Forty five seniors and 40 children (ages three months through 104) currently participate in this program that has become increasingly popular at Beaumont. Instead of looking forward to their weekly lunches, hanging out, or reading stories together, the following are two of the modified activities that have become a big hit:

• “Skyping” – Because modern virtual technologies like Skype offer a way for people to see one another without being exposed to them, “Skyping” allows Beaumont residents and children an alternative to stay connected and engaged with one another during flu season.
• Pen pals – Traditional letter writing has been reintroduced at Beaumont to help foster creative thinking. Children and adults alike are tapping into their artistic abilities by drawing pictures and writing letters to one another.

With this program, Beaumont residents continue to look forward to their interaction with the children and can hardly wait to Skype and receive the next piece of art from their younger pen pal. Once flu season is over, Beaumont will begin normal activities, while also maintaining the new practices.

Northbridge, MA November 2, 2009_Watching Sunday football games has always been a popular pastime at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Northbridge. Now, in addition to cheering on their much-loved New England Patriots, some residents have another team to root for during the football season ─ their own fantasy football team.

“NFL Sunday has taken on a whole new meaning at Beaumont. Whether they’re football experts or simply fans of the game, residents are coming together this year during the 17-week NFL season to enjoy a long-time tradition in a modern way,” said Lindsey Benedetto, Campus Recreation Assistant at Beaumont. “For people who have been lifelong fans of the NFL and the New England Patriots, fantasy football has definitely brought an added element to the season.”

Benedetto introduced residents to fantasy football, forming the first league at the community. “I saw how popular fantasy football is, and I instantly knew our residents would like it once they were introduced to the concept,” said Benedetto. “As our residents become more familiar with fantasy football, we see this as something that will grow into more and more leagues run by residents.”

Beaumont held their first-ever fantasy football draft at the community on September 15, where 10 residents (men and women) picked their top teams. According to Benedetto, on Sunday afternoons at 85 Beaumont Drive, the community is filled with residents sporting their favorite team colors, while enjoying refreshments, and oftentimes a little playful taunting among friends.

“It doesn’t just end on Sunday,” said Benedetto, who assists those residents who aren’t computer-savvy with the online league. “Throughout the week, residents continue to check the status of their players and their future opponents, while looking forward to their upcoming matchup.”

“Not only is fantasy football a popular conversation in the dining room, but it’s also a subject residents passionately talk about with their children and grandchildren,” said Benedetto.

As with every competition, it isn’t complete without a prize. Beaumont will celebrate the season with an awards ceremony, rewarding the Underdog, Most Improved and MVP, to name a few. According to Benedetto, Beaumont’s fantasy football league champion will obtain bragging rights throughout the off-season until next year’s opening kick-off. Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Beaumont provides short- and long-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care in a supportive, caring environment. Beaumont offers modern, private and semi-private residences, in a warm and friendly setting. In addition to fantasy football, residents at Beaumont enjoy a wide range of community activities and social events, including cooking clubs, exercise and wellness programs, and barbecues to intergenerational programs, music programs and resident council meetings.

Team Whitney Place, led by Coach Jessica Sousa, Campus Recreation Coordinator at the assisted living community, has joined more than 180 teams from 24 states who are seeking to claim National Senior League’s first-of-its-kind championship playing Wii Bowl.

"We’re ecstatic to be representing both Whitney Place and Natick as we compete to bring home the national title," said Sousa. "Our residents have teamed up to compete against some of the best Wii bowlers across the country. There’s a lot of pride at stake each match, making it much more than just playing Wii."

Whitney Place’s eight-member lineup includes residents Arnold Black, Grace Comer, Lois Harper, Jerry Levy, Millie McHugh, Eva Spadoni, Richard Strenhike and Mert Young.

Team Whitney Place kicked off league action with their first game on Tuesday, October 20. Each week, for eight weeks, through November 23, the team will bowl and track their scores online until a champion has been crowned. In their conference, residents will challenge teams from Phoenix, Ariz.; Sparta, Mich.; Manchester, N.H.; Solon, Ohio; and Philadelphia, Pa., trying to advance to the national playoffs. National Senior League, the tournament organizer, will crown a national champion following its title matchup the week of December 14.

"This has really become a community event," said Sousa. "Even if they’re not playing, residents come out to support their neighbors, and also bring friends and family to cheer for Team Whitney Place on game day."

Whitney Place Assisted Living Residences at Natick, located at Three Vision Drive, Route 9 West, provides residents with a maintenance-free lifestyle of maximum independence in a warm and friendly setting. The community includes sun-filled residences, complete with weekly housekeeping, 24-hour staffing, and priority access to on-site healthcare. In addition to Wii Bowl, Whitney Place offers a wide range of community amenities, including comfortable lounges and recreation areas, a country kitchen where residents meet for coffee and conversation, an onsite hair salon, a Personalized Exercise Program, and a variety of social, recreational, educational and intergenerational programs.

More information about Whitney Place is available by calling (508) 655-5000, or by visiting www.SalmonHealthandRetirement.com.

SALMON Health and Retirement has added a new twist to their annual turkey donation, which donates more than $36,000 in frozen turkeys to their staff and area hunger relief organizations, by inviting residents to help them deliver turkeys to the surrounding community this holiday season. The residents will distribute the turkeys on Friday, November 20, to All Saints Church, Centro Las Americas, First Baptist Church, Friendly House, Hector Reyes House and Wesley Methodist Church. These stops will be in addition to those made at Rachel’s Table and the Worcester City Food Bank.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to give back to our local community, especially in today’s tough economy,” says Misiph. “I can’t think of a more rewarding activity to add to my holiday schedule!"

More than 20 years ago, SALMON Health and Retirement began this tradition as a way to express gratitude for its team members, by giving each staff member a frozen turkey during the holidays to enjoy with their family or donate to a local organization for another family to enjoy. Since then, nearly 5,000 turkeys have been donated to area organizations serving those in need.

“It’s wonderful to see our residents get into the holiday spirit and partner with us to help area people," said Andrew Freilich, Executive Director for The Willows at Worcester. "I hope this is a tradition we can continue here for many years to come."

Stoddard is looking forward to helping with the delivery. “This is so gratifying; there’s the opportunity to do good in a tangible way, and enjoy the company of new friends while doing it."

The Willows, located on a 21-acre campus at 101 Barry Road, near Salisbury Street, offers 191 private independent living apartment homes and cottages, with a variety of customization choices so residents’ homes can reflect their personal style and taste. More information about The Willows at Worcester is available by calling (508) 755-0088 or visiting www.TheWillowsAtWorcester.com.