Bloomfield, CT, May 16, 2012 – Switching gears from examples of violence and political unrest in the global community, the May 22 World Affairs meeting will discuss Indonesia’s nonviolent evolution from authoritarian rule. The meeting will take place at Duncaster Retirement Community in Bloomfield at 10:30 a.m.

The program, called “Finding Democracy Without a Revolution: The Surprising Case of Indonesia’s Peaceful Escape from Authoritarian Rule,” presents Indonesia as a model for other nation’s currently experiencing similar changes, such as Libya, Yemen and Syria. Central to the discussion is former Indonesian President Suharto.

“While President Suharto’s rise to power is similar to the violence occurring in other countries around the world, his willingness to allow change is not. In 1998, after 32 years of rule, President Suharto willingly resigned from his position. Military leaders at the time followed his example and voluntarily dropped their predominant role in civilian matters,” says World Affairs Series moderator Ed Fowler, a Duncaster resident.

To open the discussion on Tuesday, video interviews with experts from The Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute will be aired. The meeting is part of Duncaster’s World Affairs Series, which is presented to the community by the residents of Duncaster on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. Participants include Duncaster residents and staff, as well as members of the community. This is the 15^th year for the series which concentrates on global issues from a variety of angles.

Attendance is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. To register, or for more information, contact Fran Kent at (860) 380-5006 or fkent@duncaster.org.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults lead to its current project of updating and expanding its dining and hospitality amenities to reflect contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5005. 

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com 

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

Bloomfield’s Duncaster Retirement Community Hosts Open House

BLOOMFIELD, CT, May 9, 2012 – Duncaster Retirement Community welcomes visitors for an open house on Sunday, May 20, from 2-4p.m. The tour of homes provides the public with an opportunity to experience the spirit of the Duncaster community. Duncaster is located at 40 Loeffler Road in Bloomfield.

On the tour, visitors will have the chance to view Duncaster’s apartment homes, as well as on-site amenities such as the art gallery and the new dining facilities, which offers both casual and traditional dining settings. The tours provide visitors with insight into the benefits of care-free living plus the peace of mind that comes with a full continuum of on-site health care.

 Visitors will likely cross paths with Duncaster residents and staff throughout the tour. “Meeting the residents and staff of an active adult community such as Duncaster is essential. The open house allows visitors to discover the friendly and welcoming nature of our residents and staff; these individuals truly represent the environment of Duncaster,” says Duncaster’s Director of Marketing, Patty Roohr. 

The tours are open to the public, but an RSVP is requested by May 14. To RSVP, or for more information, contact Fran Kent at (860) 380-5006 or fkent@duncaster.org. Refreshments will be served.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care.  The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment.  Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility.  Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing.   For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5005.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

BLOOMFIELD, CT, April 30, 2012 – Bloomfield’s Duncaster Retirement Community took the top spot in Hartford Magazine’s annual “Best of Hartford Magazine” poll of readers.  Some 126,000 people voted, giving Duncaster first place in the “Retirement Community” category. 

“This is a tremendous honor and one we owe to our residents, staff and friends in the community,” says Duncaster’s Director of Marketing, Patty Roohr.  “What makes Duncaster special is their loyalty, trust and support.  We are very grateful and flattered.”

Hartford Magazine’s eighth annual poll allowed readers to vote for their favorites in more than 150 categories, from Chinese food to car washes, private schools to pet spas, books store to beer selection. 

Other Bloomfield-based winners were Wade’s Vegetables in the Farm Stand category; Tapas Mediterranean Café in the Tapas category and Battiston’s Fabric Care Specialists in the Dry Cleaning category.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care.  The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment.  Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility.  Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing.   For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com 

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BLOOMFIELD, CT, April 23, 2012 — When an activity is recommended by everyone from the Mayo Clinic to Dr. Oz there must be something to it. That activity is walking. “Walking is the best way to get fit, lose some pounds, improve your balance and enjoy the outdoor scenery,” says Anita Kerschner, the Fitness Trainer at Duncaster Retirement Community. She underscores the benefits of this activity physically and psychologically. “We’ve been indoors all winter. Now’s the time to get outside to enjoy the nice weather. That will definitely motivate us.”

Kerschner, who been showcasing the advantages of exercise and fitness at Duncaster for over a decade, points out that walking is a good, easy and equipment-free way to undertake a personal fitness program. “A walking program is easy to start. It doesn’t require any fancy equipment and most people enjoy it. And pleasure with an activity is the key to consistency. We know that if you love something, you’ll stick with it,” says Kerschner.

In addition, those who walk consistently often have better cholesterol numbers, lower blood pressure, an easier time controlling their weight, and generally stay stronger and fitter longer than those who don’t. “Most fitness experts agree that brisk walking for 30 minutes four or five times a week wards off chronic disease. For those who want to lose weight, we will recommend doing it for longer periods of time,” she says.

Now that the weather’s warmer and the outdoors beckons, Kerschner has these tips for those who are ready for a good walk: 

• Start off gradually – “Be kind to yourself if you’ve been cooped up inside all winter,” she says. “Start slowly. Walk 10 minutes at slow pace the first day. On the second, walk a little farther. Duration is the important factor; not speed. The longer you walk, the longer your heart works and that’s what contributes to the cardiovascular benefits. Gradually make your walks last longer, working up to 30 minutes. When you’re feeling comfortable with that, alternate regular walking with intervals of brisker walking.”

• Get the right shoes – While no fancy equipment is required for walking, Kerschner does recommend wearing a good walking shoe. “Choose shoes with proper arch support, a firm heel and thick flexible soles to cushion your feet and absorb shock,” she suggests. “Have yourself fitted at a store where the staff knows what they are doing. And, before you buy a pair of shoes, walk around in them in the store for awhile.” She also points out that habitual walkers wear out those shoes. “If you’re active, make sure you check your walking shoes regularly to make sure they aren’t worn. It’s not uncommon for active walkers to wear out their athletic shoes every six months. You’ll want to check for worn heals and notice if they are becoming loose on top.”

• Avoid getting dehydrated– That means drinking water before during and AFTER a walk, Kerschner says. She also cautions against walking in hot, humid conditions. “I’d rather see you walk inside on those days,” she says. “We have people at Duncaster who have a regular walking course inside and some who go to the malls to walk.”

• Pick a time to walk every day to create a routine – It’s all about consistency so Kerschner advises making it a habit to walk at the same time each day to encourage that.

• Chart your success – Keep a log of how long, how far you go and how you feel after each walk. This can be fun and challenging. Not sure how far you’re walking? Use a pedometer or your car’s odometer to measure your course. “Our walkers tell me that if they walk from the front entrance of Duncaster and do one lap around our campus, that it’s exactly one mile,” she says.

• Share the habit – Take a friend along for your regular walks. It’s fun and motivating, too.

• Break it up – There’s no law that says your 30 minutes of activity has to be done in one stretch. Kerschner suggests breaking it up throughout the day. If you take three, ten minute strolls – one in the morning; one in the afternoon and one after dinner – you’ll be burning calories at three different times. “You can burn calories any time,” she says.

• Kick it up a notch – When you’re ready and your doctor okays it, you might want to mix up your exercise routine. Kerschner points out that there’s a regular group of Duncaster residents who hike together and another who bike together. Others do what’s called “Water Walking”. This involves walking in the pool, working against the resistance of the water. “It’s all about finding an activity you’re comfortable with and like to do,” Kerschner advises. “You’ll stick with activities you like. They’ll become something you miss when you’re not doing them. Exercise that’s fun is exercise you keep doing.”

