News Blog

Here’s What Could Keep You Healthier in 2021

https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/health-trends.html

12 Healthy Brain Foods to Improve Your Concentration

https://www.lifehack.org/891949/healthy-brain-foods

There’s something so nostalgic about baking at the holidays. During the months of November and December there are many things to celebrate, and Avenu wouldn’t be the same without the delicious aromas of holiday cakes and cookies. In fact, Leslie Rappaport-Atlas, Avenu’s Lifestyle Coordinator is planning a special Avenu Cookbook in 2021, featuring all the family-favorite recipes from our community. One of the latest recipes is Marilyn's favorite chocolate chip cookie sticks. These cookie sticks are delicious, easy to make and great for the holidays and anytime! Thank you Marilyn for sharing this recipe with our community. Wishing everyone a warm and wonderful holiday and new year!

Marilyn's Chocolate Chip Cookie Sticks Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl combine the oil, sugars, egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to sugar mixture. Divide dough in half.
2. On a greased baking sheet, shape each portion into a 15” x 3” rectangle about 3 inches apart. Sprinkle chocolate chips and nuts if desired to cover dough; press lightly
3. Bake at 375 degrees for 6-7 minutes (Bake for 8-9 minutes for crispier cookies). Cool for 5 minutes. Cut with a serrated knife into 1-in. strips; remove to wire racks to cool

Yield: Approx. 3 dozen

Elaine and Bill Murphy are not your average retired couple. Having grown up in the Boston area, they lead an active lifestyle, from enjoying world-class dining in the North End to attending pre-pandemic baseball games in Fenway Park. So when it came to retirement, they needed something suited to their needs. Looking for abundant amenities and like-minded people they could connect with, they discovered Avenu at Natick, a new apartment community for active adults ages 62-plus.

“We went through an extensive search looking for the right place,” Elaine Murphy said. “We drove by Avenu multiple times while it was under construction until we decided to go and take a look. A wonderful lady named Leslie greeted us with a warm smile and a great personality. She took us for a tour, and we fell in love instantly.”

Avenu opened in October 2019, bringing a fresh new alternative to MetroWest’s senior living choices. The community offers resort-style amenities, social programs and specialty services far in excess of a traditional rental apartment building. Even during the ongoing pandemic, Avenu makes it a top priority to keep its residents active and engaged through a monthly calendar of virtual and socially distanced events, such as courtyard concerts, country line dancing, arts and crafts classes, comedy nights, golf lessons and opportunities to participate in a community garden.

Avenu’s brand-new, maintenance-free apartments have open-concept floor plans, gourmet kitchens, upscale bathrooms, and either a private balcony or dedicated patio. Building amenities include a fitness studio, chef’s kitchen, movie theater, resort-style pool with cabanas, putting green, dog park and large outdoor lounge area with fire pits and grilling stations.

“We’ve become part of a beautiful community here, with all ages welcome,” Elaine Murphy continued. “There are so many things to do, and we are so grateful that we have each other. It’s exactly how you want to retire.”

In addition to luxury amenities and socially engaging activities, Avenu has several programs for those who are looking to sell their home and would like extra support during the sales process. For example, the MarketPlace Home Program connects homeowners with an agent who can sell and market their home at a reduced commission or buy it outright within 45 days guaranteed. Alternately, Avenu’s Ready-Set-Move Program allows residents to move in now, while their home is on the market, with the option to terminate after three months if their home doesn’t sell. Current incentive programs include three months’ free rent and reduced rent or complimentary balcony furniture with select units.

These programs, along with Avenu’s welcoming atmosphere, were a big draw for Christine Melito, who helped her parents, Joyce and Herb Abramson, choose Avenu after they downsized from their family home. Avenu was just perfect, given its combination of rich social experiences, gorgeous spaces and proximity to family.

“I have all the confidence in Avenu’s property management team,” Melito said. “They’ve made the transition easier for my parents and have a great COVID protocol, and that gives me peace of mind.”

