Masonicare at Wesley Heights in Shelton to offer Alzheimer’s Association series

SHELTON - Masonicare at Wesley Heights is proud to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association this spring to offer "The Empowered Caregiver," an educational series designed to empower caregivers in navigating the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. 

Attendees will receive valuable tips on understanding key aspects of caregiving, managing finances, supporting independence, communicating effectively, responding to dementia-related behaviors, and exploring available care and support services.

Join us for this three-part series on Tuesday evenings in May from 5:30-7 p.m.

• Tuesday, May 13: Supporting Independence

• Tuesday, May 20: Communicating Effectively

• Tuesday, May 27: Exploring Care and Support Services

  All sessions will take place at Masonicare at Wesley Heights, an independent and assisted living community, located at 580 Long Hill Ave. A light dinner will be provided. Attendance at all three sessions is encouraged but not required. Register for one, two or all three sessions by contacting Lisa Bisson at lbisson@masonicare.org or 203-225-5027. RSVPs are required; space is limited.

  Individuals interested in learning more about Masonicare’s memory support community, Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights, are invited to arrive early on May 20 for a brief tour and an introduction to the community’s dementia care program. Please note your interest in this option when replying to reserve your tour.

  About the Alzheimer's Association

  The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. 

  About Masonicare:

  Masonicare is Connecticut's leading not-for-profit provider of senior living and healthcare services, offering a complete continuum of care tailored to meet the diverse needs of older adults. Visit alz.org or call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 for more information.

• Services range from independent and assisted living and memory care to skilled nursing, rehabilitation, senior behavioral health, medical and non-medical home health care, hospice, and palliative care. 

• Driven by a mission devoted to service excellence, Masonicare is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care that evolves with the needs of the seniors they serve. To learn more, visit masonicare.org or call 888.332.0033.

This is a press release from Masonicare at Wesley Heights in Shelton.

Celebrations honor veterans at Wesley Village senior living campus in Shelton

Crosby Commons resident and veteran Ed Nobile admires the World War II display at the Stratford Veterans Museum.

SHELTON - Members of the Wesley Village senior living campus recently recognized veterans with  events at Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The Shelton communities organized celebratory luncheons, patriotic entertainment, and heartfelt tributes to show appreciation for veterans’ sacrifice and service.

Gathering spaces across the campus were decorated in red, white, and blue. Community chefs took great care in preparing special menus and dessert offerings for the day. 

Residents and team members dressed in patriotic attire, and flags were flown with pride. 

Wesley Heights resident Beverly McNichol, left, shares a smile with Lead Resident Services Coordinator Donna Brice. 

Bev is a “Cadet Nurse” who attended nursing school during World War II when there was an incentive for women to assist in the national nursing shortage during wartime. 

At Crosby Commons, residents were honored at a special pinning ceremony, during which veterans were presented with a certificate of thanks and a military pin. 

Christine Thibault and Coast Guard veteran Denise Giattina of Compassus led the ceremony with Crosby resident and Navy veteran Father Steve Krugel, who offered an opening prayer.

Crosby residents also received a personal tour of the Stratford Veterans Museum with volunteer Bill O’Brien. They enjoyed the history, stories, and dedication to preserving the memories of Stratford veterans. Along for the tour was Crosby Commons' own Stratford veteran Dick Millward. The group admired the museum’s display of ceramic red poppies, inspired by a 2014 art installation of over 800,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London. Several symbolic poppies were purchased and gifted to Crosby Commons' veteran residents during the community’s Veterans Day luncheon. 

“Our veterans continue to mention how special it was to be recognized for their service during the various Veterans Day events,” said Crosby Commons Activities Director Lauren Donovan. “It is truly a privilege to honor them and an amazing display of community when we all come together for this important occasion.”

Wesley Heights residents and team members gathered for a ceremonial luncheon with a patriotic-themed menu and piano performance by resident Carol Osgood. 

Veterans were honored with a military hat noting their branch of service and along the community’s Veterans Wall of Honor, an inspiring display of photos and details recognizing each veteran. 

Residents and team members led the ceremony with words of gratitude, support, and patriotism.

Bishop Wicke Health & Rehabilitation Center hosted a Veterans Day ceremony with a presentation by centenarian John Kopchik, who shared poignant memories of serving in the U.S. Navy. 

Bishop Wicke Administrator Debra Samorajczyk led the ceremony, which brought together residents and patients, team members, and families for words of appreciation, patriotic songs, and a celebratory cake. Veterans received military hats that noted their branch of service before retiring the colors.

About Wesley Village: The Wesley Village senior living campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. offers a continuum of care: independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support/memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. 