She concludes with this: “It’s all about making your workout work for you. We know that people who exercise have better balance, mobility and an improved quality of life. Who wouldn’t like that?”

BLOOMFIELD, CT, April 23, 2012 – Bloomfield’s Duncaster Retirement Community took the top spot in Hartford Magazine’s annual “Best of Hartford Magazine” poll of readers. Some 126,000 people voted, giving Duncaster first place in the “Retirement Community” category.

“This is a tremendous honor and one we owe to our residents, staff and friends in the community,” says Duncaster’s Director of Marketing, Patty Roohr. “What makes Duncaster special is their loyalty, trust and support. We are very grateful and flattered.”

Hartford Magazine’s eighth annual poll allowed readers to vote for their favorites in more than 150 categories, from Chinese food to car washes, private schools to pet spas, books store to beer selection.

Other Bloomfield-based winners were Wade’s Vegetables in the Farm Stand category; Tapas Mediterranean Café in the Tapas category and Battiston’s Fabric Care Specialists in the Dry Cleaning category.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

BLOOMFIELD, CT, April 17, 2012 – The political unrest present in Syria has created a dilemma for the global community. The April 24 World Affairs meeting at Duncaster Retirement Community will discuss the situation in Syria and how the international community is attempting to tackle it. The meeting will take place at 10:30 a.m. Attendance is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.

The program, called “Bashar al-Assad and the International Community’s Dilemma on Syria,” addresses the rising political unrest occurring in Syria today. Syrian President Assad has openly refused a cease-fire between his government and the Free Syrian Army. However, while actions taken by the international community to promote a cease-fire have occurred, many believe that President Assad will not completely abide by any cease-fire agreements made.

To open the discussion on Tuesday, videos on the topic will be aired: one featuring Ibrahim Kalim, a government advisor to Syria’s neighbor, Turkey, who believes Assad has lost all legitimacy; and one featuring the United States Ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice. After, a Charlie Rose interview with Bashar Ja’afari, the Syrian Ambassador who supports President Assad, who claims that Assad’s actions are on behalf of the Syrian people.

The discussion is part of Duncaster’s World Affairs Series, which is presented to the community by the residents of Duncaster on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. Participants include Duncaster residents and staff, as well as members of the community. This is the 15th year for the series which concentrates on global issues from a variety of angles. The next meeting will be held on May 8. 

To register, or for more information, contact Fran Kent at (860) 380-5006 or fkent@duncaster.org.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults lead to its current project of updating and expanding its dining and hospitality amenities to reflect contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

BLOOMFIELD, CT, April 4, 2012 – Duncaster Retirement Community has hired Vanessa Giannasi of Winsted, Conn. as the Director of Development. Giannasi’s role is to elevate, formalize, and sustain the vibrant culture of philanthropy at Duncaster.

Giannasi arrives at Duncaster with extensive experience in the field of development. Prior to her appointment as Director, she acted as Vice President, Director of Development at Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation in Bloomfield where under her leadership Fidelco’s 2011 Annual Appeal, produced by Andrew Associates, won three bronze Addy Awards. Before joining Fidelco, Giannasi worked at the development office of The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts for 11 years.

Among her accomplishments, Giannasi has received the Development Director Certification from the Institute for Nonprofit Management at Portland State University, the Planned Giving Program Certification from the National Planned Giving Institute at The College of William and Mary, and has completed the Connecticut Lobbying Conference program conducted by Berry Gallo and Company at the Lyceum Conference and Resource Center in Hartford.

Giannasi is a graduate of the University of Phoenix, Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program, with a focus on organizational leadership and global management. She is an active member of the Association of Nonprofit Professionals since 2001, and serves as board member of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council and Peer Advisor for the Connecticut State Department of Economic Development’s Offices of Culture and Tourism.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults lead to its current project of updating and expanding its dining and hospitality amenities to reflect contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

Duncaster’s Diversity Council Presents Messages of Respect

BLOOMFIELD, CT, Mar. 15, 2012 — “Let us build a place where we respect each other because of the contributions each has made to this country.”  With these words the Rev. Dr. Alvan Johnson, Jr. captivated an audience gathered at Duncaster Retirement Community with a message about valuing each individual.  The occasion was Duncaster’s annual Diversity and Inclusion Day and the multigenerational audience included Bloomfield High School students, Duncaster employees and residents and their invited guests.

Dr. Johnson, the former pastor of Bloomfield’s Bethel AME Church, began his keynote speech with these words:” I greet you today in the name of everything that is sacred that we hold dear.  Black history benefits all of us because it is the inclusion of the contributions of everyone in this society that will determine what this country will be.  It is up to each of us to respect the contributions that all people have made to this country.”

The annual event is planned and executed by Duncaster employees who are members of the community’s Diversity and Inclusion Council.  The council is made up of a group of Duncaster employees dedicated to mutuality of respect, which was the subject of this program. 

The event kicked off with a welcome by Duncaster CEO Michael O’Brien who set the tone with: “Justice, equality and peace are our goals.”  Then, the audience sang a rousing version of the Black National Anthem– “Lift Every Voice and Sing” – led by Bloomfield High School alumni Danika Brown, two current Bloomfield High School students, Ashley Brown and Travis Townsend and Duncaster employee Kyle Pitts.  It was followed by poetry readings by Ashley Brown and Travis Townsend and Duncaster receptionist Marilyn Brown.  She read an original poem called “Freedom”, that she wrote with her daughter. 

Wanda Carrier, Secretary of Duncaster’s Diversity Council, introduced Dr. Johnson, citing his role as a former president of the Interfaith Coalition and a “great humanitarian.”

Throughout his remarks, Dr. Johnson frequently drew the crowd in with his compelling words about mutual respect, citing the achievements of Black Americans and the need for all to value each other’s contributions.  “It is time for each of us to ask ourselves if we want a country where people automatically respect each other,” he intoned.  “We have to build a society where we value people because of who they are.   The responsibility is on all of us to understand the contributions all of us have made; to learn the truth and tell the truth.  It’s about the truth and us telling one another the truth.”  He concluded with this: “I like to heed this advice: tell the truth just in case you’re not invited back!”

About Duncaster:

Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care.  The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment.  Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility.  Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing.   For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com 

BLOOMFIELD, CT,   Mar. 19, 2012 –Duncaster Retirement Community offers a few savory ways to celebrate Easter or the spring season.   Their Director of Dining Services and Executive Chef, Frank Zimber combined traditional dishes with unique twists that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Roasted Lamb – A delicious melody of vegetables, combined with bacon and Guinness make this dish something to write home about. Savor every bite of the tender lamb and scrumptious vegetables while catching up with family and friends.

Ingredients (Serves 10)

§  1 ½ pound thickly sliced bacon, diced

§  6 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2 inch pieces

§  ½ teaspoon salt

§  ½ teaspoon black pepper

§  ½ cup all-purpose flour

§  3 gloves garlic, minced

§  1 large onion, chopped

§  1 ½ cup Guinness

§  4 cups beef stock

§  2 teaspoons white sugar

§  4 cups diced carrots

§  2 cups diced celery

§  2 large onions, cut into bite-size pieces

§  3 potatoes

§  1 sweet potato

§  1 teaspoon dried thyme

§  2 bay leaves

Preparation

1.   Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.

