lisamarie Grailich talk about different colors and modifications they can make to the bowl pattern to accommodate larger or smaller animals./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - During the 2020 kickoff breakfast for the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Wesley Village, members agreed to help the homeless animals caught in the Australian Wildfires.

Kelly Coppola, activities director at Crosby Commons at Wesley Village, learned of the need for animal nests and blankets from staff members Terry Moffat and Lisamarie Grailich.  

A local news program featured a call for donations of nesting bowls and crate blankets for the homeless wildlife displaced by the fires in Australia.  

Coppola brought the idea to coordinators, Barbara Quinn and MaryAnn Griffiths, who went to work on finding the patterns, yarn, and hooks to start the project.  
They shared the supplies along with the information about the project at the breakfast meeting.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry is made up of residents of Wesley Village and volunteers from the community.  

Over the years, they have knitted or crocheted prayer shawls and lap robes which were blessed by the community chaplain and then given to sick individuals or grieving family members.  
In addition to the animal project, they will also make baby car seat blankets and hats to donate to Griffin Hospital in Derby to give away with the car seats they install.  

If you are interested in joining the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Wesley Village, call 203-944-8279.

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

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

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Surgeon to present talk on arthritis at Crosby Commons in Shelton

Chef at Crosby Commons in Shelton presented Humanitarian Award

Chef Hector Velez of Naugatuck, center, recently was recognized by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Chef Hector Velez from Crosby Commons at Wesley Village recently rceived the 2019 Humanitarian Award from the Connecticut Assisted Living Association at its annual meeting.
“We are so fortunate to have Hector at our Community,” said Lori Pisani, Executive Director of Crosby Commons. “He exhibits a high level of customer service. Hector is always striving to meet the residents' and their loved ones' needs and recommendations. He truly is the poster child for the best customer service.”

Velez, a Naugatuck resident, was recognized for “filling the hearts and souls” of the residents at Crosby Commons with his meals and culinary creations, the nomination submission said.
According to CALA, the Humanitarian Award is presented each year to “an individual whose personal integrity, decency, and contributions to the elderly best exemplify the ideals of our member organizations and who serves as an inspiration to all.”

Some of the reasons Velez was selected for this award include his commitment to making the culinary experiences of the Crosby Commons’ residents personalized and memorable. 

From his authentic brick oven pizzas, pig roasts, and paella, Velez has been touted by residents and family members as “Five tar.”

During the award presentation, special moments were highlighted like the surprise lobster dinner dock side after residents returned from a Lighthouse Tour in New London and his “table for two” dinner with a resident who was struggling with health issues.

Velez has been a chef at Crosby Commons for nearly seven years. He often joins with other staff and residents to do cooking demonstrations at area senior centers and participate in community cooking events. 

Velez received the Values in Action Award from the community in 2016 for his commitment to serving residents with respect and excellence.

Crosby Commons is an independent and assisted living community located on the Wesley Village
campus. Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

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

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Crosby Commons residents in Shelton celebrate holiday season in style

SHELOTN - Popcorn garland stations, cookie recipes and holiday greetings for the troops are all part of this year’s holiday celebration at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center on the Wesley Village Campus.

Recently the staff helped residents incorporate their favorite holiday traditions into the festivities of the season.  

Activity spots were set up throughout the community for the residents and staff to visit.  Each spot highlighted a different holiday tradition, the most popular being the popcorn garland stations.   

“We try to make sure the holidays are memorable and fun for our residents,” said Deb Samorajczyk, RN, Administrator of Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center.  
“Tying in familiar traditions connects our residents with happy memories of family holidays. Our staff jumps right in to share in the festivities…it is truly a community celebration!” 

Staff from Bishop Wicke partnered with individual residents to visit each activity.  Together they wrote out greetings to family members and created wreath decorations to share as gifts for family and friends. 

The community held its annual Tree Lighting and Caroling Event.  
Joined by members of the Shelton Girl Scouts, the event included holiday treats and cookies. 

Throughout the holiday season, the dining team at Bishop Wicke will be incorporating favorite recipes from residents and fellow staff members into the daily meal selections.

Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center is a Five-Star rated nursing home and is a recipient of a 2019-2020 “Best Nursing Home” designation from US News and World Report for Short-Term Rehabilitation.  
They are one of the few deficiency-free rated facilities as well. The Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 
The Wesley Village campus offers assisted and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.  

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Cub Scouts pay holiday visit to Crosby Commons residents in Shelton

Scouts visit with a resident of Crosby Commons./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Cub Scouts from Pack 25 helped residents at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community kick off the holiday season with an evening of decorating, songs, and of course, Christmas cookies.

“The Scouts’ visit was perfect timing,” said Kelly Coppola, Activities Director at Crosby Commons. She coordinated the night’s activities with Mark Sims, who has been cub master for the past five years.  

“I couldn’t imagine a better way to start celebrating the holidays than with a dozen or so elementary school Scouts side-by-side with our residents, singing their hearts out!”

Pack 25, chartered by the First United Methodist Church, held it monthly Pack .eeting Dec. 3 at Crosby Commons.  

After an opening ceremony, which many of the residents joined, the Scouts helped the residents and staff decorate trees throughout the building.  

Over cocoa and cookies, many of the Scouts along with their parents and siblings shared stories about Scouting and holiday celebrations with residents.

At their meeting, some Scouts were awarded their earned badges and special announcements were made.   

The meeting ended with the closing ceremony, followed by many thank yous and a few hugs between seniors and their new Scout friends. 

“We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with youth organizations and schools,” said Lori Pisani, executive director, Crosby Commons. “Nothing inspires joy and laughter like singing songs and playing games with children.”   

Pisani said as a nonprofit, many area youth groups, Scouts and schools do programs at Wesley Village. Some high schools require students to complete a number of community service hours to graduate and the Wesley Village campus provides a variety of different opportunities to do so. 

A unique view of the Cubs' holiday visit./ Contributed photo

Crosby Commons is an independent and assisted living community located on the Wesley Village campus. 

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

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

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.  

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Crosby Commons in Shelton hosts program on finances for retired veterans

Veterans learn about financial options at Crosby Commons in Shelton./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Several military veterans and their families attended a recent program at Crosby Commons provided by Veterans Financial. 

The company helps wartime veterans and their surviving spouses learn what eligible income for which they qualify. 

The event saw a large turnout of veterans ranging from retired service members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. 
Many are unaware of the supportive services and financial assistance available to them.

“It is extremely rewarding to offer programs like these to our residents and to Veterans in the public because they so humbly gave their service to our country and to be able to help them financially in their elder years is so very important,” said Kelly Coppola, Activities Director at Crosby Commons.

Veterans Financial provides supportive services and assistance to families by giving them guidance with senior care options and what eligibility they have in receiving financial assistance towards them. 

Most of the veterans were drafted into their respected military branches as it was implemented during wartime. 
Many of the men and women in attendance began their military duties at 18, 19, and 20 years old. 

 “Everybody was drafted at the time. I had four brothers who were in the service,” said Gerry Brown, Crosby Commons resident. “They couldn’t resist, but they got to choose where they wanted to go. They chose their branch- two joined the Navy, one went to the Army and one was a Navy Seabee,” she said. 

The program not only offered insight into what financial programs veterans can apply for, but created a platform for many guests to reminisce. 

“I served in the U.S. Army Air Force and was sent to Montana, served a couple of months there. I then went to Miami Beach, waited for my plane to come in and it brought me to South America, the northern tip of Africa, and then India. I served in India for a little over two years," Michael Gurlides, Crosby Commons resident, said. 

The Wesley Village Campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. It includes: Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Community, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living/Memory Support Community, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Residents at Wesley Village in Shelton celebrate Valentine's Day

SHELTON - Residents at Wesley Village senior living communities received special Valentines this year as staff went all out to share the love with heartfelt cards, flowers, and every kind of chocolate treat imaginable. 

“This is my first time celebrating Valentine’s Day here and I can’t believe everything that has been done for us,” exclaimed Crosby Commons resident Lee.

“We hand delivered over 400 personalized valentines and flowers to our residents to make sure they knew how much they mean to us,” said Marissa Salvesen, Manager of Mission Development. 

Campus wide celebrations included musical entertainment, a traveling cart with hot chocolate and cupcakes, and lots of hugs and kisses all around.

