COVID-19

Seabury’s Response To COVID-19/Coronavirus

Updated: January 11, 2023

Dear Residents, Members, Families, and Employees:

As promised, a mid-week update as it relates to staffing, programming, and COVID. 

COVID Update:

Covid Cases:

  • IL – 13 
  • Meadows – 22 
  • Views – 0 
  • Skilled – 3
  • Staff – 5

The good news is we’ll start clearing about 5 cases per day tomorrow, which makes sense, as we are two weeks from the holiday timeframe.

The Department of Public Health is advising all Connecticut residents to wear masks in public indoor spaces with the transmission rates much higher across the state. According to the CDC, most of the state is in the highest transmission category.

Hartford County is one of the six counties in Connecticut that is at high risk for COVID transmission. A new subvariant of omicron is a big reason why.

Culinary Program & In-Person Events:

Our culinary staff impacted by COVID have come back to campus and we’re going to re-open to in-person dining:

Bistro & MDR:

  • Bistro:  Thursday, January 12 & Friday, January 13 – In-person dining will be offered for lunch and dinner. Saturday, January 14 & Sunday, January 15 the bistro returns to normal hours of operation. The Main Dining Room is closed.
  • Main Dining Room: Monday, January 16 – In-person dining will resume for dinner. 
  • The Marketplace continues to be open from 11:00-1:30, M-F. Take a moment to check out all the new selections, featuring several local vendors. 
  • All Resident Services in-person programming for next week will go on as planned (e.g., Pop-Up on 1/18 and Tea at Top of Stairs 1/20) 

Transportation Task Force:

As mentioned during the last several months, the Transportation Task Force has been working on Transportation for social events. Seabury will maintain its relationship with Sunshine Wheels for daytime medical transportation. Sunshine provides an average of over 40+ trips per month for independent living residents!

We have made progress on our plan to purchase a 25-passenger bus. The cost for a 25-person shuttle bus with insurance and CDL licensing is $150,000.  Our annual cost after will be an estimated $45,000.

We are excited to report:

  • We have received two very generous donations! We will be actively fundraising for the bulk of this cost. Seabury will contribute as well. More to come!

Composter:

After a long and painful couple of years with our Eco-Rich Composter, we have decided to ask for a refund and return of this piece of equipment. Our commitment to establishing a robust composting program is not wavering; we need to find a company and product that is reliable and generates great compost for the Seabury Gardens. A group of dedicated residents is already researching our next composter.

E-Waste Recycling:

Our housekeeping team continues to find e-waste in the trash room on a more and more regular basis.

Dropping off printers and such electronics in the trash rooms is not an authorized practice, residents are responsible for properly disposing of their own e-waste. Locations that can be used for e-waste recycling:

Please do not hesitate to contact the Seabury Team at answers@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. In addition, the Seabury Team responds to emails received during regular business hours.

Thank you!

-Seabury Executive Team

Updated: January 3, 2023

Dear Residents, Members, Families, and Employees:

Happy New Year! As expected, we are experiencing an increase of COVID positive cases across campus following holiday gatherings and travel.

Current COVID Cases:

  • Independent Living – 8
  • The Views – 1
  • The Meadows – 7
  • Skilled Nursing – 6
  • Employees – 8

Recent campus cases have presented with minor symptoms, most being treated with antivirals as prescribed by their Physician.  In healthcare areas, programming and dining are being adjusted to help mitigate further spread. We are asking that independent living residents remain vigilant about mask wearing. Visitors are allowed in all areas, all proper precautions are advised.

We strongly recommend wearing a mask, self-monitoring for symptoms, practicing proper hand hygiene, staying home if you are sick, and testing based on symptoms or exposure.  Please help encourage visitors to do the same. We’ve placed air scrubbers in many locations; please do not move them. Thank you! 

COVID Test Kits: We have a limited supply of COVID testing kits and they are increasingly difficult to buy in bulk.

  • The Hub now carries COVID rapid tests for sale at cost.
  • Free rapid tests are available through the government at gov/tests – Free at-home COVID-19 tests
  • Need help placing an order for your at-?home tests via phone? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
  • Susie Washington, located in the healthcare lobby, is happy to help anyone with ordering their free test kits.
  • Medicare will cover up to 8 rapid tests per month at participating pharmacies.
  • Also, if you need assistance with administering a test for yourself, please call Jake 860-243-6027 or Susie 860-243-6071 and they can assist testing with your supply.

Updated CDC/DPH COVID Guidelines:

Seabury is in contact with the Department of Public Health regularly to remain current with guidelines.

  • Testing is completed weekly for staff with vaccine exemptions. Testing will continue for other staff based on exposure or symptoms.
  • Self-monitoring is of high importance.
  • Masks will continue to be worn campus-wide by staff. All residents are strongly encouraged to wear masks as well.
  • We’ve administered well over 300 bivalent boosters to residents and staff. Booster clinics will continue to be held as needed.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Seabury Team at answers@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. In addition, the Seabury Team responds to emails received during regular business hours.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

Updated: November 22, 2022

Dear Residents, Members, Families, and Employees:

We have so much to be thankful for here at Seabury, the least of which are the residents and members we serve and all the employees that make up our extended family. We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

A big “congratulations” to the Encore team for preparing and executing such a successful, Unique Boutique this year! So many of us look forward to this event each year; thank you for all your hard work!

We have a couple of brief updates as we begin this holiday week.

Calling All Elves:

We are looking for resident volunteers to help deliver packages during the busy holiday season.  Sign-up sheets will be available on Tuesday, November 22, outside CAS. Deliveries will begin the week of December 5th.

November/December Forum Change:

Our Community Forum, originally scheduled for Wednesday, November 23, is being rescheduled on account of the holiday, with so many of us traveling this year!

We have a number of major events and two holidays to navigate in November and December; therefore, we chose to hold the forum (to cover both months) on Wednesday, December 7, at 10:30 AM. The Forum will be held in person in the Chapel and on Zoom. A link to the Zoom portion will be sent out just prior to the day.

Insurance Reminder -Traditional Medicare vs. Managed Medicare:

This is an annual insurance reminder for our Life Care Contract holders for Seabury and Seabury At Home. Medicare open enrollment ends on December 7. Per the Seabury or Seabury At Home contract, under the section referencing Medicare, Supplemental Insurance Requirements, and Third Party Reimbursement:

  • You are, or shall be when eligible, enrolled in Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and Medicare Part B or their equivalent.
  • You authorize, as necessary, any provider of such medical and other health services, including Seabury, to receive reimbursement under Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and Medicare Part D or their equivalent as provided under these programs.
  • You are required to secure and maintain a supplemental insurance policy to pay Medicare co-insurance deductible amounts and to provide major medical coverage or show evidence of your ability to meet your future obligations to Seabury.

Original Medicare includes Part A (inpatient/hospital coverage) and Part B (outpatient/medical coverage). In addition, you will receive a red, white, and blue card to show to your providers when receiving care. Most doctors in the country take this insurance.

Additionally, Medicare limits how much you can be charged if you visit participating or non-participating providers.

Medicare Advantage Plans are also known as Medicare private health plans or Part C. Some of the most common types of plans are:

  • Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
  • Preferred provider Organizations (PPOs)
  • Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS)

If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will not use the red, white, and blue card when you go to the doctor or hospital. Instead, you will use your plan’s membership card to get health services covered.

Plans must provide the same benefits offered by Original/Traditional Medicare, but they may apply different rules, costs, and restrictions. They also may offer certain benefits that Medicare does not cover.

Medicare Advantage Plans: Things to consider…

  • Restrictions on in-network providers
  • Pre-authorization is required for all specialists and specialty care, including skilled nursing stays and rehabilitation
  • Annual out-of-pocket limits
  • As a rule, the more care you begin using (on a more frequent basis), the less Medicare Advantage covers and the more complicated it becomes to access and pay for care due to all the above restrictions.

It’s important to explore how the insurance you’re considering, have selected, or have been issued by your previous employer’s works with your Life Care contract. Attached to this communication is our policy that outlines Life Care/Plan Contract Holder Responsibilities (as stated in your Life Plan Agreement).

Insurance Review Clinic

If you have any questions or concerns about your current insurance, we will hold an insurance review clinic on Tuesday, November 29 from 10:00 – 12:00 in CAS. If you’re unable to attend this clinic, please feel free to inquire with any member of the marketing team to get the process started for an insurance check with accounting.

Comcast Service Interruption – Tuesday, November 22

Some of you reported receiving a notification from Comcast regarding potential outages on Tuesday, 11/22.

After a few phone calls to the support, we could confirm that this is legitimate, Comcast will be performing some maintenance work on their network today, Tuesday, 11/22, and all their customers in the area were warned about it.

Comcast does not need any action to be taken on your end other than being mindful of this maintenance, and remembering that you may occasionally lose service (Phone, TV, Internet).

Comcast has confirmed that this maintenance will take place today and affect all customers on their COAX network.

  • Seabury Residents and staff will be affected!
  • Fax and fire panel lines will not be affected (provided through another service provider).
  • Our main internet and Polycom phone will not be affected.
  • In case of emergency, if your phone is not working, please call using a cell phone; you may also pick up the phone handset on a fax machine and call out using the dial pad on the fax machine!

We will be monitoring the situation and will provide any necessary updates as we get them.

COVID Cases Update:

Please note we are experiencing an increase in positive COVID cases.  The increase first was in Independent Living, then The Views, and now in Skilled Nursing.  These cases are not related but demonstrate how the virus can travel and cause outbreaks in any area.  Currently, there are two independent living residents and eight skilled residents who are positive.  There are no cases among staff, The Views, or Meadows residents. 

Positive individuals remain with minor symptoms, with most being treated with antivirals as prescribed by their Physician.  

Please wear a mask, self-monitor for symptoms, practice proper hand hygiene, stay home if you are sick, and test based on symptoms or exposure.  Please help encourage visitors to do the same. We’ve deployed air scrubbers to certain locations; please do not move them. Thank you! 

Updated CDC/DPH COVID Guidelines:

Seabury is in contact with the Department of Public Health regularly to remain current with guidelines. 

  • Testing is completed weekly for staff with vaccine exemption. Testing will continue for other staff based on exposure or symptoms.
  • Screening stations for all entrances on campus have been removed. Self-monitoring is of high importance.
  • Masks will continue to be worn campus-wide by staff. All residents are encouraged to wear masks as well.
  • We’ve administered well over 300 bivalent boosters to residents and staff. Booster clinics will continue to be held as needed. 

Please do not hesitate to contact the Seabury Team at answers@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The Seabury Team responds to emails received during regular business hours.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

Updated: November 2, 2022

Dear Residents, Members, Families, and Employees:

Hope all is well; we want to provide a quick COVID update.

COVID Cases Update:

Please note, we are experiencing an increase in positive COVID cases. We have been averaging about 3 staff and 3 residents campus wide.  Currently there are 7 independent living residents, 5 Views Residents, 1 skilled resident and 3 staff members positive.

There is a mix of symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, and everyone is isolating for a 5-10 day period depending on the individual circumstances.

Please wear a mask, self-monitor for symptoms, practice proper hand hygiene, stay home if you are sick and test based on symptoms or exposure.  Please help encourage visitors to do the same. We’ve deployed air scrubbers to certain locations, please do not move them. Thank you! 

Updated CDC/DPH COVID Guidelines:

Seabury is in contact with the Department of Public Health regularly to remain current with guidelines. 

  • Testing is completed weekly for staff with vaccine exemption. Testing will continue for other staff based on exposure or symptoms.
  • Screening stations for all entrances on campus have been removed. Self-monitoring is of high importance.
  • Masks will continue to be worn campus-wide by staff. We will continue to reassess.  All residents are encouraged to wear masks as well.
  • We’ve administered an additional 90 boosters to IL, 20+ skilled residents, and ten employees. The remainder of skilled and Views residents will be completed this week and next.  Booster clinics will continue to be held for residents and staff as needed. 

Please do not hesitate to contact the Seabury Team at answers@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The Seabury Team responds to emails received during regular business hours.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

Updated: October 14, 2022

Dear Residents, Members, Families, and Employees:

We hope everyone has been enjoying the month of October so far; it has been jam-packed with many opportunities for gathering, learning, and fun! Please see below for many important updates and details about upcoming events!

Heather Cahill’s Promotion:

Please join us in congratulating Heather Cahill on her promotion to Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement.

Heather has performed remarkably in her role as the Executive Director of the Seabury Charitable Foundation and has been informally a member of the Seabury Executive Team for some time.

Updated CDC/DPH COVID Guidelines:

As many of you know, Seabury is in contact with the Department of Public Health regularly, and our most recent update last week resulted in some changes to our COVID protocols.

  • Testing of staff will be completed weekly for medical and religious exemptions only. Testing will continue for other staff based on exposure or symptoms.
  • We are excited to announce that we will be removing the screening stations for all entrances around campus this week, as they are no longer required! Appropriate signage will replace them.
  • Masks will continue to be worn campus-wide by staff. We will continue to reassess.  All residents are encouraged to wear masks, but we will be lightened up more as we move forward.
  • We’ve administered an additional 90 boosters to IL, 20+ skilled residents, and ten employees. The remainder of skilled and Views residents will be completed this week and next.  Booster clinics will continue to be held for residents and staff as needed. 
  • **SAH Members – You are no longer required to screen at the Main Entrance. Access cards will be reprogrammed to allow entrance through Doors 15 and 18 more information to follow.

2nd Annual Seabury Art Expo:

Please join us on Thursday, October 20, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM in the Chapel and Terrace room for our Second Annual Art Expo event!

The event will feature a variety of visual art created by Seabury Residents and Seabury At Home Members, plus a number of Artisan Vendors who will be on-site with items to sell.

Resident artists accept cash or checks only. Vendors will also take credit cards. For Seabury At Home members joining us for this event, you will not need to screen at the main entrance.

 

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Greater Hartford, Sunday, October 16:

Everyone is welcome to join the Seabury Meadows team on Sunday, October 16 at 10:00 AM for a walk around campus to honor current and past Meadows’ residents and raise awareness for Alzheimer’s. Take this time to enjoy a beautiful autumn walk outdoors (the weather looks great) and support fellow residents, staff, and family members.

The Seabury Marketing Team will have a presence at Rentschler Field on Sunday morning beginning at 8:30 AM. We are a sponsor of this year’s event!

Flu Vaccine Clinics:

Flu Clinics will be held on October 28, 31, November 1, and 3.  Sign-up sheets are outside of CAS on October 3.  If anyone is unable to sign up at CAS, please email jacobbompastore@seaburylife.org to secure a spot. Please bring your state ID and insurance cards to the vaccine clinic.

*The flu clinics accept Medicare and most insurances; however, if you have United Healthcare Insurance, please ignore the directions above.  Instead, If you prefer, call The Hartford Healthcare Clinic at 860-380-5051 to set up a date and time for your flu vaccine.

Bivalent Booster Clinics:

Partners Pharmacy is once again supporting us with our booster efforts.  Please fill out a Partners Consent Form available in the Main Lobby or the Healthcare Services Lobby.  Completed consents can be returned to the Main Lobby or the Healthcare Services Lobby.  If you are unable to pick up your consent in person, please email jacobbompastore@seaburylife.org.  You will be contacted to schedule your booster once we receive your completed consent form. Please bring your Covid vaccine and insurance cards to the vaccine clinic. 

*The Covid booster clinics accept United Healthcare Insurance.

Culinary:

  • Beginning Sunday, November 6, dine-in brunch will return to the Main Dining Room. Sign-up details and menus are coming soon! Take-home options will be available.
  • We are excited to announce that J. Foster’s ice cream pints will be available in the marketplace beginning Thursday, October 20!
  • Join us for our Saturday Night Buffet “Italian Night” Featuring Village Pizza! The menu will be posted to the resident portal, and sign-up begins Thursday morning at the CAS.

Resident Services Updates:

Since we have a lot of new residents and members, we want to make sure that everyone is able to vote. If you are not registered to vote in Bloomfield, please contact the Registrar of Voters for the town of Bloomfield. The address is 800 Bloomfield Avenue, PO Box 337 06002-3540. The phone number is 860-769-3540. The polling place is Metacomet Elementary School, located at 185 School Street, Bloomfield, CT 06002. The next election is on November 8, 2022.

Upcoming Events:

  • On Friday, October 14, from 1:30-3:30 PM, we will have an open house for the new Game Room. B_Sweet food truck will be outside by the Hilltop with some delicious fall treats! Please stop by and see the renovations in the pool, Game Room (East Wing on the 3rd floor, right below the fitness center) and the Hilltop gaming area.
  • The “Pop Up” will be on October 18 at 2:00 PM at the Top of the Stairs.
  • Join us on Monday, October 31, at 2:00 PM at the TOS for our annual Halloween Parade. We will go through the Views and Brewer/Davis and then return to the Chapel for a reception.

Fitness:

  • On October 21st, from 11-12, Cherie and Kat from fitness will be leading a balance class in Heritage Hall. Please contact Kirsten Benson at kirstenbenson@seaburylife.org or 860-243-4025.

Chaplaincy:

A weekly meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous is now meeting at Seabury. Contact Chaplain Ann for the details.

Each Sunday at 2:00 PM in the Chapel we offer a service of Holy Eucharist with music and hymns. Resident Carol Hunt and community pianist Kelly Sharp are our talented regular musicians. All are welcome.

On Sunday, October 30, at the Chapel service, we will observe Reformation Sunday.

We welcome guest preacher, The Rev. Cheryl Hoffman, Pastor, Lutheran Church of St. Mark, Glastonbury.

On November 6th, we will celebrate All Saints’ Sunday. This is a feast day of the church and a special occasion for us to remember the saints in our own lives. More details to come.

The Hub:
New resident art note cards are now available, with additional designs coming next month. 

Starting Monday, October 17, a locker system will be introduced for after-hours package pick-up. Lockers are located around the corner from The Hub in the hallway near the Views entrance. A numbered key will be placed in your cubby to open the corresponding locker.  Leave the key in the lock once you retrieve your package. 

Please do not hesitate to contact the Seabury Team at answers@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The Seabury Team responds to emails received during regular business hours.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

Updated: September 23, 2022

Dear Residents, Members, Families, and Employees:

Hope this message finds you well. We have several important updates to share with you today, please take a moment to read through everything.

Flu Vaccine Clinics

Flu Clinics will be held on October 28, 31, November 1, and 3.  Sign-up sheets will be placed outside of CAS on October 3rd.  If anyone is unable to sign up at CAS, please email jacobbompastore@seaburylife.org to secure a spot.  More information will follow regarding Hartford Healthcare MyChart registration being required.  Please bring your state ID and insurance cards with you to the vaccine clinic.

*The flu clinics accept Medicare and most insurances, however, if you have United Healthcare Insurance, please ignore the directions above.  If you prefer, call The Hartford Healthcare Clinic at 860-380-5051 to set up a date and time for your flu vaccine. Or, please use any local pharmacy that accepts this insurance.

Bivalent Booster Clinics

Partners Pharmacy is once again supporting us with our booster efforts.  Please fill out a Partners Consent Form available in the Main Lobby or the Healthcare Services Lobby.  Completed consents can be returned to the Main Lobby or the Healthcare Services Lobby.  If you are unable to pick up your consent in person, please email jacobbompastore@seaburylife.org.  You will be contacted to schedule your booster once we receive your completed consent form. Please bring your Covid vaccine and insurance cards with you to the vaccine clinic. 

*The COVID booster clinics accept United Healthcare Insurance.

Resident Health Information Sharing:

We would like to remind everyone; staff cannot share any HIPAA-protected information.  This means any question regarding another person’s health or personal information cannot be discussed.  If you have concerns about someone, we encourage you to communicate with staff in a non-public area.