2.   Put lamb, salt, pepper, and flour in large mixing bowl. Toss to coat meat evenly. Brown meat in the skillet with bacon fat.

3.   Place meat into stock pot (leave 1/4 cup of fat in frying pan). Add the garlic and yellow onion and sauté till onion begins to become golden. Deglaze frying pan with 1/2 cup of Guinness.

4.   Add the beef stock the thyme and bay leaf

5.   Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

6.   Add carrots, celery, onions, sweet and white potatoes and the leftover cup of Guinness to the pot. Reduce heat, and simmer covered for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender

Easter Meringue Apple Pie (Serves 8-10) – Different than traditional apple pie, the Executive Chef at Duncaster has included a meringue topping to reinvent the dish. Indulge in the comfort and warmth of an old favorite with a touch of fresh meringue.

Ingredients

§  Pastry dough for a single-crust pie

§  4 Granny Smith apples, totaling about 1 pound, cored, peeled and thin sliced

§  Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

§  2 tablespoons water

§  Juice of one lemon, strained

§  3 large eggs, separated

§  4 ounces sugar, or to taste

Preparation

1.   First, prepare the pie crust in a suitable pie dish. Set aside.

2.   Preheat the oven to 180° C/350° F.

3.   Take sliced apples, add the 2 tablespoons of water to a small heavy pot, and cook over medium heat until the apples are soft. Add the cinnamon (the apple bits do not have to completely disappear into the puree. It’s alright to leave some extra texture.) Remove from heat.

4.   Beat the egg yolks slightly. Add the lemon and three-quarters of the sugar to the apple puree. Then add the egg and stir well. Spoon the mixture into the pie shell and bake for twenty minutes.

5.   Meanwhile, start beating the egg whites, adding the remaining sugar gradually as you continue beating. Whip until stiff peaks form. When the pie has had its first twenty minutes in the oven, remove it and spread the meringue over the top of the pie, sealing it to the edges of the crust.

6.   Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until nicely browned.

7.   Serve hot or cold.

Since the opening of Duncaster’s expanded hospitality and dining facilities last summer, Chef Zimber has put an emphasis on fresh, seasonal foods with a healthy and flavorful twist.  Duncaster’s new dining facilities offer choices in casual and traditional dining in a variety of settings that meet the active lifestyle of Duncaster residents and their guests.

A great way to celebrate Easter or spring with family and friends, these recipes are sure to leave feeling guests satisfied from their mouthwatering meal.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care.  The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment.  Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility.  Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing.   For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

BLOOMFIELD, CT,   Mar. 1, 2012 — At Duncaster Retirement Community, a Golden Retriever wanders the halls nudging residents’ legs.  The dog is welcomed with smiles and numerous treats.  This is Caleb, the eight-year-old mascot at Duncaster, who takes his job of bringing smiles to the residents very seriously.

Not only does Duncaster have Caleb, but many of their residents have their own dogs and cats.  Pets are an important part of Duncaster according to Patty Roohr, the Director of Marketing at Duncaster.  “Everybody knows everyone’s pets’ names here and they’re greeted like people,” she says.

Duncaster has always encouraged their residents to bring their pets with them when they move to the community.  “We’ve always known pets are part of the family,” says Roohr.  “They’re an integral part of peoples’ lives.  In addition, when people first move to our community, animals help them adjust and feel more comfortable with their surroundings.”

Much of the research bears this out.  Pets have been proven to be medically beneficial, especially for older adults.  According to a Melbourne Study of over 6,000 patients, owners of dogs and other pets had lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart attack risk than non-pet owners.

Roohr believes that it’s the animals loving attitude that is so comforting. “Sure, they need to be fed and walked, but the trade-off is that they provide love that’s always available,” she says.  Duncaster resident Katherine Miller agrees.  She chose to move to Duncaster a year and half ago because it allowed her to keep her cat.  Ms. Miller believes that animals reach out to people and that’s what people like about them. “They just give a lot, plain and simple,” She says.

Throughout her life Ms. Miller has always had a cat or a dog, and she considers pets exceptional companions.  She can remember a brief period in her life when she did not have a pet and lived alone. “It wasn’t pleasant to be home without another living thing there,” she says.  Having a pet waiting for her when she gets home relaxes Ms. Miller and she adds: “They’re great to snuggle up next to.”

Ms. Miller also advocates for the benefits that pets bring to people who are ill or depressed.  “They will reach out to you,” She says.   When Ms. Miller’s husband was in the hospital she would often bring their cat Tigger into his hospital room.  “His condition would noticeably improve whenever Tigger was around,” she remembers.

Another Duncaster resident who treasures having a pet is Alice Loomis.  She shares her home with her 11-year-old poodle, Tommy. Ms. Loomis not only finds Tommy comforting, but also believes he does a lot more for her.  When she moved to Duncaster four years ago, she found that Tommy gave her a great way to meet people.  “Everyone would always stop and say hi to Tommy,” she says.  Ms. Loomis also loves taking Tommy on walks. “He’s a nice companion to walk with,” she says, adding that Tommy is a great motivator for her to get up and exercise every day. “He won’t let me take a day off,” she says.

As Mr. how Ms. Loomis feels about Tommy living in a community such as Duncaster, she loves it. “It’s the perfect place for him to live.”

Duncaster mascot Caleb thinks so too, enjoying his status as something of a celebrity around the community.  Just ask Jeff Fournier, who has been Caleb’s handler since the dog was three months old.  Fournier describes what it’s like to walk Caleb around and encounter people: ““First they say ‘Hey Caleb’. Then they say ‘Hey Jeff’”

Fournier loves walking Caleb around the community, noticing Caleb’s skill at drawing people in. “When people are around him, they lose focus on everything else,” he comments.  Fournier believes that Caleb makes Duncaster residents comfortable because many of them have had pets throughout their lives.  In addition, Fournier has seen the positive health benefits that pets bring to the community.  “It’s been medically proven that dogs can lower anxiety and blood pressure,” he points out, citing a number of research studies that illustrate the point.   According to a study at the UCLA Medical Center, heart failure patients who were visited by a volunteer with a dog experienced a 24 percent drop in anxiety level.  That was 14 percent higher than if the volunteer came without the dogs.  Furthermore, in a University of Buffalo study, when stockbrokers with high blood pressure adopted cats or dogs, their blood pressure in stressful situations was lower than those who did not adopt a pet.  Some insurance companies, such as Midland Life Insurance Company, even ask their clients over 75 if they have a pet as part of their underwriting process.

Fourier isn’t surprised at these findings.  He’s seen the benefits of the special bond that animals form with the people around them. “It’s an emotional connection, because they provide unconditional love,” he says.  It’s a connection that is clearly shared between Caleb, Duncaster residents and staff alike.  “Caleb is like the quintessential staff member – always here and always doing his job,” Roohr says.  She finds that Caleb brings joy and love wherever he goes. “Caleb is not just in it for the cookies,” Roohr jokes.  “He makes people feel cared about and adored.  The residents are very responsive and enjoy him a lot.”

“It’s a wonderful thing having him around,” Adds Duncaster resident Alice Loomis, whose dog Tommy sometimes plays with Caleb while he’s making his rounds.  “Caleb is great; it’s fantastic having him here.”         

Caleb is the first community dog that Duncaster has ever had and he’s been an important member of Duncaster since he joined it eight years ago.  As he wanders around Duncaster in search of treats and smiles, he seems to know he’s got an important job to do.  And given the greetings, hugs and cookies he collects on his rounds, he doesn’t seem to need any research to know it’s a job well done. 