In fact, Avenu’s social calendar is as lively as ever. Recent events included a piano happy hour and pasta- and cocktail-making classes — all offered via Zoom. Other services include dinner delivery from nearby Renee’s Kitchen and Zaftigs Delicatessen, as well as online ordering and curbside pickup from Natick Mall, whose stores include Talbots, J. Jill, Crate and Barrel, and Williams Sonoma. Door-to-door grocery delivery is available from Wegmans, Roche Bros., and Stop & Shop.

This year, Avenu received national accolades for its innovation in senior housing. In September, the Multifamily Executive Awards named Avenu a Grand Winner in the senior category, recognizing Avenu for its excellence in design and dedication to community. They were also named Best Senior Community of Massachusetts in 2020 by the MAA (Massachusetts Apartment Association).

“Throughout my years of experience, I have found that people typically go from homeownership or apartment living to assisted living; there is little in between,” said Dawn Chenevert, Avenu’s property manager. “There is a large population of people who are simply not ready for assisted living. That’s where Avenu comes in.”

For more information or to schedule an in-person or virtual tour, please contact Avenu at Natick at 833-858-1049 or avenunatick@natdev.com. 

At Avenu at Natick, we strive to create a warm and welcoming community for all our residents.  We love when we get feedback that we are meeting and exceeding needs and expectations, both from our 62+ residents as well as their adult children, and we wanted to share some of the great comments we’ve received lately.  Thanks for appreciating us, we sure appreciate you!

“This is living! I’m so glad I found this beautiful retirement community for my parents. There is so much to do socially and so many areas to relax and enjoy! I am confident and relieved that Dawn, the property manager, is there to assist in all of their needs. Look no further. This is the place!” ~ Christine M.

“While looking for (new place to live for) a parent, we came by this exceptional facility that obviously was well planned for those looking for a 62+ community. Great location, staff, particularly Ellen in the leasing office (who) went above and beyond.” ~ Richard A.

“I moved to Avenu as I was downsizing. The apartments are comfortable, clean and the grounds are nicely kept. I was looking for a community and found it here. People are friendly and there are many activities, concerts, crafts, lectures, book groups, movies, a gym and social hours. From my first phone call, the staff has made the transition easy. “ ~ Marilyn D.

“A very wonderful community. Immaculate, friendly, gorgeous apartments and nice residents. Been here for a year and love it!” ~ Elaine P.

“My husband and I moved here last November 2019. After a few uncomfortable rental experiences, we went through an extensive search looking for “the right place.”  We drove by the building multiple times and we decided to go and take a look. A lovely lady, Leslie, greeted us with a welcomed smile and a great personality and then took us for a tour and we fell in love instantly. She showed us several different apartments and all were clean and gorgeous. Irresistible is a better way to describe our brand new home. It has been a dream come true. We live in a ’62 and over’ community which has enriched our lives. The management team were and still are warm, friendly, kind, thoughtful and we appreciate each day with gratitude and blessings of our beautiful apartment.” ~ Elaine & Bill M.

Thanks again for all the kind words.  In these trying times, it is great to hear some positivity!  We look forward to growing our Avenu community more in 2020 and beyond. 

In trying times, it really helps to have family and loved ones just a short drive away. Even seniors that once lived far apart from their adult children are deciding to relocate to be closer together. Avenu at Natick, a 62+ active adult apartment community, has seen a major increase in out-of-state rentals as both the pandemic and general increasing healthcare needs require adult children to support their parents now more than ever. 

“We’re seeing residents move from places like Florida, South Carolina and California to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren located in Boston’s MetroWest, especially when travel plans have come to a halt," said Dawn Chenevert, Avenu’s Property Manager. “Having mom and dad close by is a great benefit and gives everyone the chance to be together more. It makes it easier to manage finances, healthcare, enjoy the holidays and all the special days in between.”

And location isn’t the only thing that’s drawing residents to Avenu. During the pandemic, Avenu made it a number one priority to keep its residents active, healthy and engaged. This includes a rich program of fresh-air activities and virtual events such as courtyard concerts, chair yoga, golf lessons, piano happy hour, comedy night, BBQ cook-off and a grow-your-own community garden. A recent addition is “Backyard Ballet” where instructor David Prottas teaches a dance class designed exclusively for seniors.