Culinary Update:

  • An expanded wine selection in addition to non-alcoholic offerings will be available in MDR beginning Tuesday, Sept 27.
  • The bistro will begin offering beer and wine on Monday, Oct 3.
  • We appreciate your adherence to the updated “to-go” brunch protocol:
    • One small side salad option
    • One breakfast box option
    • One lunch box option
    • One single dessert option
    • *Please kindly return your green OZZI containers*
  • Join our celebration of Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year celebration with a special holiday menu on Sept 27 & 28 in the MDR!!
  • Back by popular demand, Peking Garden Chinese Restaurant will be featured in this week’s Saturday Buffet. Sign up in CAS if you haven’t already!!
  • Please return all meal updates by Sept 26 to the Culinary Department.

Resident Services Updates:

We have secured bus transportation for the 2022-2023 Hartford Symphony Orchestra concert series. 

The buses will be available for the Friday evening and Sunday Matinee concerts. Departure times are 6:30 p.m. on Friday nights and 1:30 p.m. for the Sunday matinee.

The cost per person, per concert for bus transportation is $18.00.

You can purchase tickets online at  https://hartfordsymphony.org, or order by phone if you prefer at (860) 987-5900.  Both options are available.

If you have any further questions, or if you would like additional help in purchasing tickets, please contact Melissa Beauchemin in the Resident Services Office and she will be happy to assist you.   

Please contact Jasmine or Melissa for dates for bus transportation reservations. PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER:  NO BUSSES WILL BE TRANSPORTING TO THE SATURDAY CONCERTS.

Channel 918 has transitioned from Connected Living to Catie Web. There will be more information coming soon on how residents will be able to access and use the site for many different applications.

Other than emergencies, please keep in mind that IT work orders are handled in the order they come in. If you cannot put a work order in please call Resident Services and they will assist you. Please be patient.

If you are the chair of a committee and there is a change to the monthly meeting schedule, please let Jasmine know at least one week before the first of the following month so that we have time to get it on the calendar.

Going forward please submit all transportation requests to the Director of Resident Services, Melissa Beauchemin. This can be done by work order, phone, or email.

Fitness/Pool Updates:

The pool and hot tub are open. Thank you for your patience while this work was completed.

Chaplaincy Update:

Please join us for the Seabury Celebration of New Ministry on Friday, September 23, at 4:00 PM in the Bishops’ Chapel. Reception to follow.

All are invited to celebrate spiritual life at Seabury, renew our commitment to one another, and witness Ann Lovejoy Johnson’s formal institution as the Chaplain at Seabury. The Bishop of Connecticut will preside.

If you are interested in the planning of this liturgy—or broader conversations about spiritual community—please contact Chaplain Ann: at annjohnson@seaburylife.org or 860-785-5213.

On a separate note, we would like to know who would be interested in attending live streaming of the High Holidays at Temple Beth Israel on Monday, September 25 at 10 AM and Thursday, October 5 at 10 AM in the Chapel. If you are interested, please reach out to Chaplain Ann.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Seabury Team at answers@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The Seabury Team responds to emails received during regular business hours.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

 

Updated: September 9, 2022

Hope everyone is enjoying the hints of fall we’ve been experiencing during the early morning and evenings this week. A few updates as we get ready for the weekend.

Cottage Rentals Update:

Rene?e and her husband Marco completed their temporary move into Cottage 102 this week.

We have also been meeting with potential renters for Cottage 104 and 106 since the holiday weekend and have some interested parties. These renters have different needs, such as transitioning from selling a home quickly, finding themselves with no home due to a quick close, and needing a place to land while considering options.

Some residents who live here now are under a rental agreement, this practice is not new, and all Residents are expected to abide by the same rules, policies and complete an application for residency and agree to a credit check.

The large cluster of chairs near the 100 cottages has been moved over to Meadowview Courtyard, where the Residents gather almost daily outdoors under the trellis.

FLU Vaccine Clinics:

Once again, Seabury has partnered with Hartford Healthcare At Home for this year’s flu clinic.  There will be sign-up sheets outside of CAS soon for clinics on October 28 & 31, as well as November 1 and 3.  In addition, this year, Residents and Members will be encouraged to pre-register for their flu vaccine date through their “MyChart” account or create an account before doing so.  This will allow for shorter waiting times.  More information will be available about the registration process but rest assured, you may also register in real-time (when you receive the vaccine).

For those residents with insurance not covered by Hartford Healthcare At Home (i.e., United), your vaccine can be administered at a local pharmacy or by The Hartford Healthcare Clinic.

Updated Covid Booster:

As many are aware, the FDA has approved both Pfizer and Moderna boosters which are more specifically targeted for the two most prominent COVID variants.  Seabury proactively contacted our pharmacy partner for the availability of the boosters and assistance with a clinic, and we are now in a holding pattern.  For those who wish to receive a booster individually, we recommend seeking guidance from your physician and contacting your preferred pharmacy.  We will communicate booster clinic availability as soon as we hear.  

Healthcare Handbook:

The handbook is available on the Resident Portal under Healthcare Services.  For this reason, and to be environmentally conscious, we only distributed hard copies to those cubbies of Residents who do not access the internet.  The handbook does not have to be printed; it should merely be used as a reference.  However, there are still a few more copies at the main desk for pick up. Please let the front desk or Hub know if you want a hard copy and we will place an order. Thank you.

Resident Services Updates:

Channel 918 has transitioned from Connected Living to Catie Web. There will be more information coming soon on how residents will be able to access and use the site for many different applications.

Fitness/Pool Updates:

The grout work and pool deck refinishing are complete. The pool will begin being filled on Monday, September 12. It may take up to a week for the pool to be filled, heated, and have the chemicals balanced. Thank you for all of your patience while this work was being completed.

Chaplaincy Update:

Please save the date for the Seabury Celebration of New Ministry on Friday, September 23, at 4:00 PM in the Bishops’ Chapel. Reception to follow.

All are invited to celebrate spiritual life at Seabury, renew our commitment to one another, and witness Ann Lovejoy Johnson’s formal institution as the Chaplain at Seabury. The Bishop of Connecticut will preside.

If you are interested in the planning of this liturgy—or broader conversations about spiritual community—please contact Chaplain Ann: at annjohnson@seaburylife.org or 860-785-5213.

On a separate note, we would like to know who would be interested in attending a live streaming of the High Holidays at Temple Beth Israel on Monday, September 25 at 10 AM and Thursday, October 5 at 10 AM in the Chapel. If you are interested, please reach out to Chaplain Ann.

Culinary Updates:

We officially welcome James Watt to the team. James is the Co-Manager of the Main Dining Room and Bistro alongside Courtney Russell.

Meal Plan Forms for October – December will be distributed Monday, Sept 12. Please return to the Culinary Department by September 23.  Please only submit a form if changes have been made to your current plan.

Saturday night Buffet – join us to savor the flavors of the middle east – featuring Shish Kebab House of Afghanistan. The reservation book is located at CAS; sign up if you haven’t already.

Thank you to all who joined us for the Labor Day buffet! Wonderful turnout and great fun!

Please do not hesitate to contact the Seabury Team at answers@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The Seabury Team responds to emails received during regular business hours.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

August 19, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

Hope everyone is enjoying the last couple weeks of August! Can’t believe we’re close to the end of summer.

CATIE TV & WEBSITE ROLLOUT:

We are replacing the Connected Living Platform with an information-sharing platform called CATIE (Communication and Access to Information Everywhere) Web and TV, a product from Status Solutions, the company we currently use for our SARA alert system and our COVID screening kiosks.  Initially, the CATIE Web platform did not offer everything Connected Living had. However, over the past few years, they have made significant updates that will allow us to make the change.

Phase 1 – The target date for changing CH.918 and the Display Boards to the new platform is August 29.

  • A preview of how Ch.918 and the Display Boards will look can be seen on the display board outside of CAS starting early next week.
  • It will have similar features that Connected Living has and include a calendar, weather, photos, alerts, etc.
  • We will have the ability to live stream special events in the future as well.

Phase 2 – The CATIE website interface will replace Connected Living and will give us the same ability to create a monthly calendar, have access to staff and resident directories, and more.

  • We will be hosting training clinics in September.
  • The ComCom members are in support of this transition.

Amazon Ordering/Deliveries:

Please remember to add delivery instructions to have all packages delivered to the LOADING DOCK. This step will help ensure that your packages are delivered in a timelier manner.   

Cottage and Villa Residents: please add delivery instructions to have packages delivered to your residence to avoid picking them up in the Hub.

August Community Forum:

Our next Forum will be held Wednesday, August 24, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel. We look forward to seeing you there!

Resident Healthcare Handbook:

We are pleased to announce that the revised and updated Resident Healthcare Handbook is complete. We thank Nancy Grover and the Resident Health Services Committee for their suggestions and perseverance! The Handbook will be available on the Portal, and we will be making hard copies in the next week or two for those that would like to pick up a hard copy.  They will be available in several locations:   Front desk, The HUB, Health Services, and Resident Services. More to come!

Liquor License Review:

Thank you for your cooperation in recognizing that our liquor license does not permit “BYOB” in the Main Dining Room or Bistro. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase in the Main Dining Room during hours of operation. Culinary will work to expand the offerings.

Culinary Update:

Our trial run/rental with “Roxy” the robot has come to an end. While it was fun, Roxy did not provide the operational efficiencies that we had hoped for. More exciting and innovative ideas to come!!

The Main Dining Room is open for walk-ins and guests with no pre-order necessary!

Chef Jim has updated the MDR menu selections to reflect summer’s fresh and seasonal ingredients – enjoy!

We are excited to announce that James Watts has accepted the Co – Dining Room Manager role to be shared with Courtney Russell, Catering Manager! The start date is September 7.

COVID Update:

As of today, we have 1 positive COVID case among employees, and 1 resident in independent living, community acquired.  Staff and residents will continue to test as needed, based on exposure or symptoms.

Although the state mandate has been lifted in non-healthcare areas, transmission rates remain high in every Connecticut county. Mask wearing throughout campus is strongly recommended and required in healthcare areas.  If you need a new mask, they can be found at all entrances, in security, or at The Hub. Please change your masks often, especially if dirty or worn.

All current visitor guidelines for healthcare remain the same.  Screening upon entry and mask use is required.  Vaccine status is not required; however, cold symptoms, exposure, and Covid status remain top of mind.  Rapid testing is available per request or when needed.  Thank you for your continued understanding.

Tapestry Update/Forms:

A call sheet detailing after-hours care can be picked up in the Hub or by emailing Heather Cahill at heathercahill@seaburylife.org.

Campus Updates:

We have progress to report on for the pool project. The pool deck floor overlay is complete, looks great! 

The grout work for the floor and walls of the pool itself will begin on August 22nd, the grout repair is extensive. The date range we are looking to reopen is early to mid-September. Please note, that the scope of this particular project does not include grouting the hot tub or renovating the locker rooms. We look forward to returning this updated space to the community as soon as possible!

Schedule of Charges, FY 2022-23:

The updated Schedule of Charges for the upcoming fiscal year is set to be distributed by the end of August. The biggest changes will be reflected in meal prices, salon pricing, guest room and cottage rentals, and personal training.

Massage Therapy and PS Salon:

Our new massage therapist Donna Davis is now taking appointments. She comes to Seabury very experienced and will allow us to increase the availability for massage. If you would like to schedule an appointment with her, she can be reached at 860-693-1667. Tria can be reached for appointments at 860-830-0710.

PS Salon is no longer open on Saturdays. We do have a new stylist that has started. Her name is Patty, and she will be here taking appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Resident Services/IT Support:

Please have patience with IT work orders. Both Resident Services and IT have been under strain and are working diligently to get every work order completed as quickly as possible. Unless it is a safety issue, work orders are completed in the order they are received.

Chaplaincy Update:

Please save the date for the Seabury Celebration of New Ministry on Friday, September 23 at 4:00 PM in the Bishops’ Chapel. Reception to follow. 

All are invited to celebrate spiritual life at Seabury, renew our commitment to one another, and witness Ann Lovejoy Johnson’s formal institution as the Chaplain at Seabury. The Bishop of Connecticut will preside.

If you are interested in the planning of this liturgy—or broader conversations about spiritual community—please contact Chaplain Ann: at annjohnson@seaburylife.org or 860-785-5213.

Lunch with Chaplain Ann: Join Ann at the Bistro on Thursdays in August for lunch at noon. No reservations are needed.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact the Seabury Team at answers@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The Seabury Team responds to emails received during regular business hours.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

August 12, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

What a great end to a very hot week! Please enjoy the milder temperatures this weekend, it’s going to be a beautiful time to get outside.

Cottage 106, 104, and 112 Short-term Lease:

We are in the final stages of preparing these three 100 cottage homes for short-term rentals. We are sharing all relevant details of each style cottage in hopes that some of you may know someone, age 50 years or older, that would like to secure a one-year rental. Please reach out to Amanda Ritsick for more information by calling her 860-243-6001 or emailing her at amandaritsick@seaburylife.org.

We are also pleased to announce that Renee and Marco Bernasconi with Ruger (like the Austrian cookie), their English Cream Retriever, will be joining us on campus temporarily. They will reside in Cottage 102 while looking for a new home in the area. They are looking forward to less home maintenance and more time to do the things they enjoy!

GRIFFIN 106:

The Griffin cottage at Seabury is a quaint country-style one-bedroom at 690 square feet. Complete with a full kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances, washer & dryer, spacious living room, and a back porch, the Griffin has a 150-square-foot bedroom, with a full bathroom and slider door closet. The living room boasts a partially vaulted ceiling with a transom window. The cottage is equipped with baseboard forced hot water heating, central air, and a full-load power generator. Nestled on the tranquil, rolling hills of the Seabury campus (formerly the A.C. Petersen Dairy Farm), the Griffin cottage overlooks an open meadow, with Talcott Mountain and the Heublein Tower as a backdrop, offering one or two occupants’ ultimate comfort and relaxation.

The monthly Rental Fee includes all utilities (except cable/internet), plus a parking space in the adjacent carport = $2,200

Terms: 1-Year Lease

CADWELL 104

The Cadwell cottage at Seabury is a quaint country-style two-bedroom, two-bathroom arrangement at 1,110 square feet. Complete with a full kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances, a washer & dryer, a spacious living room, and a back porch, the Cadwell’s master suite has a nearly 170 square-foot bedroom, with a full bathroom and two closets. The living room boasts a partially vaulted ceiling with a transom window. The cottage is equipped with baseboard forced hot water heating, central air, and a full-load power generator. Nestled on the tranquil, rolling hills of the Seabury campus (formerly the A.C. Petersen Dairy Farm), the Cadwell cottage overlooks an open meadow, with Talcott Mountain and the Heublein Tower as a backdrop, offering one or two occupants’ ultimate comfort and relaxation.

The monthly Rental Fee includes all utilities (except cable/internet), plus a parking space in the adjacent carport = $2,800

Terms: 1-Year Lease

BIDWELL 112

The Bidwell cottage at Seabury is a quaint country-style two-bedroom, two-bathroom arrangement at 1,380 square feet. Complete with a fully open concept kitchen with a generous island with granite counters and stainless appliances, a washer & dryer, a spacious living room, and a three-season porch, the Bidwell’s master suite has a nearly 200 square-foot bedroom with a walk-in closet and a full bathroom in the hallway. The living room boasts a partially vaulted ceiling with a transom window. The cottage is equipped with baseboard forced hot water heating, central air, and a full-load power generator. Nestled on the tranquil, rolling hills of the Seabury campus (formerly the A.C. Petersen Dairy Farm), the Bidwell cottage overlooks a beautifully appointed courtyard, with Talcott Mountain and the Heublein Tower to the west, offering one or two occupants’ ultimate comfort and relaxation.

The monthly Rental Fee includes all utilities (except cable/internet), plus a parking space in the adjacent carport = $3,200

Terms: 1-Year Lease

August Community Forum:

Our next Forum will be held Wednesday, August 24, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel. We look forward to seeing you there!

COVID Update:

As of today, we have 4 positive COVID cases among employees, and 1 resident in skilled nursing, community acquired.  Staff and residents will continue to test as needed, based on exposure or symptoms.

Although the state mandate has been lifted in non-healthcare areas, transmission rates remain high in every Connecticut county. Mask wearing throughout campus is strongly recommended and required in healthcare areas.  If you need a new mask, they can be found at all entrances, in security, or at The Hub. Please change your masks often, especially if dirty or worn.

All current visitor guidelines for healthcare remain the same.  Screening upon entry and mask use is required.  Vaccine status is not required; however, cold symptoms, exposure, and Covid status remain top of mind.  Rapid testing is available per request or when needed.  Thank you for your continued understanding.

Tapestry Update/Forms:

A call sheet detailing after-hours care can be picked up in the Hub or by emailing Heather Cahill at heathercahill@seaburylife.org

Campus Updates:

We have progress to report on for the pool project. The pool deck floor overlay is currently being installed and should be completed within the next two weeks. The grout work for the floor and walls of the pool itself will begin on August 22nd, the grout repair is extensive. The date range we are looking to reopen is early to mid-September. Please note, that the scope of this project does not include grouting the hot tub or renovating the locker rooms. We look forward to returning this updated space to the community as soon as possible!

The new composter arrived this week! Final assembly and installation will continue next week and then we will begin testing the machine with materials from the main kitchen. A notice will go out when we’re ready to begin accepting materials from residents. Thank you for your continued patience.

Resident Services Update:

We have filled the Director of Resident Services position!!

Melissa Beauchemin, Director of Resident Services

Melissa’s passion for seniors has led her to a lifelong career in aging services.  Her professional background includes a variety of experiences such as 10 years as the Manager at Fairfax Retirement Community developing and executing programs for 520+ retired military officers and/or spouses, Social Services Director for an adult day health center providing pre-admission interviews and ongoing assessments of the needs of participants and Director for Sturbridge Council on Aging advocating for the needs of active and homebound seniors in the community. 

Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral sciences from the University of South Florida. She will attend the new hire orientation on August 24, 2022.  Please give Melissa a warm welcome when you see her.

Bio From Melissa Beauchemin:

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to spend my early years, along with my eight brothers and sisters, living in different countries in South America, being born in Brazil, and later traveling between the Washington D.C. area and Uruguay.

Upon our return to the United States, we settled in Maryland, and I started college at the University of Maryland and graduated from the University of South Florida.

I have worked much of my career in Social Services, with a short departure working for the House of Seagram and running my own business, but ultimately following my heart and returning to the arena that I love best.

I have a nineteen-year-old daughter named Natalie who is the light of my life.  Being her mom is my proudest accomplishment.

In my spare time, I love traveling, gardening, running (trotting), and learning how to navigate “teenage years.”

I am so very happy to be here and sincerely look forward to meeting and working with everyone.

Schedule of Charges, FY 2022-23:

The updated Schedule of Charges for the upcoming fiscal year is set to be distributed by the end of August. The biggest changes will be reflected in salon pricing, guest room and cottage rentals, and personal training.

Fitness:

Cherie Griffin has officially joined the fitness staff as a part-time Fitness and Wellness Coordinator. She has a BS in Exercise Science from Central Connecticut State University and is a Certified Exercise Physiologist with the American College of Sports Medicine.

Massage Therapy and PS Salon:

Our new massage therapist Donna Davis is now taking appointments. She comes to Seabury very experienced and will allow us to increase the availability for massage. If you would like to schedule an appointment with her, she can be reached at 860-693-1667. Tria can be reached for appointments at 860-830-0710.

PS Salon is no longer open on Saturdays. We do have a new stylist that has started. Her name is Patty and she will be here taking appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Chaplaincy Update:

Please save the date for the Seabury Celebration of New Ministry on Friday, September 23 at 4:00 PM in the Bishops’ Chapel. Reception to follow. 

