December 2020
Your Monthly News & Updates - December 2020
Letter from Lisa Clark and Carlene Rhea
Please read this month's letter from Lisa Clark and Carlene Rhea.
Safety Protocols
We are so thankful for your ongoing support as we work to protect our patients, residents and staff by following all guidelines put forth by our local and national health agencies on and off our campus.

As we continue to adhere to all recommendations, please refer to this link to the COVID-19 safety section on our website, for up-to-date protocols by department.

We would also like to share the radio interview below with you. Listen to our very own Carlene Rhea, Director of Assisted Living and Resident Services, as she talks about the safety measures in place at McLean, and how the pandemic has affected living in a senior living community. This discussion aired on WTIC-AM radio earlier this month.
Construction Updates -
The McLean Village Expansion
We’ve had some especially busy weeks on campus this fall as the progression of the Village expansion takes form! On October 26, we got an early start on The Goodrich foundation work and poured the concrete footings a month ahead of schedule! Phase 2 of this expansion is officially underway, with demolition work and utility work already completed.

Enjoy a collection of some autumn construction photos highlighting the gorgeous views that have opened up here.
Construction Updates -
Health Center Enhancements
By now, many of you have seen our new sign greeting you as you enter our driveway to visit! Installation of this new sign (pictured here to the right) is almost complete, with the addition of a surrounding fence and an evening spotlight!

Our inside work is also progressing nicely!

We are pleased to report that work on the chapel roof has been completed and the terrace project is nearly finalized.

The "makeover" to the front lobby and living room has been moving along quickly and promises to be a gorgeous, inviting space for all to enjoy. New wallpaper, paint, and flooring now update these spaces and carpeting has been installed.

While our full attention is focused on the safety and daily enrichment of our residents, it is refreshing to have these enhancements moving on around us with a constant reminder of brighter days to come!
Holiday Video - A Reminder
As many of you know from our weekly family updates, our staff has been planning safe and creative ways to still make the upcoming holiday season special for our residents. We are asking families to contribute to our holiday video program!

Please record a holiday message to your loved one on your phone and send it to us. It can be up to three minutes long and will be combined with other videos from families and friends, favorite holiday music and festive photos! We’ll share this spectacular gift with our residents and staff in December.

Please text your video to Stephen Root at 860-480-8633 by December 4.

Thank you in advance for your participation!
Health Center Activities
Activities are still buzzing in the Health Center, as we take part in creative activities to enjoy the holiday season together. Here are some of the programs being planned:

  • Decorating the neighborhoods
  • Boston Pops concert live stream
  • Andrea Bocelli live stream
  • Making/baking spritz cookies and decorating them
  • Making ornaments for a homemade decoration tree
  • Gingerbread houses
  • Holiday Jolly Trolley (Thursdays)
  • Holiday Bingo
  • Van rides to see the holiday lights around town
  • Exercise classes
  • Family Connections
  • Holiday movies and music
  • New Year’s Eve celebration at 12:00 pm; music and dancing and sparkling cider toast!
  • Book Club - Dec 7th at 10:30 am via Zoom! We will be discussing: The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown &
          Five Days Gone by Laura Cumming


Sneak peak into January:
Snow Week - Snowy Day Poetry/Snowball Fight/Snowflakes
December Dining
Dining Services is cooking up some real treats this month! Here are some of the special meals and desserts being planned on the December menu:

December 3 - National Apple Pie Day celebration
December 4- National Cookie Day
December 8 - Peppermint chocolate brownies in recognition of National Brownie Day
December 9 - A delectable pastry will be served on this National Pastry Day
December 11- Top your own donut holes!
December 15- National Cupcake Day surprise
December 16 - Prime Night. An extra special dinner - Chef's choice!
December 17 - International Night - enjoy the flavors of Greece!
December 22 - December is never complete without a creative gingerbread treat
December 24 - Christmas Eve eggnog
December 29 - Personal hot chocolate bar
December 30 - Pumpkin pie parfaits
Auxiliary Update
"Bake-Less Bake Sale"

A bit of news we have today
A Bake-less Bake Sale is on the way.
During these trying times who should bake
Cookies, pies, bread or cake?
We have a plan that’s truly grand,
And are quite sure you’ll understand.
So if you could, figure your cost,
(And put it in an envelope so it’s not lost)
Of your favorite sweet or tart
No fuss or bother, you’ve done your part.
Then put that envelope in the mail 
And send it in without fail.
You donation will help for an activity to do
In January with our residents...something new.
This is the end of our little tale,
Please help make a success of the
McLean Auxiliary’s BAKELESS BAKE SALE!
 
Please send your donation to:
McLean Auxiliary
75 Great Pond Rd.
Simsbury, CT 06070
‌
Season's Greetings
This beautiful winter scene was painted by McLean Assisted Living resident, Margot Allen. We are so appreciative to be able to use it for this year's McLean holiday card, and to share this artistic talent with our friends and partners in the community.