To honor women and what they’ve accomplished, Waltonwood Cary Parkway, a premier senior living community, recently hosted its inaugural Ladies of Legacy luncheon to celebrate Women’s History Month. Grammy nominated singer Cynthia Jones provided the entertainment. During the event, residents were recognized with three different awards: the Humanitarian Award, which identifies the contributions of someone who has improved the lives and living conditions of others; the Entrepreneurship Award, which recognizes the achievements of entrepreneurship by someone who started one or more business; and the Kindred Heart Award, which honors someone who has demonstrated outstanding courage, passion and generosity. Women were nominated by family and friends for the awards, and the winners were announced the day of the luncheon. The senior living community understands the importance of Women’s History Month and wants residents to know their good deeds and accomplishments do not go unnoticed.

“We are proud to have hosted a luncheon like this and let the residents know they are appreciated, not just during Women’s History Month, but all the time,” said Richard Mabe, executive director. “We have many fascinating residents who have accomplished a lot in their lives both here in Raleigh and across the country. It’s important to let them know they paved the way for other women to achieve their dreams. They grew up during a different time than us, and it’s remarkable to hear what they accomplished. They never gave up on their dreams, and I couldn’t think of a better way to honor these fine women.”

Some of the nominees included a woman who worked as a secretary for 25 years, volunteered regularly at soup kitchens throughout Raleigh and started an organization called Protect Every Child, which offers resources for parents and children regarding internet safety. The organization was formed after her granddaughter easily found an inappropriate site while doing homework. She took a proposal to the North Carolina House of Representatives, and on September 23, 2002 it became House Resolution 1804. Another nominee bought a one-way ticket to Alaska at 25 years old and stayed for 43 years as a missionary. She has dedicated her life to helping others and continues to do so at Waltonwood Cary Parkway. She reads the Bible to memory care residents and lends a helping hand to residents when necessary. Another example is a woman who worked as a nurse, cared for her parents and started her own makeup business. After retiring from nursing, she worked full-time as a consultant for Mary Kay, and at the age of 79 she continues to work, attend monthly group meetings and inform women on each product. These are just a few examples of the incredible women the community honored at the luncheon.

“I was blown away at the accomplishments of the residents in our community,” said Mabe. “I have never worked at a community that has so many influential and inspiring woman. To be able to achieve what they did and raise a family is unbelievable. We are honored they call this community home. This is the first time we’ve hosted an event like this, and because it was successful this is something we plan to do every year during the month of March for Women’s History Month.”

The new year has started, and the new Forever Fit Manager at Waltonwood Cary Parkway is helping residents live better through various fitness classes. Anthony ‘Tony’ Beaudry, 25, is applying his experience as a former Air Force firefighter and his passion for ensuring seniors stay active in his new position. Beaudry takes the motivational skills he learned in the military and incorporates them into each class. He teaches chair fitness, fall prevention and aqua aerobics for residents at the senior living community. Chair fitness is one of the more popular classes, with more than 20 people participating each time. The class is offered five days a week and focuses on strength training to stabilize and balance the seniors’ muscles. Some of the benefits include enhanced flexibility and range of motion, decreased joint pain and stiffness, better blood circulation and improved mood and concentration. 

Residents Cecil and Janet Bozarth have noticed Beaudry’s unique approach and dedication. The couple attends as many classes as possible, and they are both seeing results. Janet, 84, broke her shoulder last year, and chair fitness has continued to help her regain her strength. She’s now able to lift her arm over her head and comb her hair, two things she previously found difficult to accomplish. In addition, Cecil doesn’t have the aches and pains he experienced before taking the classes.

“My plan is to stay active and continue going to the classes throughout this year,” said Janet. “I really enjoy gaining strength and socializing with friends and neighbors during or after the classes. My mobility is improving each day, and I have Tony to thank. He really does have a passion for helping us stay fit. He is a motivator, and there’s no question about that. He understands what we can and cannot do, and he doesn’t push us too hard. He cares about each one of us and offers individualized help. It’s nice to see someone as young as Tony taking the time to improve our health.”

