Pomperaug Woods Honored with Great Place to Work Distinction

healthcare worker handing a cup of coffee to a senior living resident

Pomperaug Woods earned certification as a great workplace this spring by independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. The distinction is based on extensive ratings provided by Pomperaug Woods’ employees in anonymous surveys.

“It’s truly rewarding to make the 2018 national list as a Great Place to Work,” says Kevin Moshier, executive director of Pomperaug Woods. “Creating an engaging culture for our team members is very important to us, as well as for the residents we serve.”

“According to our study, 91 percent of Pomperaug Woods employees say it’s a great workplace,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of Great Place to Work Certification & List Production.

The institute is known internationally as an authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools and certification programs, Great Place to Work provides benchmarks, framework and expertise to recognize outstanding workplace cultures. The institute also produces Fortune magazine’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” and a series of Best Workplaces lists.

Pomperaug Woods employees completed 120 surveys, resulting in a 90 percent confidence level and a margin of error less than 4 percent.

Survey results from Pomperaug Woods employees that scored in the top tier include:

  • I’m proud to tell others I work at the community.
  • People celebrate special events around here.
  • I feel good about the ways we contribute.
  • The community’s physical features contribute to a good working environment.
  • Management is honest and ethical in its business practices.

Specific programs recognized at Pomperaug Woods include Shoot for the Stars, where employees are nominated and receive monetary awards for going over and above normal job duties. Perks also include longevity bonuses, employee appreciation events, recognition on special occasions, and an employee highlight each month in the community’s newsletter. On a quarterly basis, Pomperaug Woods’ Hospitality Hero recognizes an employee nominated by peers for demonstrating exceptional hospitality qualities.

“To succeed in the marketplace, we must first succeed in the workplace,” says Moshier. “Engaged and satisfied team members are key factors for our success over the past 30 years.

A great workplace drives the customer experience, and in our case that’s helping seniors live an enjoyable lifestyle and delivering high-quality health and wellness services.”

For additional details on the Great Place to Work survey results, visit this link.

To learn about opportunities to join the Pomperaug Woods team, visit our Careers page.

healthcare worker handing a cup of coffee to a senior living resident

Ballet Revives Love For Dancing at Pomperaug Woods

seniors practicing ballet with an instructor at Pomperaug Woods

Seniors Discovering New Ways to Stay Active

When 24-year-old Cassie Haley joined the staff at Pomperaug Woods senior living community in Southbury, she knew she wanted to make a difference in the lives of the residents. In the three years since joining Pomperaug Woods as the administrator of the Health Center, she’s met hundreds of residents. She’s also made many other connections as the ballet instructor at the community, a passion she’s had since she was a child.

“Through my studies, I know the difference dance can make in the lives of residents in terms of physical health, as well as those experiencing dementia,” said Haley, who’s a classically trained ballerina. “Ballet is a total mind and body workout.”

Every month, Cassie demonstrates the ballet positions to groups of residents, ready to learn new skills and enhance old ones. Cassie instructs two different ballet classes – a standing and sitting – with classical music.

Recent studies show clear mental and physical health benefits of playing music and dancing for seniors, including those suffering from dementia. Resident Debby Cornwell has been taking the class since it started. She says she’s benefited from the exercise and it brings back memories from her childhood.

“I enjoy moving to the music,” said Debby. “Dancing has always come easy to me. It brings back memories of when I learned to dance with my father when I was a child.”

While Debby has been taking dance lessons most of her life, other residents are beginning to learn the different ballet positions.

“That’s what so great about this class,” Haley said. “Everyone can be at a different skill level, but get a good workout. Ballet works not only your arms and legs, but also your mind.”

The class is so unique to the area that the Connecticut Post published an article about the popular Pomperaug Woods activity. The ballet classes offered at the community are just one of the many activities and amenities provided at Pomperaug Woods. Debby says this ballet class and the different wellness activities, along with LifeCare®, helped her make the decision to move into the community.

“I looked at several senior living communities around the area,” Debby said. “Pomperaug Woods was a great fit for me. I wish I would have done this sooner.”

 

Cassie Haley leads a ballet class for Pomperaug Woods residents Joseph Longo, 79, and Debby Cornwell, 78.

Photo: Carol Kaliff, News-Times. 

seniors practicing ballet with an instructor at Pomperaug Woods

10th Anniversary of Pomperaug Woods Art Show Celebrates Impact Across the State

seniors smiling with a painting

What started as a simple idea to showcase artwork of adults age 70+ and encourage artistic endeavors by seniors has become an annual staple across the state. Over its 10 years as Connecticut’s only senior juried art show, “The Art of Experience” at Pomperaug Woods has seen more than 500 seniors from 100+ towns submit more than 2,200 pieces of artwork.

“It’s more than tripled in size from the first year,” says Lisa Huebenthal, director of community life services at Pomperaug Woods senior living community. “It’s extraordinary and heartwarming to see how far it’s come, and level of prestige it has reached, from the entries all the way to the judges we have.”

More than 120 seniors from 45 towns submitted 229 pieces of artwork in the four categories for this year’s show: painting, drawing, photography and sculpture. Judging takes place in late August, then the exhibit open to the public from September 22-24 at Pomperaug Woods. Award-winning pieces will then be displayed at the Mattatuck Museum from October 8 – November 19.

Judges at the “The Art of Experience” 2017 include notable artists Zufar Bikbov, David Merrill, Michele Murelli and John Rohlfing.

