Happy New Year!

Hi All!

Our Van Driver is out getting the champagne for our combined Birthday/New Years Eve Party !  Hurray!

Later this week we have our Holiday party with hordevours, Surf and Turf <Ed comes in- helping us get our parking lot clean of snow> and the former lead singer of The Platters will entertain.

We are looking forward to A Happy and Healthy New Year!  We wish you the same!

Emily

shootings

After all is said and done and the conversations of helping our fellow humans and gun control begin, and 28, yes 28 candles are lit, this poem says it best for me:

Edna St. Vincent Millay

I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind:
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Crowned
With lilies and with laurel they go; but I am not resigned.
Lovers and thinkers, into the earth with you.
Be one with the dull, the indiscriminate dust.
A fragment of what you felt, of what you knew,
A formula, a phrase remains, --- but the best is lost. The answers quick & keen, the honest look, the laughter, the love,
They are gone. They have gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled
Is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know. But I do not approve.
More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world. Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.

Greetings!

happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate!  We are having a nightly service in the foyer and a Latke party Thursday.

Today's dilemma was red or off-white ribbon on the tree.
The residents left the Atheneum inspired.

Pictures to follow.
Good to be here,
Emily

New Activities Scheduled

Guess What! 

Our planners have been meeting and here is the new Activities schedule for our Wednesday trips:


11/21 O'Porto restaurant for lunch (I went with a group from church and it was fantastic.  The building has quite a bit of history too).  it is on Park Road

11/28 Basketball Hall of Fame!  Golden Corral for lunch (but they are still taking lunch suggestions also)

12/5 Wadsworth Atheneum Festival of Trees

12/12 Trip to a nursing home to visit (nice).

12/13 Traveler's Choral at the Bushnell (free with a donation of a non-perishable food item).  This is a Thursday night event.

12/19 Bristol Plaza and Century Buffet

12/26 Shady Glen Restaurant and Memory Lane Antiquing

Wouldn't it be FUN to live here!?

Take a virtual tour (and hear my voice) at
www.canterburyretirement.com

We're having a PROM!

Hi All!

I am sorry, I have been slow to blog...really since my dad passed away in February.  I am just getting back to my old self I guess.

  What a great thing we have to look forward to at The Canterbury...

It all started when Rachel from the University of Hartford called.
She asked if the new members of the sororities and fraternities could have a PROM here for us.

I said (a resounding) YES!!!!

She said, and reiterated this when we met today, she had called all over to nursing homes, assisted and independent Living facilities and everyone told her NO, that it was not what they were looking for.

She said "and you were so excited".

I remember being extremely excited when she called!  I remember her saying she had been calling around all day and did I really mean it.

Am I missing something?  They aren't bringing a keg or anything (I asked).
The theme will be a masquerade ball; they will provide the dj, horsdevours, masks, etc. (who knows what these young fertile minds will come up with)

I took some pictures of them organizing today...and meeting some of the (also enthused) residents.

Let me go get them.........

Okay- that's my dad visiting me in Connecticut from Buffalo (isn't he cute?). Sorry, got distracted.

I stayed up too late watching the election and the worry about our storm Sandy victims also has me a little , um, scattered.  Our Property manager may bring a truck full of gifts and supplies down to New Jersey himself.

 

Here they are, Rachel and Tiffany from the Uof H- Go Greek life!

 

When they left, our resident Nora said, "That is the best age in a human life".

xo everyone,
Emily

All is Well

Hi Friends-
I am really enjoying listening to the Bible Study being held next door to the office in the lounge.  A group from outside, friends of our residents, join in.
Our van driver has taken people to the grocery store...
the fax machine is ringing...
All is well.
Emily

We saved a life!

10.10.12

Hi All!

I have to share, because of our housekeeper checking on someone this morning the life of one of our residents was saved. No lie.

Of course I can not get onto the details.

I need the adrenalyn back I used this morning....fading fast!

