Since he moved in three years ago, Louis Sappanos has become a big fan of Oak Tree Village Retirement Community & Cottages in St. Peters.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of being here,” said Sappanos, an 82-year-old retired U.S. Navy captain. “It is really a delightful place.”

Sappanos enjoys everything from the overall community and staff to the activities and services. “You add them all up, and you’ve got an outstanding place to live at a reasonable price,” he said. “You’re not spending a ton of money, and you get lots of great services.”

Oak Tree Village is a place where residents not only make an investment in a quality home but also in themselves, said Administrator Jennifer Galantowicz.

“Our mission is ‘caring people serving residents to enhance their quality of life,’” she said. “We at Oak Tree Village want to offer our residents a package of both convenience and comfort. Our atmosphere is friendly and comfortable, like home.”

Oak Tree Village offers numerous amenities, including meals, housekeeping, transportation and a full schedule of on-site and off-site activities. “Our residents have access to a library, beauty/barber shop, fitness equipment, land and water exercise classes, a walking path and various common spaces and sitting areas,” Galantowicz said.

Transportation is provided to grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, churches, the U.S. Post Office, doctors’ offices (on-site medical assistance is also provided) and stores, such as Wal-Mart and Kohl’s, for general shopping.

Meals are provided, and they’re a part of the experience Sappanos, an admittedly picky eater, has come to look forward to. “The food is just marvelous,” he said. “They serve a continental breakfast in the mornings, 365 days a year. There are fresh Danishes, and they give you all the coffee and juice you can drink.”

There are also opportunities twice a week go out to dinner to popular area restaurants.

On any given day in Oak Tree Village, there are all kinds of activities underway. “If you want people to play cards or (Nintendo) Wii with, they’re there,” Galantowicz said.

Oak Tree Village’s life engagement coordinator, Michelle Johnson, also plans a fair share of “out-trip” activities, including a recent tour at Forest Park and a day outing for the men’s group to the golf driving range and lunch.
No matter the reason for moving to Oak Tree Village, the staff dedicates much time and effort into meeting each resident’s individual needs while maintaining the highest level of choice, dignity, privacy and respect.

“Our main feature is our residents,” Galantowicz said. “This group of people is an amazing tribute to what makes our country great. There are veterans, school teachers, authors, artists and homemakers; all of these people are living history.”

Just as Oak Tree Village celebrates the residents’ life accomplishments, the community also provides the opportunity to fulfill lifelong dreams through its monthly Ageless Dreams Program. Last month, for instance, the Honor Flight Network flew two World War II veterans to Washington D.C. for free for a visit to their respective national memorial and a day of sightseeing.

These kinds of opportunities are made available thanks to the dedicated staff. “So much of what we do involves the residents and their likes, dislikes, wants and needs,” Galantowicz said.

Oak Tree Village offers month-to-month rent without buy-in fees or long-term leases. One-bedroom/one-bath and two-bedroom/two-bath apartments and two-bedroom/two-bath villas, some with a patio or balcony, are available, and pets are welcome.

For more information on Oak Tree Village Retirement Community & Cottages, call 636-928-3877, or visit www.oaktreevillageret.com. Tours are available Monday to Saturday. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended, so the staff can tailor the tour to the visitors’ needs.


more info...

Public Service Announcement - For Immediate Release

Oak Tree Village Retirement Community Offers Daily Warming Station for Senior Citizens

(December 22, 2009, St. Peters, MO) - Senior citizens seeking relief from the current cold weather and low temperatures are welcome to visit Oak Tree Village from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The community is comfortably heated, and will provide snacks, warm beverages and activities.

Oak Tree Village is located at 363 Jungermann Rd, St. Peters, MO. This service is free of charge and will be offered on an “as needed” basis throughout the winter months. For more information, please contact Jennifer Galantowicz at 636-928-3877.