All are invited to celebrate spiritual life at Seabury, renew our commitment to one another, and witness Ann Lovejoy Johnson’s formal institution as the Chaplain at Seabury. The Bishop of Connecticut will preside.

If you are interested in the planning of this liturgy—or broader conversations about spiritual community—please contact Ann: at annjohnson@seaburylife.org or 860-785-5213.

Lunches with Chaplain Ann

Join Ann at the Bistro on Thursdays in August for lunch at noon. No reservations are needed.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

July 22, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

We hope everyone is finding a way to beat the heat and stay cool this week! Thank you to everyone who participated in our first trivia night with cocktails & mocktails last night, so fun! Congratulations to the winning team “Memory Support” featuring Bob Hewey, Carol Simpson, and Paul Bayliss!

We have a few updates looking ahead to next week.

CHHI Seabury Budget Presentation FY 2023:

As required by the CCRC Bill of Rights legislation, Seabury must give residents the opportunity for dialogue and comments concerning the monthly fee and ancillary fee increases. This communication serves as your official notice of this meeting.

Please join Craig Scott, Treasurer for CHHI Board of Directors, on Monday, July 25 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel, as he will present the details of the budget and scheduled increase set to take place on October 1.

This meeting will be recorded for those who can’t attend. For Seabury At Home members, we are holding our annual member meeting and fee increase presentation in August, more details coming soon.

July Community Forum:

Our next Forum will be held Wednesday, July 27, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel. A summer reception in the Terrace Courtyard and Terrace Room will follow immediately afterwards. We look forward to seeing you there!

COVID Update:

As of today, we have 2 positive COVID cases among employees, 1 resident in The Meadows and 3 residents in skilled nursing.  Staff and residents will continue to test as needed, based on exposure or symptoms.

Although the state mandate has been lifted in non-healthcare areas, transmission rates remain high in every Connecticut county. Mask wearing throughout campus is strongly recommended and required in healthcare areas.  If you need a new mask, they can be found at all entrances, in security, or at The Hub. Please change your masks often, especially if dirty or worn.

All current visitor guidelines for healthcare remain the same.  Screening upon entry and mask use is required.  Vaccine status is not required; however, cold symptoms, exposure, and Covid status remain top of mind.  Rapid testing is available per request or when needed.  Thank you for your continued understanding.

Campus Updates:

Just a reminder, please be advised, the entire Natatorium, Pool and Hot Tub will be closed for the month of August.  The pool will be drained, cleaned and the new epoxy floor will be applied. There will be no access to the space except for contractors.

We understand how important the pool is to many residents and apologize for the inconvenience. This is a necessary function of maintenance and updating and the outside contractor we’ve lined up has an opening in their very busy schedule this coming month. We must take advantage of it now, to get the work completed in this fiscal year. We will report frequently about progress.

Resident Services Updates:

Our search to fill the Director of Resident Services position is ongoing. We have interviewed four candidates and a decision will be made shortly.

Chaplaincy Update:

Starting August 4, Chaplain Ann will be eating lunch in the Bistro and invites anyone who wishes to join her to show up. This will be every Thursday lunch occasion. No need to make reservations. If, however, you wish to schedule a lunch with her or a private conversation, don’t hesitate to reach out. You may reach her at annjohnson@seaburylife.org

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

Updated: July 1, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

Before we head into the July 4th holiday weekend, we have a few updates to share, as this is a busy time on the Seabury campus. We’ve really enjoyed seeing everyone at all our recent events, including Janice’s retirement gathering, the Church Home of Hartford/Seabury 146th birthday impromptu celebration and the Champagne and Chocolate Pop-up party this past Wednesday! 

We hope everyone enjoys the trips out tonight to watch the Yard Goats play in Hartford and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra at Talcott Mountain!

Upcoming Events, Week of 7/4-7/8:

  • July 4th Pet Parade beginning at 2:30 PM at the Hilltop
  • July 4th BBQ Buffet in the MDR
  • July 7th Cousins Maine Lobster Truck, 11:00-2:00 at the Hilltop (Cash or Credit/Debit Cards Accepted)
  • July 8th Morning Meditation with Kirsten at Gazebo

Calling Tree – Tapestry Addition:

The healthcare calling tree designed to inform and guide residents of who to call for healthcare concerns has been updated to include the procedure for Tapestry Health.  Next week, we have distribution times to hand out laminated calling trees.

Top of the Stairs, Week of 7/4:

  • Tuesday, July 5, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Wednesday, July 6, 12:00 – 3:00 PM
  • Thursday, July 7, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Consent forms will be at the table, for anyone who has not already filled one out.

As previously mentioned, we have partnered with Tapestry Health for a pilot program to provide off hours (6:00 PM-7:00 AM) and weekend telehealth coverage (24/7) for non-emergent visits.  As a reminder, you can be seen by our Community Nurse or your own primary care provider during regular business hours, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Monday through Friday. 

  • Tapestry Health is a primary care physician practice, so any service you would normally expect to receive from a local doctor can be provided virtually.
  • Services include examination, and treatment of specific or chronic concerns, prescribing medication, ordering labs and X-rays, and arranging appointments with medical specialists.
  • Clinicians work remotely, but in all cases, locations offering Tapestry Health have consistent providers allowing all parties to get to know each other.

Nutmeg Senior Rides:

Just a reminder, Nutmeg Senior Rides is a local, affordable rideshare program for residents and members looking to secure transportation in their service area which covers West Suffield, Bloomfield, South Windsor, Somers, Enfield, Vernon, Granby, East Granby, Suffield, Windsor Locks, and East Windsor.

Tel:(860) 758-7833

ctseniorrides@gmail.com

https://g.page/nutmeg-senior-rides?share

Composter Update:

The new EcoRich composter is in transit, with an anticipated delivery date on July 20. We will keep you posted on any new updates as we receive them.

COVID Update:

As of today, we have 5 positive COVID cases among employees and 1 resident in skilled nursing.  Staff and residents will continue to test as needed, based on exposure or symptoms.

Although the state mandate has been lifted in non-healthcare areas, transmission rates are high in every Connecticut county. Mask wearing throughout campus is strongly recommended and required in healthcare areas.  If you need a new mask, they can be found at all entrances, in security, or at The Hub. Please change your masks often, especially if dirty or worn.

All current visitor guidelines for healthcare remain the same.  Screening upon entry and mask use is required.  Vaccine status is not required; however, cold symptoms, exposure, and Covid status remain top of mind.  Rapid testing is available per request or when needed.  Thank you for your continued understanding.

Campus Updates:

The Main Entrance EFIS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) repairs are in process. Please excuse our Main Entrance appearance during this time.

Resident Services Updates:

We are two weeks into testing our new automated attendant feature on the Seabury main phone number. The system allows the phone to ring 4 times, in many cases Karen or anyone at front reception will pick up within those four rings. If Karen is already on the line and it goes beyond four rings, then the caller will access the automated directory to get to specific departments or Seabury employees. You can still press “0” to try to get back to Karen.

Just a few reminders from the resident services team:

  • The bus fees will be raised from $15 to $18 beginning on August 1.
  • Please note, some of the support provided by our Event Logistics & Technical Support Coordinator Cameron Welch, can carry a charge. Please refer to the schedule of charges for rates associated with initial diagnostic consultation, plus half hour and hourly charges.
  • It is strongly recommended that residents reach out to Jasmine or Brian to confirm rooms, events, trip bookings or other happenings over the next month while the team gets settled in their roles.

Chaplaincy Update:

  • On Sunday we need help getting residents to the chapel at 2:00 PM. If you can help, especially on Sunday July 3rd, please come to the chapel at 1:15 PM.
  • Prayer for Independence Day

Loving God, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(Credit: Susan Russell)

  • A reminder, on Friday July 15 at 2:00 PM in the Bishop’s Chapel, Chaplain Ann will lead a service to remember those residents and members of our community who have died in the past year. If you would like to participate in the music, offer a reading, or have other creative ideas for this occasion, please contact Chaplain Ann at annjohnson@seaburylife.org or 860-785-5213.

Culinary Update:

  • Guests are welcome back in the Main Dining Room (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday), $18.00 meal charge.
  • Saturday night MDR Buffet is back! Featuring area restaurants like Concetta’s, SALA Thai and Ginza Japanese – dinner service will be limited to 50 people and the time will be 5:00 – 6:30 PM with a standard meal charge of $12.00. Please contact culinary with your suggestions.
  • We welcome Courtney Russell, Catering/ Bistro & MDR Assistant. We look forward to Shearome Wilson, Dining room Manager joining the team July 5.
  • Join us Monday July 4 for our BBQ buffet as we celebrate Independence Day!!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

 

Updated: June 3, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

Just before we head into a beautiful, summer-like weekend, we have a few updates to share, as this is a busy time on the Seabury campus!

Tapestry Health – Consent Form

As previously mentioned, we have partnered with Tapestry Health for a pilot program to provide off hours (6:00 PM-7:00 AM) and weekend telehealth coverage (24/7) for non-emergent visits.  As a reminder, you can be seen by our Community Nurse or your own primary care provider during regular business hours, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Monday through Friday. 

Soon, we will be presenting the process for telehealth, but the consent form is the first step to determine demand.  If you intend for this service to be available to you, the attached consent form needs to be completed and handed in to Karen (Main Desk) or Susie (Health Services Lobby) by Tuesday, June 7.

  • Tapestry Health is a primary care physician practice, so any service you would normally expect to receive from a local doctor can be provided virtually. 
  • Services include wellness checkups, examination, and treatment of specific or chronic concerns, prescribing medication, following-up treatments, ordering labs and X-rays, and arranging appointments with medical specialists when necessary.  
  • Clinicians work remotely, but in all cases, locations offering Tapestry Health have dedicated clinicians so consistent providers and patients can get to know each other.
  • Even Tapestry’s medical specialists can see you at Seabury, avoiding the time and inconvenience of trying to get an appointment and having to travel to a distant, crowded office to be seen.
  • Tapestry has the future capability to provide in-person/or virtual Behavioral Health, Primary Care, and Specialty Medical Services (Cardiologists, pulmonologists, etc.).

COVID Update:

As of today, we have 0 positive COVID cases among employees or residents.  Staff and residents will continue to test as needed, based on exposure or symptoms.

Although the state mandate has been lifted in non-healthcare areas, transmission rates are high in every Connecticut county. Mask wearing throughout campus is strongly recommended and required in healthcare areas.  If you need a new mask, they can be found at all entrances, in security, or at The Hub. Please change your masks often, especially if dirty or worn.

All current visitor guidelines for healthcare remain the same.  Screening upon entry and mask use is required.  Vaccine status is not required; however, cold symptoms, exposure, and Covid status remain top of mind.  Rapid testing is available per request or when needed.  Thank you for your continued understanding.

Campus Updates:

  • Please be advised that Eagle Rivet Roofing will be replacing two sections of asphalt shingle roofing on the West Wing starting Friday, June 3.
  • Reclaiming and paving of the Upper Meadowview Lot is scheduled for June 6 and June 7. All cars must be moved prior to June 6. Striping and curb stops to follow.
  • The Main Dining Room deck Traffic Coating is complete. The rails will be re-installed next week. The Main Entrance EFIS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) repairs are beginning next week. Please excuse our Main Entrance appearance during this time.
  • Campus Signage/Internal Update – as noted during the Resident Council meeting, we will be changing all the burgundy-colored directory listing boards (level 3) and are about 90% complete with the set up. We appreciate your patience. 
  • Please be advised that the East Wing Garage door is operational.
  • The new High Speed door installation will start next Wednesday, June 8.  The installation will take two days. We will send out a separate notification related to the door remote exchange.
  • On Monday June 6, we will be conducting maintenance on the South Wing domestic water main.  There will be an interruption of service from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Please plan accordingly and expect no water throughout the South Wing during this time.
  • On Thursday June 9, we will be conducting maintenance on our West Wing domestic water main. There will be an interruption of service from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Please plan accordingly and expect no water throughout the West Wing during this time.

The 18th Annual Golf With Purpose Tournament:
The tournament is right around the corner on June 14 at the Golf Club of Avon. There are few spots available on the shuttle for dinner and auction. Please let Heather Cahill know if you would like a spot.

We could use a few more volunteers.  Please let Heather know if you are able to come out to help.

The Resident Putting Contest will begin at 1:30 PM. Please sign up in the SCF Office. We have some great prizes!

ALP Annual Meeting & Luncheon:

A reminder, the ALP Annual Meeting and Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, June 7 from 10 AM to 2:00 PM. There are a lot of paving and construction projects happening on the Seabury campus. Due to this, we ask that attendees use the employee entrance to enter the campus, and not the main entrance. Follow the road to the back of the building. Signs will be posted, and Seabury staff will help direct you where to park, and where to enter the building. COVID screening protocols are in place, and all guests entering the building will need to have temperature checked, and answer screening questions. All guests are required to wear masks while on campus.

Resident Services Updates:

Cameron Welch started as Event Logistics and IT Support Coordinator on June 1st. Resident Services is now back to being fully staffed, and IT issues will be addressed at a much quicker pace.

It is strongly recommended that residents reach out to Jasmine or Brian to confirm rooms, events, trip bookings or other happenings over the next month while the team gets settled in their roles. If there is anything planned that you would like added to the July newsletter please let Brian know.

Upcoming Trips/Events

There are two Friendship Tours day trips planned.

  1. Friesians of Majesty on August 17. The trip is to Townsend, Vermont to the only Friesian horse farm in North America.
  2. The Breakers and Green Animals Topiary Garden on September 8. This trip is to Newport, RI to tour the Breakers mansion and to Portsmouth, RI to visit the Green Animals Topiary Garden, the oldest topiary garden in the US.

Both trips include transportation, tickets and lunch. Please contact Jasmine Mills or Brian Harris to sign up, or for more information.

SeaburySees Listserv:

  • If you haven’t done so already, please consider registering for the SeaburySees listserv. Resident Services will be posting to this listserv periodically to announce upcoming, and future off-campus events. If you live in a cottage, or are a Member off-campus, this may be a much more convenient option to register for these events. Rather than needing to rush to the CAS to put your name on the sign-up sheets.

Chaplaincy Update:

  • If you have a recent graduate who you would like a prayer for this Sunday, 6/5, please send prayer requests to Chaplain Ann at annjohnson@seaburylife.org
  • Next Sunday’s service will include a special goodbye to Aaron of the Haven group. Please stop by to offer your well wishes.

Culinary Update:

  • Saturday night MDR Buffet is back!  Featuring local Bloomfield restaurants like Concetta’s and Ginza Japanese – dinner service will be limited to 50 people and the time will be 5:00 – 6:30 PM with a standard meal charge of $12.00. Please contact culinary with your suggestions.
  • We welcome a new team member, Executive Chef Jim Wishneski. We are happy to report that we are also in the final hiring stages for a new Dining Room Manager and Rounds Supervisor! More details coming soon.
  • Looking forward to exciting events such as Men’s Breakfast, Gallery Opening and Father’s Day!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

Updated: May 11, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

Thank you for the warm congratulations and kind words this morning during resident council, recognizing our President & CEO Renee Bernasconi as one of the Top 25 Women in Business, as featured and sponsored by the Hartford Business Journal.

COVID Update:

As of today, we have four positive employees.  Contact tracing leads us to believe exposure was from the community.  All skilled residents tested negative on two separate occasions this week.

Staff and residents will continue to test as needed, based on exposure or symptoms.

Although the state mandate has been lifted in non-healthcare areas, transmission rates are high in every Connecticut county. Mask wearing throughout campus is strongly recommended and required in healthcare areas.  If you need a new mask, they can be found at all entrances, in security, or at The Hub. Please change your masks often, especially if dirty or worn.

All current visitor guidelines for healthcare remain the same.  Screening upon entry and a mask use is required.  Vaccine status is not required; however, cold symptoms, exposure, and Covid status remain top of mind.  Rapid testing is available per request or when needed.  Thank you for your continued understanding.

Second Booster Vaccines have been administered to residents in all areas of living on campus.  

Seabury Online Store (Today is the last day!):

Our Seabury online store featuring a variety of Seabury branded apparel is now open to residents, members and employees through Wednesday, May 11 at 11:59 PM EST. You have likely seen many members of the Seabury employee team wearing their branded t-shirts, jackets, and vests proudly! It’s your chance now to get in on the fun, please order using this link to the online store. Orders ship a week after the store closes. FREE SHIPPING is included if you pick up your order with the store coordinator, Amanda Ritsick. Please select “CUSTOMER PICK UP” at checkout.

**Please remember, $4.00 dollars of each purchased item will be donated to the Seabury Charitable Foundation!

File of Life:

As reported at the last forum, the subsequent health services committee meeting and resident council meeting, we have partnered with Tapestry Health to be available for Independent Living and Views residents via telemedicine, 6:00 PM-7:00 AM, Monday-Friday and 24 hours per day Saturday and Sunday, with an anticipated time frame between May-June.

A general consent for Care and Treatment will be required to utilize this service as well as an updated FILE OF LIFE card that many of you have already handed in. If you haven’t had a chance yet, now is the time.

Tapestry has the future capability to provide in-person/or virtual Behavioral Health, Primary Care, and Specialty Medical Services (Cardiologists, pulmonologists, etc.).

Campus Updates:

  • Please be advised that Eagle Rivet Roofing will be replacing another section of asphalt shingle roofing on the West Wing starting Thursday May 12th.
  • On May 18, we have scheduled cleanings in both the South Wing and East Wing garages. Please be advised that on Wednesday May 18th we will be finishing the spring sweeping of the parking garages. All residents in the SOUTH WING GARAGE are asked to move their vehicles to the Hilltop Lot or Visitor Parking in the front of the SOUTH WING GARAGE the day before. The EAST WING GARAGE vehicles can remain. We expect this to take no more than a day so vehicles will be able to be returned to their spots by 3:30pm.
  • Work is targeted to begin on the Main Dining Room deck as well the Main Entrance EFIS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) beginning later this month. The work in these two locations will take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete. Please excuse our main entrance appearance during this time.
  • Campus Signage/Internal Update – as noted during the Resident Council call this morning. We will be changing all the burgundy-colored directory listing boards (level 3) and are about 90% complete with the set up. We appreciate your patience. 

May Forum – Changing Date:

Due to an in-state conference that several executive team and staff members are scheduled to attend on May 25, we have rescheduled the Forum to Thursday, May 26, 2:00 PM. We will offer a hybrid, Zoom and in-person option for anyone interested in attending.

Special Program – Ingested & Entangled: 

On Friday, May 27 at 10:00 AM in the Chapel, we are going to welcome Professor Kat Owens, Director, University Interdisciplinary Studies; Director, Rell Center for Public Service; Professor University Interdisciplinary Studies, Politics, Economics, and International Studies for the COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES at the University of Hartford. Kat is also a

National Geographic Explorer and artist eager to give a lecture on her protect aptly named Ingested & Entangled.

The program will include a 45-minute Lecture & 1.5 Hours of sewing with Seabury residents and members to contribute to this large art installation bringing awareness to the greater community on how the use of plastic harms marine wildlife. This will be an interactive event!

Here’s a link to a recent news story that explains her project:

https://www.fox61.com/article/features/art-project-with-bigger-message-in-middletown/520-d71c7bb2-1803-4223-9367-cd66e3f2d60a

Seabury Robot Name Selection:

Voting for a name is underway in the Bistro! We appreciate all the name suggestions for our robot that I hope many of you have seen in the Bistro and Top of the Stairs. We are pleased with the initial response and how the robot functions and supports staff in these areas. Everyone is welcome to vote for their favorite name in the voting bucket next to the list of names. We will wrap up early next week and then announce the winning name!

