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.

World War II veteran, 92, of Shelton enjoys helicopter flight

Crosby Commons resident takes Journey of Dreams trip 

U.S. Army veteran Paul Hurd/ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Paul Hurd, a 92-year old U.S. Army Veteran, has always loved flying. 

He spent time in Italy during World War II flying in helicopters and even jumping out of them.

Now a resident of Crosby Commons Assisted Living, Hurd often takes advantage of the different out trips offered by the community. When visiting the Sikorsky Helicopter Museum, he took such an interest in aviation and showed such delight touching the controls of a grounded copter, Kelly Coppola, Recreation Director of Crosby Commons, began to think how she could incorporate Hurd’s love of flying into a Journey of Dreams wish and make it possible for him to fly again.

"Paul is a true pleasure to spend time with. He is a very active member of our community, taking advantage of activities and out trips alike. He always has something positive to say and finds the good in all around him," Coppola said. 

With Journey of Dreams in mind, she asked Hurd if he would ever “Take Flight” again. Before she could even finish her sentence, he belted out, “YES!”

Accompanied by his daughter, Cristina Sinanian, and marketing coordinator Chelsea Sayegh, Hurd boarded a Robinson R44 Helicopter out of Danbury Airport and embarked on a scenic 45-mile trip over Candlewood Lake.

After Hurd’s flight, the group, including Kelly Coppola and Lori Pisani, executive director, Crosby Commons, enjoyed an Italian lunch, Paul’s favorite, at Carl Anthony’s Restaurant in Monroe.  

“This was a great treat! I was really looking forward to it,” Hurd said.

Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community is located on the Wesley Village Campus in Shelton. 

The award-winning “Journey of Dreams” program was created on the campus to offer opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment of individual dreams. 

To learn about Crosby Commons or other dreams that have been fulfilled for residents, visit www.crosbycommons.org or call 203-225-5024.

Paul Hurd, seated. Pictured from left, Nick, pilot, Centennial Helicopters, Kelly Coppola, activities director, Crosby Commons, Cristina Sinanian, Hurd's daughter, and Lori Pisani, executive director, Crosby Commons./ Contributed photo 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Crosby Commons in Shelton grants wish to resident

Crosby Commons resident Marie Bawol poses with her daughter, Alison Cotter, during a special “trip to England” celebration, part of the community’s Journey of Dreams program./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Marie Bawol has lived as a resident of Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community for the past three years and has always dreamed of visiting England again. 

Although she has lived in the United States since she was 18, Marie was born and raised in Liverpool, England. She vividly remembers life during the bombings of World War II, and the difficulties that followed during and after the war. Even still, she longed for the chance to return again to the place she grew up, where many of her family members reside. After sharing her dream with Crosby staff, she was surprised with a special day to make her dream come true!

As part of the community’s Journey of Dreams program, staff and residents took “a trip to England” together with Marie!
On June 30, the community hosted a Tour of England celebration, with a traditional English meal prepared by the Crosby Commons Dining Services team, a tea party hosted by Bigelow Tea, and a musical performance by Brett Bottomley, who entertained residents on the Chapman Stick, a unique multi-string electric guitar. 

Lectures on English history were offered throughout the day, as well as a fun photo booth opportunity, which featured a giant double-decker London city bus that was custom-built by a staff member. Residents and staff posed behind the bus windows for pictures, which were then transformed into postcards and sent to friends and family members. 

In honor of her special day, Marie was presented with an album of photographs of the royal family, a china tea pot and tea cup, biscuits and jam, and English toffee. A champagne toast ended the day, along with a look back at the royal wedding celebration. 

“I didn’t realize the celebration was going to be so elaborate! It made me stop and think how lucky I am to have such a loving family here; at Crosby Commons and in England,” Marie said. “The day was absolutely fantastic.”

Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community is located on the Wesley Village campus in Shelton.

The award-winning “Journey of Dreams” program was created on the campus to offer opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment of individual dreams. 

To learn more about Crosby Commons or other dreams that have been fulfilled for residents, visit www.crosbycommons.org or contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.