Waterstone’s vibrant community

A recent article mentioned community leaders nationwide are concerned about keeping “Main Street,” the heart of their towns, alive. That idea certainly resonates in Wellesley. Many of us feel lucky to live here, where Washington Street is the hub of so much history, activity and culture. At Waterstone at Wellesley, we have been lucky to watch a community of interesting, vibrant seniors come together to create a place of their own. Since they have joined us, they rave about all that is available minutes from our front door in Wellesley. We take trips to Washington Street and host events with local business owners, because we want to help keep the heart of our town alive and thriving.

Welcoming Tower Hill Botanical to Waterstone

The weather is warm, the trees are green, the flowers are blooming in our courtyard and we’re kicking off this warm weather season with some unique events coming up in the next couple weeks. That includes a visit from the insightful team at Tower Hill Botanical, who will bring their knowledge of horticulture and related topics to our residents and guests. We’re also continuing our very popular local author series with author Dr. Robert Martello and a discussion of his book, “Midnight Ride, Industrial Dawn.” Keep reading for details about these events, and please join us if you can.

Tower Hill Botanical to present at Waterstone (June 10) 5/23

WELLESLEY – Waterstone at Wellesley will officials from Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston for a discussion of horticulture and related topics on Monday, June 10 at 2:30 p.m.

Waterstone continues author series with Dr. Robert Martello (June 12) 5/23

WELLESLEY – Waterstone at Wellesley will continues its multi-event series on local authors by welcoming author Dr. Robert Martello for a discussion of his book, “Midnight Ride, Industrial Dawn,” on Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.

WELLESLEY – Waterstone at Wellesley will host performer Jack Craig for a performance of Cole Porter music on Tuesday, June 18 at 2:30 p.m. Jack Craig to perform at Waterstone (June 18)

These events are  free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Call 781-235-1614 to RSVP.

1-Year Anniversary Party at Waterstone

We recently welcomed residents, friends, family and local dignitaries to a 1-year anniversary party at Waterstone at Wellesley. With live music, delicious food, creative cocktails and – of course – wonderful company, it was bound to be a success, and it definitely was. Below are

some photos from the event; if you joined us, thanks for stopping by! We’re rapidly approaching 100-percent full status, so if you are interested in one of our independent or assisted living apartments, come by for a tour sooner rather than later!

Events this month – guitar, bestsellers and investments

The first week of May is packed full of some great events this month here at Waterstone. Keep reading for details, and join us if you can. Also, don’t forget about our upcoming Boston Marathon fundraiser dinner. It would be wonderful to see you there. Click here to read more, and to see what other EPOCH communities are doing to raise money for victims.

Guitarist Dwight Phetteplace to perform at Waterstone (May 5)

WELLESLEY – Waterstone at Wellesley will welcome guitarist and singer Dwight Phetteplace for a performance of traditional folk, blues and acoustic music on Sunday, May 5 at 2:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Call 781-235-1614 to RSVP. Waterstone is located at 27 Washington St., and includes 134 apartments for seniors 62 and older. It features independent and assisted living rental apartments. For more information, call 781-235-1614.

Lorna Ruby of Wellesley Books to visit Waterstone (May 6)

WELLESLEY – Waterstone at Wellesley will welcome Lorna Ruby of Wellesley Books, an independent book store, on Monday, May 6 at 2:30 p.m. for a discussion of current best sellers. This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Call 781-235-1614 to RSVP. Waterstone is located at 27 Washington St., and includes 134 apartments for seniors 62 and older. It features independent and assisted living rental apartments. For more information, call 781-235-1614.

Waterstone hosts Tax Free Investments discussion (May 7)

WELLESLEY – Waterstone at Wellesley will welcome Rockland Trust for a discussion on tax free investments on Thursday, May 7 at 4:30 p.m. Representatives from the bank will offer tips for earning tax-exempt income. This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Call 781-235-1614 to RSVP. Waterstone is located at 27 Washington St., and includes 134 apartments for seniors 62 and older. It features independent and assisted living rental apartments. For more information, call 781-235-1614.

Animal Experience to visit Waterstone (May 8) 

WELLESLEY – Waterstone at Wellesley will host Animal Experience, a traveling petting zoo of various animals, to the community on Wednesday, May 8 at 2:30 p.m. Founder Matt Gabriel will educate attendees on the lives and habitats of the animals he brings. This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Call 781-235-1614 to RSVP. Waterstone is located at 27 Washington St., and includes 134 apartments for seniors 62 and older. It features independent and assisted living rental apartments. For more information, call 781-235-1614.