The 18th Annual Golf With Purpose Tournament
The tournament is right around the corner on June 14 at the Golf Club of Avon. If you would like to volunteer, please email, or stop by the SCF Office and speak with Heather Cahill.

We are thrilled that so many Residents and Members want to come out for the dinner and auction.  We are working on coordinating transportation/carpooling for those who wish to come out.

A 9-hole golf option available as well. For those that are interested, please arrive at 2:00 PM. This round will include dinner and auction.

The return of the Resident Putting Contest will be a part of this tournament, please sign up in the SCF Office.

Chaplain Meet & Greet:

As part of the May 27, Tea at the Top of the Stairs (TOS) program, we invite everyone to come and meet and get to know Rev. Ann Lovejoy Johnson. We look forward to seeing you there!

Resident Services Updates:

Upcoming Trips/Events

There are two Friendship Tours day trips planned.

  1. Friesians of Majesty on August 17. The trip is to Townsend, Vermont to the only Friesian horse farm in North America.
  2. The Breakers and Green Animals Topiary Garden on September 8. This trip is to Newport, RI to tour the Breakers mansion and to Portsmouth, RI to visit the Green Animals Topiary Garden, the oldest topiary garden in the US.

Both trips include transportation, tickets, and lunch. Please contact Jasmine Mills or Brian Harris to sign up, or for more information.

We have a limited number of tickets to the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra on May 22. These tickets are on a first come first serve basis.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is currently at the Connecticut Convention Center.

If you are interested in either of these events, please contact Jasmine Mills or Brian Harris. If there is enough interest, we will look into possible transportation.

Cameron Welch starts as Event Support and Tech Specialist on 6/1.

SeaburySees Listserv:

  • If you haven’t done so already, please consider registering for the SeaburySees listserv. Resident Services will be posting to this listserv periodically to announce upcoming, and future off-campus events. If you live in a cottage, or are a Member off-campus, this may be a much more convenient option to register for these events. Rather than needing to rush to the CAS to put your name on the sign-up sheets.
  • Massage Therapy Update – we have a lot of demand for massage therapy services and are preparing to hire a second massage therapist. In addition, we will be increasing rates effective June 1, 2022.
    • 15 minute-increase from $15 to $20
    • 30 minute-increase from $30 to $40
    • 45 minute-increase from $45 to $55
    • 60 minute-increase from $60 to $70

Fitness Update:

  • The open Fitness and Wellness Coordinator position has been filled. Timothy Conde will be onsite for orientation on 5/18.
  • If you are participating in the walking club, please be sure to send your miles to Lynn Stanwood.

Transportation – Seabury Ride Sharing Program:

  • To support and grow our transportation offerings, we would like to reinstate the Resident Ride Sharing List program from years ago. Get in touch with Matt McGowan if you would like to volunteer to assist a fellow resident with a ride to a medical appointment (that falls outside of day and time normally covered by Sunshine Wheels), or to carpool for a shopping trip.

Culinary Update:

  • We’re happy to announce that dinners in the MDR are coming back starting this Saturday, May 14! For this first weekend night back, we will partner with Concetta’s Restaurant in Bloomfield for a Special Saturday Night Dinner buffet. The dinner service will be limited to 50 people and the time will be 5:00 – 6:30 PM with a standard meal charge of $12.00. Reservations for the Saturday dinner opened today (Wednesday).
  • In the works, a collaboration with Manchester Community College Culinary Program to host graduating students to fulfill their required community service hours in our kitchen!
  • The culinary team is completing requirements to achieve Level 3 Green Certification for the Bistro. More is coming soon!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

Updated: May 6, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

A very Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, aunts, grandmothers and great grandmothers in our large Seabury and Seabury At Home family. We would also like to wish a Happy Nurses Day to all our caring and brave nurses across the continuum!

Before we head into this holiday weekend, we have a few updates and details for upcoming events.  

Seabury Online Store (Order items in The Hub):

Our Seabury online store featuring a variety of Seabury branded apparel is now open to residents, members and employees through Wednesday, May 11 at 11:59 PM EST. You have likely seen many members of the Seabury employee team wearing their branded t-shirts, jackets, and vests proudly! It’s your chance now to get in on the fun, please order using this link to the online store. Orders ship a week after the store closes. FREE SHIPPING is included if you pick up your order with the store coordinator, Amanda Ritsick. Please select “CUSTOMER PICK UP” at checkout.

Seabury Robot Name Selection:

We appreciate all the name suggestions for our robot that I hope many of you have seen in the Bistro and Top of the Stairs. We are pleased with the initial response and how the robot functions and supports staff in these areas. We will be displaying all the name suggestions on a large board in the Bistro Parlor. Everyone is welcome to vote for their favorite name in the voting bucket that will be provided. We will keep voting for a week and then announce the winning name!

The 18th Annual Golf with Purpose Tournament
The tournament is right around the corner on June 14 at the Golf Club of Avon. If you would like to volunteer, please email, or stop by the SCF Office and speak with Heather Cahill.

We are thrilled that so many Residents and Members want to come out for the dinner and auction.  We are working on coordinating transportation/carpooling for those who wish to come out.

A 9-hole golf option available as well. For those that are interested, please arrive at 2 :00 PM. This round will include dinner and auction.

The return of the Resident Putting Contest will be a part of this tournament, please sign up in the SCF Office.

COVID Update:

As of today, we have three positive employees.  In addition, we were notified of a short-term resident in skilled who tested positive and is currently not on campus.  Contact tracing leads us to believe exposure was from the community.  All skilled residents tested negative on two separate occasions this week.

Staff and residents will continue to test as needed, based on exposure or symptoms.

Although the state mandate has been lifted in non-healthcare areas, transmission rates are high in every Connecticut county. Mask wearing throughout campus is strongly recommended and required in healthcare areas.  If you need a new mask, they can be found at all entrances, in security, or at The Hub. Please change your masks often, especially if dirty or worn.

All current visitor guidelines for healthcare remain the same.  Screening upon entry and a mask use is required.  Vaccine status is not required; however, cold symptoms, exposure, and Covid status remain top of mind.  Rapid testing is available per request or when needed.  Thank you for your continued understanding.

Second Booster Vaccines have been administered to residents in all areas of living on campus.  

Resident Services Updates:

Jasmine Mills has officially started her new role as the Events & Programs Coordinator! She is currently training with Brian for the remainder of the week but will be ready to field your calls and facilitate your requests on Monday 5/9. Please note, Jasmine is responsible for scheduling events, booking rooms around the building, recording setup requirements, and ensuring the success of scheduled events on and off campus. You can reach Jasmine at 860-286-4285 or jasminemills@seaburylife.org. Please stop by the Resident Services suite and give her a warm welcome!

Cameron Welch starts as Event Support and Tech Specialist on 6/1.

We have many plans in the works for activities and events on and off campus, here are some details for ones that are set:

  • If you haven’t done so already, please consider registering for the SeaburySees listserv. Resident Services will be posting to this listserv periodically to announce upcoming, and future off-campus events. If you live in a cottage, or are a Member off-campus, this may be a much more convenient option to register for these events. Rather than needing to rush to the CAS to put your name on the sign-up sheets.
  • We are holding our second golf simulator tournament the week of May 16th at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, the same week as the PGA Championship. Please contact Matt McGowan at mattmcgowan@seaburylife.org or ext. 14032, to sign up by Friday, 5/4.
  • Massage Therapy Update – we have a lot of demand for massage therapy services and are preparing to hire a second massage therapist. In addition, we will be increasing rates effective June 1, 2022.
    • 15 minute-increase from $15 to $20
    • 30 minute-increase from $30 to $40
    • 45 minute-increase from $45 to $55
    • 60 minute-increase from $60 to $70

Fitness Update:

Transportation – Seabury Ride Sharing Program:

To support and grow our transportation offerings, we would like to reinstate the Resident Ride Sharing List program from years ago. Contact Matt McGowan if you would like to volunteer to assist a fellow resident with a ride to a medical appointment (that falls outside of day and time normally covered by Sunshine Wheels), or to carpool for a shopping trip.

As a reminder, routine medical transportation is covered primarily by Sunshine Wheels. If Sunshine cannot facilitate the ride, Ace Taxi is called. If Ace Taxi cannot accommodate the ride, a Seabury staff member (Brian, Jasmine, Cameron, Matt), will use the Charitable Foundation van to secure a ride. Weekly grocery trips are every Wednesday at 9:00 AM and Thursdays between 1:00-3:00 PM.

To request transportation to a medical appointment, please submit a work order on the portal, or a yellow transportation slip to Karen at the front desk. We will take ride requests up to 3 months before your appointment, and you will receive a confirmation that your ride is secured (via email, phone, or a yellow slip in your cubby) roughly 5-7 days before your appointment.

Some other available transportation options that serve our area include:

  • Nutmeg Senior Rides
  • Eastern CT Transportation Consortium
  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • Town of Bloomfield Minibus: 860-243-8364 or 860-242-2023 ($40/yr fee for up to two rides per day)

Culinary Update:

  • We’re happy to announce that dinners in the MDR are coming back starting next Saturday, May 14! For this first weekend night back, we will partner with Concetta’s Restaurant in Bloomfield for a Special Saturday Night Dinner buffet. The dinner service will be limited to 50 people and the time will be 5:00 – 6:30 PM with a standard meal charge of $12.00. Reservations for the Saturday dinner will open on Wednesday.
  • A credit card processor has been installed in the Bistro Marketplace, adding an element of convenience for guests, staff, and residents
  • The Bistro Volunteer Program is a huge success, with more than 19 residents offering their time to assist in distributing meals at the grab n’ go location. Thank you!
  • In the works, a collaboration with Manchester Community College Culinary Program to host graduating students to fulfill their required community service hours in our kitchen!
  • The culinary team is completing requirements to achieve Level 3 Green Certification for the Bistro. More is coming soon!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

Updated: April 19, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

We hope everyone had a nice Easter and Passover holiday. We have a lengthy update today and are excited to share details about several upcoming events and initiatives.

Seabury Earth Day Celebration:

Please join us on Friday, April 22, for an Earth Day Celebration at the Hilltop from 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM. It looks like the weather will be beautiful. Please plan to recycle, take part in the raffle and the activities listed below; we have a great lineup:

Earth Day Recycling/Collections:

  • 4 Zero Waste Boxes
  • Textiles
  • Plastic bags
  • Dental Waste
  • Printer ink cartridges – collection
  • Shaving products and packaging – collection
  • Food storage containers (e.g., Rubbermaid – Glass or Plastic)
  • Old Sneakers, Athletic Shoe Wear
  • Expired Medications – collection for Bloomfield Police Department Program.

Accepted items for the expired medication collection are:

  • prescriptions (i.e., prescription medications, ointments, and patches)
  • over-the-counter medications
  • vitamins
  • samples
  • medications for pets

Items that are NOT accepted are:

  • needles
  • sharps
  • thermometers
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • inhalers
  • aerosol cans
  • ointments
  • lotions
  • liquids

Education and Speakers:

  • Stephanie Bahramain, Town of Bloomfield Environmental Planner, is scheduled to speak at 2:00 PM and will give an update on the Town of Bloomfield energy plan.
  • Tables will be set up on Friday, with representation from EnAct, Seabury Charitable Foundation and Trails Committee. Everyone is eager to share a little about what they do and how you can participate in the future!

Socialization & Fun:

  • The Kinetic Ukes are scheduled to perform from 2:30-4:00 PM in the Gazebo!
  • We have Hiking opportunities at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
    • 1:00 PM will feature a short hike into Westwoods
    • 2:00 PM hike will include a longer hike into the Wildwoods
    • Please wear footwear suitable for the possibility of wetness and possible muddy spots.
  • Tai Chi with Kirsten will take place outside at the Hilltop from 1:30-2:15 PM.
  • Seed Starting Station with Kirsten Benson – will run all day, starting at 11:00 AM. Cornflower and Aster varieties will be planted.
  • Gourmet Popcorn Bar – starting at 11:00 AM. Flavors include:
    • Traditional
    • White Cheddar
    • Maple
    • Honey
    • Dark chocolate and peanut butter
  • Refreshments (beverages and snacks) will be available all day.
  • Electric Vehicle Car Show

 

COVID Update:

Thank you for your participation in the Booster Clinic last week.  We successfully administered over 225-second boosters!

As of today, we have one positive COVID case in independent living and no positive cases among employees. We will continue to rapid test as needed, based on exposure or symptoms. Testing is available through Seabury as well.

Although the state mandate has been lifted in non healthcare areas, transmission rates are on the rise. Mask wearing in the building will continue to be strongly recommended for the time being.  If you need a new mask, they can be found at all entrances, in security, or at The Hub. Please change your masks often, especially if dirty or worn.

All current visitor guidelines for healthcare remain the same.  Screening upon entry and mask use is required.  Vaccine status is not required; however, cold symptoms, exposure, and Covid status remain top of mind.  Rapid testing is available per request or when needed.  Thank you for your continued understanding.  

Resident Services Updates:

We are working hard to fill the open resident services position of Event Logistics and Tech Support Coordinator.

We are pleased to announce the role of Events and Programs Coordinator will be filled by an internal candidate, Jasmine Mills, beginning on May 5. Jasmine has been in food service for 15 years and has been with Seabury since 2017. She started as the Main Dining Room Manager and moved over to Views, as a Dining Room Manager in 2019. Jasmine notes it has been a pleasure serving the Views residents and leading a staff that is truly 5-star. She looks forward to continuing to be a part of the Seabury family in resident services.

We have many plans in the works for activities and events on and off campus, here are some details for ones that are set:

  • If you haven’t done so already, please consider registering for the SeaburySees listserv. Resident Services will be posting to this listserv periodically to announce upcoming, and future off-campus events. If you live in a cottage, or are a Member off-campus, this may be a much more convenient option to register for these events. Rather than needing to rush to the CAS to put your name on the sign-up sheets.
  • The Yard Goats game will be on July 1st, we have reserved the party deck in right field for the extended Seabury and Seabury At Home community! The cost is $60 per resident/member and it includes bus transportation, ticket and buffet.
  • We are holding our second golf simulator tournament the week of May 16th at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, the same week as the PGA Championship. Please contact Matt McGowan at mattmcgowan@seaburylife.org or ext. 14032, to sign up.
  • Massage Therapy Update – we have a lot of demand for massage therapy services and are preparing to hire a second massage therapist. In addition, we will be increasing rates effective June 1, 2022.
    • 15 minute-increase from $15 to $20
    • 30 minute-increase from $30 to $40
    • 45 minute-increase from $45 to $55
    • 60 minute-increase from $60 to $70
  • The 2022 Resident Directory has been approved and sent to print. An updated electronic PDF file will be uploaded to the portal every month, starting May 1st.
  • The Hub continues to evolve thanks to great suggestions from Residents. Please visit to see the new items for sale. We are always looking for additional volunteers. Please sign up with Heather Cahill in the SCF office.

Fitness Update:

  • Please note, the shower stalls in the men’s and women’s locker room are being repaired on Wednesday, April 20. This will require the East Wing Fitness Center and pool to be closed starting on Wednesday morning until 2:00 PM Thursday, April 21 afternoon. The South Wing Fitness Center will be open, as well as the Dance Studio. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Fitness/Exercise for your Dogs:

  • CAMP BOWWOW, in Bloomfield, is providing Seabury Residents a free first day (with interview) and offering 10% off (day care and boarding) to Seabury Residents and Employees.

Culinary Update:

  • The Main Dining Room will now welcome guests on Wednesday evenings for dinner service.
  • Our new Seabury Robot arrived on campus this past Friday! The technical team will begin mapping the Bistro on Tuesday April 26. Once the mapping process and training with staff is complete, we will start using it in the Bistro!
  • The Bistro “Volunteer Program” is a success with approximately 19 people who have volunteered their time! Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 4:30 – 6:30. If interested please contact Mary Martin or the Culinary Department.
  • Upcoming Culinary Events – Earth Day Celebration April 22, Men’s Breakfast Monday May 2.

Campus Updates:

Several of our capital projects scheduled for spring and summer have begun. Here’s a preview of what is in the queue:

  • We have a planned Garage Cleaning for the East Wing on Thursday, April 21. If you would like, please move your vehicles to an exterior parking space for the day.
  • Main Campus Siding Phase 3: West Wing North Elevation is nearly complete. We are finishing up the work in the decks and railings.
  • We expect the east side garage door in the South Wing to be delivered this week.
  • Landscaping for the season is underway and all planters at the various main entrances will be completed soon.
  • Paving Phase 2 from Hilltop to the Villa entrance road: Pricing at this time.
  • Granberry Cottage Interior Renovations are ongoing. ETA, end of April.
  • Pricing West Wing roofing and other 2022 Cap-Ex Projects.
  • Traffic coating for the Main Dining Room deck and EIFS repairs are being scheduled.

Best of Hartford 2022 – Vote for Seabury:

Thank you to everyone who has already voted this week!!! Please click on the link below to vote in three categories for Seabury. Under “Home”, you can vote for Seabury in Active Adult Community and Retirement Community sub-categories. Under “Professional Services”, you can vote for Seabury in the Senior Services sub-category.

https://www.courant.om/best-of/#//

We appreciate your support. Reminder, voting ends on April 24! Go Seabury!

Scam Alert !

Please beware! There is a very active scam currently happening, it is initiated as a “browser hijacker”, which means a windows or more will popup while you are browsing the internet (googling for things..).

This is a scam! Please do not call the number on your screen! Do not follow any of the instructions or click anything on the screen!

There are a few ways to “flush” this out, one of the simplest ones (for Windows users) is to press “ALT”+F4 until all the windows are closed, then restart the computer and finally run an antivirus scan to be sure all is clear.

Last resort is to press down on the power button of your computer for 10 seconds to force a full shutdown. wait a few seconds and press the button again to start the computer.

In doubt, please seek help from a trusted person!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

-Seabury Executive Team

Updated: March 11, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

Hello! As we work through a final couple of snow events for this season, we are very excited about the prospects of Spring! All the departments are working together under renewed energy to focus on and plan for exciting projects and programming that everyone will enjoy.  

Seabury Spring Wine & Hors d’oeuvres Celebration:

Please join us on Tuesday, March 29 for 2:00 – 4:00 for a wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres social event at the Top of the Stairs, Main Dining Room, and Bistro Parlor. We will have wine tasting stations and hors d’oeuvres featured in all three locations. We look forward to seeing you!

COVID Update:

This week (3/8/20) marks the two year anniversary of the first COVID case in Connecticut, we are happy to report there are no cases of COVID among our resident or employee population, and we have cleared the two-week timeframe with no cases, which means weekly testing is no longer necessary.

Mask wearing in the building will continue for the time being.

We understand the fatigue around mask-wearing and look forward to dropping the mask mandate as soon as guidance from the Department of Public Health specifically addresses that campuses with healthcare and Managed Residential Community designations are cleared to do so. All current visitor guidelines for healthcare remain the same. 

Resident Services Updates:

  • Survey data from the events survey the resident services team distributed generated a high level of response (117 responses in a 2-page PDF). As the team sorts through all the data, it’s becoming clear that a follow-up survey is necessary based on the additional, written suggestions.

Some of the top contenders include:

  • Trips to:
    • Wadsworth Atheneum
    • New Britain Museum of Art
    • Goodspeed Musicals
    • Tanglewood
    • Sporting events (including UConn basketball, Yard Goats, etc.)

         New suggestions include some great ideas:

  • Day trips to NYC/Boston
  • Hartford Stage, Theaterworks, Bushnell…and many more!
  • The 2022 resident directory is in its final review process. Residents should please send along any photo/contact info changes to Erica Maheu, ericamaheu@seaburylife.org, by Tuesday, March 15.
  • Residents with a smart device, please reach out to Brian Harris if you are interested in connecting to Connected Living for updates. Alexa integrates with Connected Living; this is a possible expansion of the system in the future.
  • The Hub continues to evolve thanks to great suggestions from Residents. Please visit to see the new items for sale. We are always looking for additional volunteers. Please sign up with Heather Cahill in the SCF office.

