Noble Horizons is officially 50 years young! Hundreds of residents, families, friends, current and former staff members, benefactors, and volunteers gathered to celebrate Noble's first half-century at our July 12 50th-anniversary community picnic! Well-wishers savored the opportunity to see old friends, catch up with current and former Noble staff, and recognize Noble's fifty years of innovative care, leadership, and community collaboration. Special thanks again to the many generous businesses who contributed to the festivities. A copy of Bill Pond's heartfelt thanks, including his special acknowledgment of Noble's exceptional team members and 43-year administrator, Eileen Mulligan, may be viewed here.
Dozens of Noble Horizons Auxiliary volunteers added infectious cheer as did many special guests including Noble Horizons' first Medical Director, Dr. Michael Tesoro, and Noble's first nurse, Barbara Wiggins, who recalled assembling beds before the first residents arrived! Representatives from Sharon Hospital/Nuvance, the picnic's generous sponsor joined us as did Salisbury selectman Curtis Rand and Legislative Representative Maria Horn, both of whom are family members of former Noble residents. We are honored, humbled, and grateful. Thank you, all!
Special Recognition
Longtime Salisbury Selectman Curtis Rand, whose father once farmed the land on which Noble was built, spoke at the 50th-anniversary picnic, describing Noble as "a vital place of companionship, healing...friendship and support. You give comfort and peace of mind... On behalf of the Town of Salisbury, we thank you for your dedication, talents, and heart."
Representative Horn honored Noble with an official congratulatory statement from Gov. Ned Lamont and a general assembly citation signed by herself and State Sen. Craig Miner, R-Litchfield, which stated,
"Since 1972, Noble Horizons Senior Living Community has and continues to maintain innovative care, high standards and deep commitment to the men and women in its care. We commend your dedication and commitment to your mission in promoting, implementing, and assuring long-term care and supportive services. Your enduring devotion to the residents serves as an inspiration to us all. Congratulations!"
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A highlight of the 50th-anniversary community celebration was Bill Pond's announcement that the Noble Horizons Volunteer of the Year Award had been renamed the Mary Barton Volunteer of the Year Award. Even more exciting was that Mary was honored as the first winner! “Mary Barton has redefined dedication, devotion, commitment, and love, and it is in her honor that we have renamed the award. Her 49 years of selfless service to the men and women at Noble Horizons are unmatched. The Mary Barton Volunteer Award plaque will hang at the entrance to Noble Horizons, signifying our profound appreciation and inspiring others to volunteer. “ Director of Volunteers, Lana Knutson, added, “It is hard to describe the impact of her devotion to generations of Noble Horizons residents; she has profoundly enriched their lives.” Mary, pictured here with Noble's first nurse, Barbra Wiggins, recently turned 83 but insists that she will never retire from Noble. “I never think of aging – nor think of myself as getting older nor do others look older to me! Your age isn’t important if you are healthy and can enjoy your life. Whether at Noble, at home, or with a family – make friends, don’t be alone, and enjoy yourself.” Read more. |
The Mary Barton Volunteer AwardWanda Houston This Friday!
Don't miss a free outdoor concert with the ultra-talented Wanda Houston and her HBH Band, on July 22 at 7 pm. Beat the summer heat with Wanda's sizzling renditions of musical theater, jazz, gospel, and R&B favorites. Click here for last summer's unforgettable performance of Miles Davis' Bye, Bye Blackbird.
You are welcome to bring your own chair/blanket or to request a table reservation. The grounds will open for picnics at 6:30 pm. If there is inclement weather, Wanda will perform in the soaring space of Noble's expansive dining room overlooking the Berkshire mountains.
The New York Times: Does Stress Age Your Immune System?
A recent report in The New York Times links certain types of stress with the accelerated aging of one's immune system. Stress also increases the risk of many serious health conditions, among them heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Finding ways to reduce and cope with stress can bring long-term benefits.
Suzanne Mazzarelli, who teaches Noble’s weekly Therapeutic Movement class, specializes in techniques to address chronic stress and anxiety. You can join Suzanne for a series of in-person stress reduction classes on July 26, August 9 and 23 from 10-11 am where you will learn strategies to connect the mind, body and spirit to feel more grounded and empowered during times of stress. Results can include improved sleep patterns and a greater capacity for joy and resilience.
Mazzarelli is a certified therapeutic yoga instructor and owner of Be Well Community Yoga. Her class is offered at no charge and does not require registration. If there is sufficient interest, the class may continue into the fall.