Stephen Collins to perform at Waterstone (May 9) 

WELLESLEY – Waterstone at Wellesley will welcome acclaimed actor Stephen Collins for a one-man show on Thursday, May 9 at 2 p.m. Collins will celebrate Shakespeare’s April birthday in a presentation of the bard’s works. This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Call 781-235-1614 to RSVP. Waterstone is located at 27 Washington St., and includes 134 apartments for seniors 62 and older. It features independent and assisted living rental apartments. For more information, call 781-235-1614.

Red Sox, a cappella and more

Every year there comes a special day that is unlike any other. For those in the Boston area, the Red Sox season opener is, well, a bit of a big deal! That’s why we decided to celebrate in a big way here at Waterstone. We invited local celebrity Herb Crehan to deliver a lecture and facilitate a discussion about this famous team. Herb is a Boston baseball historian and author of several books on the topic. He has delivered talks at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, New England Cable News, WBZ radio and elsewhere, and has been regularly featured in Red Sox Magazine for the past 15 years. We also decked out the Waterstone River Room in Red Sox memorabilia and had a ton of traditional baseball fare, including hot dogs with all the toppings, freshly popped buttered popcorn, drinks and more. This event turned out to be a ton of fun for residents, guests and staff alike. Hopefully your opening day celebrations were just as fun!

We also had the pleasure to welcome the Jewish a cappella group Shir Appeal earlier this month. Shir Appeal is Tufts University’s only co-ed, Jewish a cappella group. They have almost two decades of experience, singing along the spectrum of Jewish music – from Hebrew Pop, Israeli Rock, Traditional/ Liturgical melodies and even English songs with Jewish themes. Our residents, a portion of which are Jewish, really enjoyed this unique performance and the company of the young college students who visited.

A look at what’s happening in April

Birds are chirping, the weather is warming, and flowers are starting to peek up out of the dirt. It’s finally feeling like spring around here! I hope you’re enjoying it as much as we are here at Waterstone. As you probably know, if you’re a New Englander (or know anyone from the area), baseball season is starting again and that means the Red Sox opener is coming up. Of course, we treat this event as the holiday it is here in the Boston area. We’re excited to be hosting a special opener event next month, as well as a slew of other fun events. For a peek at what’s going on, keep on reading, then check back for more activities in mid and late April. Hope to see you soon!

• Archie Richards entertains for Happy Hour at Waterstone (April 5)  – Waterstone at Wellesley will welcome performer Archie Richards for a show on Friday, April 5 at 4:30 p.m. Richards will perform Broadway hits on his electric piano for happy hour. This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Call 781-235-1614 to RSVP. Waterstone is located at 27 Washington St.
• Shir Appeal to perform at Waterstone (April 6) – Waterstone at Wellesley will welcome a cappella group Shir Appeal on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. Shir Appeal is Tufts University’s only co-ed Jewish a cappella group and one of the oldest collegiate Jewish a cappella groups in the country. This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Call 781-235-1614 to RSVP. Waterstone is located at 27 Washington St.
• Red Sox opening day at Waterstone (April 8 ) – Waterstone at Wellesley will host a party for Red Sox opening day on Monday, April 8 at 1:30 p.m. Join Waterstone residents and staff to cheer for your favorite team! We will have traditional baseball snacks, games, and a presentation from a local Red Sox expert. This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Call 781-235-1614 to RSVP. Waterstone is located at 27 Washington St.

Tap dancing, music and fashion – a little bit of everything

Happy Hour isn’t just for young professionals – it’s one of the best times of day here at Waterstone, and something we enjoy. We often host impromptu gatherings over cocktails and wine, and they are usually accompanied by entertainment of some sort, from bands to solo musicians to jack-of-all-trades performers. It’s a lovely way to socialize and continue to develop our community. Just recently we welcomed a new face: Tappin’ Ted Powers. Ted was a member of a rock band for many years before branching out to learn more instruments and skills, and then learning tap dancing. Ted’s unique performance had everyone else’s toes tapping along with him.

Earlier this month, also welcomed Bill Graham of the shop ‘Beautiful Things’ in Salem, who brought his popular “Little Black Dress” event with him. Bill uses his skills in decorating and accessorizing to explore the ways a woman can take a little black dress and adapt it to different circumstances and styles using accessories. Since first introducing this event in 2006, its popularity has exploded, and Bill has brought it to garden clubs, social clubs, and other gatherings across New England. We loved welcoming him to Waterstone, and the ladies of our community especially liked learning some new and fresh ways to revamp a classic black dress. Finally, we welcomed back the US Navy Band Northeast Woodwind Crosswinds, who performed and also socialized with residents, much to our delight. We hope to have them back again!