About Duncaster

Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care.  The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment.  Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility.  Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing.   For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

BLOOMFIELD, CT, Feb. 20, 2012 – A discussion of the unstable relationship between the United States and China will be the subject of Duncaster’s World Affairs Series on Feb. 28. It will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Duncaster Retirement Community, 40 Loeffler Rd., Bloomfield. Attendance is open to members of the community and free with advanced registration.

The program, called “The U.S./China Relationship”, will focus on how a change in leadership could affect the mercurial relationship between the two nations.  Many observers speculate that, Xi Jinping, the country’s current Vice President, will have a more liberal perspective on world affairs, especially those with the United States.  He is expected to become China’s President in October 2012.

Setting the stage for the discussion will be a recent video interview with Jon Huntsman, former Utah Governor and Ambassador to China, Henry Kissinger,  former National Security Advisor and former Secretary of State and author of On China, and Robert Kagan, author of The World America Made.  Following the video presentation, a discussion will be held on the future of the United States and China relationship, as well as the role of the U.S. in the world.

The discussion is part of Duncaster’s World Affairs Series, which is presented to the community by the residents of Duncaster on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. Participants include Duncaster residents and staff, as well as members of the community. This is the 15^th year for the series which concentrates on global issues from a variety of angles. The next meeting will be held on March 13.

The meeting is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. To register, or for more information, contact Fran Kent at (860) 380-5006 or fkent@duncaster.org.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults lead to its current project of updating and expanding its dining and hospitality amenities to reflect contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006. 

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com 

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell) 

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

DUNCASTER’S FEB. 14 WORLD AFFAIRS SERIES TO CONSIDER TRANS-BORDER CRIME BETWEEN MEXICO AND THE U.S.

BLOOMFIELD, CT, Jan. 26, 2012 – The confrontation between the Mexican drug cartels and, U.S. policy will be the subject of Duncaster’s World Affairs series on Feb. 14. It will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Duncaster Retirement Community, 40 Loeffler Rd., Bloomfield. Attendance is open to members of the community and free with advanced registration.

The program, called “Trans-Border Crime and Governance” will include a presentation and video interviews with experts on the confrontation between the Mexican government and drug cartels and U.S. policy on forcing governance changes in Mexico and Central America. The program and the discussion that follows will also cover the question of whether there should be direct U.S. military intervention in Mexico.

The discussion is part of Duncaster’s World Affairs Series, which is presented to the community by the residents of Duncaster on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. Participants include Duncaster residents and staff, as well as members of the community. This is the 15th year for the series which aims at looking at global issues from a variety of angles. The next meeting will be on February 28.

The meeting is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. To register, or for more information, contact Fran Kent at (860) 380-5006 or fkent@duncaster.org.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults lead to its current project of updating and expanding its dining and hospitality amenities to reflect contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

BLOOMFIELD, CT, Feb. 3, 2012 — Want the romance to last past Valentine’s Day?  Take the advice of couples who have been married for 50 years or more.  They’ll tell you the key to their long time unions boils down to three things: Independence, inter-dependence and the ability to share a good laugh.

“Once you’re committed to a long-term relationship, you’re looking for solutions, not escapes and then you find them,” says Jean Yaeger, who will celebrate 59 years of marriage to Jim next month.   They met when Jim was in dental school in Indiana and Jean was in training to be a nurse.  They’ve stayed together through career changes (Jean left healthcare administration for an IT career and Jim moved onto the faculty of the UConn Dental School); four children and a move to Duncaster Retirement Community in 2006.  Today, they are heavily involved in Duncaster’s academic and social activities. 

For Phil and Katie Reynolds their marriage will reach the 55 year mark in July.  It’s a journey that Katie summarizes this way: “Time flies when you’re having fun, and we’ve always had fun!”  Both had satisfying careers before moving to Duncaster in 2007.  Phil was an insurance executive for The Travelers and Katie spent many years in public service, including a stint as the Mayor of West Hartford.  She finished her career at Hartford Steam Boiler.  Both are very involved with Duncaster’s educational programs as well as the programming for the community’s activities.

With over 100 years of marital experience, they offered these pieces of advice for couples who want to keep “the music” going:

Have separate careers and activities – Both couples felt that having independent lives strengthened their relationships.  “You don’t think it’s a good idea to get too wrapped up in each other,” says Jean Yaeger.  “If you become too interdependent you don’t get a chance to develop your own identities.  We’ve always had separate careers and always had interest beyond our families.”  Before moving to Duncaster, Jean went from full-time homemaker, to healthcare administration to a career (at age 50) in IT at the Aetna.  Jim’s career spanned a variety of academic institutions, causing them to move around the country.  Even today, they’ve taken on different jobs as Jim edits Duncaster’s residents’ newsletter and manages the community’s advanced education courses.  Jean has served as an officer of the residents’ association, contributor to the Duncaster Facebook page, designer of a website for adult education and even finds time to knit bandages for lepers in Vietnam.

“You don’t’ always have to do everything together,” says Katie Reynolds, who debunks the myth many newly married couples have that they need to be constantly joined at the hip.  “We each have our own interests.  Some of them mesh (we both love music) and some don’t and some of them we pursue on our own. Katie’s gardening holds little appeal to Phil.  “We travel a lot.  Many times it’s together, but I’ve taken trips without Phil and he’s taken trips without me,” she says.

Share major activities – Both couples also agree on the flip side of the togetherness question.  The Yaegers have a mutual, life-long passion for camping and boating, often sharing small spaces in those pursuits and doing it comfortably.  “We’ve lived on sailboats and powerboats where there’s not a lot of space and done it with no problem,” says Jim. 

Phil and Katie Reynolds have a common interest in a variety of sports, from golf and bridge to tennis and skiing, although Katie’s the first to admit that she does not share Phil’s passion for spectator sport.  “Katie couldn’t tell you who was in the Superbowl, so I enjoy those sorts of things on my own,” Phil chuckles.

Share the childcare – During those early years with children, both couples also made it a point to share the childcare.  The Yaegers had four children in a six-year span and the Reynolds had three children.  “I’d get home from work and put all three of them in the bathtub at once,” remembers Phil.  When Jim came home from work, he took on the job of taking the kids out of the house to give Jean some breathing room.  “I’d go back to work later in the evening, but during the hours I was home, I’d spend time with the kids.  And, on Sundays, I’d take them ‘way out’, meaning outside and out of earshot to give Jean some alone time.”

Share the cooking – Phil added cooking to his repertoire when Katie got into politics.  “When she was working for Governor Grasso, she’d have a lot of night meetings, so I got into cooking.  I enjoyed it,” says Phil, who counts duck pie and the French stew called cassoulet among his specialties. 

Share a Laugh – “Phil always has something funny to say every day. — At least one laugh a day.  In the 55 years we’ve been married, he’s never bored me,” says Katie.  “I know some long-term marriages do turn out to be boring, but not ours.”    

Recognize your separate views on life – The Yaeger celebrate their different perspectives on the world and do their best to understand the others’ take on things.  “Jean’s very clinical because of her nursing and IT backgrounds and I’m more interested in the basic sciences,” Jim says.  “She’s good at looking at results.  I’m more analytical.  But we appreciate those differences, even though they can lead to disagreements.  You need to understand that you’re not going to change the other person’s view on life and it’s fruitless to try to ‘fix’ them.  That’s a grievous error that can lead to disaster.”

