In The News

Freilich to direct The Willows at Worcester

Westborough, MA January 4, 2008_Andrew Freilich of Worcester has been named site manager and executive director of The Willows at Worcester on Barry Road, a retirement community for active adults. Freilich is overseeing construction of the 151-unit, three-story building with underground parking garage and 40 cottage-style homes, as well as supervising renovations to the level IV rest home on the former Sisters of Mercy property. The Willows’ owner, SALMON Health and Retirement of Westborough, anticipates initial occupancy later this year, and project completion in 2009.

Freilich founded A.L.F. Design and Interiors in 1990, a business he sold in 2002. That year he founded ALF Construction, which has designed and built residential and commercial properties in Florida, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The firm specializes in real estate development, leases and acquisitions.

A Northeastern University graduate, Freilich holds a degree in Business Administration and Human Resources Management. SALMON Health and Retirement sees Freilich as “uniquely qualified” for the broad scope of responsibility required for The Willows at Worcester.

“Andy’s worked with our organization for more than a year, and he’s ideal for the position,” said Jeff Robinson of SALMON Health and Retirement. “His blend of design and construction expertise with strong people skills and community involvement make him the right person to head up this project.”

Freilich is a member of several nonprofit community agency boards, including the Leukodystrophy Canavan Research Foundation, and he has been a member of the board of directors of the Jesse Burkett Little League since 2003. He currently serves on the City of Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals.

SALMON Health and Retirement, formerly The Salmon Family of Services, is an industry pioneer in senior living and healthcare communities. Established in 1952, this family owned and operated business has become a trusted, full-service provider of senior living management, marketing and consulting services across New England. To learn more, call Toll-Free in Massachusetts 1-800-446-8060, or visit www.SalmonHealthandRetirement.com.

Property acquired for The Willows at Worcester

SALMON Health and Retirement has completed its acquisition of the Our Lady of Mercy Health Care Center property at 101 Barry Road on the west side of the city. Plans entail the creation of a modern continuing care retirement community (CCRC) on the grounds, for active adults over 62.

Jeffrey Robinson, project manager, reports that C. E. Floyd Company, Inc. of Bedford has been selected as general contractor.

“We’re very pleased to have C. E. Floyd on board for this venture,” says Robinson. “They’re an award-winning contractor in the continuing care retirement community sector, whose experience includes 26 properties to date including 3,250 residential units.”

Worcester attorneys working on the development and financing of the project were Samuel DeSimone of Mountain, Dearborn & Whiting, LLP and Peter Dawson of Mirick O'Connell Law Firm; civil engineering services provided by Andrew Liston of Thompson-Liston Associates, Inc.

Financing for the project has been provided by Health Care REIT, Inc. of Toledo, Ohio. Health Care REIT is a self-administered, equity real estate investment trust that invests across the full spectrum of senior housing and health care real estate. Founded in 1970, the company was the first real estate investment trust to invest exclusively in health care endeavors. As of June 30, 2007, the company's broadly diversified portfolio consisted of 617 properties in 38 states.

“With the financing from Health Care REIT in place, we feel we have created the very best team possible for this new community,” says Robinson.

The project will include constructing 40 new town homes and cottages with attached garages. In an innovative design, the town homes will be located at the ends of the main building wings, will have individual garages, and will allow direct indoor access to the recreation and dining areas. Additionally, 151 luxury apartment homes will be housed in the central building with underground parking, an indoor swimming pool, elegant dining, a café, and other amenities. All home arrangements will be styled for single-level living.

The two-bedroom town homes and cottages of 1,650 to 1,750 square feet will have refundable entry fees to be determined; the new apartment homes featuring 700 to 1,250 square feet will also have refundable entry fees.

Robinson continues: “We can’t say enough about our new neighbors on and around Barry Road and The City of Worcester—everyone has been supportive and enthusiastic. We also feel very good about the fact that the 13 members of the Sisters of Mercy will remain in residence.”

Deposits are being accepted and The Willows at Worcester expects the first new units to be available for occupancy this fall.

Unveiling SALMON Health and Retirement

Westborough, MA September 20, 2007_ Founded in 1952 with a single nursing home in Northborough, The Salmon Family of Services has grown over the decades to become an umbrella under which Beaumont, Whitney Place, Adult Day Health, The Willows and The Child Care Centers are better known. The family owned and operated business, with locations in Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Westborough and Worcester, is announcing a new name and logo, ‘SALMON Health and Retirement.’