Older adults are especially susceptible to extreme cold. They often make less body heat because of a slower metabolism and less physical activity. Persons 65 years of age or older are encouraged to regularly check the temperature in their homes during severely cold weather. Also, everyone is encouraged to check frequently on elderly friends and neighbors to ensure that their homes are adequately heated.

Preparation is the best way to guard against the dangers of extreme cold this winter. Exposure to low temperatures can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.

To stay warm indoors, the National Institute on Aging recommends the following tips:

• Close blinds and curtains to prevent heat loss from your home. Weather stripping or caulking around windows can keep cold air out.

• Keep your thermostat set to 68 to 70 degrees.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. What you eat is important to maintaining your health and keeping heat inside your body.

#
(published St. Peters Journal 12/26/09)

Oct 25: Classic Car Show & TRUNK or Treat (St. Peters, MO)

An activity for all generations!

Classic Car Show & TRUNK or TREAT

Sunday, October 25th from 2-5pm

Hosted by Oak Tree Village with friends, St. Louis C3 Sharks & American Roadhouse Car Club

www.oaktreevillageret.com for location information

Oak Tree Village Retirement Community
363 Jungermann Rd.
St. Peters, MO 63376
(636) 928-3877
www.oaktreevillageret.com


more info...

Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 1:54pm
How to Know If It's Time to Make a Change in Your Parent's Housing Situation
By Nell Bernstein, Caring.com senior editor

Quick summary
The decision to move your aging parents out of the family home is a complex one -- both emotionally and practically. It requires a delicate balancing act between your parents' safety and their emotional stake in staying put. Each of these is important, and helping your parents make the right decision (while remembering that as long as they are of sound mind, it's ultimately their decision) requires care and planning.

Key questions to ask
• Each family is different, and the decision to move is an intensely personal one. But asking yourself, and your parents, the following questions can help all of you navigate this difficult terrain.

• Are your parents becoming socially isolated? Lack of companionship can leave elderly people more vulnerable to heart problems and other health conditions. If your parents no longer see friends or visit with neighbors, moving to a place where they would be around other people could actually be a lifesaver.

• What's in the refrigerator? Is the freezer full of TV dinners and the vegetable drawer empty? Has the milk gone sour? A quick look can tell you whether your parents are eating well or whether they'll do better someplace where trained staff could make sure they're getting balanced meals.

• How often do your parents get out -- especially in the winter? Are they spending days without leaving the house because they can no longer drive or are afraid to take the bus alone? While many elders fear being "locked away" in a retirement home, many such facilities offer regular outings that may actually keep your parents more mobile and active, not less.

• How are your parents doing compared with this time last year? The holidays can be a good time to reflect on the previous year and take note of any significant changes. A marked decline from one year to the next may mean it's time to start looking -- and planning -- for a more supportive environment.

• How are you doing? While this decision is not primarily about you, your own exhaustion can be a good gauge of a decline in your parents' ability to care for themselves. If your parents' need for care is cutting into your ability to spend time with your own family, interfering with your job, or just plain wearing you out, that may be a sign that it's time to start looking at other options.

Provided by: Oak Tree Village Retirement Community
363 Jungermann Rd, St. Peters, MO 63376
Phone: (636) 928-3877

Mom and/or Dad - Invest in yourself, please!
By Oak_tree_village in Choosing Care


So often lately, we hear about someone taking a hit to their investments. Often times this is the reason given for not wanting to put out the money for senior housing - in our case, independent senior living. I wish more seniors would see this as an investment in themselves. They have worked so hard at jobs, fought in wars, raised families, and now at the time of their lives when they should be relaxing, they are stressing over lost investments and portfolios.

While these things are indeed important and can be worrisome, mom and dad are top priority, as is their well-being, health and safety.

Investing in themselves by leaving the stresses of home upkeep, cleaning, the majority of the cooking, as well as driving is a wonderful way to live out your days...surrounded by friends in the same boat. All of whom deserve the best.