Pick a partner who cheers you on.  “Phil has always supported me in doing things that were out of the ordinary,” says Katie.  She returned the favor when she encouraged him to get back to playing the violin after a 20 year gap.  “One Christmas I went to a pawn shop and bought him a violin.  He’s been playing the violin now for 50 years.  He played from ages 7 to 13 before he stopped.  That gift got him back to it and he’s never quit.”

Get comfortable with silences – If you read enough “how to” books, you’d get the impression that constant interaction is the key to a happy marriage, but Jean and Jim say there’s another side to the communications’ issue.  “We don’t need a constant stream of chatter to prove we’re still connected,” she says.  “We’re perfectly comfortable sharing silences.  In fact, when we’re on the boat, it’s common that we savor the quiet time for long blocks of time.  We don’t need to entertain each other.  Sometimes we’re just happy being together quietly.”

As a final commentary on the “rules” for a long-term marriage, Jim sums it up this way: “This is all accidental.  It wasn’t purposeful.  We stumbled upon our ‘rules’ as we grew together.  The key was that we decided from the beginning to make this a permanent contract.  So, those rules evolved as we tried to solve or avoid problems.  It’s all about commitment and making that work.”

About Duncaster:

Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care.  The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment.  Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility.  Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing.   For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)         

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

BLOOMFIELD, CT, Jan. 19, 2012 – Will the unthinkable become reality?  Could Iran’s Supreme Leader force a show-down with the United State Fifth Fleet?  These questions will be part of Duncaster’s January 24 World Affairs meeting.  Titled “Ayatollah and the Bomb: Are We on the Brink of the Abyss in Iran?”  It will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Duncaster Retirement Community, 40 Loeffler Rd., Bloomfield.  Attendance is open to members of the community and free with advanced registration.

Participants will learn about the issues from a video interview by Emmy award winning journalist Charlie Rose and several three expert Middle East observers. They will then share their perspectives on these issues involved in this volatile situation.   The discussion will cover questions such as: Would the Ayatollah actually block the Straits of Hormuz, preventing 20 percent of the world’s oil supply from moving out of the Persian Gulf?  Does the U.S. mean it when we say such action would “cross a red line”?   Will Europe make good on its commitment to enforce the agreed sanctions to force Iran to abandon its nuclear program?

The discussion is part of Duncaster’s World Affairs Series, which is presented to the community by the residents of Duncaster on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month.  Participants include Duncaster residents and staff, as well as members of the community.  This is the 15^th year for the series which aims at looking at global issues from a variety of angles.

The next meeting will be on February 14 and will feature a discussion of issues in play between the U.S. and Mexico. 

The meeting is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.  To register, or for more information, contact Fran Kent at (860) 380-5006 or fkent@duncaster.org.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults lead to its current project of updating and expanding its dining and hospitality amenities to reflect contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

BLOOMFIELD, CT, Dec. 22, 2011 – It’s time for that annual ritual – making New Year’s resolutions.  For the residents of Duncaster Retirement Community, the idea of this annual exercise brings a variety of feelings – from “Doesn’t everybody?” to “They’re a waste of time.” 

Their attitudes towards New Year’s resolutions reflect those of the general population.  It’s been estimated that 40 to 45 percent of Americans make one or more resolutions a year, according to Serge Prengel, a psychotherapist, life coach and marriage counselor in New York City.   He cites statistics that say that 75 percent of people stick to those resolutions past the first week, but only 46 percent keep them past six months.  “While a lot of people who make New Year’s resolutions do break them, research shows that making resolutions is useful,” he says.  “People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions.”

Duncaster resident Dean Daniels is with the 40 percent of the population who finds the process helpful.  “Doesn’t everybody make them?” he asks.  “We make them to break them!  I make a couple for myself and some for my wife.”  His resolutions this year are to “…improve my patience plus lose five pounds around the middle.  I need to push myself away from the table, but it’s tough here with our new chef.”  And what about his resolution involving his wife, Twila?  “I want to spend more with her on the computer so she can get more comfortable with all that it can do.” 

Improved patience is a goal for another Duncaster resident, Janice Hawley, who admits that her years as a former New Yorker have left her with a need to go-go-go.  “I tend to be impatient, so my New Year’s resolution is to work on that,” she says.  She’s also resolved to do her exercises daily and to stop worrying about her children.  “They are grown adults,” she admits.  “But I still worry about the same things, like their getting home safely.  I guess you never outgrown that.”  

Former IBM engineer and Duncaster resident Calvin Conrad takes a more practical approach to New Year’s resolutions.  “I don’t make them,” he states flatly.  “I don’t see any practical reason  that making them will work.   People make them to feel better.  They list all the things they haven’t done that they should have done, but then they don’t do anything about them.”  Not surprisingly, he’s never made New Year’s resolutions, but he has made it a point to do things that move him forward.  “When you go through life you do make decisions and plan to do things.   I don’t call them resolutions,” he says.  “You do make plans on important things and that’s a good thing, but there’s no reason to do them only once a year on New Year’s.  I like the idea of sitting down and sorting things out.  It’s a good practice, but I’d suggest doing frequently and not just on the first of the year.  Think of it as long-range to do list.”

Long-time Duncaster resident Muriel Murphy reflects the attitude conflicted attitude many Americans have about New Year’s resolutions: “They’re a waste of time, but they are good,” she laughs.  “Doing them makes you conscious of what you want to be doing or what you want to stop doing.  The process raises important issues.”

 She’s made them in the past but found she only kept them “until I forgot”.  Like the majority of Americans, Mrs. Murphy’s resolutions have dealt with losing weight, staying away from sweets and exercising.  And what’s her advice for those contemplating making New Year’s resolutions this year?  “Give it a shot, but make sure you’re aim’s good.  You might as well make them.  They give you something to shoot at and if you shoot for the stars you get as far as the neighbor’s yard.  That’s a start.”

And what if you make them and fall short of living up to them?  Mrs. Murphy gives this final advice: “Don’t’ be too hard on yourself.  Join the rest of the world.  I’ve never known anyone who’s made and kept them, but maybe I don’t know the right people.  Or, maybe I do know the right people.”

About Duncaster:

Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care.  The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment.  Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility.  Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing.   For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

BLOOMFIELD, CT, Dec. 15, 2011 – Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas, you know that foods make the season. With the two holidays happening simultaneously (Hanukkah is Dec. 20 to 28) Duncaster’s Executive Chef Frank Zimber offers two classics that will make anyone’s tummy happy. They include potato pancakes and glazed ham.

For most Jewish people, the smell of latkes (potato pancakes) brings up memories of Hanukkah. Fried in oil – in celebration of the sacred oil that lasted the eight days of today’s Hanukkah – they are simple and good. In Germany, they are called Kartoffelpuffer and served year-round outdoors at weekly markets and carnivals. Frank Zimber calls on his own German heritage for this recipe:

Grandmas Potato Pancakes Kartoffelpuffer

Yield 4 portions

Ingredients:

10 medium sized potatoes

1 onion

2 eggs

½ tsp salt

1 pinch pepper

1 pinch sugar

1 pinch nutmeg

1 Cup (Canola) 

Preparation

• Peel the potatoes and onion and grate both.

