Newtown will be well represented as clients begin meeting the staff when Church Hill Village celebrates its grand opening the weekend of January 24.

According to Director of Sales and Marketing Tim Bailey, more than half of the residential assisted living and memory care facility’s employees are also their Newtown neighbors. A number of them who gathered ahead of an orientation activity, ten days before a ceremonial public ribbon cutting is scheduled, are primed to welcome the many folks they will be serving and caring for.

Executive Director Laura Pulsifer, said as a senior care professional, Sandy Hook resident, and former family caregiver to her own Dad, it was important to be a part of setting the private community at 2 The Boulevard to serve the greater Newtown community in the best way possible.

“Providing jobs, income, and opportunity — but mostly great care and service to Newtown families will always be something I am proud of,” she told The Newtown Bee.

Tallie Linse, business office manager has been a Newtown resident for two decades, and a business manager for that entire time.

“I was excited to hear about Church Hill Village being built in Newtown,” she said. “I wanted to be part of something that was wholly fulfilling, not just a job that was time-filling.”

Ms Linse said being a part of the team at Church Hill Village and providing support, friendship, and really becoming part of our future residents’ lives touched her heart.

“Even more was when I learned about our ‘Pay It Forward Fridays’ program, where we really do support and give back to our Newtown community. I’m proud to be part of the Church Hill Village team.”

Taylor Shortt, whose family is one of the long-time farm operators in town, said she jumped at the chance to be part of the Church Hill Village staff.

“As a resident of Newtown, I have seen first-hand how welcoming and supportive this town has been to our project,” Ms Shortt said. “I am thankful to have been part of such an impressive initiative from the beginning and can’t wait to see the magic of it all continue to grow.”

Passion For Caring

Ms Shortt said her entire staff has “made it our mission to give back to a town that is loved by so many, with our ‘Pay It Forward Fridays.’ We’re thankful to be a part of such a welcoming town, and we are constantly looking for ways to pay it forward to all local organizations and nonprofits — we make it a mission to spread the kindness.”

Mr Bailey said he has “spent the past year dreaming about moving to Newtown and the opportunity to be part of Church Hill Village helped bring that dream to life.”

“I grew up in rural Mississippi and after years of traveling the world and living in New York City, Newtown is the perfect place for me in this chapter of my life,” he said. “I am so excited to be part of creating a beautiful and engaged community for our seniors in the heart of town. We can’t wait to welcome our residents home.”

Dawna Denette, a facility CNA, said she looks forward to working with “a wonderful team of employees,” as she pursues a career that is also her passion.

“I am honored to work as a local CNA, with over 15 years experience assisting young and the elderly to meet all their daily needs, and to be a part of a team who strive to improve the quality of life for our residents is a priority and very important to me,” Ms Denette said.

Staff member Tiny Jones also looks forward to helping Church Hill Village “residents and their families stay connected, so that everyone can better adjust to senior living here.”

Director of Hospitality Dawn Albanese shared, “It doesn’t feel like working an average 9 to 5 job. It’s like spending quality time with humble peers, who strive to improve the quality of life for our residents.”

Health and Wellness Director Andrea Stambone, MSN, RN, CDP said she plans to always bring her best to “care for those who once cared for us.”

“That’s one of the highest honors,” Ms Stambone said. “Joining Church Hill Village allows me to give back to my community by servicing those who helped create the nurturing and empowered woman I am today. Balancing individuals’ physical, cognitive, and spiritual needs, while helping them thrive in their new residence enlivens my passion for nursing.”

Grand Opening Activities

Residents and prospective Church Hill Village clients can meet these Newtown neighbors and the rest of the Church Hill Village staff beginning with a public ribbon cutting celebration, Friday, January 24, at 1 pm.

The Newtown Chamber of Commerce sponsored event will feature remarks by Church Hill Village leadership as well as community representatives, followed by refreshments and tours.

The facility and grounds have been taking shape on the busy corner of Church Hill Road and The Boulevard since late 2017, when local approvals for the complex were finalized. The 3.97-acre plot of vacant former farmland had stood silent along the thoroughfare for decades.

The facility will provide its residents with luxury-grade assisted living apartments as well as memory care for those with dementia. This project is the first assisted living/memory care complex to be built in the borough.

Senior Lifestyle, a Chicago-based corporation in the elderly housing industry, will operate the facility. Church Hill Village is designed for residents who are generally over age 75 and who require assistance with the activities of daily living, including some nursing care.

The complex will offer bus transportation for its residents for shopping trips and doctors’ appointments. It is expected that the families and friends of residents will frequently visit them at Church Hill Village because they will not live very far away, Ms Pulsifer told The Newtown Bee in an October 2019 interview. She said the 71-bed facility will serve about 49 residents who would receive assisted living services, with 22 others receiving memory care.

A varied menu will be offered by a chef who prepares three meals daily, she added. The facility’s operator, Senior Lifestyle, operates approximately 180 senior living facilities located in 28 states.

Open House Weekend continues January 25 and 26 from 1 to 3 pm. Anyone interested in seeing the facility is invited to RSVP to 203-747-8678. Learn more by visiting www.seniorlifestyle.com/property/connecticut/church-hill-village/.