“During this time our community has come together like never before,” said Leslie Rappaport-Atlas, Avenu’s Lifestyle Coordinator. “Nobody is alone here – we all have each other and that’s made a big difference during a time when social isolation is a huge concern. I’ve watched our residents connect in such kind and generous ways such as making hand-sewn fabric masks for each other and dropping off home-made muffins for breakfast.”

Residents are also enjoying more of Avenu’s resort-style amenities now that their luxurious pool has reopened and the on-site hair and nail salon is now scheduling one-on-one personalized appointments. The expansive landscaped courtyard with putting green, walking trail and outdoor lounge areas with fire pits and grills are perfect for social distancing and dining al fresco. Other on-site features will continue to open as safety allows including the gourmet chef’s kitchen, upscale private dining room, fitness center and expansive first floor lounge around a signature fireplace.

On top of location and amenities, Avenu’s brand new maintenance-free apartments feature multiple layouts that can fit your unique lifestyle. Residents choose from over 15 flexible configurations including roomy one bedroom apartments as well as to two-bedroom units that include a separate den, dedicated office space or a guest room for visiting family members. Kitchens are equipped with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, and all units have outside space on a private balcony or dedicated patio.

“Moving across the state or the country is a big decision and we want to make this transition as smooth as possible,” continues Dawn Chenevert. “We are hearing from many adult children who are looking for a comfortable and welcoming apartment for their parents close to where they live and work, and Avenu really checks all the boxes.”

For more information on Avenu or to schedule a virtual tour please contact Dawn Chenevert at dchenevert@natdev.com or visit www.avenunatick.com

COVID-19 has changed the way we interact with each other on a daily basis. Despite those changes, Avenu at Natick, a 62+ Active Adult apartment community is finding new ways to support its residents through technology-enabled services. With virtual events and on-line shopping available like never before, residents have embraced technology, and they’ve come to really enjoy it.

In fact, last month’s social calendar at Avenu was as lively as ever! Residents enjoyed a Piano Happy Hour, Comedy Night, Paper Collage Workshop, Pasta Making and Cinco De Mayo cocktail class. All these events were offered through Zoom – which everyone learned to use with a little help from Avenu’s Lifestyle Coordinator, Leslie Rappaport-Atlas.  

“At first our residents were unsure how to use Zoom and wondered how this would change our weekly events and happy hours,” said Leslie. “But everyone quickly caught on and our first series of presenters were awesome, and really helped everyone get on board. Now we’re having virtual events several times a month and many new residents are joining in.” 

Other services include dinner delivery from nearby Renee’s Kitchen and Zaftigs Delicatessen, on-line ordering and curb-side pick-up at Natick Mall including Talbots, J Jill, Crate and Barrel and Williams Sonoma. Door-to-door grocery deliveries are available from Wegmans, Roche Brothers and Stop & Shop.

“Another technology our residents really enjoy is Rent Café, an on-line portal where they can log in, get help with any services, and find out about upcoming events and announcements,” said Dawn Chenevert, Avenu’s Property Manager. “This service is simple and convenient to use, and we are also here 24x7 via phone and e-mail.”

For the month of June, Avenu has several virtual events planned as well as outdoor courtyard concerts. Events include a Golden Age Music Party, Virtual Trip to Switzerland, Piano Night with Neal Kern, Backyard Ballet with David Prottas and Hot Music with DJ KevMack.

For more information on Avenu, please contact Dawn Chenevert at dchenevert@natdev.com. Also be sure to check the Avenu website’s calendar of virtual events here or by contacting Leslie Rappaport-Atlas at lrappaport-atlas@natdev.com

May Events at Avenu: Caribbean Deck Party, Comedy Night and More!

Spring has sprung here at Avenu! Although we can’t be together in our usual fashion, we’ve put together a creative calendar of community events for the month of May. Combining the best of live and virtual events, we are providing ways to stay active and engaged during this time of social distancing. Be sure to check our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on events.