“Overall, the chair fitness class is wonderful, and I am glad Tony started this program,” said Cecil. “It’s just the right amount of exercise we need to help gain strength and improve our balance. I have noticed my legs are getting stronger each time I attend. I can tell he puts a priority on mobility, and I know he supports our efforts to all live better.”

Beaudry is certified in personal training, senior fitness and basic life safety. He is also a certified fitness nutrition specialist. After being in the military, he stumbled upon senior fitness while living in Vermont. He ran a personal training business at a local gym, and more than 80 percent of his business was seniors. He realized how rewarding it was to help older adults and decided to make a career out it. Since joining Waltonwood Cary Parkway, Beaudry has changed the fitness program and increased class participation. His goal is to grow the program more and incorporate new classes during 2018.

“These classes allow residents to thrive in their own unique ways,” said Beaudry. “I’ve worked with seniors for several years, and it’s a population I understand and care for deeply. Seniors lose bone density and stability, which could lead to falls and broken bones. That’s why it’s so important for them to attend strength classes. It’s also fantastic for their heart health. I am thankful to Waltonwood for allowing me to build this fitness program for the residents. Anytime you can improve the quality of life of someone, regardless of age, is a great feeling. It is amazing to see how far they’ve come from their first class to now. I love when I can see the improvements, and I look forward to keeping residents healthy and active in the new year.”

Hands can tell the stories of our lives and act as a symbol of what we’ve done, where we’ve been and what we’ve seen. That’s why Waltonwood Cary Parkway, a premier senior living community located at 750 SE Cary Parkway, partnered with Community Home Care & Hospice to tell the stories of its assisted living and memory care residents through “The Hands Project.” The first photo session was recently held. Residents gathered around a table to write their autobiography after team members at the community helped residents pose their hands as a photographer captured the moment. The ongoing project will be completed by Thanksgiving. Each resident received a framed custom 8x10’’ black-and-white portrait of their hands with their autobiography.

The project is an interactive activity for seniors which is designed to tell the story of their lives. It allows for them to reminisce and share accomplishments or special times that made them who they are today. The photos will also be presented to their families as keepsakes. A picture is worth a thousand words, and this project is a fantastic way to help residents and their families keep their memories alive. The Hands Project gives a voice to those stories that have been left untold. 

Seniors in Cary have been busy making sure their furry friends in need have the tools to become socialized, happy and ready to meet their forever families. Waltonwood Cary Parkway’s craft class meets weekly to work on different creative endeavors, but during the month of August, their crafts will serve a greater purpose. The residents have been making toys for dogs and cats up for adoption at the SPCA of Wake County. By tying pieces of string and fleece together in an intricate way and adding bells and other accessories, the toys are safe and enjoyable for cats and dogs to play with or chew. The residents meet every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in the craft room to work on these items, build the bonds of friendship and create something together for a greater purpose.

Waltonwood Cary Parkway resident Lu Mazzu has been attending the weekly craft class since she moved to the community about a year ago. She’s been a crafter since she was a child and first learned to sew, then carried that skill into her adult years where she regularly made clothes for herself, her husband and her children. She enjoys participating not only because of her love of creativity, but also for the fellowship with the other residents that attend. This particular craft is special to Mazzu because the animals receiving the final products have been forgotten about or abandoned by their owners, and these toys will add happiness and normalcy to the animal’s life.

“We’ve had animals all my life, and my children were always bringing different types of animals home for us to care for, but we’ve always had dogs,” said Mazzu. “I know many people who have found wonderful animals through animal shelters, so being able to add something to their lives is truly special.”

Waltonwood Cary Parkway looks for ways like this in which residents and the senior living community as a whole can give back to organizations in the area. Residents have also used their knitting and quilting expertise to provide hats and booties to newborns at local hospitals. They hope that this act of kindness will help adoptable animals find homes faster, and allows SPCA of Wake County to use funds normally spent on these items in other ways.

“We know that just like humans, animals that socialize and play are happier, and in return, it makes that animal more likely to become adopted,” said Leigh Ann Hamby, executive director of Waltonwood Cary Parkway. “Our residents enjoy our weekly craft projects, but especially identify with the greater purpose this particular craft has because it helps area animals in need. Our residents and our community are always looking for ways we can give back to others through activities like this or other resources, and we hope we can spread joy through continued projects like these.”