• Add egg and seasonings and stir immediately

• In heavy Bottom frying pan heat oil about 2 tablespoons per batch

• Using a 1/3 cup measuring spoon scoop some of the potato onion mixture

• And spread in a circle in the pan. Flatten out a bit to about a 5 inch thin cake.

• Fry about for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy around the edges.

• Serve immediately with sour cream and apple sauce.

What could be more traditional than a Christmas ham? Sometimes called the Yule ham, its roots as a part of this season go back to Germany and Scandinavia. In this recipe, Chef Zimber pays homage to all those traditions and adds a few twists of his own:

Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

1 ham (bone in) estimate around 1 pound per person

1 ripe pineapple, peeled and thin-sliced with core removed or 1 canned pineapple

1 ½ cups brandy

4 crushed cinnamon sticks

20 cloves

2 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 cup soy sauce

1 stick butter

4 cups of water

Preparation

• Rub ham with a 1/3 of the sugar and spice with the cloves and the broken cinnamon stick pieces

• Bake at 350 for around 15 to 20 minute per pound

• Melt butter with the brown sugar, add the water, soy sauce and brandy and bring to a boil

• Place the pineapple slices the mixture and let it soak for 10 minutes

• Remove pineapple slices and set aside

• 10 minutes before ham is ready glace with the soy sugar mixture and until the ham gets nicely browned.

• Place pineapple slices on ham and present it on dinner table before you carve it.

Recommended sides – scalloped potatoes, carrots and green beans

Zimber, who apprenticed at two privately-owned hotels and worked in a Michelin two-star restaurant in Germany, is cooking in Duncaster’s new dining facility and winning fans throughout the community. His blend of traditional and new recipes emphasizes local ingredients and healthy, flavorful dishes. Duncaster opened the new dining and hospitality facilities this past summer, offering casual and traditional dining in a variety of settings that meet the active lifestyle of Duncaster residents and their guests. This is his first holiday season as Duncaster’s Executive Chef.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)

(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

By Steven Goode
Hartford Courant
December 8, 2011

The Duncaster Retirement Community has launched The Freshman Project, which connects 14 freshman University of Hartford students with six first-year residents at Duncaster. 

The goal of the project is to get a view of the first year of living at Duncaster through the eyes of the new residents and the students through weekly one hour visits and interviews. 

The hope is that students will gain an understanding of how older adults cope with transitions and changes in life and how similar they are to their own issues.

The project is the brainchild of Professor Teresa Stores, who hopes that it will bring together two diverse generations, give students valuable insight and remove some stereotypes and misconceptions they may have about older adults. A documentary about the project is tentatively scheduled to premier Dec. 14.

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Dec. 7, 2011 – No matter one’s age, the first year of living in a new place is bound to be life-changing. The Freshman Project aims to get a view of these changes through the eyes of two groups of first-year participants – freshmen at the University of Hartford and “freshman” at Duncaster Retirement Community. The project, which is titled “The First Time in Every Time: New Homes/New Lives,” is the brainchild of Professor Teresa Stores and is the subject of a semester-long project for her Freshman English students.

“We found Professor Stores’ project fascinating because it fits right in with the Duncaster philosophy of always taking on life’s changes with curiosity and interest,” says Patty Roohr, Director of Marketing at Duncaster.

The project connects 14 U of H students with six first-year residents at Duncaster. Throughout the Fall 2011 semester, the students have been visiting Duncaster once a week for one hour interviews with the residents. From the interviews, Stores hopes the students will gain an understanding of how older adults cope with transitions and changes in life and how similar they are to their own issues. “I discovered that what we’re having them do in this class may help make their own transition easier by talking about their experiences in a more objective way,” stated Professor Stores, who is also the author of three novels and has been featured in Oregon Literary Review, Blithe House Quarterly, Poetry Motel, and other anthologies and journals.

She hopes the project will bring together two diverse generations. “I believe this generation of young people is separated from older individuals too much. It’s important to connect the two,” said Stores. The students have an opportunity to gain valuable insight from their interviews with Duncaster residents and remove some of the stereotypes or preconceptions they may have about older adults.

When asked why she chose Duncaster, Stores explained there was a preexisting relationship between U of H and the retirement community. The idea formulated as an oral history project exploring transition experiences of different age groups. However, after sitting down for lunch with the president of the U of H’s President’s College , Humphrey Tonkin, and Duncaster’s Director of Resident Services, Janet Lamenzo, the project evolved into learning about transitions from a psychological perspective. The University’s Women’s Education and Leadership Fund (WELFund) provided funding to transport the students to Duncaster for the project.

“I’m very pleased with how things are going,” stated Stores. The students will be using the film footage to put together a short documentary that will focus on an aspect of the transition for the Duncaster residents. For Stores and one of her students, Dana Eckstein, the project will continue after the semester has ended. The two have applied for additional funding to re-interview residents. They hope to create a full-length documentary from the film footage and present their findings at conferences. Stores has recently been awarded an Engaged Learning Fellowship from the University of Hartford to continue these efforts.

A tentative date of December 14th, 2011 has been set for the students to premier the documentaries to the Duncaster residents.

About Duncaster:

Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

BLOOMFIELD, CT, Nov. 18, 2011 – Those looking to head off holiday stress before it hits will want to attend a half-day workshop on Nov. 30 sponsored by Duncaster Retirement Community. The workshop will run from 10:00 to noon and will include both presentations and hands-on sessions. It will feature local practitioners of yoga, acupuncture, t’ai chi and mindful meditation. 

“Most of us agree that the holidays are notorious for being stress-inducing. This year has been particularly stressful. So many of us have also had to endure heightened stress from our recent storm-related power losses,” says Patty Roohr, Duncaster’s Marketing Director. “We all recognize what it’s like to be deeply stressed and that we need some of our own inner power to find ways to take care of ourselves and eliminate stress. This workshop is designed to give participants some new ways to deal with stress in their daily lives.” 

The workshop will feature:

• Steve Paine, OMD, a Chinese Medicine Practitioner from Simsbury who will talk about acupuncture’s role in relieving stress;

• Elsie Mata, a yoga and wellness practitioner from Wethersfield who will talk about yoga and breathing techniques for stress reduction;

• Carol Tyler, MA, RD, a member of the Saint Francis Hospital Integrative Medicine Department who will talk about mindfulness and meditation;

• Michelle Kelly, a member of the Duncaster Wellness Program who will talk about the use of t’ai chi to overcome stress. 

Following the presentations, participants who wish to can try out some of the techniques for themselves in smaller hands-on sessions. 

The workshop is free and open to all, but registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Fran Kent at (860) 380-5006 or fkent@duncaster.org.

About Duncaster:
Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:
Andrea Obston
aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)
(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

The “Arab Spring” to Take Center Stage At Duncaster’s Upcoming World Affairs Series

BLOOMFIELD, CT, Nov. 16, 2011 – Many Americans are wondering what impact the public protests around the world will have on U.S. relationships with countries such as Egypt and Israel. Participants in Duncaster’s next World Affairs Series will have a chance to discuss the developments and implications of the Arab Spring on Tuesday, Nov. 22. 

The meeting, “The ‘Arab Spring’: Dreams and Reality”, will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Duncaster Retirement Community, 40 Loeffler Rd., Bloomfield.

As protestors have taken to the streets and demanded recognition, fascination with the Arab Spring has increased around the world. Public protests in North Africa and the Middle East have had varied reactions by national leaders. The inconsistent results have many Americans wondering if the goals of protestors are attainable. These goals range from a call for democracy to acknowledgment of human dignity and a need for more jobs.

