Vendors wanted for 2015 Wesley Village Craft Fair and TEAM Festival of Trees

SHELTON >> Wesley Village, a campus of senior living communities located at 580 Long Hill Ave., is seeking vendors for their annual Wesley Village Craft Fair and TEAM Festival of Trees. The fair will be held Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. each day. If you are looking for a well-attended event in which to sell your special crafts, we have 8’ tables available for $50 a day. Please contact Barbara Quinn, director of Volunteer Services at Wesley Village, at 203-944-8292, to reserve your table.

This is a press release from Marissa Salvesen, marketing and promotions manager for United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Village Staff honored by United Methodist Homes

Top Row (L to R): Larry Johnson, Richard Scaife (also pictured with Joan Jakiela
and Tor Alston, from UMH’s Middlewoods communities)

Bottom Row (L to R): Veleka Coon, Kathy Vayda, Donna Brice, and Marissa Salvesen

Wesley Village employees were recognized by United Methodist Homes (UMH) for winning the organization’s annual Values in Action Award. The award, presented at UMH’s annual Employee Recognition Celebration dinner Oct. 30, is given in recognition of employees who have demonstrated extraordinary behavior that exemplifies the organization’s core values of Respect, Spirituality, Excellence, Collaboration, and Stewardship. All employees are eligible to be nominated or to nominate any of their team members and are encouraged to do so for any co-workers who demonstrate any or all of these core values. One individual from each of United Methodist Homes’ six communities is chosen to receive the award. Wesley Village award recipients included: Kathy Vayda (Crosby Commons); Donna Brice (Wesley Heights Assisted and Independent Living Community); Larry Johnson, Veleka Coon, and Richard Scaife (Bishop Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center); and Marissa Salvesen (UMH). The staff were nominated by managers and co-workers for their professionalism, positive attitudes, flexibility, and the excellent care they provide to the residents. They were recognized with a monetary award and a trophy and were praised by their supervisors for their outstanding character and service.

Also honored at the event were 29 employees who were recognized for their length of service of 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25, and 30 years with United Methodist Homes. Twenty-three UMH employees were also acknowledged for 5 years of service to the organization. Over 150 staff from all of UMH’s healthcare and senior living communities around the state attended the event, which was held at Oronoque Country Club in Stratford. United Methodist Homes, a local, faith-based not-for-profit organization based in Shelton, is proud to work with such a wonderful team of staff. For more information about our mission, vision, and values, visit our website at http://www.umh.org/.

This is a press release from Marissa Salvesen, marketing and promotions manager for United Methodist Homes.

Shelton's United Methodist Homes receives award for senior living e-book

SHELTON >> United Methodist Homes (UMH) received a Silver Award for their e-book, “The ABC’s of Assisted Living,” in the category of web-based resources and tools for senior living in the 23rd annual National Mature Media Awards Program.

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

A collaborative effort of 26 different staff members, residents and family members, the book provides an introduction to the world of assisted living from “A to Z." It discusses the importance of communication, supporting independence, building relationships, staff longevity and more.

To download the free e-book, visit http://www.umh.org/assisted-living-ebooks-whitepapers.

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

UMH provides assisted and independent living housing and healthcare options in several locations in Connecticut and one in Tennessee. Among them are Wesley Village (Shelton, CT), Middlewoods of Farmington (Farmington, CT), Middlewoods of Newington (Newington, CT), and Foxbridge (Memphis, Tennessee).

This is a press release from  Marketing and Promotions Manager Marissa Salvesen, United Methodist Homes.

Community in Shelton hosts 'Disney Day' for resident

Mickey Mouse visits Dorothy Cotton, 99, at an event held for her last week at Crosby Commons at Wesley Village in Shelton. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - At Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community, everyone understands that no matter what your age, you still have dreams; places you want to go, things you want to do, milestones to achieve.

Ninety-nine year-old Crosby resident Dorothy Cotton had always wanted to go to Walt Disney World and never had the chance to visit the theme parks with her family.
Her wish became part of the “Journey of Dreams” program and the Crosby team set to work making her dream come true. Last Thursday Crosby Commons hosted “Disney Day” in honor of Cotton, bringing the world of Walt Disney to the comfort of her home.

The day was filled with Disney-themed festivities, including a Disney parks travelogue, Disney trivia, a 3D roller coaster ride, Disney music by John Redgate, photos with Disney characters, and a “Dance into Disney” performance by the Rita Tottenham School of Dance.