The staff raised funds for the Valentine’s Day flowers and cards through a popular Celebrity Chef series. 

Every Wednesday chefs from Wesley Village communities made specialty dishes that employees could purchase for lunch, or take home for dinner.

The Wesley Village Campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. It includes: Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Community, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living/Memory Support Community, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Resident of Crosby Commons in Shelton creates 'Taj Mahal'

Don Walkley, an active resident of Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community in Shelton, with the Taj Mahal he built out of Legos. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - For Christmas, most families give their loved ones clothes, games, or sweets, but this Christmas, Don Walkley, a 92-year old resident of Crosby Commons, received a 5,923-piece LEGO set of the Taj Mahal. 

Lining the shelves of his apartment are famous buildings Don’s built from intricate LEGO sets, including the White House, Eiffel Tower, and the Lincoln Memorial, but none have compared in size to his new Taj Mahal display. 

Don’s family chipped in for Christmas and surprised him with the $300 puzzle and since December, Don has worked hours every day to complete the massive puzzle. 

“I just like to stay busy,” Don said. Whether he’s playing games on his computer, completing crossword puzzles in the newspaper or participating in the many programs offered at the senior living community, Don fills his day with engaging activities. 

Once Don’s Taj Mahal was built, he held an open house for his fellow residents and after being on display for a few weeks, Don decided to disassemble the set and is in the process of donating it to Bricks for a Cure, a non-profit that collects LEGOS to raise money to help children afford cancer treatments.

When asked what his next LEGO project was going to be, Don was uncertain, as LEGO puzzles can be very expensive. After hearing of Don’s commitment to building the Taj Mahal and his love for LEGOs, an anonymous company worked with employees of Crosby Commons through the community’s Journey of Dreams program to donate a new 598-piece set of the New York Skyline to Don. 

Members of the Crosby Commons team then surprised Don with the new LEGO set.   

“I’m overjoyed,” Don exclaims while holding his new LEGO set. “I’m most appreciative.” He estimates his new puzzle will take a month to complete and was eager to get right to work on it.

Crosby Commons offers residents opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment of individual dreams through its Journey of Dreams program. 

If you’re interested in learning more about independent and assisted living at Crosby Commons or the Journey of Dreams program, visit crosbycommons.org or call 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Caregivers to learn about Alzheimer's at Crosby Commons in Shelton

Contributed photo

SHELTON - The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter will host a three-part caregiver series at Wesley Village Senior Living Campus in May. 

The program, “Living with Dementia: Middle Stage Caregiver,” will focus on managing the care of a loved one with middle stage dementia. 

The series will cover topics including, but not limited to, symptoms of the disease, communication tips, wandering tendencies, senior living options, and addressing caregiver needs. 

This free program will be held Wednesdays from 5:45-7:30 p.m. on May 2, 9, and 16  at Crosby Commons at Wesley Village, 580 Long Hill Ave. 

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

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Teen employee of Wesley Village in Shelton receives prestigious award

Jake DeLucia with Lori Pisani, Executive Director, Crosby Commons, left, and Lisa Bisson, Director, Community Outreach./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living has announced that Jake DeLucia, Wesley Village community staff member, has been selected for the 2017 Young Leader of the Year Award by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association.

Jake was honored at the 22nd Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner and presented this prestigious award for his exemplary leadership skills, maturity, and vision that inspires residents and staff members.

"I was shocked when I found out that Jake was a high school senior. I have never met a teenager who was so caring, respectful, mature, and considerate as Jake is," Lori Pisani, Executive Director of Crosby Commons, said.

Jake started in dining, began filling in as a part-time receptionist to cover vacations, and now he is a regular part of the team. He is aware of the residents and sincerely cares about their well-being. If he sees something, he does something.

Jake has tenderly composed five hard-cover picture books featuring residents, family members, and employees of Crosby Commons. The residents love the books that have been placed throughout the community for all to enjoy, not just because they love seeing their pictures, but because their beloved Jake has made them.

Although Jake will be leaving in January to attend college and will be sincerely missed by residents, family, and staff, it is wonderful to know he is leaving with the honor, “Young Leader of the Year.” 

Congratulations, Jake!

For more information on Crosby Commons, call 203.225.5024 or  visit www.crosbycommons.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.