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148 HEART OF THE COMMONWEALTH: Profiles of Excellence A s the number of retirees continues to grow – nearly 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 annually – the need for stylish, comfortable, and carefree living arrangements is also increasing dramatically. Twenty-three years ago, a visionary from Shrewsbury anticipated such a need and took action. Donald Flanagan pictured an ideal setting where active seniors could spend their time in an atmosphere of social, intellectual, cultural and spiritual stimulation, unencumbered by routine household tasks. is vision gave birth to Southgate at Shrewsbury, a premier destination for senior living. Flanagan, together with partners Henry Camosse, Raymond Lauring, and Frank O'Connor, opened the Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in 1969, the first phase of this Continued Care Retirement Community (CCRC). ree years later, they added the Shrewsbury Medical Center, an office building for a variety of medical specialists and their private practices. But the crowning achievement came into existence in 1989 when the doors to Southgate opened. Southgate is conveniently located one mile from Route 9, ten minutes from major Worcester hospitals, universities, museums, concert halls, and 45 minutes from Boston. Southgate sits on 30 acres of former pastureland and rivals any five-star hotel with the added benefit of a dedicated administrative, maintenance, and nursing staff to serve residents' needs any time of day or night. Southgate features 232 fully equipped apartments. All studio, one and two-bedroom designs contain a washer/ dryer, central air conditioning, plenty of closet space, and a full kitchen and bath(s). Some apartments have bow windows and others include balconies. Either way, the view is breath-taking: beautifully landscaped grounds with life-size bronze statues randomly placed around the campus, a rainbow of flowers, shade trees, and a gazebo where residents, as well as the general public, enjoy a picnic lunch along with a dose of lively jazz, big band, and other musical presentations during the summer concert series. When you step through the front doors at Southgate, get ready for an experience of a lifetime. A spacious, glass atrium welcomes residents and visitors alike. Many retirement communities boast a library, but at Southgate residents revel in an expansive area replete with the latest bestsellers and favorite classics, as well as sculptures, handcraed artwork, and a cozy fireplace. Be prepared for a unique dining experience when you live at Southgate. e community's chefs prepare mouth- watering menus for its three dining rooms. Special dining requests are always graciously considered and culinary demonstrations introduce residents to new foods and recipes. Not only is the cuisine delectable – and cooked to order – but residents also enjoy the choice of an elegant or casual atmosphere. A baby grand piano sits in the cocktail lounge, and it's not unusual to find one of the talented residents tickling the ivories during the cocktail hour before dinner. Dancing on special occasions follows dinner. For those who prefer less formal mealtimes, the Fountain Café provides the same superb dining options, served by waitstaff, but in a relaxed environment. While some residents prefer the comfort and quiet of their own apartments, others will find plenty of activities and programs at Southgate. Does a first-rate stage production whet your cultural appetite? Southgate's Southgate at Shrewsbury Southgate offers the ideal in retirement living for seniors and great peace of mind for their children. P h oto s / C o u R t e s y