The meeting will begin with a presentation about developments of the Arab Spring, and then transition to an open discussion about questions surrounding the protests.

The World Affairs Series is presented by the residents of Duncaster on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. Participants include Duncaster residents and staff, as well as members of the community. This is the 15th year for the series which aims at looking at global issues from a variety of angles.

The meeting is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. To register, or for more information, contact Fran Kent at (860) 380-5006 or fkent@duncaster.org.

About Duncaster:
Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:
Andrea Obston
aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)
(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

Duncaster Community’s Generator Fosters a New Sense of Community Among Residents, Their Families and Members of the Staff

BLOOMFIELD, CT, Nov. 7, 2011 – Members of the Duncaster Retirement Community will probably recall Storm Alfred with surprisingly fond memories. Duncaster’s two generators are keeping the heat and water flowing and the common areas bright, but that’s only half of the story. The other half is that the community served as a refuge for the children and grandchildren of residents; a place for warm showers and meals for staff and their children and the source of community among residents and staff in a way they’ve never experienced. 

“It’s like the kids have come back home to live in a retirement community,” says Duncaster CEO, Michael O’Brien, who came in the Sunday after the storm to make sure the residents were safe, warm and taken care of. “We have two high capacity generators, one to run the main building and a separate one for the nursing home that generate the power for electricity, lights and heat. They run our heat, water and kitchen and provide electricity for the common areas. In addition, our Director of Operations, Lou DeSario and his team have put a tremendous amount of effort into disaster planning that’s also paid off in being well-prepared, even for this once-in-a-lifetime storm.” 

O’Brien points with pride to the dedication of the staff in going above and beyond in this difficult time. “Our employees are the unsung heroes here. Despite all they’ve been challenged with in their own homes, virtually none of them missed a day of work,” he says. “Residents have been stopping me in the hallways to say how overwhelmed they’ve been by the sacrifice of staff.” 

Duncaster’s management has been encouraging all staff members to bring in their children for a warm place to stay while they are at work, as a place to charge their cell phones and for hot meals throughout the day. 

The community’s expanded dining room is a good place to see what O’Brien calls the community’s “esprit de corps.” Normally, Duncaster provides residents with continental breakfasts each morning, but Storm Alfred changed that. Now, their full, hot breakfasts attract residents who sit together for hours, often with new-found friends. They are joined by children, grandchildren, staff and their children.

The dining facility was the site for one of hundreds of staff “hero tales.” Kyle is a utility worker in the kitchen who decided he’d make sure the kitchen was up and running the Sunday morning after the storm. On his way to work, the Hartford native picked up three other Duncaster staffers to make sure they all got in. They were there by 6:00 a.m. to crank up the coffee pots and serve breakfast to anyone who needed it. 

The dining facility was the scene of a spontaneous act of goodwill by the players of the Playhouse on Park. Their singing wait staff staged a performance for residents at Wednesday’s dinner. Duncaster had been housing for several cast members recently and they saw this as one of many acts of gratitude for that kindness. 

Duncaster resident Peter Libassi says the new dining area’s become the center of action at Duncaster. “Our generator in the main building is set up to give our apartments heat and hot water, but it can only provide lights in common areas like the dining room, the halls and the fitness center. That means we’re gathering in those areas for more than just electricity. People meet in the dining room and linger all day over breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are getting to know other residents with whom they might have only shared a smile in the hallways. Now they are laughing together, setting up social engagements and just enjoying the company of others they never would have met without this storm. This tragedy has certainly has had an upside.” 

Resident John Morris also sees the plus side of the power outage. In a letter to O’Brien he says, “As you are no doubt aware, the plus side of the power outage has been the many informal, spontaneous groups of residents meeting here and there in the public spaces and hallways to chat at all hours. I’ve just finished breakfast, sitting at the big table, eating a good scrambled egg and sausage breakfast and chatting with whoever was next to me…The spontaneity we’ve seen this week is truly a precious jewel…” 

Because there are lights in the common areas, but not in the apartments, residents have had to find their own ways to stay entertained during the day. They still have the usual array of educational and recreational activities to choose from. The storm hasn’t altered that. In addition they have been gathering in Duncaster’s meeting rooms to watch movies and TV, including – by popular demand – the Monday night’s episode of “Dancing with the Stars”. On Halloween, one resident’s granddaughter put on her costume and roamed the halls with a twist – she was handing out the candy to her elders. 

Residents have held spontaneous parties in the common areas, sometimes well into the night. One young family member who was a guest at Duncaster was going off to bed one evening. She commented to her grandmother that she was surprised to see that the residents were still up and in the common areas while she was headed off to bed. 

The hallways are scenes of a surprising mix of residents and visitors. “You go down the hallway and see kids doing homework on laptops; resident’s playing cards and doing puzzles together; dogs with their owners enjoying the attention and people returning from the fitness center with wet hair. It’s truly the rebirth of congeniality,” comments Libassi. He sums up the experience this way: “All of us who are residents know how extremely fortunate we are to be at Duncaster. The staff here has kept everything going that needs to be working despite what they’ve got to deal with in their own homes. We won’t forget that. Residents always contribute to an annual Thanksgiving Fund for members of the Duncaster staff. We were well into it when the storm hit. But we’ve sent another letter to residents that asks that they think about the efforts of the staff during the storm and give additional contributions for the wonderful care they’ve given us under such great stress.”

Storm Alfred will be remembered by residents of Connecticut for many years to come. The residents of Duncaster may be some of the few who think of it with a smile, recalling the good it did for their community.

About Duncaster:
Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s Caleb Hitchcock Health Center has a five-star rating from the U.S. Government’s Medicare standards. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:
Andrea Obston
aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)
(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

BLOOMFIELD, CT., Sept. 28, 2011 – Duncaster Retirement Community was recently honored as one of the Top Workplaces of 2011 by the Hartford Courant/FOX CT. This is the first time the Courant has compiled such a list.

On Thursday, Sept. 22, the Hartford Courant hosted an event for representatives from Duncaster and other Top Workplaces. The event provided the companies an opportunity to meet each other and to celebrate their respective businesses accomplishments.

“It is an honor to be one of the companies recognized for the respect we show our employees,” said Ed Brewer a Duncaster employee and member of the community’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. Duncaster’s Director of Human Resources, Valerie Santos added her thoughts after attending the event, citing employee involvement as the reason for Duncaster’s success: “We strive to give our employees a voice and they strive to provide exceptional service to our residents.”

Companies recognized as Top Workplaces received the honor due to the results of a survey of employees by WorkplaceDynamics LLC. The survey measured various business qualities, including leadership, career opportunities, workplace environment, and benefits. Santos said the fact that the nomination came from their own employees made the award particularly special.

The rankings were published on Sunday, Sept. 25 in the Hartford Courant’s Top Workplaces special section. Duncaster was honored in the medium sized employer category. For a complete list of the companies honored see: Hartford Courant Top Workplaces.

Joining Santos and Brewer were Tuck Miller, Duncaster Board of Directors; Edian Shaw, Certified Nursing Assistant and President of the Diversity and Inclusion Council; Lou DeSario, Director of Operations and Carol Mortensen, Nursing Home Administrator.