Friday, May 8th 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Caribbean Deck Party and Social Hour with DJ KevMack

Back by popular demand, DJ KevMack will spin your favorite hits from the courtyard during a Caribbean-themed deck party! Flowered shirts and fancy sun hats encouraged. Tropical drinks and snacks will be delivered to your apartment door before the party.

Wednesday, May 13th 6:30 - 7:30 PM
WBZ's Jordan Rich presents "The History of Comedy" Via Zoom
Join WBZ Radio Personality Jordan Rich on a lively and entertaining presentation on the history of comedy. Jordan was the host of The Jordan Rich Show on WBZ-AM 1030 in Boston, MA, a mix of history, arts, pop culture, and everything in between.

Friday, May 15th 4:00 PM 
Renee's Kitchen Dinner Delivery
Enjoy delicious home-style cooking from Chef Renee’ Faubert of Renee’s Kitchen. Orders will be collected ahead of time and delivered to your door just in time for dinner. Menu features delicious entrée’s, hearty soups and in-house baked desserts - https://reneeskitchen.net/

Wednesday, May 20th 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Zoom Social Hour - Live Piano with Neal Kern

Get ready to sing and dance with performer Neal Kern! Neal will perform a virtual concert for residents ranging from pop hits to jazz and classic tunes. Special song requests will be collected from residents in advance. Zoom invites will be sent out prior to the concert. Guaranteed to keep your toes tapping!

Thursday, May 28th 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Courtyard Concert with David & Marcia Burbank
You’re invited to a special courtyard concert and deck party with live entertainment by David and Marcia Burbank. The Burbanks offer some of the region’s finest ballroom entertainment and danceable music. Drinks and snacks will be delivered to your apartment before the party.

Wednesdays in May @ 10:15 AM

Stretch and Tone with Giselle via Zoom

E-mail link sent out prior to class

For more information, please contact Leslie Rappaport-Atlas, Avenu’s Lifestyle Coordinator at lrappaport-atlas@natdev.com Please visit our online event calendar here.

Thriving During COVID-19: How Avenu is Keeping Residents Engaged

The impacts of COVID-19 and shelter-in-place mandates have affected all of us in Massachusetts and beyond. At Avenu, we have adapted our robust daily programming to help residents stay informed and engaged. During this time of social distancing, the need for community and connection is still vitally important to maintain emotional, physical and mental well-being. Events and activities still go on at Avenu, but in some new and unexpected ways.

Avenu of Natick, a 62+ Active Adult apartment community, is making it a number one priority to keep its residents top of mind during the pandemic. A community whose concept was built around services, community and amenities, Avenu has found a way to keep these priorities by offering new virtual programs and safety protocols to keep its residents active, healthy and engaged.

“In early March, we hosted our first socially distanced balcony party.  It was a huge success,” said Leslie Rappaport-Atlas, Avenu’s Lifestyle Coordinator. “Everyone was given access to a private balcony or patio space overlooking the courtyard and pool, and we dropped off beverages so we could all share a toast together while till staying a safe distance apart. We were able to enjoy our regular happy hour time and it was great to all be together albeit in a slightly different way than usual!”

Avenu recently hosted an enhanced version of the balcony happy hour which we called our Decked Out Party.  Residents were invited to wear a favorite red outfit or accessory, and were provided a goodie bag with wine and snacks left at their door. We asked residents to email us their favorite songs, and a surprise guest DJ arrived, engaged everyone in a sing-along and wrapped up the afternoon party with a trivia contest.

Avenu has many other creative events planned for the near future including a video Town Tour highlighting historic sites in and around Natick, online music and travel lectures, as well as a virtual art tutorial and flower arranging workshop both with drop-off supplies. A zoom tutorial to help seniors learn the popular on line meeting app is also in the works.

“Although we can’t interact the way we’re used to, we’re here more than ever for our residents,” continued Leslie. “We’ve got something planned every week even if it’s a gift bag full of treats, print outs of crosswords/sudoku, or a list of exercises. We’re encouraging our residents to stay positive, connected and active.”