Staff and residents joined in on the fun, wearing “Mickey Mouse” ears and dressing up for the occasion. Dorothy posed for a photo with “Mickey Mouse” after being crowned as a Disney princess and presented with a commemorative Walt Disney book, mug, and of course, a magic wand. “It was delightful,” Cotton said. “I enjoyed it tremendously. I had never been to Disney and finally it came to me.”

Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community is located on the Wesley Village Campus on Long Hill Avenue.
 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 203-225-5000.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Nursing facility in Shelton wins honor

Employees at Bishop Wicke in Shelton show their pride. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center was recently selected by U.S. News and World Report to receive a Best Nursing Homes Ranking for 2014, a title they had also won in 2013. 
U.S. News rated nearly 16,000 nursing homes across the country in an effort to help caregivers and families find the best nursing home for their loved one. 

At the top of the Connecticut nursing homes list are those with a rating of five stars from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for their overall performance in health inspections, nurse staffing and quality of medical care. 

About 32 percent of all nursing homes in Connecticut earned an overall five-star rating, including Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

To view the rankings by location, visit http://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes.

Bishop Wicke offers short-term rehab and skilled nursing care, including specialized programs for surgical recovery, orthopedics, cardiac and respiratory rehab, heart failure and more. 

The newly-renovated facility is on the Wesley Village Campus at 584 Long Hill Ave. and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, not-for-profit organization. 

For information about relationship-centered care at Bishop Wicke, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or call 203-929-5321. 


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Village in Shelton welcomes director

Carlene Rhea

SHELTON - Wesley Village has welcomed Carlene Rhea as the Director of Mission Development, a new position which will serve the entire organization of United Methodist Homes.
Rhea is a seven-year employee of UMH, having worked for the organization as the Executive Director of Middlewoods of Farmington, a UMH assisted and independent living community in Farmington.

Providing outstanding leadership and resident care, Rhea helped create the award-winning, relationship based community, which is recognized by several state and national awards for excellence in senior living.

In her new role, Rhea will be cultivating the 140-year mission of United Methodist Homes, ensuring that UMH continues its spirit of caring services by supporting health, independence and dignity through a relationship-centered approach.
Rhea will be working closely with residents, families, staff, community members and all those who comprise the UMH family.

UMH also welcomes Katie Mauriello as the new Executive Director of Middlewoods of Farmington. Katie has worked in a variety of capacities with residents and families in assisted living communities for over 10 years, and will assume the new leadership role in March. 
Mauriello was drawn to UMH because of its long history of serving seniors, its award-wining communities and dedication to its mission.

Wesley Village, a campus of senior care communities including Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Assisted and Independent Living Apartments and Cottages, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, is owned and operated by UMH, a local, faith-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community.
The campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave.
To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, please visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.



This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Facility in Shelton recognizes employees

United Methodist Homes staff members gather for a photo at a recent Employee Recognition Celebration dinner. / Contributed photo

 SHELTON - Wesley Village employees recently were recognized by United Methodist Homes for winning the organization’s annual Values in Action Award.
The award, presented at UMH’s annual Employee Recognition Celebration dinner Oct. 24, is given in recognition of employees who have demonstrated extraordinary behavior that exemplifies the organization’s core values of respect, spirituality, excellence, collaboration, and stewardship.

All employees are eligible to be nominated or to nominate any of their team members and are encouraged to do so for any co-workers who demonstrate any or all of these core values.
One individual from each of United Methodist Homes’ six communities is chosen to receive the award.
Wesley Village award recipients included: Clifford Holcomb Jr., a driver for Wesley Heights Assisted and Independent Living Community, Angel Randall, a certified nursing assistant for Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Dorothy Anschau, a certified nursing assistant for Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community.

The staff members were nominated by managers and co-workers for their professionalism, positive attitudes, flexibility, and the excellent care they provide to residents. They were recognized with a monetary award and a trophy and were praised by their supervisors for their outstanding character and service.

Also honored were 37 employees who were recognized for their length of service ranging from 10 to 45 years with United Methodist Homes.

Twenty-seven UMH employees were also acknowledged for five years of service to the organization. Nearly 200 staff from all of UMH’s healthcare and senior living communities around the state attended the event, which was held at Oronoque Country Club in Stratford.

For more information visit www.umh.org.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Residents of Shelton facility enjoy vaudeville show

Performer Elaine Jacobs wows Crosby Commons residents. / Contributed photo 

SHELTON - The vaudeville act, “Make ‘Em Laugh & Sing,” from Manchester, Mass. recently visited Crosby Commons Assisted Living community in Shelton as part of the Journey of Dreams program at the assisted living community on the Wesley Village campus.

