by Sue Pinder
On August 27, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. StoneRidge Retirement Community celebrated its grand opening with speakers and a ribbon cutting ceremony. The residence is located at 186 Jerry Browne Road in Mystic. For over the past 40 years, Life Care Services has planned and developed or managed over 180 retirement and assisted living communities throughout America. More than 45,000 residents have chosen to live in these communities. StoneRidge is a fine example of their success.
Governor M. Jodi Rell sent a proclamation declaring: ‘August 27th is StoneRidge Retirement Community Day.’ After the ceremony a BBQ lunch was served and wagon rides and live music added to the fun!
Chris Cryder, Executive Director of StoneRidge, welcomed the guest speakers, the residents, their friends, families and visitors.
Stonington First Selectman, William Brown, said, “This is a wonderful place to live! I am really glad the residents are here. Besides being well built, it has that extra quality that all of you can enjoy!”
Senator Catherine W. Cook exclaimed, “What a week! We saved the sub base and we have so much to contribute from this part of the country. We will pick up the wonderful legacy that the people from StoneRidge offer us. I am happy to celebrate with you. The quality of life at StoneRidge is great!”
Chairperson, Gary Bennett, from the Stonington Development Commission, shared, “We are delighted with StoneRidge. In 15 years, people over the age of 65 will increase. In this area, we are aging a little faster, so we will need more residences like StoneRidge. Thank you to the residents for choosing our community!”
Kip Wyper, a resident of StoneRidge, was part of the planning process that started in 1995. “After many meetings and time spent, I would like to thank Life Care Services for their carefully thought out plans. It took a lot of patience and hard work.” She added, “The staff at StoneRidge is always caring and thoughtful!”
Executive Vice-President, Life Care Services, Ed Kenny related, “We are glad to offer the residents quality housing and amenities. New friendships are made here and many lives will be enhanced. Ninety per cent of the units are sold! We are planning Phase II at StoneRidge, which will include 51 additional units, a swimming pool and expanded fitness room. We pledge that first and foremost that this is your home and neighborhood.”
StoneRidge offers one-bedroom, one-bedroom with den, two-bedroom, and two-bedroom with den apartments. An on-site skilled nursing center provides recuperative care, assistance in living and long term nursing care.
There is convenient access to restaurants, shopping, places of worship, cultural activities, parks and Long Island Sound. StoneRidge encourages an active and full lifestyle. Transportation is provided for planned trips or destinations nearby.
Residents can enjoy a delicious meal in the beautiful main dining room or make plans to dine in the privacy of a smaller dining room. There is a fitness center, creative arts studio, computer room and a cozy library with a fireplace. The coffee shop and pub are great places to meet friends and the country store and the salon are conveniences that are really appreciated! StoneRidge also offers gardening areas and hiking paths for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Chatting with residents in the library was a delightful experience for me. It was easy to see that Shirley and Deane Avery are very much at home. Shirley shared, “We just lived two miles from here in a country setting. Winters can be hard, so it seemed the right thing to do.”
Pat Carlson and her husband moved into StoneRidge from Mumford Cove in Groton. “Meeting wonderful people and the accommodating staff make this a wonderful place to live!”
The setting of the residence is very beautiful and tranquil and the residents have the freedom of enjoying a relaxing way of life, while choosing only to participate in the activities they wish to do!