All divisions have new logos that closely resemble each other and the parent company’s new design, and incorporate ‘SALMON’ as part of their identity.

Third generation Salmon family members Kate Salmon-Robinson, vice president of marketing communications and community relations, Matt Salmon, vice president of programs, quality and innovation, and Andrew Salmon, executive director of the Northbridge campus, wanted the new names and evolving logos to emphasize the company’s breadth and depth.

“We’re fortunate to have a strong heritage in the senior health and housing market, and a growing recognition for child care, made possible through the hard work of our parents, Danny and Dottie Salmon, other family members and our dedicated team of employees through the years,” says Salmon-Robinson. “‘SALMON Health and Retirement’ strengthens the positive connection between the Salmon family name and the companies people have come to trust.”
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Company founder Helen Salmon, grandmother to Kate, Matt and Andrew and a resident of The Willows at Westborough, approves of the change. “The name ‘SALMON Health and Retirement’ honors our family’s traditions and values, and makes what we do very clear: we provide people with the service and solutions they need for a good life.”

Through The Willows Retirement Communities, Whitney Place Assisted Living Residences, Whitney Place Adult Day Health Centers, Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Centers and The Child Care Centers, located in Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Westborough and Worcester, SALMON Health and Retirement, founded in 1952, offers a full spectrum of services designed to maintain the highest possible quality of life for those they serve. To learn more, call Toll-Free in Massachusetts 1-800-446-8060, or visit www.SalmonHealthandRetirement.com.
The media keep their eyes on The Salmon Family of Services--the diversity of our activities, talents of our staff and fascinating backgrounds of our residents make for news articles on a regular basis. The articles below start with the most recent ones. 

 

20th Annual Free Summer Concert Series at The Willows

Area charities to benefit from popular public performances

Westborough, MA June 1, 2007_The Willows at Westborough, Central Massachusetts’ premier community for active adults, begins its popular Summer Concert Series for 2007 on June 13.   

The weekly concerts, now in their 20th consecutive year, are sponsored by the Salmon Family of Services and are held in the Willows Rose Garden Courtyard at the corner of Route 30 and Lyman Street. Parking is available across the street at the Hastings School parking lot.
 
All concerts are free and open to the general public. They will begin at 7:15 P.M. sharp, rain or shine, and feature lively music performances by some of the area’s best known and loved music groups. The 2007 Concert Series starts on Wednesday, June 13, and continues each Wednesday for eight weeks from June 13 through August 8th, with a break for the July 4th holiday.

The full concert schedule includes:
Interborough Community Band -- June 13
Squirrel Hill Olde Tyme Band -- June 20
The Tom Nutile Band -- June 27
(Happy Holiday – No concert July 4th)
Wolverine Jazz Band -- July 11
Westwood Swing Band -- July 18
The Yankee Brass Band -- July 25  
Ben Rudnick & Friends -- August 1
Fantasy Big Band -- August 8

Refreshments will be available and donations will be accepted for the following area non-profit organizations: Assabet Valley Pastoral Counseling Center; Siloam Masonic Lodge Angel Fund; Westborough Community Chorus; Westborough Cultural Council; Westborough Food Pantry; Westborough Historical Society; Westborough Land Trust; and the Westborough Music Parents Association.

Through The Willows at Westborough Retirement Community, Whitney Place Assisted Living Residences, Whitney Place Adult Day Health Centers, Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Centers and The Child Care Centers, located in Natick, Northborough, Northbridge and Westborough, The Salmon Family of Services, founded in 1952, offers a full spectrum of services designed to maintain the highest possible quality of life for those they serve. To learn more, call Toll-Free in Massachusetts 1-800-446-8060, or visit www.SalmonFamily.com.

Matthew Salmon named new board chair

 

Whitinsville, MA, April 15, 2007_ Matthew Salmon was named the 2007-2008 chairman of the Whitin Community Center Board of Trustees at their annual meeting held February 26. Mr. Salmon, vice president of programs, quality and innovation for The Salmon Family of Services, has been active with the organization for years, and previously served as vice chairman of the board.

 

Charles Thompson, executive director of the Whitin Community Center, said, “We are very excited to have Matt serve as our chairman. He will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the center.”