We have a number of other great events to round out March, including a cappella on the 27th and a fascinating history lesson with Gary Hylander on the 28th. Stop by for either, or both!

Connecting with professionals in the community

Waterstone at Wellesley is committed to building relationships with senior experts in the local community. That’s why we will host several events in the upcoming months to connect with these professionals and give them the opportunity to network, learn from each other and enjoy themselves. The way we look at it, we are all devoted to providing a variety of options to local seniors, and understanding and learning from each other is a key part of that.

This month, Waterstone will partner with local chocolate boutique, The Chocolate Truffle, to host a port wine and chocolate tasting. The Chocolate Truffle will share the freshest, handmade, hand rolled truffles and hand dipped chocolates from their shop, as well as a variety of port wines to complement these delicious chocolates. If you haven’t had an opportunity to enjoy the offerings the Chocolate Truffle has, make a point to stop by their shop the next time you’re in their neighborhood – you’ll be glad you did.

This event is a fun way for Waterstone staff and local experts to get to know one another, learn from each other, and build professional relationships. Waterstone will invite key experts and professionals specializing in geriatrics, the health care of aging adults. Professionals that will attend the event include geriatric care managers, geriatric psychiatrists, long-term care managers, counselors, and more. Theses individuals work with seniors and their families every day, on issues ranging from moves to respite stays to rehabilitation and more. Naturally, I’m sure we’ll all have plenty to talk about!

Musical performances, furry friends and a Nor’easter at Waterstone

It may be a short month, but we’ve done a lot here at Waterstone to pack February full of interesting events, good music and even better company. From musical performances that had our entire community tapping their toes to delicious Valentine’s treats to weathering our recent winter storm with ease, it seemed there was always something happening. Hopefully you made it through the recent snowstorm as pleasantly as we did. We held an impromptu “Martinis in the Storm” event as residents, family members and guests sipped cocktails, played word games and watched the snow fall among friends. We know others were not so lucky and our hearts go out to them. There’s nothing quite like cozying up inside during a tough storm, tucked away while the wind howls outside. After the storm settled, we moved on to Valentine’s Day and all the fun that comes along with it. A large table at the front of our community showcased the couples among us, and we welcomed the New Sound Assembly Barbershop group for a performance that had our entire community out and whistling along. We also enjoyed some delicious treats, including light and airy mousse and more decadent chocolates. Finally, we  also welcomed friends of the four-legged variety from our local animal shelter, Save a Dog, who were very willing to share some kisses with us. I hope your February was just as full of relaxation and fun as ours, and if you’d like to stop by soon, just visit our upcoming events page. See you soon!

Caring for yourself during a tough winter

Winters in New England can be, as you probably know, a bit difficult. Brutal cold, heavy snowfall, intense wind, and dry air can all contribute to our skin, hair and nails feeling dry and uncared for, even if we slather on the lotion and creams. Treat yourself to a little pampering next month when we welcome some local experts for a skin care and pampering seminar. We will offer individualized skin care consultations as well as a discussion about the types of products to use depending on your skin type, as well as what to avoid. Should you really spend $100 on that tiny tub of face cream or would a $15 jar from the general store work just as well? Get answers to such questions and much more on March 26 at 2 p.m. at our community.

In the meantime, here are some tips and techniques for keeping your skin in good shape throughout the winter months.

• Hydrate! Think about caring for your skin from the inside, out. If you aren’t hydrated, your skin is going to feel extra dry. So be sure to drink plenty of water.
• Moisturize, of course. Whether cream, lotion or oils, moisturize early and often. Keep a spare bottle of your favorite product on your desk, by your nightstand, in the bathroom, in your purse, etc., so you can apply at any time.
• Use a home humidifier to make the air in your home (or at least your bedroom, when you’re sleeping) more moisture-rich, as it will prevent your skin from drying out further.
• Turn down the water temperature. It may be tempting to take a piping hot bath or shower when it’s so chilly out, but the hot water will have a serious drying effect on your skin. Keep bathtime short and use lukewarm water.
• Exfoliate, but not too much. Use a gentle exfoliant once a week or so to make your skin soft and even more able to accept moisture. But don’t overdo it – too much and you will just dry yourself out.