Lockwood Lodge Celebrates First Anniversary

A year to the day since the first senior moved into the new assisted living residence on the campus of Ashlar of Newtown, the 30 plus residents of Lockwood Lodge had much to celebrate. Together with families, friends, and staff, residents toasted their new home, community, and sense of well being.

The partygoers enjoyed a delicious dinner – featuring salmon or steak barbecued by Ashlar of Newtown President Tom Gutner and by a family member, George Strong, the swing music of The Kenny Lee Orchestra, wine, and a champagne toast led by Lockwood Lodge director Elyse Dent.

Marjorie McDonald, who had lived in Westport, New York, and a number of other areas during her lifetime, said, “You couldn’t find a happier, nicer place.” As Marjorie dined with her two daughters, one from Westport and the other from North Carolina, she talked about how nice everyone is at Lockwood Lodge. She enjoys the social life she has found at Lockwood Lodge, and relishes the independence of attending the theater or a dinner party with one of her daughters or a friend, she commented.

After dinner, a few of the party attendees took to the dance floor, kicking up their heels to the big band golden oldies. The rapport between the residents and the staff was evident when marketing director Ginny Carroll and community resources manager Hilda DeLucia and their daughters joined the jitterbuggers.

During her toast, Ms Dent reflected on the past year and all the activities and events that had taken place at Lockwood Lodge. The anniversary party was just one of a long list of first class parties and celebrations held during the last 12 months, which also included musical celebrations, themed parties, barbecues, and more.

And perhaps best of all was the newfound independence and camaraderie of the residents and staff. Lockwood Lodge has proven to be the right move for the residents who decided to come there. 

When Clara Mauriello’s husband suffered a massive stroke last year leaving him paralyzed, her family moved him to a ne

arby nursing home where he could receive round-the-clock care. No more than a few weeks later, both of Clara’s sisters died. Suddenly, at age 80, Clara, who had not lived by herself a day in her life, was alone. Clara’s daughter-in-law and son remembered seeing an ad for Lockwood Lodge when visiting Ashlar of Newtown, and decided to check it out. Today Clara is a different person. With the support and encouragement of the Lockwood Lodge staff, and surrounded by new friends and busy at activities she enjoys, Clara has transformed from being unsure of herself to becoming the person who is first to greet each new resident. She’s even been elected to the residents’ council. Says daughter-in-law Diane, “She really blossomed. She has a whole new circle of good friends.”

Delores Richardson, who was a landscape architect with the New York City Parks Department for 50 years, selected Lockwood Lodge to be near her daughter, Pilar Schmidt, who is a development director at Bridgeport Hospital. In the healthcare business, Schmidt was familiar with many of the senior living residential options in the area, and chose Lockwood Lodge not only for its beautiful setting and friendly staff, but its healthcare resources. With new walking trails and a pavilion being built around the pond on the campus, Richardson’s landscaping talents will surely be tapped.

It was apparent that the residents have formed a close, friendly, and supportive community during the past year. And that surely deserved a toast!

Lockwood Lodge is located on the campus of Ashlar of Newtown on Toddy Hill Road in Sandy Hook. It is an affiliate of Masonicare, the state’s largest not-for-profit provider of health and social services to older adults. For more information about Lockwood Lodge, contact Ginny Carroll at 364-3179.