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HEART OF THE COMMONWEALTH: Profiles of Excellence 149 200-seat, state-of-the-art theatre brings ballet companies, professional actors, musical groups, and well-known authors to entertain and educate residents. A huge patron of the arts and a firm believer in fostering culture, Southgate's founder, Donald Flanagan, incorporated this showpiece into the community's original design. Many residents nurture their artistic side with classes in jewelry making, painting, foreign languages, woodworking, and a variety of other endeavors, taught by professional artists. Most aernoons, the card, bridge and billiard rooms bubble with excitement as residents engage in a game of poker, cribbage and other games. Looking to "get physical?" Check out the four-lane candlepin bowling alley and join the league, which meets weekly and holds an annual banquet. Or head to the fitness center where a room full of treadmills, recumbent bicycles and weight equipment will get your heart pumping. Regardless of the weather, residents can swim freestyle or take part in a structured aquarobics class in Southgate's indoor pool. Table tennis and bocce also rank as resident favorites. For those with a more competitive spirit, Southgate's legendary annual Olympics provoke much laughter, promote camaraderie, and test strength and endurance. roughout Southgate's community residents gather in lounge areas to socialize. You'll also find an ice cream parlor, solariums, courtyards, fountains, a hair salon, and general store inside Southgate. An on-site chapel provides services for a number of different religious denominations. And rest assured, life doesn't stop at Southgate because of a heat wave or a nor'easter. A catwalk connects every building so residents never have to brave the weather. While Southgate offers nearly limitless activities on-site, some residents prefer an occasional foray off the property. Chauffeured transportation delivers residents to a variety of destinations from the local super market or shopping mall to a concert in Boston or lunch by the seashore. Southgate residents are quick to emphasize the family- like environment that pervades the community. With tedious chores, like housekeeping and home maintenance a thing of the past, there is time to pursue your passions. e resident's council invites newcomers to become involved, as fresh perspectives are always welcome. CEO Chip Emerson is proud that the campus employs 240 people, the longevity of the staff, many of whom are local residents, and the respect with which they treat every Southgate resident. He embraces the founding families' original philosophy and was thrilled to be at the helm when Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center opened a 19-bed dedicated memory care unit in the summer of 2012. Mr. Emerson's collaborative approach and progressive thinking is moving the company forward. He is leading Southgate's green initiative, has substantially reduced the campus' carbon footprint, and is actively exploring solar power. rough the practice of giving back, another original philosophy of great importance, Mr. Emerson works closely with town leaders to ensure Southgate's efforts benefit the entire community. Twenty-three years aer its doors opened, Southgate is still ahead of the curve. e founders' foresight created a much sought-aer retirement community where aesthetics, hospitality and comfort ensure seniors with a zest for life a better way to retire. As retirement approaches, every person wants to know they can still enjoy the high quality of life to which they are accustomed. And every adult child wants to know his parents are residing in the best possible place. Southgate offers the ideal in retirement living for seniors and great peace of mind for their children. n When you step through the front doors at Southgate, get ready for an experience of a lifetime. Partners, from left to right. Francis J. o'Connor sr., Donald F. Flanagan, henry J. Camosse sr., and Raymond Lauring at the southgate ground- breaking in 1987.