To find out what’s next on the Avenu social calendar, please subscribe to Avenu’s bi-weekly newsletter, AvenNews or contact Leslie Rappaport-Atlas at lrappaport-atlas@natdev.com

The recent spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted over 100 countries across the globe. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised people over 60 and those with severe underlying health conditions to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

According the CDC, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus, which can cause a range of symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. The following are a list of preventative measures the CDC has outlined to protect older adults from COVID-19.

Stock Up On Supplies
Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time. If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications. Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home. Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time

Take Everyday Precautions

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick

- Take everyday preventive actions

- Clean your hands often

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.

- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

- To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc.

- Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.

- Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.

- Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.

- Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)

- Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.

- Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.

- If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus.

- Stay home as much as possible.

- Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks

Have a Plan for If You Get Sick:

- Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.

- Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.

- Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick

- Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.

- If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately.

In adults, emergency warning signs*:

- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

- New confusion or inability to arouse

- Bluish lips or face

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

If you do get sick:

- Stay home and call your doctor

- Call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms. Tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

- If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home. Follow CDC instructions here on how to take care of yourself at home.

Know when to get emergency help

- Get medical attention immediately if you have any of the emergency warning signs listed above.

For more information on prevention of the coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website here.

When Linda Hoffman decided to move back to New England to be closer to her two children and five grandkids, her one big requirement was finding a place to live with a real sense of community. “I’m a
social person,” Linda said. “I need to know my neighbors and feel like I’m part of something.”

After looking at several independent living communities and apartments, she discovered Avenu at Natick, a new 62+ apartment community, and was one of the first residents to sign a lease. “I wasn’t going to move until I found the right place,” continues Linda. “The social atmosphere was a big motivator. We get together for breakfast every day and check in on each other. My grandkids are only 20 minutes away and can come here to stay with me, use the pool, see a movie or go to the mall.”

Avenu opened in October 2019 and is the first Active Adult Living Community of its kind in Greater Boston/MetroWest. Conveniently located across from the Natick Mall, the community is rich in onsite amenities far in excess of a traditional apartment building. The expansive first floor is centered around a signature fireplace and welcoming bar area encouraging residents to gather and mingle. Other on-site features include a gourmet chef’s kitchen and upscale private dining room, state-of-the-art theater and hair and nail salon. Residents have full access to a first-class fitness center complete with organized wellness programs such as yoga, zumba and meditation. An expansive landscaped courtyard features, lush plantings, a resort-style pool with cabanas, a putting green, and outdoor lounge areas complete with fire pits and grills for dining alfresco. A variety of programming and daily social activities keeps residents active and engaged.

“There is something going on every day,” said Leslie Rappaport-Atlas, Lifestyle Coordinator for Avenu. “Complimentary continental breakfast is offered daily as well as weekly happy hours and a variety of enriching activities such as cultural demonstrations, art classes, dance parties, dine outs and opera nights.”

With all these on-site amenities and community-oriented programming, it is not surprising residents are making the switch. Barbara Resh, Natick resident, recently moved from the nearby Avalon complex to Avenu. “The fact that this is a 62+ community was enticing to me,” said Barbara. “I’m not ready for a retirement home and that’s not what this is about. I can participate in whatever social events I want.”

Beyond the shared amenities, the building’s brand new, maintenance-free apartments have an open concept floor plan adorned with light modern finishes creating a comfortable yet sophisticated aesthetic. Kitchens are equipped with the stainless steel appliances, a natural quartz countertop, and inviting lighting. Additionally, each unit includes either a private balcony or dedicated patio.

“We have people moving here from all over the country,” said Dawn Chenevert, Avenu’s Property Manager. “Avenu residents have embraced the opportunity to start their next chapter of living with greater ease, closer friends, and all the comforts this community has to offer. Many of our current residents made the big decision to transition and relocate from their single-family homes to Avenu. We are focused on making this transition smooth for our residents. One of the differences is we’re not a buy-in community like many retirement communities. There is no big down payment other than a lease and a security deposit. This makes it affordable for many people and offers great flexibility when you’re making a big decision to relocate.”