Group photo at entrance to Wild Center in Tupper Lake, from left to right: Kellie Postlethwaite, Doris Ludewig, Pauline Stalker, Cathy Bungard, Irmgard and Dick Bauer and Belinda Sankovich.
Kellie Postlethwaite, Director of Sales for Prestwick Chase and former activities director, said the entire staff is dedicated to helping residents keep moving and maintain as much independence as possible. “Just about every day there is a class offered in aerobics or tai chi, yoga or some other form of fitness,” she said. “And we’re frequently out in the community. We’ll see a program at Skidmore, visit Caffé Lena or the Dance Museum. If there’s something going on that residents want to see, we’ll reach out to see how many people would like to participate.” Cathy Bungard walks the balance beam at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake.
Although the average age of residents is 84, there are some aspects of the lifestyle that feel almost like an upscale college campus. The residents run their own resident relations desk and feel free to organize their own activities, as well. The classic High Rock Bar offers a fireplace and four flat screen televisions for football or other entertainment, as well as a bartender running the full bar. The patio has a woodfired pizza oven and tables with fire-pit centers for roasting marshmallows or enjoying good company by firelight under the stars. Look out into the daytime parking lot, and there are bicycles and motorcycles as well as cars. Head back inside and toward the back of the building, and you’ll find a back porch piazza with a piano, small bar, and huge windows overlooking the lovely greenery or snow, depending on the season. The main Prestwick Chase facility features a fine-dining restaurant overseen by Executive Chef Patrick Longton of the Wishing Well and Brook Tavern. The flavorful menu is varied and utilizes healthy organic and local products whenever possible, such as local eggs from the Thomas Poultry Farm and homemade maple syrup from trees right on the property.
Irmgard Behr, Martha Knuth and Jane Skinner enjoyed the trip to St. Thomas.
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There’s a convenience store for those who prefer to cook for themselves and may have forgotten an item or two, and the Corner Cupboard offers a café environment with regular gatherings, including a men’s coffee hour and a women’s coffee hour.
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