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.

Marathon on the mind

Last year, the Boston Marathon arrived at our doorstep after Waterstone had been open just a few weeks. We did our best to show support with a water station that handed out bottles and cups to weary runners. It was a good time, of course, but since we had JUST opened, there weren’t too many folks on hand to help pass out refreshments. This year, however, things in and around Waterstone are quite different. We are bustling with activity, our apartments are rapidly filling up, and the sense of community and neighborliness among our residents, families and staff is growing day by day. It’s lovely to see and be a part of that. That’s why we are excited to be hosting a water station again this year, and we’re inviting friends to join us as we show the runners our support. Last year we were told that our station was in an ideal spot, because there wasn’t another before or after us for quite a while. Come cheer these athletes on with us; it’s sure to be a fun time. We are expecting several dozen residents to join in on the fun, and their friends, family and guests as well, so you’ll receive a warm welcome.

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.

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!

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.

Waterstone at Wellesley wins gold award for design from National Association of Home Builders

WELLESLEY, Mass.–January 23, 2013– The National Association of Home Builders today named Waterstone at Wellesley, a luxury senior living community in Wellesley, 2013 gold award winner for excellence in senior housing design at the trade association’s annual national conference in Las Vegas. Ted Tye, managing partner of National Development, was on hand to accept the award.

Waterstone, a joint venture of National Development of Newton and EPOCH Senior Living of Waltham, was designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects. The interior design was done by Wellesley Design Associates and landscape architecture by Stantec’s Boston office. The community includes 134 apartments, opened in May 2012, and has attracted seniors from throughout the region.

The NAHB, with more than 140,000 members, is a preeminent U.S. building association. This award, a showcase for innovation, emerging trends and quality housing for seniors, recognizes excellence in building, design, marketing and lifestyles of housing for seniors. The gold award recognizes Waterstone as the best mixed-use senior housing community in the country.

Tye said the Waterstone team is honored to have received this prestigious recognition. He attributed the community’s win to, in part, the thoughtful process that led to Waterstone’s development.

“We took a historic site in a prime location in Wellesley that had been abandoned for nearly 20 years and turned it into a jewel of the community,” he said. “We incorporated the industrial mill history of this area into the building’s design to create something that blends well with the existing architecture in the community.”

For National Development, this is its third NAHB gold medal, following awards in 1998 for the Goddard House in Brookline and in 1996 for Heritage at Cleveland Circle in Boston.

The Waterstone at Wellesley campus includes both independent and assisted living rental apartments for seniors 62 and older, as well as retail and medical office space. It is built on the former site of a Grossman’s hardware store, which sat vacant for years before being demolished prior to Waterstone’s development.

The features that secured Waterstone’s gold medal include its innovative fitness program with personal trainers; unique design features featuring private porches for easy access to the outdoors; an easily accessible riverfront walking path with raised gardens; and an adaptable and easily accessible design and structure. Notable amenities include an open demonstration kitchen; a resident bar and lounge area with private wine lockers; a media and theater room; and a riverfront courtyard with a putting green and fire pit. The community also features an indoor pool.

Elkus Manfredi Architects and Wellesley Design Associates crafted an interior design focused on the American Craftsman aesthetic. The community, which has been compared to a boutique hotel, features handmade glazed tiles, custom millwork, multiple fireplaces, and period-appropriate stonework and furnishings.

“At Waterstone, the independent and assisted living communities are seamlessly integrated into the community as a whole,” Tye continued. “They are connected but also have their own unique and distinct entrances and identities.”

For more information about the award or Waterstone at Wellesley, call 781-235-1614.

About Waterstone at Wellesley (www.waterstoneatwellesley.com)

Located at 27 Washington St. and along the banks of the Charles River in Wellesley, Waterstone at Wellesley includes 134 apartments for seniors 62 and older. It features independent and assisted living rental apartments, a fitness center, pool, theater, five-star restaurant-style dining, designer kitchens, a riverfront walking trail, and more. This community is part of EPOCH Senior Living, a regional provider of senior living and health care options.

About National Development (www.natdev.com)

Newton-based National Development is one of the leading development firms in Massachusetts and has successfully developed 22 senior housing communities and more than 1,500 units.

About EPOCH Senior Living (www.epochsl.com)

Based in Waltham, EPOCH Senior Living is a regional provider of quality senior living options, including independent and assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, and memory care. EPOCH Senior Living is committed to providing residences that enable seniors to enjoy a comfortable and dignified lifestyle in gracious surroundings.

Coming up in February: Train Boston, pianists, da Vinci and the Adams

Waterstone’s February calendar is full of great events you won’t want to miss. First, Train Boston, a medically-based fitness and physical therapy provider in Wellesley, will send physical therapists and trainers to our community on Wednesday, Feb. 6. A frequent partner of Waterstone, Train Boston staff will lead a Parkinson’s support group and exercise discussion.

We are pleased to welcome back art awareness and education program Art Matters for a discussion of Leonardo da Vinci in the River Room on Monday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Widely revered as an archetypal Renaissance Man and one of the greatest painters as well one of the most diversely talented people of all time, da Vinci is truly an artist worthy of exploration. His admirers won’t want to miss this educational and enlightening opportunity.

Stonehill college professor Gary Hylander will also visit our community to discuss the marriage of John and Abigail Adams on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 2:30 p.m. As an award-winning history professor with extensive knowledge of American and world history, Hylander is sure to lead a riveting discussion on the fascinating first couple and the intellectually stimulating letters they exchanged. History buffs should join us for a closer look at our country’s early history.

Music appreciators will be pleased to hear we are hosting two piano performances this month. First, accomplished pianist Steve Lanzilotta will entertain us with his musical stylings on Sunday, Feb. 17 at 2:30 p.m. If you miss Lanzilotta’s performance, don’t fret; equally talented pianist and singer Jack Craig will perform just a few days later on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. Craig plays throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island in senior centers and retirement communities. In honor of Valentine’s Day, his most recent program includes love songs – that don’t have the word “love” in the title.

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.

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.

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.

Welcoming Chef Ming Tsai to Waterstone

As mentioned in a previous post, we’re excited to welcome Chef Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger, a well-respected Wellesley restaurant, to our community on Monday, Dec. 10 for a book signing. Ming will be signing copies of his new book, “Simply Ming in Your Kitchen.”

Ming is a well-known culinary figure both in Boston and beyond, so it’s a special honor to welcome him to our community for this event. He opened Blue Ginger in 1998, having studied both mechanical engineering at Yale and the culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. He has also trained with Paris pastry chef Pierre Herme and in Osaka with Sushi Master Kobayashi. He also holds a master’s degree in hotel administration and hospitality marketing from Cornell University. Talk about an impressive resume!

Blue Ginger was a hit right out the gate, receiving “Best New Restaurant” distinction from Boston Magazine in its first year. That same year, Ming was named “Chef of the Year” by Esquire. Most recently, Blue Ginger was ranked by Boston Magazine is one of the magazine’s 50 best restaurants. Needless to say, if you have experienced Ming’s East-West cuisine at Blue Ginger, book a reservation ASAP! And, in 2013, you’ll have a new opportunity to experience Ming’s culinary expertise, at his soon-to-be-opened gastropub, Blue Dragon, in Boston.

Ming will visit us at 2 p.m. on Monday. Please contact Lisa Beckwith at 781.235.1614 or LBeckwith@WaterstoneAtWellesley.com to reserve your seat today!