The Valley Arts Council Gallery@37 and The Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community at Wesley Village Facility recently hosted the reception to open the exhibit of artwork by residents of Wesley Village. The Crosby Commons assisted living community at Wesley Village in Shelton recognizes that, regardless of age or physical limitations, residents still have wishes and dreams. For the last two years, the Journey of Dreams program has brought that community together to turn those dreams into reality. In every situation, it starts with a wish and sometimes a seemingly impossible dream. It comes together with the help of connections, creativity, some good luck, and agenerous dose of teamwork.
Since the start of the program in 2006, over 35 residents have had their wishes fulfilled. Some of the wishes have been practical ones. Two volunteers, for example, spent the two days helping a resident completely reorganize her closets. Others, like a television appearance for a 101-year old resident, a day at Disney, or a hot air balloon ride far above campus, have required imagination and teamwork as staff, volunteers, family members, and other residents came together to make the dreams come true. Lois Poutney, Administrator of the Crosby Commons assisted living community on campus, explains, “At Wesley Village, we strive to create an environment where residents can continue to grow and learn, and to celebrate and dream, regardless of where they are on life’s journey. We actively encourage residents to think about how they’d like to spend the next chapter of their lives when they move to our community. And we do our best to support them in their goals.”
Doris came to live at Crosby Commons in 2003 after five major cancer surgeries with yet two more to endure, and was fortunate to have been placed in a facility with the benefits of the Planetree Program that supports the residents with cultural and spiritual activities. In the Spring of 2005, Activities Director Mary Ann Milano invited Doris to join a painting class. As Doris puts it, she had never painted anything worthwhile and at her age was quite skeptical. It didn't take much urging to get her to the class, and she painted with enthusiasm. Janna Oviatt, the art instructor of the class, encouraged Doris to paint and impressed with her progress, said “I like your style.” “I didn't know I had a style” was Doris's reply, but at age 82, she took that encouragement and leaped full speed into a great new hobby. “We all have latent talents within us and we can fulfill them or develop them as a result of practicing spiritual exercises. God answered my prayers by enriching me with this talent.” After seeing a news report by Kent Pierce on Channel Eight News about Gallery@37, Doris approached Mary Ann Milano and expressed her wish to exhibit in the gallery. Mary Ann Milano met with gallery directors Rich DiCarlo And Leslie Adams to set the exhibit in motion. Gallery@37 is the main exhibit venue for Valley Arts Council members and has just celebrated its one year anniversary. The Valley Arts Council is a non profit organization dedicated to bringing art and culture to the forefront of life in the valley and is pleased to partner with Crosby Commons to bring this exhibit to the public.
News Channel 8's Kent Pierce Interviews Doris Thorn
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