Peace to all who read this :)
Emily

"Take Time to Dream"

Hi All :-D

Oh my, a resident flipped my plan for this blog....she came in and announced our entertainer and friend lost his dad.  She even had two cards in her hand, one from us, Canterbury residents and staff and one from her.  What a nice gesture! That really had me take stock and change gears for a minute.

A working title for today's blog should be Our Town, or Our Residents.  The reason I came here was walking by a residents door and seeing a little sticker, that said a lot.

Take Time To Dream.

I think I have said enough, and I believe you get still another picture of life at The Canterbury.  I will leave you time to dream :)

It's nice here, cozy in the building with a gentle rain outside.  Come on over.

Emily
Canterburyretirement@yahoo.com

What the cook left...and more.

yum!

What I brought for a staff member's birthday :)

A busy Canterbury resident

A monument we visited...can you guess which one?

Another place we went...does this look familiar?

Get your answers at The Canterbury!

860.232-4833

and ask for Emily

 

 

 

 

This time of year

Hi All!

I think this time of year is the best around here.  We can still enjoy our lovely patio yet inside just seems cozier.

Our residents are enjoying rides to grocery shopping today, and it is nice that their shopping bags are delivered right to their kitchen counter.

We will enjoy getting together to listen to piano music this afternoon.

By the way, Bob, our fill-in van driver (Brian is driving across country on vacation), picked up some muffins for coffee hour:

"Cinnamon, bananna, raisin, bran...a lot of good ones" he says.

See you soon, it's good to be at The Canterbury.  See for yourself, Come take a tour today!

canterburyretirement@yahoo.com

E mail me and we will set it up, or call 860-232-4833

Take Care!

Emily

Going places!

Hi all!

We have a new list of trips we are taking-hurray!

Here is the scedule:

9/12 REIN'S DELI AND NEARBY THRIFT SHOP
9/19 LYMAN ORCHARDS
9/26 PEQUOT MUSEUM AND MOHEGAN SUN
10/3 ESSEX STEAM TRAIN
10/10 YANKEE CANDLE AND CRACKER BARREL
ALSO WE WILL GO TO WALGREEN'S AND CVS EVERY OTHER WEEK (9/12 AND 9/26)

So...If you lived here you could get a ride to lots of FUN. 

Our residents got together and made some great plans, dont you think?

Hope you are well, and ready for fall.

Good to see you again (I never get here as much as I want to),

Emily

Open House

Hi Everyone!

We had a fabulous Open House last week with our neighbors at The Holiday.  Check out the pictures on Facebook,  or Email me at Canterburyretirement@yahoo.com and I will send you a link.  Please  put Open House in the subject line.

If you are not "internet saavy" give me a call: (860) 232-4833

Hope you are enjoying Summer!

Emily

Dinner; something to blog about

Hi everyone!

My goodness!  Staring me in the face when I opened the Canterbury fridge was a Lobster face-eek!

Quite a dinner served here last night, along with potato salad with dill and tomatoes with mozzarella cheese, balsamic vinegar (and more dill-yummy).

I checked, the price was $15-.  Not bad!  Dessert, salad, drinks etc. all included.  I pay one price for the month, a discounted rate.

If you would like to visit and come to dinner please contact me at 860-232-4833, or email me with "dinner" in the subject line at Canterburyretirement@yahoo.com

Thanks!  and happy August.  Enjoy the blue moon.

Emily

Coming Soon: Open House! Everyone Invited!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

11:00am until 3:00pm

Join us in Celebrating a Fun for all Ages Event Free Lunch - including Hot Dogs and Dessert Live Entertainment, Games, Activities For the Children - A Petting Zoo (cow, horses, baby goats, chickens) Free entry Raffle – GIFT CARDS AND GRAND PRIZE BRAND NEW 40" HDTV* *Must take tour to qualify for grand prize. Come check us out and see what the fuss is all about on: Wednesday August 15th 11am-3pm Event held at: Holiday and Canterbury Retirement 39 and 45 Highland Street, West Hartford, CT 06119 (860) 233-8208 RSVP requested but not required http://www.holidayretirement.com/overview3.aspx

our Queue

Hi Everyone!

