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.

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!

Artists, pantomimes and musicians at Waterstone

We’re offering several fun and educational events at Waterstone at Wellesley this month. We are excited to host two art classes with multi-talented artist Linda Landsberg. Landsberg will teach watercolor, sketching and pastels on Thursday, Jan. 17 and Thursday, Jan. 31 at 2:30 p.m. This is the perfect opportunity to hone your artistic talent, or finally learn to do something you’ve always been interested in. Artists – or aspiring artists – should sign up for classes in AL reception. Class size is limited to eight, so sign up soon! Classes will be held in Country Kitchen.

We will host what is sure to be a thoroughly entertaining performance by mime and comic Jody Scalise in the River Room on Friday, Jan. 18 at 2:30 p.m. In addition to being a pantomime and comic, Scalise is also an actor, dancer and singer. With his gymnastic eyeballs and perfectly timed acts, it’s no wonder Scalise is rated one of the best talents in Boston.

The art awareness program Art Matters will also visit us this month on Monday, Jan. 28 at 2:30 p.m. in the River Room. Art expert Jane Blair will discuss and showcase art from the Renaissance. With a mission to entertain, stimulate and educate people with and about art, Blair’s presentation will be an enriching experience for art lovers and novices alike.

We’ll end the month with a performance by Rick Walsh Trio on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. in the River Room. Walsh is a talented singer and piano player who performs standards and classic hits from the 40s through today, accompanied by his saxophone player and bass player. The talented trio is known for their fun, engaging performances. We hope to see you at any or all of these events.

Waterstone at Wellesley 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.

Beverly Carver named Waterstone’s Sales Director.

Kristine Tilton, executive director at the Waterstone at Wellesley campus, has named Beverly Carter sales director for the 134-apartment community that offers both independent and assisted living. Prior to joining the Waterstone team, Beverly worked as an engineer in the computer field. She was inspired to join the senior living field by her mother, and joined a local town’s council on aging. Soon after, she became the sales director at a senior living community. She joined the Waterstone team this fall, stating she is excited about the opportunity to work in a new community that is the first of its kind in the area. Beverly studied business administrator at Northeastern University. She lives in Hopedale with her husband. If you have questions about the Waterstone at Wellesley apartments, available for seniors 62 or older, give Beverly a call at 781-235-1614.

Community Life: Book signings, Thanksgiving and more.

November was a busy month for the Waterstone community, between myriad performances, discussions, visitors, outings and, of course, our own very first Thanksgiving celebration. Our team did a wonderful job decorating the community for the Thanksgiving holiday, and the bright, bold sunflowers that adorned the tables were especially pretty. We pride ourselves on

good food, but the dining team really outdid themselves for the holiday celebration, and the food was both abundant and delicious!

Before the holiday, we had the pleasure of welcoming not just one, but three local authors for a book signing and intergenerational discussion. Authors Liz Sunaby,

Mitch Zukoff, and Karen Day stopped by to stopped by to sign copies of their books; See What You Can Be, Lost in Shangri-La, and A Million Miles from Boston, respectively. We’re lucky to have a lot of accomplished and interesting people living in our community and in nearby communities, and are even luckier that they were happy to join us for this great event.

Enjoying the local talent

Boston and the surrounding towns and cities are rife with talented musicians, performers, and entertainers. Walking down any major street or along a T station, you’re likely to encounter at least one or two performers. From small improv theaters to major performance halls, there’s something for every interest. Being home to numerous universities, performance halls, and performing arts schools has a lot of perks, including the existence of a deep well of local talent. One such local talent is Stephen Collins. You may have seen him in the Boston Globe recently: he was featured in an article about him and his work, and the article even included a performance of his here at Waterstone. We’re lucky to have him joining us again this month for a performance, this time of Walt Whitman classics. He was a huge hit with the residents and guests here the first time he visited; come by and see what the buzz is about for yourself. We’d love to have you. Read below for more information and to RSVP. Below is also some information about other upcoming performing events we have going on. Please stop by and enjoy this great local talent with us. Call 781-235-1614 to RSVP.

• Rick Walsh Concert, Oct. 9, 7:15 p.m. - Rick offers songs from as far back as the 1930’s through today. He covers most every genre from big band to rock including artists from Frank Sinatra and Elvis to Chris Isaac, the Temptations, or Marvin Gaye.
• Stephen Collins performs Walt Whitman, Oct. 10, 7:15 p.m. - We’ll welcome local talent Stephen Collins as he performs his popular one-man show focused on the work of Walt Whitman.
• Classical Guitarist Scott Sanchez, Oct. 17, 2 p.m. – Join us as we welcome Scott Sanchez for a classical guitar performance. An American born guitarist, Scott Sanchez is often praised for his virtuosic and musically passionate performances.