Fitness Update:

  • Pool volleyball is currently running from 2:00-3:00 PM on Tuesdays through April 5. Please contact Kim Nestler if you are interested in participating.
  • If you are interested in using the golf simulator, please contact Matt McGowan to set up a time to learn how to use it.

Culinary Update:

  • Tea at the Top of Stairs is back! We will begin on Friday, April 1 and tea will always occur on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at T.O.S.

St Patty’s Day Specials!

Bistro – Lunch:

  • Monday – Friday 11:30-1:30 – daily curbside to go or dine-in available. No reservations are required.
  • Saturday 11:30 -1:30 curbside to go only.
  • Sunday Brunch 11:30 – 1:30 – walk-through brunch (no dine-in available).
  • Please feel free to eat your curbside meals in the bistro parlor on the weekends if you don’t want to take it home.

         Bistro – Dinner:

  • Monday – Friday 4:30 – 6:00 daily curbside to go.
  • Monday & Thursday dine-in is available 4:30 – 6:00. Reservation required.

Main Dining Room – Dinner:

  • Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday Plated Meal: 5:00 – 6:30, Pre-order required.

Composter Update:

  • The start of our composting efforts on campus has been met with some challenges, mainly due to mechanical failures that prevent us from keeping this program going successfully. After some discussion with the leadership at EcoRich, we will receive a brand new EcoRich 300 Composter in the following months, as they agree the current machine is not performing the way it should. In the meantime, we have some replacement parts coming to keep our current machine producing until we have our new equipment.
  • Please take a moment to read the article featured in recent LeadingAge national website: https://leadingage.org/members/sustainable-design-and-practices-attract-residents-life-plan-community

Campus Updates:

We are preparing for several capital projects this spring. Here’s a preview of what is in the queue:

  • Main Campus Siding Phase 3: West Wing North Elevation.
  • Paving Phase 2 from Hilltop to the Villa entrance road: Pricing at this time.
  • Granberry Cottage Interior Renovations are ongoing. ETA, mid-March.
  • Pricing West Wing roofing and other 2022 Cap-Ex Projects.
  • Traffic coating for the Main Dining Room deck and EIFS repairs are being scheduled.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

 

Updated: February 18, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

Seabury Composting Dedication Ceremony:

As we’ve noted recently, the Seabury Composter is up and running and starting to produce composted soil! Hooray! We are in week two of the Seabury Composting pilot program around campus, and overall, everything is going well. We’re learning a lot about the process of collecting, storing, and transporting. (If you have comments you would like to share with the Composting Committee, there is a box in the Hub.)

As a reminder, we are hosting the Seabury Charitable Foundation Dedication Ceremony for the Seabury Composter on Thursday, February 24, at 10:00 AM.

  1. 10:00 – 10:30 AM – Outdoor* Dedication Ceremony with Remarks from: Renée Bernasconi, Puck Purnell, CHHI Board Chair and former SCF Board Chair, Mayor Danielle Wong, and Seabury Resident Representatives, Don Noel and Davida Crabtree. The Town Manager, Stanley Hawthorne will be present, and we are hoping for two additional guests from the State of Connecticut; we will know more as we get closer to the event day. *The composter is located next to the generators near the loading dock.
  1. 10:30 AM Official Ribbon Cutting & Photos
  1. 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Reception in Chapel – The reception will give us an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate this milestone while becoming more educated on the process. We will unveil the full-scale model of the Seabury composter (crafted by George Jones), a tool that will be invaluable for education and marketing purposes. We will have photos of all our environmental sustainability practices and infrastructure on display in a PowerPoint running through a projector/screen and will display a poster outlining several benefits of composting. Guests will leave with refreshments, a Seabury environmental brochure, and a small favor that includes a sample of composted soil!

SOS Coverage:

Meredith West will be SOS on Saturday, February 19, and Brian Harris will be SOS on Sunday, February 20. The Front Desk knows how to reach the SOS, if needed.

COVID Case Update:

The volume of positive COVID cases among employees continues to decrease, with (4) active employee cases and over 50 employees who have cleared and returned to work. There are zero resident cases throughout the healthcare areas and two positive residents in Independent Living. Great news all around!

All cases continue to be either asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms. As always, the Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed for testing and quarantine.  All staff and residents throughout healthcare will continue to test weekly for 14-days periods until new cases cease.  

Masks and Shields:

Per the Department of Public Health, the number of active COVID cases are still high enough in our county that they are recommending eye coverings (face shield), in addition to masks be worn. The staff will continue to wear both for at least one more week; then we will re-evaluate.

For residents, the use of shields will be optional moving forward. You’re no longer required to wear shields at performances, meetings, etc. Please keep wearing masks.

February Reopening Plans Continues:

Culinary:

We are pleased to see so many residents eating in the Bistro and Main Dining Room this week! The next phase of opening will begin on Monday, February 21; we will welcome guests (family and friends of residents and At Home members) to dine in The Bistro. As our capacity grows in the Main Dining Room, we will invite guests in the coming weeks.

The Dining Rooms in The Views and Skilled Nursing will reopen on Monday, February 21 as well.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

 

Updated: February 11, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

Hope everyone is enjoying a little preview of Spring with this nice stretch of sun and warmth.

Seabury Composting Pilot Program & Dedication Ceremony:

As we’ve noted recently, the Seabury Composter is up and running and starting to produce composted soil! Hooray! This past week, we began a pivotal next step, with the launch of the Seabury Composting pilot program around campus.

1) New yellow bins have appeared in three select recycling rooms and are only for food waste.

2) For this pilot program, there are 59 households participating in the experimental program and have been instructed to leave their food waste in these designated yellow bins. The Seabury environmental services team picks up/empties the bins three times per week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

3) The point of this pilot program is to help us learn what works and what doesn’t, so the composting program will get off to a good start for everyone in a few weeks. A “comment box” has been added to The Hub for anyone that would like to submit feedback.

We ask that you Save-the-Date Thursday, February 24 at 10:00 AM to attend or participate in the official Seabury Charitable Foundation Dedication Ceremony for the Seabury Composter. We will hold a brief ceremony outside, adjacent to the composer, with guest speakers including Renee Bernasconi, Rev. Puck Purnell, Town of Bloomfield Major Danielle Wong and possibly other local and state dignitaries, followed by a quick ribbon cutting and a reception in the Chapel. More details to follow!

Hospitality Committee – “A Seabury Valentine”:

The Seabury staff was pleasantly surprised by the installation of “The Seabury Valentine” project in the Bistro, plus poster-size Valentine’s Day cards at the time clock. This is a wonderful way to spread cheer and remind ourselves of our favorite things about Seabury. Thank you to all involved! 

Chaplain Search:

The search for a new Chaplain is going well. We’ve had a tremendous amount of interest in the position, with 7-9 applicants currently being vetted by the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. The Bishop is the Ecclesiastical authority and will appoint the Chaplain in consultation with Renee. The interview process will begin in the weeks to come.

In the meantime, members of Haven Community are working with the Bishop’s Representative on our Board to ensure that our needs are met. Furthermore, we do have an Episcopal Priest for the remaining Sunday’s in February.

SOS Coverage:

Meredith West will be SOS on Saturday, February 12 and Brian Harris will be SOS on Sunday, February 13. The Front Desk knows how to reach the SOS, if needed.

COVID Case Update:

The volume of positive COVID cases among employees continues to decrease, with (2) active employee cases and over 50 employees who have cleared and returned to work. We have (1) one positive resident in The Views and (1) one positive resident in Independent Living. Great news all around!

All cases continue to be either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. As always, the Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed for testing and quarantine.  All staff and residents throughout healthcare will continue to test weekly for 14-days periods until new cases cease.  

All employees and visitors must continue to wear masks and shields. Residents are encouraged to wear both as well.

February Reopening Plans Continues:

  1. Culinary:
  • Coffee and Tea Service: Coffee and Tea service will resume in the bistro parlor Monday, February 14.
  • The Bistro will re-open for in-person dining Monday, February 14, followed by the MDR Wednesday, February 16.

Bistro – Lunch:

  • Monday – Friday 11:30-1:30 – daily curbside to go or dine-in available. No reservations are required.
  • Saturday 11:30 -1:30 curbside to go only
  • Sunday Brunch 11:30 – 1:30 – walk through brunch (no dine-in available)
  • On the weekends, please feel free to eat your curbside meals in the bistro or bistro parlor if you don’t want to take it home.

 Bistro – Dinner:

  • Monday – Friday 4:30 – 6:00 daily curbside to go
  • Monday, Tuesday & Thursday dine in available 4:30 – 6:00 – reservation required

 Main Dining Room – Dinner:

  • Wednesday & Friday Plated Meal: 5:00 – 6:30 – Pre-order required.
  • Valentine’s Day Special Dinner will be held on Wednesday, February 16 and Friday, February 18. Limited Seating available.

**Bistro menus will continue to be posted on the resident portal. The MDR plated meals can be found in the virtual cubby.  Menus will be available in hard copy at the bistro. Additionally, we have begun sharing these menus at the beginning of each new week via the resident email list.

  1. Resident Services:

With some great programming on the horizon for the latter half of February, we plan to increase the occupancy limits in  The Chapel and Heritage Hall. Assuming of course, COVID numbers continue to decrease on campus.

  • Chapel Occupancy Limit is currently at 20. As of February 14, we will increase that limit to 45-50.
  • Heritage Hall Occupancy Limit is 10 for either side of the hall. As of February 14, we will increase that limit to 15.
  • Smaller Rooms (Like the Britton Room) will remain at 8.
  • Masks are still required when gathering in these spaces.
  • Fitness – On Monday, February 14, we are returning to full class sizes and pool classes will resume as well!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

 

Updated: February 4, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

As COVID numbers decrease Statewide and, on our campus, we are making plans to open back up in many areas. Assuming the overall numbers continue to drop, we will move forward with the following plan, in phases.

**Ice Storm Alert – Please, make plans to stay indoors for the rest of today. We will start salting sidewalks/walkways beginning tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM.

SOS:

Meredith West will be SOS on Saturday, February 5 and Matt McGowan will be SOS on Sunday, February 6. The Front Desk knows how to reach the SOS, if needed.

February Reopening Plan:

  • Housekeeping – The regular schedule of housekeeping services will resume Monday, February 7. If you would like to continue to opt out, please contact Kristina Godbout. It is recommended to leave the apartment or cottage when cleaning is occurring.  At the very minimum, please keep your masks on while the cleaning team is in your home. We understand we have some catching up to do in all apartments/cottages/villas and that will happen over the course of a couple visits to your home. We’re not able to extend the time for everyone’s appointment, so we will  prioritize kitchens and bathrooms in this first visit and make sure all other areas are attended to during subsequent visits.
  • CulinaryCoffee and Tea Service:  Coffee and Tea service will resume in the bistro parlor Monday, February 14.
  • The Bistro will re-open for in-person dining Monday, February 14, followed by the MDR Wednesday, February 16.

Bistro – Lunch:

  • Monday – Friday 11:30-1:30 – daily curbside to go or dine-in available. No reservations are required.
  • Saturday 11:30 -1:30 curbside to go only
  • Sunday Brunch 11:30 – 1:30 – walk through brunch (no dine-in available)
  • On the weekends, please feel free to eat your curbside meals in the bistro or bistro parlor if you don’t want to take it home.

Bistro – Dinner:

  • Monday – Friday 4:30 – 6:00 daily curbside to go
  • Monday, Tuesday & Thursday dine in available 4:30 – 6:00 – reservation required

Main Dining Room – Dinner:

  • Wednesday & Friday Plated Meal – 5:00 – 6:30 – Pre order required
  • St. Valentine’s Day Special Dinner will be held on Wednesday, February 16. Limited Seating available.

**Bistro menus will continue to be posted on the resident portal. The MDR plated meals can be found in the virtual cubby.  Menus will be available in hard copy at the bistro. Additionally, we have begun sharing these menus at the beginning of each new week via the resident email list.

  • Resident Services :

With some great programming on the horizon for the latter half of February, we plan to increase the occupancy limits in  The Chapel and Heritage Hall. Assuming of course, COVID numbers continue to decrease on campus.

  • Chapel Occupancy Limit is currently at 20. As of February 14, we will increase that limit to 45-50.
  • Heritage Hall Occupancy Limit is 10 for either side of the hall. As of February 14, we will increase that limit to 15.
  • Smaller Rooms (Like the Britton Room) will remain at 8. 
  • Masks are still required when gathering in these spaces.

We also know many continue to gather in private residences; we recommend keeping the number between 6-8 people.

  • Fitness – classes will continue to operate under reduced numbers and the pool classes will remain on hold until Monday, February 14. Please continue to wear your masks at the fitness center.

COVID Case Update:

The volume of positive COVID cases among employees continues to decrease, with (5) active employee cases and over 45 employees who have cleared and returned to work. We have (1) one positive resident in skilled nursing, three (3) at the Meadows and four (4) in independent living, three of which will be clear soon. Furthermore, no additional positive cases were revealed from the round of PCR testing last week with independent living residents and At Home Members, a fact we should celebrate!

All cases continue to be either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. As always, the Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed for testing and quarantine.  All staff and residents throughout healthcare will continue to test weekly for 14-days periods until new cases cease.  

All employees and visitors must continue to wear masks and shields. Residents are encouraged to wear both as well.

HEALTHCARE VISITS:

Governor Lamont issued updated visitation guidelines for healthcare.  Visitors are now required to show proof of vaccination and, if eligible, a booster OR proof of a recent negative test within the last 48 hours.  If proof of vaccine or negative test cannot be provided, the healthcare facility must provide the visitor with a self-administered rapid test kit supplied by the state.  Visitors cannot enter if they are COVID positive or if they refuse to take the test.  If a healthcare facility cannot provide a self-administered test kit, the visitor cannot be denied entry.  We appreciate your patience as this continues to develop. 

For all visits to Skilled Nursing and The Views, please use the main entrance to Seabury at the front of the building.  All visits to The Meadows will continue to use The Meadows’ main lobby entrance. Once vaccination status is presented, an approved visitor list is updated in an effort to ease the process moving forward.

Independent Living Visitor Protocol – Refresh:

For guests coming to visit residents in independent living, we would like people to continue to check-in at the main entrance and wear a mask and shield. The vaccination status of guests visiting independent living is not required to be monitored in the same fashion as the healthcare areas.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

Updated: January 28, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

Happy Friday! It looks like we are in for our first significant storm of the winter. Below are several updates that pertain to our storm preparedness plan. 

Winter Storm Plan:

We are so fortunate to have a dedicated workforce that will see us through our first major storm of the season. We ask that you please complete any and all preparations today so that you may hunker down in your home and wait out the storm. You can rest assured that the following items are in place:

Staffing:

All departments have checked in with their staff to ensure all shifts are covered, and we will operate as normal. We have secured overnight accommodations for staff to stay the evening tonight and/or Saturday night. In addition to staff, Renee Bernasconi will be staying on campus for the storm’s duration, and the Executive Team is on standby to respond to any critical needs that may arise.

Snow Removal:

In addition to our partner who plows the major roadways around campus, we will have an eight person team from environmental services on campus starting tomorrow morning (and Sunday morning) to help clear snow. Our landscaping partners are also available, for additional support in removing snow this weekend!

Seabury’s first priority is to keep Seabury Drive and the Meadows entrance clear, assuring emergency vehicles and first responder passage. The rest of the property is cleared in the following order:

  • Employee Entrances, Main Entrance, Healthcare Entrance, Meadows entrance, and Walkways
  • Cottage Walks
  • Apartment walks
  • Fire Hydrants
  • Vehicles and parking spaces

Clearing Vehicles of Snow:

If you wish Seabury staff members to clear the snow off your vehicle, you must have filed a waiver with the Security Department releasing Seabury for possible damage. Waivers are available with security.

During regular working hours, Monday through Friday, vehicles with waivers on file will be cleared only after the above priorities have been met.

If snow has fallen during the night and you need your car for immediate use, you may request priority by calling the Security or front desk before 8:30 am. Give your name, parking space number, and where your vehicle is located. Staff will do their best to give your vehicle priority.

Generators:

Just a reminder, our campus is 100% fully generated, and in the event of a power outage, we have several days’ worth of fuel to keep us fully operational.

COVID Case Update:

The volume of positive COVID cases among employees continues to decrease, with 7 active employee cases and over 40 employees who have cleared and returned to work. We also have two (2) active COVID positive resident cases at the Meadows and three (3) active cases in independent living.  All are either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. As always, the Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed for testing and quarantining.  All staff and residents throughout healthcare will continue to test weekly for 14-days. 

All employees and visitors must continue to wear masks and shields. Residents are encouraged to wear both as well.

ILU/SAH COVID Testing Results:

Thank you to everyone who participated in the resident/member testing with Genesys this week. As a reminder, no news is good news. If you were detected as COVID positive, Genesys is obligated to call you, as well as Seabury. We have received several test results back, all negative so far, except the one independent living resident we were aware of earlier this week; the PCR test confirmed what was detected on the rapid test.

Free Tests Kits:

Since we published our last communication last week, the phone number for rapid test kits has been released. According to the new COVIDtests.gov website that launched last week, anyone who has had difficulty ordering the tests online or needs additional support to place an order can call 1-800-232-0233 or TTY 1-888-720-7489.

HEALTHCARE VISITS – UPDATE:

Governor Lamont issued updated visitation guidelines for healthcare.  Visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination and, if eligible, a booster or proof of a recent negative test within the last 48 hours.  If proof of vaccine or negative test cannot be provided, the healthcare facility must provide the visitor with a self-administered rapid test kit supplied by the state.  Visitors cannot enter if they are COVID positive or if they refuse to test.  If a healthcare facility cannot provide a self-administered test kit, the visitor cannot be denied entry.  We appreciate your patience as this continues to develop.  For all visits to Skilled Nursing and The Views, please use the main entrance to Seabury at the front of the building.  All visits to The Meadows will continue to use The Meadows main lobby entrance.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org or 860-243-6001 with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received and during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

Updated: January 21, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members:

We have some important updates to wrap up this week.

COVID Case Update:

The volume of positive COVID cases among employees continues to decrease, with 20 active employee cases and over 30 employees that have cleared and returned back to work. We also have one (1) active COVID positive resident case at the Meadows, one (1) active case in the Views.  All are either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. As always, the Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed for testing and quarantining.  All staff and residents throughout healthcare will continue to test weekly for 14-days. 

All employees and visitors must continue to wear masks and shields. Residents are encouraged to wear both as well.

ILU/SAH Covid Testing Next Week:

We have partnered with Genesys Diagnostics to offer PCR COVID Testing for all Independent Living Residents and SAH Members interested. Sign-up sheets are available outside of The CAS for time slots for RESIDENTS on Monday 1/24 and Tuesday 1/25. We will accept up to 20 residents per each ½ hour time slot.

SAH MEMBERS who are interested may attend on Thursday 1/27 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Members can contact Catherine Ceneviva at catherineceneviva@seaburylife.org to register. We will accept up to 20 members per each ½ hour time slot.

All testing will be self-swab and take place in Heritage Hall. Please note Genesys Diagnostics will make all efforts to submit fees through personal insurance; however, there is a chance you will be billed privately at $125.  Please bring your insurance card and state ID.  We will also collect demographic information on the day of testing.