The campus is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization with a 150-year legacy of caring. 

To learn more about the Wesley Village campus communities of Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact Megan Guastaferri at 

203-447-5454 or mguastaferri@umh.org. 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. 

Woman celebrates 100th birthday at Wesley Heights in Shelton

Wesley Village resident Anne Griffin celebrates her 100th birthday at Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights senior living community. She is pictured with her nephew, Richard Rosselli and his wife, Helen Rosselli./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Anne Griffin, a resident at Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights, commemorated her 100th birthday earlier this month. Griffin, a former librarian at a New York City school, brings a rich variety of experiences and an abundance of spirit to the community. 

Her passion for learning endures to this day, along with her ability to inspire the love of learning in others. This energetic centenarian begins each day by reading The New York Times and drinking her favorite beverage--coffee with cream. Later, she often continues reading the book she is currently engrossed in while enjoying various daily activities.

Lifestyle Transitions, an assisted living and memory care neighborhood, is part of the Wesley Heights senior living community on the Wesley Village Campus. Anne Griffin was the first resident to move into the neighborhood when it opened as a supportive memory care community nearly 10 years ago. 

Since then, she has continued to enjoy good health, engages in a variety of hobbies and social events, and thrives in the nurturing, supportive environment provided by Lifestyle Transitions. Members of the community held a birthday celebration in her honor to recognize the milestone.

Happily married for 40 years to Nathaniel Griffin, who passed away in 2010, Anne Griffin has always preferred immersing herself in the printed word, exploring new places, going to the theater, and shopping for exquisite treasures. She enjoys attending church, loves reminiscing about her travels, and looks forward to experiencing new adventures. She also doesn't shy away from a good meal with a delicious dessert!

Although her husband and only sibling have passed away, Griffin still maintains a positive outlook on life that charms her friends and staff at Wesley Village. Her companionship and lively conversation make her one of the community's well- known residents. 

In addition, the warm, caring environment on the campus allows Griffin and others to thrive as they spend their days talking about cherished memories, engaging in social activities, and taking delight in living their golden years to the fullest.

“Anne brings a wealth of experience and a zest for life that enriches our community,” says the staff at Wesley Village. “Her intellectual curiosity, active spirit, and positive outlook are an inspiration to all of us. We are grateful to have her in the Wesley Village family.”

About Wesley Village: Located at 580 Long Hill Ave., Wesley Village Senior Living Campus 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. 

Couple at Wesley Village in Shelton marks 70th wedding anniversary

Wesley Village residents Ken and Doris Steeves have lived at the campus for more than four years. They are pictured in their apartment at Crosby Commons a few years ago./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Longtime Wesley Village residents Ken and Doris Steeves celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary July 14.  

They have lived on the Shelton senior living campus since 2017. 

The couple commemorated the occasion with several special touches arranged by Wesley Village team members.

At Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community, Front Desk Manager Cathy Brelsford met Steeves as he was leaving the dining room after breakfast, all smiles and ready to visit Doris at Bishop Wicke Health Center, where she resides.

Brelsford and Steeves, who resides at Crosby Commons, posed with Maintenance Manager Jim Tomchik showing off the flowers and cake prepared for the anniversary visit. 

“It’s a big milestone," Steeves admitted with a smile. “Seventy years. Not a lot of people make it that long in a marriage. We’re grateful for each other and for the support of this campus.”

Wesley Village senior living campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. 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.    

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Heights resident in Shelton displays paintings at art show

Jim Horahan, center, welcomes Ben Schiano, and fellow residents Nancy Lenoce, Penny Alexander, and Willa Uzarski to his art show./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Jim Horahan, a resident of Wesley Heights, recently shared his paintings and artwork at an art show at Wesley Village.

Linda Fera, activity director at Wesley Heights, discovered Horahan had quite a collection of artwork in his apartment as well as in a storage unit.

“I was so surprised to find he had this hidden talent,” Fera said. “The artwork in his apartment was impressive on its own, but when I saw the photos of his other pieces, I just decided we needed to do this for him.”

Horahan, who is in his 70s, only started to paint about 20 years ago.  
He is completely self-taught and has created hundreds of pieces. Many of them are kept by family, while others hang in prestigious offices throughout Manhattan. 

“My dad had a gallery in Westport for some time," said Kathy McNeil, Horahan’s daughter who attended the show with her daughter Maggie. “He finds true joy in it,” she said.

Fera commented on how Horahan “was completely in his element,” while setting up for the show and staging his pieces.  