 

Also formally elected at the annual meeting were the 2007-2008 slate of officers and incoming trustees and corporators. The new officers, in addition to Mr. Salmon, are Susan VanderZicht, vice chairman, owner of VanderZicht Real Estate; Sharon Morrow, clerk, senior commercial lines underwriter for Harleysville Insurance Company; and Gary Sacon, treasurer, chief financial officer for The Salmon Family of Services.

 

The Board of Trustees consists of Norman Gadoury of Wallcoverings Unlimited; Martin Green of Eastwood Group Real Estate; Jerome Jussaume of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester; Rob Knapik, attorney; Denis LaTour of Town and Country Builders; Gary Moyer, architect; Kenneth Reading, Jr. of Unibank; Dennis Rice of Alternatives; William Smith of WB Smith Companies; Catherine Stark, dental hygienist; and William Stark of Express Personnel Services, Inc.

 

The Corporators are Spaulding Aldrich, Jeffrey Bajema, Patricia Baker, Peter Bedigian, John Berkowicz, Dale Bloem, Maureen Briand, James Buma, Douglas Carr, Jr., Walter Convent, Bernadette Coughlin, Daniel Cronin, Tom Crothers, Sidney De Young, Mark Der-Mugrditchian, Warren Fairbanks, Lee Gaudette, Michael Gauthier, Denise Haagsma, Richard Hubbard, Jason Johnson, Joanne Khoury, James Knott, Jr., James Knott, Sr., Jayne Knott, Dirk Koopman.

 

Claire LaChapelle, Alan Malkasian, Priscilla Mason, Daniel Mioduszewski, Charles Morse, Matthew Myette, John O’Brien, Vincent Osterman, Howard Perkson, David Plantinga, Caroline Ramian, Alan Ratcliffe, James Rice, Michael Robertson, Kate Robinson, Daniel Salmon, Jr., Pamela Siderewicz, Jeffrey Smith, Susan Spencer, Reverend Bob Stone, Susan Thompson, Michael Tonry, Joan Tosti, John Walker, Jr., Andrea White, Tom Wickstrom, Gary Wood and Edward Zywien.

 

More information about the Whitin Community Center is available at www.OurGym.org.

 

 

The Heart of the Matter

 

February 1, 2007_February is upon us, and with it comes Valentine’s Day--that seemingly sentimental holiday cynical folks roll their eyes about, or designate for young lovers only. But let’s not dismiss it so quickly.
   One of the benefits of age is that we truly have the long view when we’re older, and, when all is said and done, it’s giving and receiving love that proves to be the most valuable part of life. Love between partners. Love between parents and children. Love between patient and care giver. Love between friends. Love between pet and master. And it’s all good.
   Our bodies develop problems that need to be addressed, people come into and out of our lives, and our circumstances change over time. It’s easy to feel vulnerable and apprehensive when we need to rely on others for help. But just as our hearts keep beating, those hearts keep benefiting from doses of love we receive from all sources--sometimes unexpectedly--lifting us from despair, filling us with delight and smoothing out the rough spots we face.
   Who is better able to appreciate the positive impact of love than those who have lived a long life? To quote seventy-nine-year-old French actress Jeanne Moreau: “Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age.”
   The Salmon family’s senior living and healthcare communities are the culmination of more than five decades of tradition and innovation. To learn more, call Toll-Free in Massachusetts 1-800-446-8060 or 1-508-366-3662, or visit www.SalmonFamily.com.
 

He’s Serving a Holiday Feast for the Eyes

 

Westborough, MA, December 15, 2006_Call it confection overdrive—when a seasoned chef and his staff crank up their imaginations, the resulting gingerbread displays make mouths water, and jaws drop.
   Keith Pion, executive chef at The Willows retirement community in Westborough, usually puts together one large holiday display for the residents to enjoy near the dining room. He decided to expand the vision this year, and enlisted his entire staff to join him in creating and dispersing ten elaborate gingerbread displays throughout the building. That way, residents can enjoy the intricate arrangements just down the hall from their apartments, and stroll throughout The Willows to see the complete array.
    “It’s been a big hit with the people here, and fun for us to get more directly involved with our residents this season,” said Pion. “The displays also showcase the talents of the staff. The effort that goes into making these displays is intense, and requires a great deal of patience. The whole project gets your creative juices flowing and pushes the limits of your imagination—so it’s hard work that’s also a true labor of love.”
   The scenes depict an elaborate train, a church, general store, tree house, mill, barn, cabin, saloon, row houses and a nativity scene. The displays required 150 pounds of gingerbread, 60 pounds of icing and 50 pounds of candy. Some of the items incorporated in their decoration are gumdrops, ice cream cones, pretzels, mixed nuts, yogurt-covered raisins, caramels, wheat crackers, jellybeans, candy canes, gum, coconut, wheat cereal, candy wafers, mints, spearmint leaves, wafer cookies, mints, licorice, nougats, and crispy corn cereal.