Free Rapid Tests:

Just as a reminder, private health insurance providers are now required to cover the cost of at-home tests. For more information on how to access free, at-home testing through your insurance, click here. https://www.cms.gov/how-to-get-your-at-home-OTC-COVID-19-test-for-free

The Biden Administration has launched COVIDtests.gov. Every household can order 4 at-home rapid COVID-19 tests to be delivered directly to your mailbox within 7-12 days. These tests are completely free, all you need to do is sign up and provide your shipping information.

https://www.covidtests.gov/

Seabury 2021 Tax Letter (SAH mailed separately):

This week, Campus Residents would have received a copy of the 2021 Tax Letter in the internal mailboxes. Attached to this communication is an electronic copy as well.

For Seabury At Home Members, an email distribution with the letter went out earlier this week and a separate letter will be going out in the mail for those who don’t use email.

If you didn’t receive a copy, please reach out to Marc Zirolli in Marketing at 860-243-4033 or email marczirolli@seaburylife.org

Windsor Federal Bank:

The bank will reopen next Tuesday, January 25 from 9:00-12:00 PM. The bank hours will remain Tuesdays only, with the plan to increase those hours/days as COVID cases reduce and staffing levels increase in the bank. 

Mask and Shield Use:

Seabury’s current request is that all employees wear a surgical mask and a face shield. Residents are asked to wear a surgical mask; shields are optional but recommended. Surgical masks will continue to be located at the main entrance desk, health services desk, and the Bistro curb-side table. Surgical masks are also available through the MarketPlace. In addition, shields will be available through the MarketPlace and The Hub.

IL residents can wear whatever type of mask they see fit, including KN95 and N95’s. However, we strongly recommend if anyone decides to wear a KN95 or N95 respirator, they consult a medical professional to seek approval.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received and during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

Updated: January 14, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members,

We have a brief update to share before we head into a cold and eventful weather weekend.

Cold Weather Notice:

Due to the extreme cold weather please make sure all parts of your unit are always kept on or above 65 degrees. In addition, please report any heating issues to the front desk or Security immediately so they can put in an Urgent Work Order.

COVID Case Update:

We are starting to see a shift with our employees, with 27 active employee cases and 24 employees that have cleared and returned to work.  We also have two (2) active COVID positive resident cases in the Meadows, one (1) active case in the Views.  All are either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. As always, the Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed for testing and quarantining.  All staff and residents throughout healthcare will continue to test weekly for 14-days. 

All employees and visitors must continue to wear masks and shields. Residents are encouraged to wear both as well.

Campus Operations Update:

We are now two weeks into a modified set of operations on campus and have decided it will be beneficial to keep all current protocols in place until we are over the peak of this current Omicron surge. We will revisit this in two weeks.

Culinary – All current protocols remain; curbside pickup from the Bistro will remain in effect.

Committee Meetings/Encore/ALP – All current protocols remain.

Fitness – Fitness will continue to use Zoom and limit numbers and stay with face shields for the next two weeks for the in-person classes.  The pool classes will remain on hold for two weeks. The pool is open for individual use.

Housekeeping – At this moment, our housekeeping team is impacted severely by active COVID cases, and as you know we temporarily suspended housekeeping services on Monday January 10. Kristina Goodbout will prioritize any acute needs with residents during this timeframe. We will assess and resume housekeeping services after staffing levels have recovered. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Mask and Shield Use:

Seabury’s current request is that all employees wear a surgical mask and a face shield. Residents are asked to wear a surgical mask; shields are optional but recommended. Surgical masks will continue to be located at the main entrance desk, health services desk, and the Bistro curb-side table. Surgical masks are also available through the MarketPlace. In addition, shields will be available through the MarketPlace and The Hub.

IL residents can wear whatever type of mask they see fit, including KN95 and N95’s. However, we strongly recommend if anyone decides to wear a KN95 or N95 respirator, they consult a medical professional to seek approval.

Town of Bloomfield Mask/Test Kit Distribution:

We received some clarity from the Town of Bloomfield Senior Services regarding the mask and test kit distribution. The original publicity around the distribution of these supplies didn’t note any limitations (e.g., residents that live at Seabury or Duncaster will not be eligible).

One or two residents were able to acquire the masks and kits during the initial distribution event, in error, on the part of the event organizers.

With their limited supply of masks and tests, they are trying to prioritize residents in town with far less resources. In speaking with the Department of Public Health, the town understands residents at Seabury have access to masks and tests if they are symptomatic or have been exposed.

Schedule of Charges – Technology Support:

Technology support resumed under the Residents Services department following the recent hiring of Erica Maheu, our Event Logistics & Technology Support Coordinator.

Fees for this service remain the same:

  • Initial 10-minute diagnostic/consult: $15
  • Hourly (passed the 10 min mark):          $50

Thank you for your patience while this service is being rebooted!

East Wing Garage Opener:

Please note, anyone using the garage opener in this garage:

Click the opener to open, but DO NOT click the opener a second time to close. Once your vehicle crosses the beam upon exiting, the door will close automatically behind you. If you click the opener a second time, the door will remain open until the next person comes in or leaves, which could lead to the door being opened for an extended period of time.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails received and during regular business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!  -Seabury Executive Team

Updated: January 7, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members,

Happy snow Friday! We have a brief update as we prepare to head into the weekend.

COVID Case Update:

Today, we have thirty-five (35) active COVID positive cases among employees (culinary, marketing, security, housekeeping and healthcare areas).  We also have two (2) active COVID positive Resident cases in the Views.  All are either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. As always, the Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed for testing and quarantining.  All staff and residents throughout healthcare will continue to test weekly for 14-days. 

It is imperative that all employees and visitors continue to wear masks and shields. Residents are encouraged to wear both as well.

While Omicron seems more mild, we continue to urge Residents, Members, and Staff to take all precautions to reduce Covid’s spread during this surge. Flattening the curve ensures that we do not overwhelm the hospitals (making it difficult for hospitals to manage other acute conditions), reduce an already lean Seabury workforce, and negatively impact staffing shortages everywhere.

Housekeeping Update:

As with most areas of our operations, we are carefully trying to preserve staff and streamline processes. At this moment, our housekeeping team is impacted pretty severely by active COVID cases and we need to temporarily suspend housekeeping services, effective Monday January 10. Kristina Godbout will be working to prioritize any acute needs with residents during this timeframe. We will assess and resume housekeeping services as soon as staffing levels have recovered. An update will go out at the end of next week. Thank you so much for your understanding.

South Wing Garage Door Update:

The West Side door is back and operational. Please use the South Wing garage as normal this weekend. Thank you for your patience!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails as they are received and during normal business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

Updated: January 5, 2022

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members,

Happy New Year! Wishing you health, happiness, and a Covid-free 2022!

COVID Case Update:

Today, we have twenty (21) active COVID positive cases among employees (culinary, marketing, security, housekeeping and healthcare areas).  We also have two (2) active COVID positive cases in the Views.  All are either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. As always, the Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed for testing and quarantining.  All staff and residents throughout healthcare will continue to test weekly for 14-days. 

It is imperative that all employees and visitors continue to wear masks and shields. Residents are encouraged to wear both as well.

While Omicron seems more mild, we continue to urge Residents, Members, and Staff to take all precautions to reduce Covid’s spread during this surge. Flattening the curve ensures that we do not overwhelm the hospitals (making it difficult for hospitals to manage other acute conditions), reduce an already lean Seabury workforce, and negatively impact staffing shortages everywhere.

Culinary Update:

As with most areas of our operations, we are carefully trying to preserve staff and streamline processes. For now, we will be transitioning to curbside to-go from The Bistro location only. Beginning Wednesday, January 5 – all meals, lunch, dinner, and brunch will be picked up at the Bistro.

  • Lunch, Monday – Saturday 11:30 – 1:30 PM.
  • Dinner, Monday – Friday 4:30 – 6:00 PM.
  • Brunch, Sunday 11:30 – 1:30 PM.
  • Morning Coffee Service will be temporarily suspended until further notice.

 So, what does this mean for programs and services?:

  • Fitness Classes have been adjusted by reducing class size or bringing back the use of Zoom. Pool classes are pushed back to 1/19/22.
  • ALP: We are recommending classes be on Zoom for January.
  • Encore: Smaller groups of shoppers at one time.
  • Visitors: We are open to visitors, following screening procedures at all Entrances; visitors must wear a mask and shield.
  • Salon: Running as usual.
  • Chorus: We are recommending rehearsing with masks and shields, in smaller groups.

Please contact the Covidteam@seaburylife.org for specific questions regarding your group or activity.

Front Desk Efficiencies:

A major goal in this new year is to streamline the operations at the front desk. We will be beta testing a new procedure for receiving/sending out packages next week.  

Starting on Monday, January 10, all packages (except prescription medications) will be delivered to the back of the building (near the loading dock).

  • The internal door system across from the loading dock was automated (pre-covid) for this new process. Security will control this door system.
  • Packages under 25 1bs will be moved to The Hub at 9 AM and 3 PM (Monday-Friday); Packages will move via SOS or Mike Hoyt on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • As always, larger packages will be delivered to the Resident.
  • Staff at The Hub will log packages and send email notifications to Residents via the Resident Portal. Those not on the Portal will receive a phone call.
  • Smaller packages will be picked up from The Hub during specified hours.
  • Drivers (UPS, FedEx, etc.) will be notified as they make deliveries this week and by posting stanchions outside the front door.

SOS Coverage – January/February 2022: Please note that since March 2020, we have not followed the traditional SOS schedule. VPs and Managers have flexed their time to create a 7-day schedule, which was necessary for the last couple of years. Moving forward, we will strive toward a better work-life balance for employees. For the next two months, Meredith West, Brian Harris, and Mike Hoyt will have weekends as part of their regular work week, which works better for their schedules at the moment:

  • Meredith – Saturday
  • Brian – Sunday
  • Mike Hoyt – Saturday/Sunday in Security & Maintenance

Windsor Federal Bank Update: We are pleased to note that Windsor Federal will be re-opening their branch at Seabury on January 24!

COVID Update/Testing Protocols:

As part of contact tracing, you would have been notified if you or your loved one had potential exposure related to a recent case. 

As you know, there has been a sharp increase in cases in Connecticut and the U.S., likely due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, which coincides with increased holiday travel, gatherings, and visits.  Therefore, please remember to wear a mask (on and off-campus), wash your hands often, do not visit if you are experiencing symptoms or have had known exposure, and seek out testing when in need.

If Independent Residents develop symptoms or have had known exposure, we advise you make arrangements with Jake Bompastore or Susie Washington for a COVID test. Otherwise, if you’re proactively checking your status, we ask that you seek testing at a local testing site or pharmacy or purchase a rapid testing kit so that we may preserve our testing supplies for active (or potentially active) cases. Please note: Inefficient use of existing testing supplies will cause us to burn through the current supply faster, expedite testing shortages, and cause greater risk in the future (not being able to test those who have symptoms). Thank you so much for being so understanding.

In addition, we are looking for a testing partner to conduct a mass testing event for Independent Residents and SAH Members soon. More information to follow.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails as they are received and during normal business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

Updated: December 30, 3021

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members,

The New Year is almost here, and we are all hoping for a change in pace! A quick update as we head into the holiday weekend. We continue to be in outbreak mode and have an update on our number of active cases.

Today, we have twelve active COVID positive cases among the employee base (culinary, marketing, security, and healthcare areas). In addition, we were alerted to one active COVID positive case with a Views resident.  All are either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. As always, the Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed for testing and quarantining.  All staff and residents throughout healthcare will continue to test weekly for 14-days. 

It is imperative that all employees and visitors continue to wear masks and shields. Residents are encouraged to wear both as well.

New Years Eve Dinner/Brunch and Concert Reminders:

NEW YEAR’S EVE Dinner:

  • If you have registered to have New Year’s Eve dinner in the MDR please show up at the MDR host stand at the time for which you signed up to eat. You will receive a packaged meal just as you did when the Board party was modified.
  • Bistro & Marketplace will be open from 11:30 -1:30 PM on New Year’s Eve Day – You will be able to order from the Bistro menu online, as you always do.

New Year’s Eve Concert:

  • The Concert will go on as planned at 7:30 PM in the Chapel, all attendees please wear your mask and shields. If you don’t have a shield, one will be provided for you at the door. The New Year’s event toast has moved to virtual. First airing will be at 7:00 PM on Ch. 918 and the second one will air at 9:15 PM on Ch. 918.

NEW YEAR’S DAY Brunch:

  • If you have registered for the New Year’s Day Brunch, please pick up your meal at the MDR host stand at the time for which you registered to eat.
  • Bistro & Marketplace will be closed on New Year’s Day.

SUNDAY Jan.2 Brunch:

  • A packaged brunch meal will be available for pick up – this menu can be viewed now in the resident portal – no substitutions please.
  • The Bistro, Marketplace and Main Dining Room will continue to be open for the next two weeks with curbside pickup only.

Brief Fitness Update:

The new fitness schedule starts on Monday, January 3. The pool classes are being pushed back to January 19, due to non-mask use in the pool. Please note, the pool will remain open for individual use.

COVID Update/Testing Protocols:

As part of contact tracing, you would have been notified if you or your loved one had potential exposure related to a recent case. 

As you know, there has been a sharp increase in cases in Connecticut and the U.S., likely due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, which coincides with increased holiday travel, gatherings, and visits.  Therefore, please remember to wear a mask (on and off-campus), wash your hands often, do not visit if you are experiencing symptoms or have had known exposure, and seek out testing when in need.

If Independent Residents develop symptoms or have had known exposure, we advise you make arrangements with Jake Bompastore or Susie Washington for a COVID test. Otherwise, if you’re proactively checking your status, we ask that you seek testing at a local testing site or pharmacy or purchase a rapid testing kit so that we may preserve our testing supplies for active (or potentially active) cases. Please note: Inefficient use of existing testing supplies will cause us to burn through the current supply faster, expedite testing shortages, and cause greater risk in the future (not being able to test those who have symptoms). Thank you so much for being so understanding.

In addition, we are looking for a testing partner to conduct a mass testing event for Independent Residents and SAH Members in the near future. More information to follow.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails as they are received and during normal business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

Updated: December 28, 2021

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members,

We hope everyone had a lovely holiday! As expected, we do have some COVID-related updates to share as we start to come out of the holiday timeframe.

Today, we have six active COVID positive cases among the employee base (culinary, security, and healthcare areas); three employees with earlier infections have since cleared.  All are either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. As always, the Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed for testing and quarantining.  All staff and residents throughout healthcare will continue to test weekly for 14-days.  The last two testing periods for healthcare residents revealed no positive cases amongst residents.

Out of an abundance of caution and to manage our spread of COVID during this post-holiday timeframe, we will implement a series of changes to operations for the next two weeks, starting today.

  • Adding Air Scrubbers to sitting areas, fitness classrooms
  • Increased additional cleaning and disinfecting to all common spaces with Protexus tool
  • Employees and all visitors will shift to wearing masks and shields.
  • Housekeeping services will continue; we ask that all residents (or family) that stay in the home during the cleaning please wear a mask. If one refuses, we will reschedule the cleaning for another time.
  • All Culinary Operations are changing to a curbside to-go format for the Bistro and Main Dining Room, including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Brunch events. Please limit gathering numbers if you choose to gather in each other’s homes or common areas. Group sizes should not exceed 8-10 people. Thank you for your understanding!
  • The Encore sale this week can proceed as planned; we request that we limit shopping to smaller groups (6-8 people at a time) during the sale with mask-wearing and good spacing.
  • Small groups and committees can meet as planned; please wear masks.
  • Fitness classes will continue as scheduled, please continue to wear masks. We may need to adjust the class size of one larger class; Matt McGowan will be in touch.

COVID Update/Testing Protocols:

As part of contact tracing, you would have been notified if you or your loved one had potential exposure related to this recent case. 

As you know, there has been a sharp increase in cases in Connecticut and the U.S., likely due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, which coincides with increased holiday travel, gatherings, and visits.  Therefore, please remember to wear a mask (on and off-campus), wash your hands often, do not visit if you are experiencing symptoms or have had known exposure, and seek out testing when in need.

If Independent Residents develop symptoms or have had known exposure, we advise that you make arrangements with Jake Bompastore or Susie Washington for a COVID test. Otherwise, if you’re proactively checking your status, we ask that you seek testing at a local testing site or pharmacy or purchase a rapid testing kit so that we may preserve our testing supplies for active (or potentially active) cases. Please note: Inefficient use of existing testing supplies will cause us to burn through the current supply faster, expedite testing shortages, and cause greater risk in the future (not being able to test those who have symptoms). Thank you so much for being so understanding.

In addition, we are looking for a testing partner to conduct a mass testing event for Independent Residents and SAH Members in the near future. More information to follow.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team responds to emails as they are received and during normal business hours. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

Updated: December 20, 2021

Dear Seabury Residents, Families, and Seabury At Home Members,

We hope everyone is ready for the holidays! Thank you for all your hard work on the holiday concert, your many talents were on full display, and we’re fortunate to live and work among such a talented group of individuals.

As noted on Friday evening via the SARA alert system, we were notified of recent positive COVID cases with three Meadows staff members. All of them are vaccinated and experiencing mild symptoms.  An additional staff member, based mainly in Skilled Nursing, has cleared.  As always, Department of Public Health guidelines are being followed for testing.  All staff and residents throughout healthcare will test weekly for a 14 day period. There are no other COVID positive staff or residents at this point.

COVID Update/Testing Protocols:

As part of contact tracing, you would have been notified if you or your loved one had potential exposure related to this recent case. 

As you are aware, there has been an increase in cases in Connecticut the U.S. and the emergence of new variants, which coincides with holiday travel, gatherings, and visits.  Therefore, please remember to wear a mask (on and off-campus), wash your hands often, do not visit if you are experiencing symptoms or have had known exposure, and seek out testing when in need.

If Independent Residents develop symptoms or have had known exposure, we advise that you make arrangements with Jake Bompastore or Susie Washington for a COVID test. Otherwise, if you’re proactively checking your status, we ask that you seek testing at a local pharmacy or purchase a rapid testing kit so that we may preserve our testing supplies for active (or potentially active) cases. Please note: Inefficient use of existing testing supplies will cause us to burn through the current supply faster, expedite testing shortages, and cause greater risk in the future (not being able to test those who have symptoms). Thank you so much for being so understanding.

In addition, we are looking for a testing partner to conduct a mass testing event for independent residents and SAH members in the near future, likely after the holiday.

Remaining December Holiday Reminders and Events:

We are slightly modifying the following events for this week. We’ll know more over the next two weeks, and more testing has taken place.

The following events are still scheduled with some modifications necessary at this point:

  • TOS Christmas Caroling, December 20 at 7:00 PM – Everyone must wear a mask and shield, please! Thank you!
  • December 21 Bishop’s Service, 10:00 AM – Everyone must wear a mask and shield; we will appropriately space all attendees in the Chapel and have the ionization running continuously.
  • Christmas Eve Dinner – We have many RSVPs for this holiday meal. The Culinary team will be working with residents to assign times for smaller group seatings (that can be spaced) in the Main Dining Room. It’s important that everyone arrives at their appointed time and leaves promptly, so the next dining group can be seated in a timely manner. Please wear a mask to and from the dining room.
  • Christmas Day Brunch Buffet – The buffet attendees will be well-spaced within the Main Dining Room. At this point, there is no need for assigned seating times, as the RSVP list is not too large. Please wear a mask to and from the dining room.

*Please note, we will assess and report on any additional modifications or modifications for the New Year Eve Celebration/Brunch at the start of next week. 

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team is responding to emails as they are received. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

 

Updated: November 30, 2021

Dear Residents, Members, Families, and Employees:

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a great holiday weekend. Happy Festival of Lights! May this festival bring blessings upon you and your family.