About Duncaster:
Duncaster Retirement Community is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults led to the opening of its updated and expanded dining and hospitality amenities that reflects contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:
Andrea Obston
aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)
(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

BLOOMFIELD, CT, Sept. 21, 2011 – A community of older adults in Bloomfield is living proof that wise men and women have always known – the power of lifelong learning. Consider the words of Nobel laureate Rosalyn Yalow — who lived well into her 80s – who said, “The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you’re learning you’re not old.” She was something of an expert on the topic, having used her love of learning to rise from a secretary to nuclear physicist to co-discoverer of radioimmunoassay testing, which revolutionized blood testing. Writer and spiritual leader Vernon Howard added to that sentiment: “Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.”

Duncaster Retirement Community resident Jim Yaeger agrees, saying the good life at his age is all about ‘staying interested’. “Some people in their retirement years are just drifting; they don’t see themselves as developing. We see ourselves as participants in life.”

Fellow resident Will Robin counts himself among his contemporaries at Duncaster who “….are really engaged in living.” Robin is a member of the planning committee for Duncaster’s Great Courses Seminar Series, which offers an opportunity to learn about topics ranging from science and history to literature. He is also one of the moderators of the series who is currently leading participants studying the history of Hitler’s Empire.

The Great Courses program began at Duncaster in 2009, taking video lectures produced by the Teaching Company on science, liberal arts, music and theater, and turning them into group experiences. Many of the residents already owned the videos, all of which feature noted scholars. Topics have included The World’s Great Religions, Wisdom of History, Great American Best Sellers, the Nature of the Earth: An Introduction to Geology, and Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes and their Real-World Applications.

Alice Loomis is another Duncaster resident who volunteers to plan the Great Course Series and loves to join with others as they explore these fascinating topics. She’s leading a Great Course this fall on Biology and Human Behavior called “The Neurological Origins of Individuality.” Although she has been listening to the Great Courses on tape for years, she says it’s a whole different experience when the group discusses the material together. “Getting people’s different perspectives is part of how I learn and grow,” she says.

Jim Yaeger, a retired teacher and one of the organizers and moderators of the Great Courses, agrees that the discussions that follow the video bring about some fascinating conversation. “We usually have 25-30 people and everyone has an opportunity to share. It’s a very different experience from sitting in a lecture. Oftentimes it’s surprising and eye-opening to hear others’ interpretations.” Also a volunteer moderator, Mr. Yaeger enjoys the courses so much that he’s been known to put in eight hours of research for every hour he facilitates.

Mr. Yaeger and the others point out that not all Duncaster residents want to be ‘elder philosophers.’ “Some like to paint, do crosswords, garden, and find other perspectives ‘besides the analytic’ as Mr. Yaeger puts it. Other opportunities include an Adult Learning Program which is affiliated with the University of Connecticut, Tuesdays at Duncaster which is a joint program with the University of Hartford and Road Scholar, formerly known as Elderhostel, Duncaster’s own bimonthly World Affairs Series and an array of social and cultural events and fitness activities.

Such on-going learning experiences for Duncaster residents are an integral part of what Duncaster is all about, according to Marketing Director Patty Roohr. “Educational programs have always been offered here, and in the last five years the variety and depth of the programming have just sky-rocketed. This is all due to the residents’ involvement. They have taken hold and have run with these programs. The excitement and energy of Duncaster feels like that on a college campus right within our own Duncaster campus,” she explains.

Mr. Robin says he never imagined being involved in so many interesting things. Since moving to Duncaster he has explored opera and ballet, participated in play readings, and has taken up long-distance swimming. “There’s a new generation right behind us who are living longer and I expect will find even more ways to live a good life as they get older,” he predicts.

Mrs. Loomis picked up a new interest from her fellow resident that she’d never even considered. She joined in a community effort to attract bluebirds to the Duncaster property. It came about when another resident replaced all the bluebird houses which were falling apart. “We had six pairs of bluebirds but the sparrows have been trying to take over and thwart our efforts,” she explains with a laugh. “But the point is, there are a lot of interesting people here and if you want to learn something new, you probably can.”

Yet both Mrs. Loomis and Mr. Robin stress the importance of knowing that even the most enthusiastic learners can’t do it all. As Mrs. Loomis says, “It’s a trick to find what keeps you going and to let go of what you can’t do. Aging is something we all learn. It is a whole new stage. So I’m learning how to do this for myself – to choose to focus on what gives me happiness and let go of the rest.” She adds, “Living is learning. When you’re not learning, you’re not living.”

About Duncaster:
Duncaster is a life care retirement community for active, healthy independent seniors who want lifetime protection against the potential costs of long-term care. The Bloomfield, CT retirement community is dedicated to helping residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. Its campus includes 190 independent residences, assisted living and a short-and long-term healthcare facility. Duncaster’s emphasis on serving the changing needs of older adults lead to its current project of updating and expanding its dining and hospitality amenities to reflect contemporary styles of dining and socializing. For more information, see www.duncaster.org or call (860) 380-5006.

Media contact:
Andrea Obston
aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 (office) (860) 803-1155 (cell)
(860) 653-27612 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Sept. 12, 2011 – Everyone has it; that old piece of furniture or mysterious painting hanging in their dining room that they know absolutely nothing about. Then one day, it occurs to you. Why not get it appraised and find out its value?

Those who attended the Duncaster Retirement Community third Annual Antiques Showcase did just that on Aug. 31. The annual event provided residents and surrounding community members with an opportunity to discover exactly what their possessions are worth. Over 50 people arrived with personal belongings to be appraised by the Central Street Antiques & Auction Co. of Windsor, Conn. Members of Bloomfield and surrounding communities brought in a variety of unique pieces, ranging from a delicate diamond engagement ring, to large canvas paintings, to a Tiffany & Co. silver dish. While some brought possessions that they already had a sentimental attachment to, others arrived with belongings they had little or no connection towards. However, both ends of the spectrum were curious about the history and worth of their pieces.

Ann Marie of Bloomfield came with her mother’s 1920s diamond engagement ring. It was the first time the rose cut, Deco-set ring was being appraised, and Ann Marie was most curious about discovering its value. Owen, also of Bloomfield, came along with Ann Marie. He brought an edited manuscript from the 1940s that once belonged to his father. Owen explained that his father was a fan of the author and happened to be neighbors with the man who edited the manuscript. Similar to Ann Marie, Owen came with the intention of learning about the monetary worth of his personal possession.

Although some pieces were appraised at a higher cost than others, many walked away feeling satisfied about what they learned about their treasures. The appraisal prices ranged from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.

While it is exciting to view the beautiful pieces and to learn about each ones individual history, it is sometimes more interesting to find out which item the appraiser finds the most fascinating. Appraiser James Selig stated that his favorite piece of the day was a French Emile Galle vase from 1900. The vase, made during the Arts and Crafts period of early 19th century Europe, was found to be worth around $1,500 to $2,000. 

About Duncaster
Duncaster is Bloomfield’s signature retirement community. Celebrating 25 years, this campus of 190 independent residences, assisted living and Duncaster’s Caleb Hitchcock Health Center is designed to help residents live life to the fullest by providing security and fulfillment. The community includes an aquatic and fitness center and an on-site health clinic. Residents can participate in ongoing education, social and cultural programs. For more information, see www.duncaster.org, call (860) 380-5006 or follow them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DuncasterRetire

Media contact 
Andrea Obston
aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 or (860) 803-1155 (cell)
(860) 653-2712 (home)

For more information and resources on this client please visit the Andrea Obston Marketing Communications Online Newsroom at www.aomcnewsroom.com