Every Saturday we have a movie.  Our resident, Marna, runs them.  You may remember her as the mom of the big white bunny Timothy who we are all invited to visit.  She is multi-talented and knows much about many things, including antiques (she is a former antiques store owner).  Her photography has been on exhibit here for some time.

We have so many interesting people here...

and we have so many interesting films thanks to Marna.

Happy Monday everyone, hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Take good care,

Emily

BTW

 By The Way-

 I can not help but to tell you our Head Housekeeper, on vacation for all of 3 days, texted me on my personal cell phone at 10:17am: "I'm missing you guys.  How are you?  Everything OK there"?

 I told her "we are fine, go to the BEACH"!

 Later I texted that we are having all our stairs and landings professionally cleaned (she LIKES     that)!

Community.  It's what we have here.
Please do Email me if you would like to know more:
Canterburyretirement@yahoo.com

:)  See you soon 

Community

Hi Everyone-

Final plans have been made to have a memorial service for one of our residents.  It is being held here, at The Canterbury.  Her church service has been held and was well attended but her Canterbury friends just need to do more. 

I was looking at pictures of the huge prayer vigil in Colorado.  It's difficult to get reports and projects done, brochures mailed, as we are one big family mourning with the 13 families who have lost a member.  13 because the man I don't care to name, the shooter, is obviously gone and lost too, just in a different way.

And all those poor people recovering...

I just feel so sad that the young shooter didn't get the help he obviously so obviously needed...sad he didn't have people paying attention to his mental health and state of mind.

No one paying attention, that's a crime too.

At Canterbury you can keep to yourself, avoid activities and services, but no one gets lost...that's what community is.

I sat outside for a moment today with one of our residents and she pointed out the cloudless blue, blue sky. It was peaceful.  She noticed the birds weren't as active at the feeder today and my guess was they were staying in the shade of this warm day.  I joked that she was properly appreciating her retirement.  She responded how nice it is to be around the people here.  She, a former popular Realtor in town, is used to being busy and having people around.  Now that she is retired she is glad to be here, with people to talk to. She is the oldest member of her country club she shared.  She brought one of our newer residents there recently.

Even our competition loves us, they just brought me chocolate chip cookies and peeked around to see what we are doing right.  We must be doing something right because in September we will have been here 25 years!

I must go give some cookies away!

Take good care,

Emily

sad

Hi all-
We are sad about what happened in Colorado...

and glad we have each other.

:) Emily

He's here!

Brian just walked in the door! (10:18AM) :-)

Hi everyone!

Woohooo- Had some positive feedback- How NICE!!!!  Thank-you! :-)  I am ALL SMILES now!

Our seniors are happily altering ("manipulating" connotates negativity-lol) the field trip and I am trying to reach the van driver to have him come in an hour early so our residents can get to both Ocean State Job Lot AND Concetta's restaurant.  He needs to be back by 2PM to take those who signed up to Walgreen's and CVS.

 I'll guess he is out doing yardwork.

So, by the time I finish this blog we will see if he gets my message and is able to be here an hour early :-)

"Cleaning is hard work" I said to our head Housekeeper Hilda earlier, as I helped wipe down the desk where the sign in book is.

"Cleaning is hard work but it clears the mind", she replied.  She is wise.  I feel like I know her parents, their wisdom repeated in so many of her words.  Her dad is gone, as is mine as of February, and her mom is recovering with family support.  She is so grateful.

When I returned Monday we found out a beloved resident had a massive stroke.  She passed away shortly after and we are grieving.

It is interesting how differently we handle grief as individuals.  Some cry, some clean, others cry AND clean (lol).  My sister, bless her heart, cleaned out our beachouse from top to bottom while I swooped in on week two to provide support.  She is too far away to even use the house but she was honoring a promise.  It's good to be around people with such integrity.  Also it was a way for her to grieve as she unearthed momentos and photos and we re-lived many memories through the items and photos she found.

It's good to have family.  We were family to the lady we just lost, just as much as her own.  We knew what made her sad and happy, and shared her life on a daily basis.  I'm sad, I've lost a good friend.

