About Southgate at Shrewsbury

The artistic talent that abounds within the community of Southgate at Shrewsbury was especially evident this past week at the annual Resident Art Exhibit. Program Director Deanna Swan takes the lead in planning and organizing this highly anticipated event each year.

While there are always opportunities for residents to explore their artistic sides, such as by taking advantage of the painting classes or woodworking studio at Southgate, there’s no better time of year than the annual Art Exhibit for them to showcase their artwork and share their passion for art with the community.

During the Art Exhibit, residents and staff were treated to a range of artworks in different media and with a variety of unique styles. Everything from wood carvings and embroidery to paintings, drawings and photography were on display.

Music is in the air all month long at Southgate at Shrewsbury with a variety of events to entertain music lovers. There’s something for everyone, whether they are showtune fans, jazz aficionados or singers themselves looking for the chance to join their fellow residents in song.

At the start of the month, residents were able to take in the showtunes of Boston Musical Theater’s performance of A Turn in the Weather. This toe-tapping performance showcased the classic American Songbook in a new way. Then, Jack Craig’s Music with Class took the stage on February 11^th giving our community the chance to stretch their vocal chords and join in singing songs about love and other classic hits. On February 20^th, the SloGrass Band brings its mix of vocal and instrumental songs that draw inspiration from Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz, World Music and more. Rounding things out at the end of the month is Vocalist Jim Porcella—a local favorite who grew up in Medford, Ma and went to The Berklee School of Music in Boston. During his highly successful jazz career he’s earned countless loyal fans and recorded seven critically acclaimed CDs.

Residents of retirement communities from throughout Massachusetts recently gathered at Southgate for the 2019 annual meeting of the Massachusetts Life Care Residents’ Association (MLCRA).  MLCRA is a statewide organization that represents residents in Life Care and Continuing Care Retirement Communities.

A major purpose of MLCRA is the exchange of information and ideas among residents of different retirement communities.  MLCRA has also worked to change and update legislation that affects retirement communities in Massachusetts.

The keynote speaker at the 2019 MLCRA annual meeting was Robin Lipson, the Acting Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.  Ms. Lipson spoke about the Governor’s Council to Address Aging in Massachusetts.

Elissa Sherman, the president of LeadingAge Massachusetts, gave an update on senior living issues.   Two lawyers from the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys led a discussion about legislation and advocacy.

Southgate was pleased to host the MLCRA annual meeting.  Southgate staff and resident volunteers worked together to support the meeting and to welcome our guests.

Two Southgate residents are on the MLCRA board of directors.  Lauren Hale, a retired U.S. diplomat, is the MLCRA president.  Mary-Louise Eggimann, a retired physical therapist, is the recording secretary.

Join us as our highly anticipated Summer Concert Series returns for another spectacular season. The concert dates are as follows:

July 9th: Dan Gabel and the Abletones

Dan Gabel and The Abletones is an authentic 18-piece Big Band, specializing in the music of the 1930s and 40s. The band features vocalist Elise Roth, who encapsulates the look and sound of the big band era, dazzling audiences with her vocal precision and pizazz. A long-time Southgate favorite to open up our summer season!

July 16^th:   Southbound Train

We invite you to experience Southbound Train: — a high energy, vocal-oriented, contemporary seven (7)-piece country band from the Greater Boston area — playing the best of country music’s past and present. Borne out of a desire to create an act unique in local country music entertainment, we feature the versatility and talent of two female lead vocalists/instrumentalists and two male lead vocalists/instrumentalists along with instrumentation that includes fiddle, banjo, harmonica, banjolin, and pedal steel guitar, in addition to the usual electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and drums. Come share the energy and passion for the best of real country music and take a ride with us on the Southbound Train.

July 23rd: Beatles for Sale

Beatles For Sale is an award-winning, New England-based Beatles tribute band that is committed to recreating the sounds of the Beatles live in concert. There’s no pre-recorded background music-this is an energetic performance complete with original instrumentation and vocal harmonies courtesy of quality musicianship from this “Fab Four”!

July 30^th:   Tom Nutile Big Band

Next up is The Tom Nutile Big Band – one of the region’s most accomplished and exciting big bands. In addition to traditional swing, they also play modern pop tunes, soul and funk, Latin, jump, lindy, modern jazz, waltzes and, yes, even polkas.

August 6^th: The Reminisants

The Reminisants have been entertaining audiences of all ages throughout New England since 1973. The band specializes in music from the 1950’s through the 90’s, playing a collection of the greatest ‘Oldies’ music ever written! All your bee-bop and juke box favorites and then some!

August 13th: New Black Eagle Jazz Band

If you like the uplifting and soulful music of New Orleans you’ll love the sound of the New Black Eagle Jazz Band. The band has delighted audiences all over the world with their huge and eclectic repertoire of jazz from the 1920’s and 30’s. The group has a mature mastery of this great American music- from Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton to early Duke Ellington to Cole Porter; from blues to rags to gospel and popular songs of the era.