Exciting indoor and outdoor activities on the agenda at The Bradley, Kanata’s newest retirement community
Remember the days of dancing to the music of big bands, waltzing under a revolving mirrored ball with the lights down low and romance in the air? That special time with ladies wearing long gowns and gloves and gentlemen in tuxedos or dark suits is back at The Bradley.
Kanata’s newest independent retirement community is holding its first formal ball for residents and guests on June 6 to welcome spring. The ball is just one of the many exciting indoor and outdoor activities on the busy agenda.
On less formal occasions, there are other types of dances in the ballroom. For instance, the 40-piece Capital Crescendos visited in December and line dancing sessions are coming soon. Weekly musical entertainment includes such artists as Elvis tribute performer Bruce Andrew Stewart, Johnny Vegas and Jumpin’ Jimmy Leroux.
Residents can take their pick of an assortment of movement and fitness classes from tai chi and yoga to zumba (standing or sitting, with modified moves adjusted for participants if required). For those who prefer working out alone, the exercise room is equipped with state-of-the-art machines, and, says community sales manager Kelly DeJong, it is often very busy as residents keep in shape.
On sunny days, it is often a hive of activity outdoors too. Residents may tend the raised gardens around the property, enjoy the roof garden or the members of the walking club may stride or stroll along the groomed paths around the residence. When the weather is less pleasant, they transfer their efforts to walking the wide, richly carpeted halls. The record for this trek, so far, is 11,000 steps, says DeJong, who sometimes joins the walkers.
“The gourmet meals at The Bradley are so good that I have to make sure I exercise regularly,” she says with a smile.
“Every meal is better than dining at a good restaurant,” says resident Kathy Guy.
In addition to three multicourse meals in the dining room, the snack and ice cream stations are available at all times and executive chef Marco Marandola frequently offers cooking demonstrations in the bistro, where activity coordinator Gayle Doherty also delivers baking and cooking classes. In addition, residents are invited to prepare favourite recipes for their friends new and old, if they wish.
Friends, including those with four legs and fur, visit frequently. Through The Bradley’s Brightening Lives program, volunteers bring dogs in from the Ottawa Humane Society — perhaps resulting in forever homes for some of them after the connections are made with residents.
Entertainment via literature is available at the well-stocked, attractive library, which always has new and interesting selections — many of them current bestsellers — through its exchange agreement with other communities in the Hawthorn chain. The on-site movie theatre (with popcorn provided) also has regularly changing programming. Meanwhile, card players have plenty of opportunities to improve their bridge, euchre and poker skills in the card room. And bingo players are not forgotten either.
“The days never seem long as there are activities scheduled every day as well as scenic trips on the bus,” says Guy.
The Bradley Bus, with driver Sue Crosbie at the wheel, is the link to scenic drives, museum visits, shopping trips and medical appointments of all types. Mondays are generally the preferred day for visiting nearby shopping malls, while Wednesdays often include mystery drives along back roads to such destinations as Almonte or Gatineau. Friday outings have included the Diefenbunker in Carp and the capital’s Museum of History, the Museum of Nature and the War Museum so far. Other trips have been to the Casino du Lac-Leamy and to the celebration of the season at Winterlude. Upcoming trips include visiting a sugar bush and the Ottawa Home and Garden Show.
When possible, residents’ regular medical appointments are set for Tuesdays and Thursdays so that the Bradley Bus is at the ready. But, says DeJong, if an appointment cannot be fitted into that schedule, “you tell us where you want to go and we’ll get you there.”
The Bradley is also running a series of events aimed at helping people considering retirement living overcome the hurdles associated with moving. The next presentation, to take place on March 1, will feature a speaker from Darling Solutions on downsizing made easy. The following two presentations will be on March 8 from the CIBC on financial options and on March 15 from the Dementia Society.
For the next three months, The Bradley is offering a special incentive, The Ultimate $0 Move and Downsizing Package, in conjunction with Michale Fyke from RE/MAX and Darling Solutions, to cover moving and downsizing expenses.
Suites at The Bradley begin at $2,895 and this fee includes all meals and utilities. The only additional optional expense is a personal telephone.
For further information about The Bradley or to schedule a tour, call community sales manager Kelly DeJong at 613-801-3804 or visit www.seniorlivingin style.com/senior-living/on/ kanata/the-bradley/
Look forward to Part 3 in The Bradley series March 7.