Anice young man named Ryan just called back wondering where he had to be at 10:30, I had dialed the wrong number!  I knew it and called Brian back, but didn't know what number I'd called so I didn't try to figure it out.  Ryan was cute!  he said "I got a message, Ryan, you need to be at ? at 10:30.  I can tell I would like him.

Okay, it's 10:05 and i have not heard back from Brian, our Van Driver.  I will keep you posted.

Thank-you to the person who posted a kind comment.  I appreciate it!

Take Care, and it's okay to cry ;-)
But if you want to have fun, laugh, and get to know some great people, come on over to The Canterbury for a tour!
Emily

Hi Everyone!

I just returned from vacation to see my family and guess what...returned to my family here!

This place is amazing!

The peopl, the facility, the grounds...come on over and see for yourself!

We would love to show you around!

Emily :o)
45 Highland Street
in between Fern St. and Farmington Avenue

860. 232-4833

We have the most interesting people here!

See for yourself:

With Flag day coming I thought this would be a nice prelude.
Have a wonderful day!
Emily

Aging parents need:
-To be included in the family :)
-To be treated with respect :]
-Help handling health issues :}
-To stay connected: Intellectually, spiritually, and socially :>

Something to blog about.

Well good morning and Happy Monday!

We have had some excitement this morning, but wait, I'll tell you about that later.  I have something to show you first.

I received a note about pretty flowering plants that our residents Linda and Rita had purchased for our gardens.  Just now, Rita came in with a Thank-you note from a fellow resident who is doing most of the gardening.  Here she is:

Eunice not only works tirelessly around the gardens, she takes care of the Thank-You notes also!
As an aside: I thought it was neat that the colors on the Thank-you note matched her outfit exactly!
While I was writing this out van driver Brian, marvelled that he made a copy on our new(ish) copier without messing up!  Hurray for Brian!

So, when I was coming in this morning, I noticed a chipmunk where a brick should be. Here's a visual:

AND, Elma from housekeeping later informed me there was a chipmunk in the building!  He was in the basement.  I called next door (The Holiday) for back up, to no avail.  Hilda from housekeeping came off the elevator and said "here he is" and I watched as the little varmit...no...I looked it up it's vermin (lol) scurried down the hallway!

What I did next was BRILLIANT AND BRAVE!  I opened the center front and back doors, and ran around to the side door where he was running.  Then I pounded the broom (hard- I was scared he would run over my sandaled feet) on the ground as he (or she) ran out the door.  That little guy (or gal) was so scared and disoriented he ran back and forth out front for a minute before hiding!  Glad I had my wheaties this morning.  Sure beats a medical emergency!

I did however, break the broom:

So that's my story from the house this beautiful morning.  Come on over and check out our beautiful grounds, and Chipmunk free living :)
Good to see you again,
Emily

Getting here

Wow- They have changed the face of Blogger.  Getting here was a round trip!  I wanted to tell you all how nice it was to go to Bristow Middle School yesterday.  We had good conversation about the book Homeless Bird.  I found it relaxing to see Canterbury from the other side of the street!  We have such a lovely building :)  Here is where I should insert a photo!
Next time.
If you would like to see our building please go to our facebook pages or click here www.canterburyretirement.com
It's a great day to be at The Canterbury!

Encouragement and Support

Hi Everyone!
It has been way too long!

I have been trying to pen a note to you about encouragement and support, the kind you get here at The Canterbury.

This idea grew after a board meeting we had recently.
Someone mentioned the great things we are doing on the internet.  It made me want to get busy and to do more!

It is one thing to do well at something, it is another to do well and get support and encouragement for your efforts.  Here's a visual:

This is Barbara.  She just returned from her doctor's office where he gave her a "celebrating hope" bear.  I asked if she wanted to tell you more about this and she looked at the picture and said "it tells the whole story".  Celebrating with her doctor, then with me, and soon her friends at Canterbury makes her experience with prolonged good health all the richer!

We strive to have consistency in the office, a smile, no negativity, criticism or gossip.