Just as the holiday season gets underway, we were, regrettably, notified of a recent positive COVID case with a contracted staff member who works with residents in healthcare.  Therefore, according to The Department of Public Health, all staff and residents in Skilled Nursing, The Views, and The Meadows will be tested this week and next.

As a response to the current COVID news on our campus and out of an abundance of caution, we strongly feel the need to modify the format of the upcoming Board Holiday Party.

An important message from Seabury’s Board Chair, Puck Purnell, “Although we have waited all too long to get together for the Holiday Party, unfortunately, COVID has imposed itself uninvited once again. The Board is very disappointed that we cannot mingle and chat with Residents on Thursday evening. However, we agree that an abundance of caution makes the most sense during these unprecedented times. We still hope that you will celebrate with each other and keep this necessary change in perspective. To the festive holiday season!”

Seabury Board Holiday Party Modifications:

**Location Change: The event will be spread out over the Main Dining Room OR Bistro for pick-up service only. Seabury staff will be on hand to usher everyone to a location and help with the logistics!

** Pick-up Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM

**Menu: A variety of heavy hors d’oeuvres will be packaged as well as desserts, and champagne or wine splits for you to bring back home to enjoy! 

**Festivities: Each location will be decorated for the season, with holiday music playing. Residents and Members are invited to take holiday photos in front of the Holiday Backdrop located in the Bistro Parlor. We will have a professional photographer here for the event!

**Seabury At Home Members: You are welcome to pick-up and take home as well! Please park at the front and enter through the Main Entrance for a quick screening before heading up to the Main Dining Room to pick up your holiday goodies. Please RSVP to Barbara Checksfield at barbarachecksfield@seaburylife.org or Marc Zirolli at marczirolli@seaburylife.org, if you’re planning to participate.

Remaining December Holiday Reminders and Events:

We are taking this moment to modify the Board Holiday Party. We’ll know much more over these next two weeks, and more testing has taken place.

The following events are still scheduled with little or no modifications necessary at this point:

  • Hanukkah Services – 11/28 – 12/6
  • Nutcracker Event 12/6 – Please note, pre-show refreshments are canceled for this event, please wear masks.
  • December Holiday Sweater Day – Wednesday, December 15
  • Seabury Online Apparel Store is opening on December 15, it will be opening to the Board, Residents, Staff. More details coming soon.
  • December 17 Holiday Concert
  • December 21 Bishop’s Service – **Time Change, 10:00 AM
  • Christmas Dinner/Brunch
  • New Year Eve Celebration/Brunch

COVID Update/Testing Protocols:

As part of contact tracing, you will be notified if you or your loved one had potential exposure related to this recent case.

As you are probably aware, there has been an increase in cases in the U.S. and the emergence of new variants, which coincides with holiday travel, gatherings, and visits.  Please remember to wear a mask (on and off campus), wash your hands often, do not visit if you are experiencing symptoms or have had known exposure, and seek out testing when in need.

We advise that if Independent Residents develop symptoms or have had known exposure, please make arrangements with Jake Bompastore or Susie Washington for a COVID test. Otherwise, if you’re just proactively checking your status, we ask that you seek testing at a local pharmacy or purchase a rapid testing kit so that we may preserve our testing supplies for active (or potentially active) cases.   

As always, please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team is responding to emails as they are received. As noted, continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

Updated: October 1, 2021

Dear Residents, Members, and Families:

Hope everyone is enjoying this lovely week of fall weather! Happy New “Fiscal” Year! We have several items to report on, but we will begin a couple positive updates.

As planned, we ended our fiscal year by meeting our two major covenants for both debt service and days cash on hand. Also, we exceeded our goal for Seabury At Home with the addition of 47 new members in this fiscal year! In a year that included many challenges, we couldn’t be prouder of how everyone has persevered and rose to the challenge!

COVID Update/Boosters:

We currently have 0 active infections on campus, both for residents and staff! Hooray!

It is expected our pharmacy partner will be able to supply a booster to all assisted living and healthcare residents within the next couple of weeks.

We have not been able to obtain a lab partner commitment to conduct a mass clinic for staff, independent residents, and members, but continue to try.  For quickest administration, we are suggesting employees, residents and members have a conversation with their physician and schedule at a local pharmacy.  Although uncertain, we hope to host a COVID-19 Vaccination Booster Clinic as soon as we can.  If you receive a booster on your own, residents and members are encouraged to report this to jacobbompastore@seaburylife.org.  This will help plan for future clinics and potential demand.  All staff, please provide a copy of your card listing the booster vaccine dose to your manager. 

Flu Vaccine Schedule:

Flu vaccine clinics have been scheduled for October 29th, November 1st, 2nd, and 4th.  Availability for employee, independent resident and member time slots will be assigned soon.  All assisted living and healthcare residents will receive their vaccines mid to late October.  

Vaccine Mandate Update:

The mandate issued by Governor Lamont required employees of long-term care and care continuums to be vaccinated by September 27. Over 500 employees and contractors successfully submitted vaccination proof by this deadline.

Officially, we had 1 resignation and 12 staff members who will stay on board with approved medical and religious exemptions. All unvaccinated staff granted an exemption will be required to continue wearing masks and shields.  Employees under this exemption will also continue to be tested weekly.

October 3 Walk to End Alzheimer’s:

We have a great group of residents, members and employees coming together for this walk, more are welcome!

Check-in and Start Time – 9:30 AM: Check-in at Entrance to Meadows/Memory Support facility – our group walk starts once registration is completed.

  • Length of Walk: Walkers can walk the full 1-mile length of Seabury Drive – or shorter distances if preferred.
  • Register for Seabury Team Walk – Meadow’s Building, Bloomfield: Contact Erica Bresson at ericabresson@seaburylife.org
  • No Rain Date Needed, beautiful weather is forecasted for Sunday!

Barbara Checksfield and Tina DuPont will represent Seabury Meadows at the Rentschler Field location on Sunday. If anyone still wants to walk that event, please contact Barbara today at 860-243-6021 or barbarachecksfield@seaburylife.org

Staffing Update:

Although the weather was not in our favor this past Tuesday, we did manage to host a Seabury Career Day with a handful of attendees who applied on the spot and are currently going through the complete application process. All the online and print advertising publicity leading up to the career day also drove up the number of potential applicants visiting our Career Center online and applying for jobs.

In the last month, we have seen….

  • 16 New Hires in the month of September
  • There are several candidates in various stages of the interview and selection process.

We still have a long way to go and will continue to market our job openings aggressively.

Campus Project Updates/Reminders:

We have several updates and notices for projects that have recently commenced or are set to begin next week!

Guest Cottage 322:

  • Hardscape is nearly complete. Interior work is underway.

Siding Project:

  • On Monday, October 4 – Siding Begins West Wing Elevation Facing Villas/West. Lighting and exterior outlets will be replaced at the same time.

Campus Trees:

  • 6 Autumn Blaze Maples trees were added around the 300’s and in front of the Meadows this week.

Pool Maintenance:

  • The Pool Dectron Unit will be repaired by the end of the week.

West Wing Corridors and Sitting Rooms:

  • West wing lounges on Level 3 are underway, with Mountain View nearly complete. Solid surface shelf to be added by planters.
  • New cornices were added to the West wing corridors this week.

MDR Curtains:

  • Curtains (seasonal) will be added to the sliding doors in the MDR next week.

Road Paving/Striping:

  • Striping will begin next week.

Composter:

  • We received word this week that the composter is set to be delivered by the end of October. The installation will take several days, and the Seabury Charitable Foundation is planning for an unveiling ceremony once the unit is installed and operational.

Resident/Member Life Services:

Thank you to everyone who attended the resident/staff picnic yesterday! We are so pleased we had a great fall day to enjoy good food and great company!

The momentum continues as we head into October! We have a lot of great things planned and we hope to see many of you there.

Fall Fest Friday, Oct 8 from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM at Hilltop –

Pumpkin giveaways, Banner decorating, Pumpkin decorating  

Contest, Games and more.

Holistic Day Friday, Oct 15 at the Hilltop –

En Plein Air event hosted by the artist group, Yoga, Meditation, and more.

Seabury Art Expo will be held Wednesday, October 27 – Includes Vendor Fair in the Chapel, Art Gallery in the Terrace Room and a calligraphy workshop.

Chaplain’s Update:

Thank you to all who have been so welcoming to the Haven Community!

Marta, Gregory, and Aaron are settling into their community prayer life, and working towards a schedule here in our Seabury community.

They are currently getting tours of healthcare areas to begin work there, but we are planning a few “meet-and-greet” opportunities throughout Independent Living toward the middle/end of October. If you see them around, please feel free to welcome them in person!

Chapel is now BACK ON SUNDAYS!!!! Join us at 2:00 PM for Holy Eucharist. Come as you are for a brief communion service.

Join us: Blessing of the Animals- Sunday, Oct 3, 2:30 PM.

After a short church service inside at 2:00 PM, we will welcome all pets (leashed and/or caged, please) to the Terrace courtyard for our 2nd Annual Blessing of the Animals in honor of St. Francis day.

Animal friends, please have your human RSVP directly to Jenn.

IT Services Update:

We currently do not have any resources to assign to the resident tech support, we are actively looking to fill the “Event Logistics & Tech Support Coordinator” position, which will cover the technology support for residents, thank you for your patience and understanding.

Call for “Wow” Moments:

Don’t forget. If you would like to recognize a peer or staff member for an “above and beyond” moment, please email or leave a note with Danielle Needle in the Marketing Department. Danielleneedle@seaburylife.org.

Please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have, including the potential need to test. The COVID Team responds to emails Monday through Friday and in the order they were received. Further, please continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Please leave a message at 860-243-6001 if you do not have an email and have a question to ask our team.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

 

Updated: September 2, 2021 

Dear Residents, Members, and Families:

We have good news to report as we head into the holiday weekend!

COVID Update/Lifting Restrictions:

We currently have 0 active infections on campus, both for residents and staff! Hooray!  Weekly testing of residents and staff continues through this week.  Provided there are no new cases, only unvaccinated / partially unvaccinated staff will test weekly.  Testing of any staff member or resident will continue an as-needed basis. 

We are moving forward with the following steps outlined below. To begin, the recommended wearing of face shields is lifted as of today for residents, staff, and guests!

COVID Boosters:

The current guidance from the CDC regarding booster vaccines remains the same. People with moderate to severely compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and may not build the same level of immunity from a 2-dose vaccine.  Therefore, an additional dose is intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine series.  A handful of residents, members, and employees have successfully visited a local pharmacy for a booster. These individuals followed the steps below after speaking with their physicians.

  1. Called local pharmacies to see who is administering the Pfizer vaccine.
  2. Brought vaccination card and license to the pharmacy.
  3. The pharmacist provided them a form with a list of auto-immune disorders to check off. They checked off the one that applied and signed off.
  4. They didn’t need a doctor’s order to receive the booster from the pharmacist. It’s suggested to have this conversation with your provider before receiving a booster.

For the rest of the population, we are awaiting clear guidance as to how and when Residents, Members, and Staff will have access to the booster vaccine beginning the week of September 20 and starting eight (8) months after an individual’s second dose. Currently, we are in discussions with multiple providers to develop a plan for clinics. Our initial plan with CVS for late September and early October is on hold as they clarify their procedures. We may need to switch to an alternate provider for this effort. More information will be available soon.

Vaccine Mandate Update:

We are nearing our first critical date in the mandate issued by Governor Lamont requiring employees of long-term care and care continuums to be vaccinated. Employees have until September 7 to receive their first dose and October 1 for their second.

We expect seven resignations come Monday, September 6, and are working with approximately eight other staff members on finalizing medical and religious exemptions. All unvaccinated staff granted an exemption would be required to continue wearing masks and shields.  Employees under this exemption will also continue to be tested weekly.

September 9 – Post-Labor Day Picnic at the Hilltop:

Mother Nature caused us to postpone our previously scheduled Pre-Labor day picnic at the Hilltop to next Thursday, September 9, from 11:30 – 1:30 PM. All residents and employees are welcome to attend this picnic and join in the fun. We have a robust menu that will include:

  • Hamburgers (Vegan, too)
  • Hot Dogs
  • Grilled Chicken
  • Garden Salad
  • Macaroni Salad
  • Baked Beans
  • Chips & Beverages
  • Dessert

“You Belong at Seabury” Career Day:

We noted in the last two Community Forums that we are focusing heavily on recruitment and retention. Although we have several initiatives in process, we are planning to host a Career Day or Job Fair in September. So, please, help spread the word to friends and family who know someone that needs a job or is looking to make a switch.

Date: September 28, 2021

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Hilltop/Campus

Step 1: Candidates will be directed to park and gather at the Hilltop for:

  • Registration
  • Meet and greet with members of Human Resources, Executive Team and Department Managers
  • Applications and Benefits Information
  • Display Boards featuring Current Job Openings, as well as Benefits
  • Refreshments will be available all-day

Step 2: Candidates will be paired with department ambassadors to tour department(s) they are interested in working.

Step 3: Exit interviews will be conducted, and we will set up formal interviews on the spot or the following day(s).

The promotion of this career fair will be supported by print advertising, social media campaigns, advertising on our website, and advertising on job boards.

Campus Project Reminders:

We have several updates and notices for projects that have recently commenced or are set to begin next week!

Cottage 322:

  • The Hardscape project is approved and will start in the next couple of weeks (early September).
  • Waiting on a proposal for the interior work.

West Wing Corridors and Sitting Rooms:

  • Carpet installation in the West Wing and Sitting Rooms began last week. It is set to complete by mid-next week. The art installation started this week.

Security to Garages:

  • The East Wing garage door locks are currently live. The South Wing door locks should be live soon. Please refer to posted instructions (at the doors) as to how they will operate. Thank you again to our generous donor!!
  • *NOTE The doors are tied to the fire alarm system and will release upon activation of the fire alarm to allow for emergency exit. *

Sealing & Paving:

  • Sealing and striping will be done in the front (Main Entrance) on 9/7/21; Paving will be completed (North side of loop road) on 9/13/21 and 9/14/21.

Composter:

  • We received word this week that the composter is set to be delivered on October 15, 2021. The installation will take several days, and the Seabury Charitable Foundation is planning for an unveiling ceremony once the unit is installed and operational.

Resident/Member Life Services:

As noted above, we are happy to move forward with several items following our two-week pause.

  • Coffee Service resumes tomorrow, September 3
  • The Ping Pong table has been set up in the Swing Space and is ready for small groups to play.
  • Culinary will remain “To-go” or Curbside pickup until Sept 7 & 8, when we will be in-person dining for the Rosh Hashanah buffets in the MDR. The Bistro will resume in-person dining on Sept 9. 
  • Smaller committees and groups are welcome to resume in-person meetings.
  • Encore will resume in-person sale days.
  • The Marketplace is available for pick up now and will be available in person on Sept 7.
  • Reminder, no fitness classes on Labor Day, Monday, September 6. Fitness will resume in-person classes on Sept 7. Please see attached for the new schedule.
  • Fitness Center and Pool will remain open with the current schedule and Zoom classes will continue to be available.
  • Salon and Massage will resume on September 7 as well.
  • We do not have a re-open date for Windsor Federal Bank yet. We will have more information soon.

IT Services Update:

Please help us welcome Joseph Aquino to the Seabury I.T. Team! Joe is our new System Administrator, he will be managing/supporting the business systems and providing support to our employees.

The Resident Technology Assistant position is returning to the Resident Services department. The revived position, newly titled “Event/Logistics Coordinator”, was posted to all job boards earlier this week and will report to our director of Resident Services, Tiffany Smith. A large part of the duties associated with this role will include resident work orders for technology support. Thank you for your patience while we search for the perfect candidate for this very important position!

Housekeeping/Dryer Vent Cleaning Project:

  • Trash kiosks and rooms are open; nothing has changed.
  • Independent Living housekeeping appointments will resume on September 6.
  • We are happy to announce that we will begin doing dryer vent cleanings throughout the campus beginning next week. We have contracted Dryer Duct and Vent Cleaning of America. We are also happy that they will be complying with the governor’s mandate and will only be sending vaccinated staff to work at our Facility for the duration of this project.
  • We plan to begin in the East & West wing on Tuesday September 7 between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. We will be starting with first floor apartments. We anticipate that they will take roughly 15-20 mins per unit. They will have a team of four and it sounds as though they will be able to do two units at once. We will plan to complete the first, and second floors on Tuesday. On Wednesday, we will plan to do the third and fourth floors. Thursday, we will pick up where we left off on the fourth floor and move to the fifth. On Friday we will wrap up the last units we have on the fifth floor.
  • The following week beginning September 13, we will begin in the South Wing on the fourth floor, also starting between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. We anticipate these rooms may take a little longer. Please keep in mind that they will need access to the dryer booster fan that many of you have in your closet. If you have previously been contacted by Seabury to work on it, you are one of the people who will need to make sure we have clear access. We anticipate that these rooms may take a little longer and are currently estimating we will complete one floor per day. This means, Tuesday we will begin the 5th floor and Wednesday, the 6th
  • As long as we are on schedule, we will begin the cottage on Thursday September 16. Please understand this schedule may change due to complications found during this process. We may also find that we get ahead of schedule and will move some of the rooms forward. We will do our best to accommodate scheduling with residents but will try to move straight through the apartments. For questions, scheduling, or concerns please contact Arlton Clifton at 860-243-6056.

Independent Living Visitors:

Visitors are welcome back to independent living. All guests will be screened at the front desk; please wear a mask. Guests are welcome to enter through the main entrance and sit with residents in the common areas (as well as your own homes).

Healthcare Visits:

Friends or family are welcome to visit with healthcare residents indoors or outdoors, weather permitting.

Please continue to schedule visits with your family members through staff for each Healthcare area. This allows us to remain compliant with state guidelines and keep you updated with current visitation locations and protocols. 

As A REMINDER: The Best Ways to Protect Yourself Against the Virus:

Thank you for remaining vigilant about mask-wearing indoors, as the virus is prevalent in the greater community regardless of vaccination status. Please continue to wear your mask in the following areas:

  • Fitness (indoors, excluding pool classes)
  • All group meetings (including small groups)
  • Performances in Chapel or Heritage Hall
  • Walking in corridors
  • Venturing out in public

Wash Hands and socially distance when possible. We encourage all independent residents to continue to self-monitor for symptoms.

Please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have, including the potential need to test. The COVID Team responds to emails Monday through Friday and in the order, they were received. Further, please continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Please leave a message at 860-243-6001 if you do not have an email and have a question to ask our team.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

 

Updated: August 20, 2021 

Dear Residents, Members, and Families:

We hope this communication finds you and yours enjoying the final days of summer.

While everyone began to feel some hope—or at least cautious optimism this summer—that the pandemic would recede, here we are again in a familiar but uneasy territory with COVID. Yet, there is strength in remembering that the Seabury Community is remarkably resilient, even with some unknowns. We will persevere as we always do and be stronger for it! We are all in this together.

Today, Seabury has 10 Residents skilled nursing, and 5 staff members in skilled nursing that have tested positive, all but one resident will be cleared by this Sunday (no active infection). In most cases, symptoms have been relatively mild and manageable.

Testing Protocol:

Per the CT Department of Public Health and CDC, Seabury immediately reinstituted weekly testing of all campus staff and healthcare residents regardless of vaccination status.  Testing will continue as necessary. 

COVID Testing:

We have been in touch with our lab partners for a Mass Testing Event for IL Residents/SAH Members. Unfortunately, we have not received a commitment to date. We will keep you posted. 

  • SAH Members who are attending Campus will be rapid tested on as needed basis. A phone screen will also be likely regarding exposure, etc.

Vaccination Mandate and Boosters:

As you know, a mandate issued by Governor Lamont last week requires all employees working in long-term care, including care continuums, to be vaccinated. We are working with unvaccinated employees to make accommodations for receiving the vaccine and potential side effects.  All employees have until September 7 to receive their first dose and until October 1 for their second.