Zufar Bikbov was born in Russia and his interest in painting came early in life. Influenced by his father, Bikbov excelled at plein air painting and landscapes. After graduating cum laude from Zelenodolsk Art School, he decided to support his love of painting and answer his calling to help people by pursuing a medical career. After earning his degree in medicine and moving to the United States, Bikbov has continued his artwork in national level competitions, winning numerous awards. Recent honors include the Founders’ Award / Best in Show at the 2017 Spring Juried Show at Kent Art Association in Kent, CT; Irvine Museum Award at the 2017 Laguna Plein Air Invitational XVIII in Laguna Beach, CA; and the Atlanta History Center Insiders Plein Air Award at Atlanta-Olmsted Plein Air 2017, in Atlanta, GA.

David Merrill was born and raised in rural Connecticut, and received his art training at the Famous Artist School in Westport, CT, and Western Connecticut State College in Danbury, CT. His paintings are inspired by his love for New England, the rapidly changing scenery and preserving links with the past. Merrill’s mural work is featured in town halls, libraries, museums, schools, historical societies and private residences, including the home of celebrity Robert Redford. Numerous awards include The Medal of Merit, Arthur Hooten Memorial Award, 7 Best in Shows, 8 First Prizes, and 5 Audience Choice Awards in exhibitions throughout New England.

Michele Murelli, a Torrington native, showed her affinity for art at an early age. Earning a B.A. in psychology from Albertus Magnus College, she went on to earn a M.A. in expressive art therapy from Lesley College in Cambridge, MA. She balances her time as an art therapist and certified teacher for the Wellspring Foundation, while working as an oil painter and mixed media artist. Her paintings express her passion for the countryside of her native Litchfield County, the Cape and travels abroad. Murelli’s mixed media reflect stories from her nine years teaching art to at-risk youth. In 2011, she received the Golden Apple Award for Teaching from the Connecticut Association of Special Education Facilities.

John Rohlfing is an art professor at Post University in Waterbury, CT, and an award-winning artist. His ceramic vessels have shown and won awards nationally and internationally, including competitions in Korea and Japan. His work has been on exhibit at dozens of notable galleries across the United States. Rohlfing’s ceramics use hand-building methods and explore the idea of the container as a metaphor. His vessels and painting express an interest in landscape, organic abstraction, Cubism and Constructivism.

“The judges are tremendous artists and have a keen eye for creative and beautiful artwork,” says Huebenthal. “It’s an honor to have them at our competition.”

Among various activities offered to residents at Pomperaug Woods, art-related classes and events are a significant part of the culture. “All the art, performing arts and engaging activities at our community are a big draw for older adults in the area to move here,” says Tara Justus, marketing director at the senior living community. “And the health benefits of art for older adults are extraordinary.”

A 2015 study from the Mayo Clinic on older adults’ involvement in social, physical and intellectual activities found that older adults involved in artistic activity had the greatest protective effect against cognitive impairment later in life.

From health benefits to the pure beauty of the artwork itself, the 10th Annual Senior Juried Art Show is sure to draw a crowd. Pomperaug Woods looks forward to seeing you and who will take home this year’s Tommie Davis Award for Best in Show.

Following a VIP reception and opening on September 22, the public exhibit will take place September 23 and 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Pomperaug Woods.

Click here to learn more about the activities and lifestyle at Pomperaug Woods.

Variety Show in the News

facility facade with lawn and trees

Pomperaug Woods Variety Show was featured in the Heritage Villager on Friday, July 1, 2016.

Pomperaug Woods annual Variety Show entitled “A Toast to the Woods 2016” included Southbury seniors showing off their talents by lip syncing, dancing, acting, and wearing festive costumes.

Click here for the entire article.

299 Art Submissions Representing 162 Artists From 64 Towns Across Connecticut

art submission of a beach

“Silver Sands”
This beautiful acrylic painting won the Tommie Davis Award for Jeffrey A. Sells, age 72, of Woodbridge, Connecticut.

For the 8th consecutive year, Pomperaug Woods retirement community is proud to host “The Art of Experience” — Connecticut’s only Senior Juried Art Show. Judging is now complete and prizes have been awarded to the senior artists in each category — painting, drawing, sculpture and photography.

Winners ranging in age from 72 to 98 years old!

“We had 58 new artists entered for the first time,” says Lisa Huebenthal, Program Director for Pomperaug Woods. “The show gets more popular every year, and the quality of work is just amazing.”

Each year, one artist receives the prized Tommie Davis Award — which is considered the “best of show.” Tommie was an award-winning photographer, as well as a gifted painter and sculptress. As a long-time resident of Pomperaug Woods, she was very involved in hosting the annual Senior Juried Art Show. Now, Pomperaug Woods presents this award in Tommie’s memory because of her generous donation, earmarked for the arts, to the community’s Founders Fund.

“The Art of Experience” Show takes place September 26-27 at Pomperaug Woods. The public is invited to view the winning artwork which will be exhibited October 4 to November 15 at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury.

You could have a hidden treasure on your hands! Find out at our Antique Appraisal event.

Ever wonder what your prized possession is really worth? Now you can find out at a fascinating and fun-filled antique appraisal event hosted by Pomperaug Woods retirement community.

Prized Possessions: Antique Appraisal event

Featuring Wayne Mattox of Wayne Mattox Antiques in Woodbury

Thursday, March 26
2:00 p.m.

Wilson Hall
80 Heritage Road
Southbury, CT 06488

Bring one item of your choice, such as a collectible, antique, household item, painting, quilt or silver piece. (Item must be small enough for you to carry. No gemstones or weaponry please.) Wayne will entertain guests with a blend of history, facts and humor, along with a professional appraisal of value.

Hors D’oeuvres and Cocktails to follow in the Garden Room.

RSVP – Spots are limited**

Email: [email protected]
Online: www.www.pomperaugwoods.com/rsvp
Call: 203-936-8985

 **The Prized Possessions event is currently open to non-residents.