"I heard your voice, you are young and I feel better around youger people" Nora says to me.  "They think and feel different" she adds.  She likes to get a boost from the energy of the Office Attendant, especially on rainy days.  Her vision is declining and life is especially difficult for her on cloudy days.  Nora moved in with her husband, and when he passed away her son asked if she would like to come live with him.  She replied that she wants to stay here.  "I need people because once I get involved in old thoughts I can not solve anything or do anything".  "You release your thoughts and your brain gives you a break"

Tomorrow a resident gets radium and chemo. treatments.  We have it on our wall calendar here in the office, and will be with her every step of the way to encourage and support this person.

I guess that's what you call family.  We are your Canterbury family. . . Soooo Come on over!

Sincerely,
Emily

Heat Wave and Shuttle Discovery

Wow!
How did you like that heat wave yesterday!  It seems a little cooler today.
In the past people would take cold showers or put their feet in cold water or ice.

"The heat seems harder to take now" said a resident who just left the office.

Thank goodness for air conditioning!

We are taking residents to their doctor's appointments today.  Many got together to view the Shuttle landing.  A favorite part was the little American flag waving out a window as they came in.

All is well.
Take Care,
Emily :)

Beautiful and Happy

Hi All!  Happy Spring!

I just read a post from a facebook friend:

"Being beautiful doesn't make you happy, but being happy makes you beautiful".

No wonder all our residents are so beautiful!!!!!!!!!! 

Our residents rode the van to the grocery store this morning and will enjoy having our Van Driver carry their groceries to their apartments. 

For $1195. a month, including utilities and services, you can't get a regular 1 br apartment in West Hartford it seems.  We get a lot of calls from people under 55 years old complaining about what they see.  Sorry, we wish we could help!

Enjoy your Monday, and I hope no one fooled you too badly yesterday!

Happy April!
Emily

Best Float!

Good morning everyone!

It IS a Happy Monday here at The Canterbury!

I can usually tell when someone hasn't been here before.  They often pull on the front door instead of ringing the doorbell (our building is secured).

Today I heard someone pull on our door and when I went to greet him what did I find?

 A gentleman from the Park Road Playhouse carrying this:

I am trying so hard to remember my manners and not gloat, so I will just end this note to say Thank-You, we are honored to be a part of this wonderful event in West Hartford!

Emily

Supported and smiling

Hi all-

One thing that is true at Canterbury is you will feel supported!  Here is an example:

When I returned from my sad events there were cards...lots of them, and flowers!

A huge group of residents had gotten together to make a donation to a charity in my dad's name.

One gal who fills in for me works at a bank.  She paid attention to the one month anniversary of my dad's passing and asked if I'd like the day off.  She says she feels wonderful when she comes here, everyone is so warm and caring (she has had major losses of her own).  She wants to know if I want to have a long weekend "off".  She is doing for me what I wasn't doing for myself because she cares.  She said our van driver told her "thank-you for giving Emily a day off" and told me "you are loved" here.

Perhaps it is our size, maybe it is the length of time employees have invested in their careers here, certainly it is our wonderful residents who set the tone...Canterbury is truly a nice place to be!

If you are reading this because you are wondering if your parent will get support if he/she/they move in- they will!

Even our mailman is a riot!  I commented on how his hair had grown and he said he was having it cut today.  I suggested bangs and he talked about his ideas.  "Whatever I do I'm going to look good", he said.  Ha!

I'm smiling!

Take good care and be happy.

Emily

I had to come back.  Our former Live-In-Attendant is here helping a resident and she spotted another resident, and embraced her like a sister (this resident is one of the sweetest, kindest ladies I personally have ever met).  They re-created it for me so I could share it with you.  Unfortunately the first picture is a little blurry (charging the battery now) but here you go:

March

Hi Everyone!
Happy March.

I have been quiet because my dad passed away in February.  They say "a picture is worth a thousand words", so...here is my family:

 I am the youngest.   Dad was 85 years old.