All contractors that have direct access to Seabury Residents will be required, under this mandate, to be fully vaccinated. Examples:

  • Home Decorators/Organizers
  • Private Aides
  • Lawyers, Tax Preparers
  • Home Organizers
  • Comcast Personnel

Seabury’s next Vaccine Clinic is August 26. Staff are signing up, and many are getting vaccinated off-site and providing proof of vaccination.

There is not yet a concrete plan to administer booster vaccines to the general public, despite all the news coverage of the story.

According to recent guidance issued by the Department of Public Health on 08/17/21, it’s recommended that people who are moderate to severely immunocompromised could receive a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine now. Please contact your primary care provider to make arrangements.  

Seabury’s goal is to hold a clinic for Residents, Members, and Employees, if possible. More information to follow!

Seabury Programs, Events, Housekeeping, and Dining:

All programs, events, and seated dining options have been paused for two weeks out of an abundance of caution.

  • Culinary will remain on the same schedule but only available for carry-out service.
  • Food Truck – Friday, August 20 – Will continue as planned; please wear masks and face shields outside while in line.
  • A new fitness schedule has been distributed.
  • Windsor Federal Bank will be shut down over the next two weeks, following our timetable.

Housekeeping:

  • Trash kiosks and rooms are open; nothing has changed.
  • Independent Living housekeeping appointments will be paused for two weeks starting August 23rd. Housekeeping will resume on September 6th. During this time, we will not be able to complete carpet cleanings or any other general tasks; however, if you have an emergency task, we will help the best way we can.
  • During our pause, the housekeeping staff will be working around the Campus sanitizing the Commons and healthcare areas daily.

Independent Living Visitors:

  • If you have planned visits, please use the porch entrance if your residence is ground level or use the closest exterior door.
  • All guests will be screened at the front desk, wear a mask, and be provided a shield.
  • Please stay in your residence as much as possible. Do not sit with guests in the common areas.
  • Please refrain from scheduling guest visits for now. Thank you for your understanding.

Garage Security Update:

The East Wing garage door locks are currently live. The South Wing door locks should be live soon. Please refer to posted instructions (at the doors) as to how they will operate.  Thank you again to our generous donor!!

*NOTE The doors are tied to the fire alarm system and will release upon activation of the fire alarm to allow for emergency exit.*

South Wing garage will remain closed into next week.

Healthcare Visits:

We will continue with suspended/limited visitation to Skilled Nursing, as we’ve established a COVID+ cohort once again in Larus.  All staff continue to be provided with appropriate PPE, including N95 masks. We will employ all our technology-based communication methods and outdoor visits, as necessary, with residents and family members during this time. Compassionate care visits will continue.   

As A REMINDER: The Best Ways to Protect Yourself Against the Virus:

Thank you for remaining vigilant about mask and shield wearing when indoors, as the virus is prevalent in the greater community regardless of vaccination status. Please continue to wear your mask and shield in the following areas:

  • Fitness (indoors, excluding pool classes)
  • All group meetings (including small groups)
  • Performances in Chapel or Heritage Hall
  • Walking in corridors
  • Venturing out in public

Shields are available and located at the front desk, security, and healthcare entrance. Make sure to remove the protective film from the mask before wearing it.

Wash Hands and socially distance when possible. We encourage all independent residents to continue to self-monitor for symptoms.

Please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have including the potential need to test. The COVID Team is responding to emails Monday through Friday, and in the order they were received. Further, please continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Please leave a message at 860-243-6001 if you do not have an email and have a question to ask our team.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

 

Updated: August 14, 2021 

Good Afternoon,

This alert is an important Seabury message. In the past three weeks, we have experienced an outbreak resulting in a total of 6 Staff and 15 Residents testing positive. Two of these Residents (fully vaccinated) on Comfort Care passed yesterday. At this time, we are unsure of the impact COVID had on their passing.

Unfortunately, with the recent uptick in the CT COVID cases and an abundance of caution, all programs, fitness, salon, spa, and in-person dining services are temporarily suspended for two weeks. Curb-side pick-up for the Bistro and MDR will be available based on the current Culinary Schedule. We recommend that all Residents (including those vaccinated) pick up a shield to be worn over their mask in all settings outside of one’s residence. Shields will be placed in CAS by 5 PM today. New visitation restrictions have been implemented for health care areas. All visitors and staff will continue to be screened and provided shields as they enter the building. Please refrain from having visitors on campus, if possible. 

If you are not feeling well, please stay home and alert Seabury to your symptoms immediately. As you know, Resident and Employee health is our top priority. 

Please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team is responding to emails as soon as possible. Further, please continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information. 

Please leave a message at 860-243-6001 if you do not have an email and have a question to ask our team. 

Thank you for your understanding.

Seabury’s Covid Team

 

Updated: August 13, 2021

Dear Residents, Members, and Families:

 We hope this communication finds you and yours well.

 The Seabury Residents and Staff have done a tremendous job in helping to prevent the spread of COVID on Campus over the last 18 months. This message comes with a renewed call to action to “do the right thing” relative to the spread of COVID. We can do this!!

As we know all too well, breakthrough infections can occur with those that are vaccinated, including the Delta variant.  According to Dr. Fauci, more replication and variation comes down to the fact many individuals remain unvaccinated. While the Delta variant is relatively well controlled by the vaccine used, mutations can develop and be more serious even for the vaccinated.

Fauci further states, if you allow the virus to circulate freely, you allow it the opportunity to mutate and form a new variant. These variants can then invade those vaccinated. Furthermore, the Delta variant is 8 to 10 times more contagious than the Covid virus of last year.

A state-wide call held on 8/12 with the CT Department of Public Health revealed a national trend showing COVID+ case data picking up after July 4th, including here in Connecticut. Most of the cases are considered vaccine breakthroughs.  

Today, Seabury has twelve residents and two staff members in skilled nursing that have tested positive. All but one have been vaccinated. In most cases, symptoms have been fairly mild and manageable.

Testing Protocol:

In accordance with the CT Department of Public Health and CDC, Seabury immediately reinstituted weekly testing of all campus staff and healthcare residents regardless of vaccination status.  Testing will continue for two-week intervals provided there aren’t any additional positive cases. 

We extended testing to independent residents who have spent considerable time in skilled nursing with potential exposure, and random sampling of IL Residents. To date, all IL residents have tested negative!

Vaccination Mandate:

A mandate issued by Governor Lamont last week requires all employees working in long-term care, including care continuums, to be vaccinated. We are working with unvaccinated employees to make accommodations for receiving the vaccine and potential side effects.  All employees have until September 7th to receive their first dose and until October 1st for their second.

Seabury Programs, Events, and Dining:

Out of an abundance of caution, we are planning for events indoors to be either reduced in size (reduction in occupancy for each room) or postponed for a short time. Culinary will remain on the same schedule, but reservations will be limited to a smaller number. More to come on this next week.

Health care Visits:

We will continue with suspended/limited visitation to Skilled Nursing, as we’ve established a COVID+ cohort once again in Larus.  All staff have been outfitted with appropriate PPE, including N95 masks. We will employ all our technology-based communication methods and outdoor visits, as necessary, with residents and family members during this time. Compassionate care visits will continue.   

Best Ways to Protect Yourself Against the Virus:

Please remain vigilant about mask-wearing when indoors as the virus is prevalent in the greater community, and masking is now required indoors, per the Department of Health. This is regardless of vaccination status. Mask wearing includes:

  • Fitness (indoors, excluding pool classes)
  • All group meetings (including small groups)
  • Performances in Chapel or Heritage Hall
  • Walking in corridors
  • Dining, up until you sit and eat your meal
  • Venturing out in public

Wash Hands and social distance when possible. We encourage all independent residents to continue to self-monitor for symptoms and reach out to the COVID Team covidteam@seaburylife.org if you question the need for testing yourself.

Please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team is responding to emails Monday through Friday and in the order, they were received. Further, please continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Please leave a message at 860-243-6001 if you do not have an email and have a question to ask our team.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

 

Updated: August 5, 2021

Dear Residents, Members, and Families:

We hope this communication finds you and yours well and enjoying the summer.

Believe us when we say we are as exhausted as you are, dealing with MORE COVID!

As you know, the positivity rate in CT is at approximately 3%, with the Delta variant being responsible for most of the cases. Additionally, COVID Cluster Outbreaks are increasing among both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

We are, however, more confident about having a fighting chance against this round of COVID because we are vaccinated. Furthermore, cases around the State are producing mild symptoms (or individuals are asymptomatic) with a lower hospitalization rate.

Please remain vigilant about mask-wearing when indoors as the virus is prevalent in the greater community, and masking is now required indoors, per the Department of Health. What does that mean? Please wear masks in all communal settings:

  • Fitness (indoors, excluding pool classes)
  • Small-group meetings
  • Performances in Chapel or Heritage Hall
  • Walking in corridors
  • Dining, up until you sit and eat a meal

 We are pleased to note; further restrictions are not warranted at this time.

To date, we have three residents in skilled nursing that have tested positive and three staff members campus wide. The cases are among vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

We will continue with suspended visitation to Skilled Nursing, as we’ve established a COVID+ cohort once again in Larus.  All staff have been outfitted with appropriate PPE, including N95 masks. We will employ all our technology-based communication methods and outdoor visits with residents and family members during this time. Compassionate care visits will continue.  

Testing Protocol:

In accordance with the CT Department of Public Health and CDC, Seabury immediately reinstituted weekly testing of all staff and healthcare residents regardless of vaccination status.  Testing will continue for two-weeks provided there aren’t any additional positive cases.  Our next mass testing event for staff is Tuesday, August 10. All healthcare residents have been tested three times in the last two weeks.

We encourage all independent residents to continue to self-monitor for symptoms and reach out to the COVID Team covidteam@seaburylife.org if you question the need for testing yourself.

Vaccination Mandate:

We fully expect a mandate to be issued by Governor Lamont this week in which all employees working in Skilled Nursing are to be vaccinated. We will keep you posted.

Resident/Member Life:

  • Frozen Yogurt Social! Menchies Frozen Yogurt event will be held on Thursday, August 12, from 1:30 – 2:30 PM, outside at the Hilltop! Residents and staff are invited to enjoy this wonderful summer complimentary event! Rain date is Thursday, August 19, same time.

          Variety of Frozen Yogurt (Sugar-free, too) flavors and toppings will be available!  ENJOY!

RESIDENT WISH LIST:

  • Coffee Service is Back! Service will be available Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM until empty. We ask that you utilize the service for a mug or two but avoid filling large carafes or thermos to make sure all have the ability to enjoy.
  • Water Coolers/Bubblers are now available outside of the fitness rooms on the third floor and outside of the chapel.

Campus Updates: 

  • There is a New Electronic Flag Check System in place. Please make sure to open your door between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM in order to alert our system that you are okay. Any other times will not trigger the system.
  • East and South Wing Garage Door Security work will take place on August 12. Once installed and activated, badges will be required to exit those spaces and to use the elevators.
  • The remaining blue carpet has arrived. Woohoo! Installation in the West Wing will be starting in the following weeks. The West Wing Lounge renovation work will coincide with the remaining blue carpet install.
  • South Wing Garage Door: A major garage door component has reached the end of its serviceable life. We are currently waiting for a quote and lead time for the parts that are needed. We will provide an update as additional information becomes available.
  • Loop Road paving from the East Wing Garage to Hilltop will take place in the next couple of weeks. The schedule will be announced when available.

Please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team is responding to emails Monday through Friday and in the order, they were received. Further, please continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information.

Please leave a message at 860-243-6001 if you do not have an email and have a question to ask our team.

Thank you!!

Seabury Executive Team

 

Updated: July 27, 2021

Dear Residents, Members and Families: 

We were informed today an administrative staff member tested positive for COVID-19.  This person received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine a few months ago but became symptomatic after recent travel within the US.  The symptoms are mild and the employee will be off campus in accordance with State of Connecticut DPH guidelines.  All employees noted to have direct contact with this person have been notified. This individual has had no prolonged resident contact since returning from travel or displaying symptoms. In addition, employees have been wearing masks consistently and will continue to do so. 

In accordance with CT Department of Public Health and CDC, Seabury has immediately reinstituted weekly testing of all staff and healthcare residents regardless of vaccination status.  Testing will continue for a two-week period provided there aren’t any additional positive cases.  

This development does not affect visitation or operation protocols at this point. We ask you to remain diligent about always wearing your masks inside the building (when you are outside of your home) and recommend more mask wearing out in the broader community.  As we see the positivity rate in Connecticut increase, it’s important to remain safe while shopping, dining, travel, etc.

We encourage all independent residents to continue to self-monitor for symptoms and to reach out to a member of the Executive Team if you question the need for testing yourself. 

Please take a moment to read through a very timely article that was published in The Atlantic on July 26, Your Vaccinated Immune System Is Ready for Breakthroughs. It’s a very clear and informative explanation that new coronavirus infections will likely continue to happen among vaccinated people, but we’re in a far better position to manage these infections due to the defenses brought on by vaccines. 

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/07/anatomy-of-a-vaccine-breakthrough/619562/

“Post-vaccination infections, or breakthroughs, might occasionally turn symptomatic, but they aren’t shameful or aberrant. They also aren’t proof that the shots are failing. These cases are, on average, gentler and less symptomatic; faster-resolving, with less virus lingering—and, it appears, less likely to pass the pathogen on. The immunity offered by vaccines works in iterations and gradations, not absolutes. It does not make a person completely impervious to infection. It also does not evaporate when a few microbes breach a body’s barriers. A breakthrough, despite what it might seem, does not cause our defenses to crumble or even break; it does not erase the protection that’s already been built. Rather than setting up fragile and penetrable shields, vaccines reinforce the defenses we already have, so that we can encounter the virus safely and potentially build further upon that protection.”

Please do not hesitate to contact Seabury’s COVID Team at covidteam@seaburylife.org with questions or concerns you may have. The COVID Team is responding to emails as they are received 7-days a week. Further, please continue to check seaburylife.org/covid-19/ for the latest information. 

Please leave a message at 860-243-6001, if you do not have an email and have a question to ask our team. 

Thank you!! 

Seabury Executive Team

Updated: June 17, 2021 

Dear Seabury Residents, Members, and Families:

 We hope this communication finds you and yours well and you are enjoying the start of summer.

Campus Projects/Updates:

  • Main Entrance Sidewalk – Beginning on Monday, June 21, the parking lot will be closed for the entire week. Residents, members, guests and vendors may drive through and drop off people or items at the main entrance but will not have access to parking in this area.
  • The second application of the summer fertilizer with insect control is scheduled for Friday, June 25, rain date if needed will be Monday, June 28.

Cottage 322: The patio portion of this project is being diminished significantly and will not extend further than 10 feet from the cottage. This design will eliminate the need for a retaining wall and garden beds or small trees will likely be used to soften the patio border. A drawing will be provided when available.

We look forward to creating a lovely community space and guest cottage for the campus.

IT Update/Scam Alert:

We are undergoing a new surge of scams and phishing emails.

Everyone is feeling the COVID fatigue and may not be one their “A game” to spot those little things indicating that an email or call just received is a scam.

We invite you to review the following article down below and get a refresher on what to look for and what to do when you receive such email or call:

http://www.matrixcare.com/blog/new-year-new-phishing-attempts/

HHC Update/New Lab Services:

  • Quest Diagnostics will provide lab services to Seabury residents on a consistent basis starting July 20. Most standard labs would take place in Independent Living apartments on Thursdays. More details to come.
  • Cynthia Rios, MA will be leaving Hartford HealthCare/Seabury Clinic. Her last day is Wednesday, June 30.

Housekeeping Updates:

A few friendly reminders and updates from the Kristina Godbout and the housekeeping team:

  • Please try to stay out of your unit when the Housekeepers are working in your apartment. If you need to stay we will need you to stay in the other room and keep your distance from the staff. We have cords that run across the floor as well as having wet floors after mopping and we don’t want anyone to fall.
  • We ask that if you are needing to cancel your Housekeeping appointment, please call the Housekeeping office or send an email and let us know. There are other tasks that could be completed if we know in advance.
  • We try really hard to be on time for our appointments. There are times when some apartments take longer on some days for a number of reasons. If this is ever an inconvenience please let the Housekeeping office know so we can come up with a resolution.
  • We are still booking the Common Laundry rooms. If you have an appointment, your day/time will be the same each week. If you need a change of time please let us know and we will accommodate you with a different day/time.
  • Cots are available and can be ordered through the front desk.
  • Please help us in welcoming Tom Vargas to the Seabury family as the Housekeeping Supervisor on July 1st He has worked in the Environmental Services industry for many years. He has been with his previous company now for 12 years working in the Healthcare & Hospitality field. He is looking forward to getting to know everyone and helping us make Seabury sparkle!

Culinary Update:

  • We have decided to open the Main Dining room for the first two weeks with a buffet service vs. plated service. The dining room will still open on Wednesday, June 23 with a soft opening hosting the dining committee.  We will be open to the rest of the community on Friday, June 25. We will then be open for buffet themed dining on Wednesday, June 30, Friday, July 2 and Wednesday, July 7.  It is our hope we will have our first plated dine-in option on 7/9.  This decision was made as we are still training some new staff and would like to give them a bit more time to get acclimated.  The buffet menu for June 25 and the reservation page will open on Tuesday June 22.
  • A reminder the Bistro will be closed to dine-in service on the dates the MDR is open (6/23, 6/25, 6/30, 7/2 & 7/9). Take out curbside service will be open on these dates.

Fitness Update:

Just a reminder the fitness center is now fully open.  There is no longer a need to schedule times. 

If you have a guest staying with you on campus or in a guest room that would like access to the fitness or pool you must contact Matt or Kirsten to review protocols and sign in.

Mask guidance on the Seabury Campus:

In accordance with the May 19 guidelines:

Seabury will still require masks:

  • In the Health Center, Views, Meadows and Clinic
  • Please contact Jake for more specific questions surrounding these licensed areas

Vaccinated Residents may choose to remove masks:

  • In the Bistro at your table
  • In Fitness Class
  • In small gatherings or activities (Chimes, Committee Meetings, ETC)
  • Outside

**We ask that residents remain masked in the common areas where guests/contractors may also be present.

Guests visiting independent living areas will continue to be required to be masked until they reach their destinations.

Seabury Staff will continue to wear masks.

Visiting Healthcare Residents at Seabury:

  • We continue to offer virtual and outdoor visits, as well as, compassionate care visits for family and friends of residents in Skilled Nursing, The Views or Meadows.
  • In room visits are now available and must be scheduled to ensure we do not exceed a safe capacity.
  • Please continue to reach out to Laurie Kraus lauriekraus@seaburylife.org for visits in Skilled Nursing, Jodi Morrissey jodimorrissey@seaburylife.org for visits in The Views, or Amy Marble amymarble@seaburylife.org for visits in The Meadows. 

June Community Forum:

Save the date, the next Community Forum will be held on Wednesday, June 23 at 2:00 PM.

June Paper Shredding Event – Save the Date:

Just a reminder, Seabury is holding a paper shredding event on Friday, June 18 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, at the Hilltop. Marketing has invited outside prospects to attend as well and are expecting a really good turnout! We look forward to seeing many of you there. Don’t forget, you can stay for lunch from Frankie’s food truck that is expected to be on campus by 11:30 AM.

June 2021 Golf Tournament:

The 17th Annual Seabury Charitable Golf With Purpose Tournament on Monday, June 21 is shaping up to be a great event, with 96 golfers signed up! Thank you to the Seabury residents and Seabury At Home members who have signed up to play, volunteer and to all those who have donated! </stron