Karen Diez, Horahan’s other daughter, and Louis, his grandson, also attended the show.  According to Karen, Louis is the family member who inherited his grandfather’s artistic ability.

“He really is very talented,” she said. 

Horahan is just one of the many talented residents at Wesley Village.   
Throughout the year, each of the communities on campus host similar events to showcase residents’ artwork, collections, and memorabilia. 

Wesley Heights is part of the Wesley Village senior living campus, 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.

Wesley Heights residents in Shelton learn about food, beverage pairing

From left: Toni Gaites, Chef Richard Scaife, and Rebecca Montreuil designed the event, made the food, and created the pairings./ Contributed photo

SHELTON- Chef Richard Scaife and the dining team at Wesley Heights created what they called a “decadent experience of food and beverage pairing” for residents of the community. 

Residents enjoyed wine and beer samplings coupled with suggested food pairings. 

The culinary team worked together with local liquor store owner Linda Borgia from Linda’s Wine & Liquors on Bridgeport Avenue, a friend and sommelier Christian Carrone, and researched recommended pairings, such as serving a German Pilsner with a cranberry, cinnamon, and goat cheese roll. 

“There is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with chocolate and wine,” Scaife said. “But in true Wesley Village style, we wanted to bring something extra special to our residents and share an experience to remember.”

Other combinations included a Dill Havarti cheese with a Beaujolais, Smoked Gouda with a Bourbon Barrel Aged Chardonnay, and everyone’s favorite, Rose’ champagne with hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries.

Cook supervisor Rebecca Montreuil and Sous Chef Toni Gaites, worked alongside Chef Scaife to create the food and appropriate sampling displays.

The Thomas Hooker Chocolate Truffle Stout, which is brewed with locally made Munson’s Chocolate, was paired with chocolate covered bacon, a sweet madeira wine was served to complement the chocolate mousse cups, and a Bourbon Aged Cabernet was served with a sharp cheddar cheese.  
The residents were invited to enjoy a bubbling chocolate fountain with fruit, pretzels, and other dippables.

“It was wonderful,” said resident Pat Baker. “They had quite a selection, bacon with chocolate was different but good.”

It seems the chocolate-covered bacon garnered the most attention at the event.  

Fellow resident Nancy Lenoce was impressed by the overall elegance and delicious samplings, but definitely found the chocolate covered bacon “too good to be true!” 

The Wine & Chocolate Extravaganza was held in the dining room at Wesley Heights. 
Wesley Heights is part of the Wesley Village senior living campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. It is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The 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.

Residents, chef at Wesley Heights in Shelton share recipes, bake

Wesley Heights resident and baking club member Libby Floroski makes cookies./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - A group of six residents and Chef Richard Scaife of Wesley Heights, met on a recent Monday morning to mix up a Snickerdoodle recipe for their unique baking club.

“This recipe was one of my son’s favorites. My son is in his 70s, so I’ve been making Snickerdoodles for 70 years,” said Florence Chicos, a resident. 

Florence Chicos

The residents meet on a regular basis and share their own recipes and ideas with one another.  
Scaife supplies the ingredients, equipment, and space to make the process easier and more accessible for residents. 
Once the mixing of batter is complete and the cookies are placed on baking sheets, Scaife puts them in an industrial oven to bake. “Once everything is made, I package up the cookies, go to the residents' apartments and bring them what they made,” said Scaife. 

The Baker's Bakers club began as an initiative to reignite a shared passion for baking, by bringing people together and celebrating their heritage and traditions. 
“You name it and I must’ve tried it once,” said Chicos. “I used to love making wedding cakes. I made all of my boys’ wedding cakes and my nieces and nephews.” 

Many residents grew up in households where they learned cooking and baking skills at a young age and provided their families with special desserts or simply enjoyed baking as a hobby. 

“When I was 13, I was cooking for the family- I would make dinner. I was about the only one who would make a dessert. I would make pudding cake-just simple stuff,” said resident Libby Floroski. 

What makes this baking program so special is it allows residents the opportunity to bake for fun. “I’ve always like to bake and through the holidays I baked cookies. I made a platter for each person and in order to do that you had to make a lot of cookies. So, I would start baking three weeks before the holiday.  Everybody had a favorite cookie,” she said. 

Residents can enjoy the process of making cakes, bread, and cookies with others and not be overwhelmed by the prepping, organizing, and cleaning that goes along with it. 

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.

Caregiver workshop at Wesley Heights in Shelton to focus on conversation

SHELTON - You are invited to attend the Art of Conversation workshop April 27 for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. 