The vaudeville team fulfilled a life-long wish for Crosby Commons’ resident Bob Shields, of being part of a vaudeville act. 
Shields thoroughly enjoyed the knee-slapping humor and one-liners from a talented family of vaudevillians, Elaine and Robert Jacobs, Stephen Vrattos, and Thankful Bert.

The Journey of Dreams program invites residents living on the Wesley Village campus (Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Crosby Commons and Wesley Heights independent and assisted living communities) to write down their personal wishes, goals, or desires. 

Staff enlists the assistance of family, friends, and volunteers to make each resident's dream become a reality. 
Regardless of the types of wishes, the emphasis is on helping residents continue to achieve their goals, no matter where they are on life’s journey.  
 
For information visit http://umh.org.journey-of-dreams.
  


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Tradition continues at Wesley Village

'Blessing of the Hands' held Monday

Rev. Jim Stinson, Director of Spiritual Life, takes part in the 'Blessing of the Hands' with Barbara Quinn, Director of Volunteer Services at Wesley Village in Shelton. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - The “Blessing of the Hands” at Wesley Village is a tradition that began 11 years ago and continues to this day.  

On Monday staff gathered to celebrate each other’s work and dedication with a “Blessing of the Hands”; as part of an ongoing effort to address the spiritual needs of the staff, all of whom are engaged in caring for people advancing in age, many of whom have a variety of physical and emotional needs. 

The “Blessing of the Hands” is a series of events, to accommodate everyone on staff.  In all of them the leader shares thoughts about the ‘work of our hands’ (housekeeping, maintenance, nursing, bookkeeping, administering, and the like). 

The reflections call attention to the reality that no one person or department is more or less needed.   Only a team effort allows Wesley Village to deliver quality care and service. The ‘hands’ of others on the staff enable everyone’s task. 

At the end of the reflections, the leader puts oil on the hands of the person next to her/him, sharing words of appreciation for the work that person performs. 

That person repeats the process with the next person, who continues to ‘pass the blessing’ until all have shared in the act of acknowledging another person’s work.

It has grown in popularity over the years, both in numbers attending, and in the people in those numbers. Responding to specific request, this staff renewal has grown to include residents, resident’s family members and friends.  

Wesley Village, 580 Long Hill Ave., is a campus for living comprised of Bishop Wicke Health Center, Crosby Commons, and Wesley Heights assisted and independent living communities.  It is part of United Methodist Homes, a local, not-for-profit organization with a 125-year tradition of caring. 

Visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This information is taken from a press release from Wesley Village.

Volunteer at Wesley Village, help seniors lead fuller lives

SHELTON - Volunteering for Wesley Village can be a highly rewarding experience. 

Operated by United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village provides a wide range of opportunities for volunteers to serve seniors in housing and healthcare settings. 

Volunteers are needed in the following areas:  playing piano or guitar, transporting residents to and from beauty salon using wheelchairs, friendly visitors, manicures, scrabble, country store, flex and stretch, walking club, coffee hour, travel and history buffs, book club leader, pinochle or poker players, word games, trivia, bingo, and evening recreational programs.

Volunteers' talents and skills will be matched with residents' needs. Opportunities are for adults and students age 14 and older. 

For information contact Barbara Quinn, Director of Volunteers, 203-944-8292.

The above information is from a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Assisted living association honors Crosby Commons resident

Doris E. Thorn shows her oil paintings. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Doris E. Thorn, a resident of Crosby Commons at Wesley Village community, was recently recognized by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association with the first ever "Distinguished Resident Accomplishment Award."
This award is given to a resident who has found meaning and purpose through achieving a goal that brings them fulfillment and benefits others.  
 
At age 82, Thorn joined an oil painting class for residents, having had no experience. 
Her talent blossomed and Doris's paintings have been displayed in a local art gallery and at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce office in Shelton.

In recent years she had her old record, "Be Still and Know," a collection of hymns she sang, put onto a CD, which is now for sale.
She finished writing a book, "Casting Light on the Mystery of God in You" in December 2011 and it is in the process of being published by Friesen Press.
 

 Visit www.umh.org for more information on the Wesley Village community.


This information was taken from a press release from Mary Ann Bradshaw, development and public relations coordinator, United Methodist Homes.   

Seminar to focus on medication management

SHELTON - A free informational seminar, Medication Management, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Wesley Heights at Wesley Village, 580 Long Hill Ave.
It is a critical topic for every individual who takes a prescription or over-the-counter medication. 
Presenter will be Jack Yeung, pharmacy supervisor, Main Street Pharmacy in Bridgeport.


The event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP by Oct. 15 to Ashley Hammill, 203-944-1998.


The above information is from a press release from Mary Ann Bradshaw, Development Coordinator,
United Methodist Homes, Shelton.