   Through The Willows at Westborough Retirement Community, Whitney Place Assisted Living Residences, Whitney Place Adult Day Health Centers, Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Centers and The Child Care Centers, located in Natick, Northborough, Northbridge and Westborough, The Salmon Family of Services, founded in 1952, offers a full spectrum of services designed to maintain the highest possible quality of life for those they serve. To learn more, call Toll-Free in Massachusetts 1-800-446-8060, or visit www.SalmonFamily.com.

 

Fighting disease with good vibrations

 

Westborough, MA, October 10, 2006_Stand on a platform ten minutes a day, and you could keep osteoporosis away. That’s not an idea out of science fiction or an old wives’ tale; Doctors Marian Hannan and Douglas Kiel of Harvard Medical School think they’re onto something.
   They will be applying this theory with the help of resident volunteers at The Willows at Westborough Retirement Community starting next spring, as part of a research study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study is designed to test whether low-level vibrations delivered daily for two years can increase bone density of the hip and spine in people over 65 who have early-stage osteoporosis. The vibrations are so subtle they go unnoticed by the individual standing on a low platform, and during the ten-minute regimen participants can talk, read, watch television or even break up the time into shorter intervals, as long as they spend a total of ten minutes on the platform.
   At this point, scientists aren’t clear on how the vibrations affect the body, though some speculate the vibrations produce muscle contraction and relaxation, strengthening the muscles and exerting pressure on the bones. If this is so, the resulting pressure would encourage the maintenance of bone density.
   Karen McKenzie, director of the Personalized Exercise Program (PEP®) at The Willows, invited Drs. Hannan and Kiel to involve the people and space there when she heard about the study, seeing it as a perfect fit.
   The Willows at Westborough is a retirement community for active seniors, and their fitness center is in constant use by residents dedicated to maintaining their highest level of physical functioning.
    “We have such an informed, enthusiastic group of seniors here, as well as the space for the new equip-ment,” says McKenzie. “I had people already volunteering to take part as soon as they heard about it.”
   “We are serious about senior health issues,” McKenzie continues. “Our full-time fitness staff makes strength training a major component of our exercise plans. The idea of getting residents involved in this research study is doubly exciting, since it avoids the use of medications to control the progression of osteoporosis, and will be available at no cost.”
   McKenzie, in her 15th year of running PEP in Westborough, already knew Dr. Marian Hannan. She’d been the keynote speaker in 2004 on National Senior Health and Fitness Day at The Willows. Dr. Hannan is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and a Senior Scientist at the Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife in Boston. Hannan is widely published, lectures nationally on both bone loss and arthritis in older persons, and has been the recipient of many awards and grants in her research on arthritis, foot disorders and osteoporosis. Her colleague Dr. Kiel is Director of Medical Research and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School’s Division on Aging.
   Osteoporosis is a non-contagious disease which thins and weakens the bones, making them fragile and more likely to break, and it affects more than 10 million people in the United States. Eighty percent of those with osteoporosis are women; older people are at greater risk, since bones become thinner and more porous with age.
   There is no cure for osteoporosis, but proper diet, weight-bearing exercise and medication can help control the progression of the disease, as can limiting alcohol use and not smoking.
    “With many seniors taking medications, it’s refreshing to see an approach to controlling bone loss that doesn’t add one more,” says McKenzie. “Not having to deal with side effects or the interaction of another drug makes involvement in this research study a ‘natural’ for our residents.”
   Dr. Hannan will be appearing twice on McKenzie’s Westborough TV Channel 11 cable program Seniors on the Move, first to discuss osteoporosis and second, to talk about the upcoming research study. The program will air throughout November on Thursdays at 7 p.m., and Fridays at 1 p.m. Seniors on the Move is also broadcast on WCCA TV 13 in Worcester on Tuesdays at 4 p.m.