Based on techniques used by improv actors, this workshop is designed to help you respond to repetitive questions and confusing comments with engaging responses that will build purposeful and positive conversations.

This free workshop will be held from 1-3 p.m. April 27 in the activity room at Wesley Heights at Wesley Village, 580 Long Hill Ave.

Light refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP online (https://offers.umh.org/the-art-of-conversation-04/19) or to 203-225-5008 or lgustafson@umh.org.

*Please note this workshop is intended for the caregiver and NOT individuals with dementia.

This is a press release from Wesley Heights.

Wesley Village in Shelton to hold free training for caregivers

SHELTON - Join us at Wesley Village for a Training Program presented by the Alzheimer’s Association for caregivers, family members, and friends of loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

May 1 – 5:45 p.m.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

May 8 – 5:45 p.m.

Effective Communication Strategies

May 15 – 5:45 p.m.

Caregiver Health & Wellbeing

May 29 – 5:45 p.m.

Legal and Financial Issues

The free, four-part training program will be at Wesley Heights in the Activity Room on the Wesley Village campus, 580 Long Hill Ave. Please arrive by 5:45 p.m. 

Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required.

Please RSVP online at (https://offers.umh.org/living-with-dementia-04/19) or to Lisa Bisson at 203.225.5027 or via email lbisson@umh.org

*Please note this workshop is intended for the caregiver and NOT individuals with dementia.

Newsletter: O'Brien students help seniors, 5K in Ansonia raises funds

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Emmett O'Brien Tech students' community service project, 5K raises funds for American Cancer Society, more.

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph

Wesley Heights in Shelton to host seminar on Medicare

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.

Luncheon at Wesley Heights in Shelton recognizes centenarians

Centenarians celebrated at Wesley Heights in Shelton./Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village staff, residents, and guests gathered at Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community to celebrate the birthdays of six centenarians with a special luncheon June 22. 

The event recognized five Wesley Heights residents who had or would be celebrating 100 years or more during 2016. 

Residents who were honored included: Helen Hagner (102), Isabel Roberts (102), Edna Flanagan (100), Susan Perkins (100), and John Girolamo (100). 

Also honored at the event was former Wesley Heights resident, Minnie Sutton, who celebrated her 106th birthday in May.

Sutton now resides at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, which is also located on the Wesley Village senior living campus, along with Wesley Heights.

The event, organized by Wesley Heights Activities Director Linda Fera and Resident Services Coordinator Donna Brice, included special guest speakers Chaplain Cathy Nickse, Coordinator of Spiritual Care for Wesley Village; David Lawlor, President and CEO of United Methodist Homes; and  Mayor Mark Lauretti. 

Proclamations were issued to each centenarian and hand-delivered by Lauretti who posed for a photo with each honored resident. 

Lawlor shared words of wisdom from each of the centenarians and thanked them for their influence. “For all of the wisdom you bestow upon us and the way you support your fellow residents and our staff, we thank you very much for being part of Wesley Village. Happy Birthday!”

Wesley Village is a campus of senior living and care communities including Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Apartments and Cottages, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living & Memory Care, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus, located at 580 Long Hill Ave., is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. 

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.

Luncheon at Wesley Heights in Shelton recognizes centenarians

Centenarians celebrated at Wesley Heights in Shelton./Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village staff, residents, and guests gathered at Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community to celebrate the birthdays of six centenarians with a special luncheon June 22. 

The event recognized five Wesley Heights residents who had or would be celebrating 100 years or more during 2016. 

Residents who were honored included: Helen Hagner (102), Isabel Roberts (102), Edna Flanagan (100), Susan Perkins (100), and John Girolamo (100). 

Also honored at the event was former Wesley Heights resident, Minnie Sutton, who celebrated her 106th birthday in May.

Sutton now resides at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, which is also located on the Wesley Village senior living campus, along with Wesley Heights.

The event, organized by Wesley Heights Activities Director Linda Fera and Resident Services Coordinator Donna Brice, included special guest speakers Chaplain Cathy Nickse, Coordinator of Spiritual Care for Wesley Village; David Lawlor, President and CEO of United Methodist Homes; and  Mayor Mark Lauretti. 

Proclamations were issued to each centenarian and hand-delivered by Lauretti who posed for a photo with each honored resident. 

Lawlor shared words of wisdom from each of the centenarians and thanked them for their influence. “For all of the wisdom you bestow upon us and the way you support your fellow residents and our staff, we thank you very much for being part of Wesley Village. Happy Birthday!”

Wesley Village is a campus of senior living and care communities including Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Apartments and Cottages, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living & Memory Care, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus, located at 580 Long Hill Ave., is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. 

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 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.