Date: Mon 30-Nov-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

health-ashlar-Lockwood-Lodge

Full Text:

Cornerstone Laid At Lockwood Lodge Ashlar's Assisted Living Residence

(with photos)

More than 100 people gathered on Sunday, November 8, for the cornerstone

laying ceremony for Lockwood Lodge, the new, 48-unit assisted living residence

at Ashlar of Newtown, an affiliate of Masonicare.

Scheduled to open in January 1999, Lockwood Lodge represents many years of

planning and the vision to expand Ashlar of Newtown's continuum of care and to

serve more older adults, in the name of Masonry.

The cornerstone laying is a traditional ceremony of the Masonic Fraternity,

and symbolically tests the strength, accuracy and craftsmanship of a

structure. Carleton V. Erickson, chairman of the Board of Trustees of

Masonicare, said, "This is the fourth cornerstone laying this fall,

representing tremendous accomplishments of Connecticut Masons." One of the

primary missions of Connecticut Masons is to provide health, spiritual and

social care to all senior citizens in the state."

Lockwood Lodge is a three-story building with 16 one-bedroom and studio units

on each floor. Each floor will have common social rooms including country

kitchens, lounges, libraries and activities rooms, with residential features

such as fireplaces, overstuffed furniture, and custom cabinetry. The ambience

is similar to a country inn.

It will be connected to Ashlar of Newtown through "The Commons," an area which

will include rehabilitation services and a wellness center, a gift and coffee

shop. Lockwood Lodge will provide residents with three meals per day,

assistance with activities of daily living, housekeeping, nursing supervision,

security and transportation.

Residents of Lockwood Lodge will have the opportunity to take advantage of

Ashlar of Newtown's on-site professional services, including speech, physical

and occupational therapy, on-site diagnostic testing, podiatry, ophthalmology

and dental services, and recreational therapy programs.

"Assisted living provides housing for medically stable, yet frail seniors who

may need help with activities of daily living, yet do not need the high level

of care found in a long term care setting," said Tom Gutner, president of

Ashlar of Newtown. "The support services available at Lockwood Lodge will

allow people to remain in a residential setting longer, preserving their

independence and maintaining their dignity," he said.

The residence has been architecturally designed to meet the preferences of

older adults. Units feature natural lighting, individually controlled heating

and ventilation, and private bathrooms. It was named for Luke Lockwood, the

Grand Master of Connecticut Masons who, in 1873, helped establish the Masonic

Charity Foundation of Connecticut. Lockwood Lodge is open to all older adults

in need of this type of residential environment.

For further information about Lockwood Lodge, or to take a tour of the

facility, call Virginia Carroll, Ashlar of Newtown, 426-5847.

Ashlar of Newtown is a nationally accredited skilled nursing facility.

Masonicare is the state's largest not-for-profit provider of care to older

adults. Masonicare is also constructing another assisted living residence, and

two independent apartment buildings, all in Wallingford.