Here's Mom and Dad:

As a staff member so eloquently put it; I picked the good parents card, and I'm lucky.  Grief is not easy.  Perhaps some of our readers could chime in and give suggestions about coping with grief.  We would love to hear from you.  "We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now. Martin Luther King, Jr.  We need each other!

Take care everyone,

Emily

Predictions

Hi Everyone!

Even though it is a little colder outside, that famous groundhog in Pennsylvania did not see his shadow, so spring surely is right around the corner!  Phew!  After last years winter it is nice to have a break from piles of snow.  Did you notice I don't have my facts straight?  Hmmnnn...maybe I do...

According to Stormfax.com,  Phil is accurate 39 percent of the time.

Due to the unusually warm winter we've been having, hopefully he'll be wrong this year.

According to the Weather Channel's website,  63 percent of the country was covered in snow last year. Unless a giant blizzard pops up in the near future, the U.S. won't even come close this year – barely 25 percent of the country is covered in snow. Alaska, Seattle and Midland Texas are above average, but ski resorts around the country are making their own snow because their slopes are bare, and in the upper plains, the snow is needed to ward off drought conditions.

Back to West Hartford,

On for today at The Canterbury:

Ride to the grocery store, multi-cultural hour, chair exercises, and we are crocheting hats for kids who have Cancer. 

We do have a few more colder days before spring arrives, so don't forget your coat.  Did you know your hands and head lose much of the heat from your body?  So keep them covered and you wont feel the cold as much. 

Until we meet again, T-H-I-N-K  S-P-R-I-N-G!

Big Hugs (remember, it's the love month),
Emily

Gratitude

Hi Everyone!

I just asked someone what he was grateful for and I realized that I am grateful for being the hub here at The Canterbury.  We all need somewhere safe to "land", and we usually call that place home.

The office is an integral part of this home, it is the hub, the safe place to land.

I am lucky to be able to help and be here for our residents.  It is an honor and a privilege.

With whom or where is your safe place to land?

It is a beautiful day today, this first day of February!  I hope you readers get outside and breathe the fresh air.

Happy February!

Get ready for Valentine's Day - one resident suggested we make that hug everybody day, "and instill in each other that we all love one another".

 I couldn't have said it better myself!

I wish you all a wonderful month full of love!

Emily

Power outs!

Hi Everyone! 

How is your January going?  We have had a lot of celebrations, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  One resident had a 90 years young birthday bash in the dining room, and another had a 55 years young celebration in the Rec. Room!

We are having a resident meeting today and one thing I am reminding our residents is this:

If you have a power out, call CL&P at 860-947-2000 and they may have information for you.  They then report it to the field.  If just one resident calls, they figure it might be something in the apartment.  If you all call, they know the whole complex has an issue. The same is true if you are in your individual home.

I learned this when I volunteered for a town emergency management operations, straight from the CL&P representative, and I called today to confirm it and they said it is true, true, true!

One of the owners is working on having our electric costs lessened by adding the bills together.  There is always a member of the team working to help us run more efficiently, that's why we not only are one of the oldest Retirement Communities on the area, we are probably the most affordable.

Stop on in and say hello.  I'll give you a brochure and show you around.

Looking forward to meeting you!

Emily

The Difference

Happy New Year Everyone!

I am puling out boxes of pictures I have at home, one box at a time.  My motivation is a favor for a friend who lost his daughter to a brain tumor when she was only seven years young.  I love taking pictures and I have some great photographs of her over the years that he wants to see.

Our Property Manager Jeff (his dad, Aunt and Uncle built Canterbury) has a big heart.  One lady was planning a move to Canterbury from a big house across the street from Elizabeth Park.  She had to pick and choose her favorite things, and one HUGE china cabinet would not fit.  Jeff cares.  Jeff is a problem solver.

Here's what he did:

He didn't ask for money, or even thanks.  He just got the job done! His family owns much of the equiptment that other places have to rent and therefore he saves us A LOT of money!

That's why you will find our prices to be the same as in an ordinary apartment down the street with no services!

Guess who just walked in!

:)

XO Emily