The Mews in Greenwich: A Vibrant, Active Community for Seniors
Leaving your home and familiar surroundings can be difficult, but a friendly community can make all the difference in easing the transition to assisted living. For more than 70 years, The Mews in Greenwich has provided a space where seniors can thrive in their next chapter of life.
The Mews started informally in 1949 as a clubhouse for senior citizens called the MerryGo-Round. The day center, created by Nancy Carnegie Rockefeller, offered seniors good food, company, and activities. In 1970, it evolved into the first senior living residence in downtown Greenwich.
Today, The Mews remains devoted to keeping residents living as independently as they please, free from the dayto-day responsibilities of home maintenance and meal preparation. Residents can enjoy a social atmosphere while taking advantage of recreational and dining options nearby.
As we continue to learn more about older adults’ physical and mental health, senior housing and assisted living communities have evolved to meet their needs. Research shows that, compared to older adults living in homebased environments, residents of active communities have better health and wellness. One of the major reasons is the social interaction that active communities offer.
“I have made it my business to get to know all the residents and staff and to participate in many of the activities offered,” says Norma Piel, who moved to The Mews in 2021. “I particularly enjoy trivia, music appreciation, discussion groups, films, lectures, and exercise. I am always busy. Additionally, I have become involved with the Tenant Council, which is a role I thoroughly enjoy. The Mews has truly become my home. I feel very comfortable living here. The other residents are my friends — I accept them, and they accept me.”
Tom Megna has been executive director of The Mews for six years and says, “I am still amazed at the warmth of this community. This is my second family, my second home. I find comfort in knowing there are indeed places like The Mews where a sense of community persists on a daily basis.”
The Mews understands the challenges that new members of its community face and strives to enable residents to keep their lives as meaningful and joyful as ever.
Residents visit restaurants and festivals and attend courses and lectures to continue their spiritual and intellectual journey. Residents come from diverse backgrounds and life stories, from businesspeople to artists and homemakers. The average age of our residents is 86, and The
Mews is also home to an active, independent 105-year-old, named Dorothea Bellafiore, who enjoys going for walks and playing bridge at the local YMCA. She says living at The Mews for the past four years has “been a relief for my children. They are happy I’m here, and so am I.”
Our staff is a significant part of why The Mews feels like a family. On average, employees have been with the company for 10 years. Some of our staff were even hired by The Mews’ founder, Nancy Carnegie Rockefeller, while others have felt so at home here that they decided to become residents themselves or trust a family member’s care to The Mews.
“My mother was a resident of The Mews, and she was treated with love and dignity by all of The Mews staff,” says Lisa
Marsili, who has worked at The Mews for nearly 20 years in various roles, most recently as Director of Nursing. “Each day my heart and soul are satisfied when I assist residents and families through their life journey. What a true blessing!”
The Mews is located in downtown Greenwich, in easy reach of shopping, restaurants, theaters, beaches, the Senior Center, and more. Our beautiful property includes a landscaped terrace and patio, a comfortable living room, and a library. Newly renovated accommodations range from studios to onebedroom apartments, short-term rentals, and respite stays. Caregiving options are designed to meet your individual needs, including
experienced healthcare professionals on staff.
“Although I am not formally in physical therapy the physical therapist is always around to offer suggestions,” says Dominick Angiolillo, a resident of The Mews. “One day he noticed that I was experiencing some discomfort while bending down to pick up something and then the next day I find a grabber in my room.”
Staff members take great pride in their work and view it as an opportunity to connect with the people they serve.
“The most rewarding part of my position is being able to develop relationships and friendships with our residents often through our menu and food options,” says Mews
Executive Chef Deb Pennella. “I often find that food works as a vehicle in which I can start a conversation with the residents about food they remember eating throughout their lives. Frequently this conversation leads to me connecting with them personally, and I have the benefit of having an impact on each of their lives every day.”
Learn more about everything this vibrant and intimate community has to offer you or your loved one at themewsingreenwich. org, or call (203) 987-4224 to schedule a tour. Our dedicated staff will help make the transition as smooth as possible as you plan the next phase of your life.