Michael E. McRae
President & CEO, St. Ann’s Community
August 2018

Ice cream at Pittsford Dairy.
A trip to the Seneca Park Zoo.
Concerts by Gap Mangione and Ruby Shooz.
A cruise down the Genesee River.
Putting contests and bocce tournaments.

Sound like fun? The residents of our independent living communities think so too!

As one gentleman told us, “A lot of people my age want to slow down. Not me, I’m just getting started!”

Chapel Oaks residents enjoy cocktails and the beautiful scenery on a trip to Sodus Bay.

Active and engaged

What’s happening? You don’t have to read the research; simply walk around Chapel Oaks in Irondequoit and Cherry Ridge in Webster and you’ll see: People are living longer and staying healthy longer than ever before. That means independent seniors are choosing retirement communities that allow them to stay active and engaged.

“There’s always something going on, so there’s no reason to be bored,” one Chapel Oaks resident said recently. She may have been referring to the AquaFit classes held in Chapel Oaks’ indoor pool. Or happy hour in the newly opened “Pub 1550.” Or the swing dance class that’s part of the ongoing Wellness Series for residents and guests.

At Cherry Ridge, billiards and Wii bowling tournaments are a regular occurrence. Residents recently visited the Rochester Public Market, enjoyed a baseball game at Frontier Field, and traveled to Buffalo for a cruise along the Lake Erie shoreline. That’s in addition to the Summer Concert Series, an ongoing lecture series, and daily yoga, tai chi, and fitness classes.

What’s more, our residents aren’t just participating in activities, they’re leading them. For example, one Chapel Oaks resident teaches a class on appreciating classical music, and a Cherry Ridge resident organized a senior bocce league and a tournament to benefit a local charity. These folks definitely aren’t slowing down!

“So glad to live here”

Part of the reason for the upbeat atmosphere at both communities is the relationship between those who live there and those who work there. Our staff know our residents on a first-name basis and know their likes and dislikes. They listen to their ideas, share their joys and disappointments, and treat them like family.

One Chapel Oaks resident put it this way in a comment shared with us by email:

“So glad to live here. Staff and residents so friendly, courteous and helpful. Could write individual cards but hope this reaches everyone. Thank you all.”

And should their needs change, our residents know they have access to the full continuum of care that St. Ann’s Community is known for.

If you haven’t visited Chapel Oaks or Cherry Ridge recently, I invite you to do so. Visit our website (scroll down to “Activity Calendars”) for a full list of activities and watch for special open-to-the-public events like the Wellness Series, Tech Series, and Concert Series. You’ll see that when we say our communities are “full of life,” we mean it!