Making the transition to a retirement community benefits not only mom and dad, but we the children as well. Knowing our parents are surrounded by friends and 24 hour staff helps us sleep better at night. Plus, mom and dad have so many opportunities for fun!

I hope more people will focus on themselves and live the life they deserve. Happliy ever after.

Suburban Journals Story: Oak Tree Village Retirement Community & Cottages

Since he moved in two years ago, Louis Sappanos has become a big fan of Oak Tree Village Retirement Community & Cottages in St. Peters.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of being here,” said Sappanos, an 82-year-old retired U.S. Navy captain. “It is really a delightful place.”

Sappanos enjoys everything from the overall community and staff to the activities and services. “You add them all up, and you’ve got an outstanding place to live at a reasonable price,” he said. “You’re not spending a ton of money, and you get lots of great services.”

Oak Tree Village is a place where residents not only make an investment in a quality home but also in themselves, said Administrator Jennifer Galantowicz.

“Our mission is ‘caring people serving residents to enhance their quality of life,’” she said. “We at Oak Tree Village want to offer our residents a package of both convenience and comfort. Our atmosphere is friendly and comfortable, like home.”

Oak Tree Village offers numerous amenities, including meals, housekeeping, transportation and a full schedule of on-site and off-site activities. “Our residents have access to a library, beauty/barber shop, fitness equipment, land and water exercise classes, a walking path and various common spaces and sitting areas,” Galantowicz said.

Transportation is provided to grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, churches, the U.S. Post Office, doctors’ offices (on-site medical assistance is also provided) and stores, such as Wal-Mart and Kohl’s, for general shopping.

Meals are provided, and they’re a part of the experience Sappanos, an admittedly picky eater, has come to look forward to. “The food is just marvelous,” he said. “They serve a continental breakfast in the mornings, 365 days a year. There are fresh Danishes, and they give you all the coffee and juice you can drink.”

There are also opportunities twice a week go out to dinner to popular area restaurants.

On any given day in Oak Tree Village, there are all kinds of activities underway. “If you want people to play cards or (Nintendo) Wii with, they’re there,” Galantowicz said.

Oak Tree Village’s life engagement coordinator, Michelle Johnson, also plans a fair share of “out-trip” activities, including a recent tour of Forest Park and a day trip to Hermann.

In addition, Oak Tree Village residents have ample opportunities to get involved in community initiatives. “Last month, our red hatters hosted a baby shower and collected more than $300 in items for various children’s charities and pantries in the county,” Galantowicz said. “We also had a rummage sale during which we collected more than $700 for Friends of Kids with Cancer and the American Cancer Society. In August, we’re running an Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and the proceeds will go to child cancer research, and we participate in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk in St. Peters.”

Sappanos said the activities offer a way to keep busy. “If you feel the walls are starting to close in your apartment, this is a way to break the monotony,” he said. “There’s always something to do if you want to. If you don’t, they leave you alone.”

Indeed, participation in activities is not required. “If you want to have alone time, you have your own apartment and space,” Galantowicz said. “These are private residences. It’s independent living.”

No matter the reason for moving to Oak Tree Village, the staff dedicates much time and effort into meeting each resident’s individual needs while maintaining the highest level of choice, dignity, privacy and respect.

“Our main feature is our residents,” Galantowicz said. “This group of people is an amazing tribute to what makes our country great. There are veterans, school teachers, authors, artists and homemakers; all of these people are living history.”

Just as Oak Tree Village celebrates the residents’ life accomplishments, the community also provides the opportunity to fulfill lifelong dreams through its monthly Ageless Dreams Program. Last month, for instance, the Honor Flight Network flew two World War II veterans to Washington D.C. for free for a visit to their respective national memorial and a day of sightseeing.

These kinds of opportunities are made available thanks to the dedicated staff. “So much of what we do involves the residents and their likes, dislikes, wants and needs,” Galantowicz said.

Joe Tortorici, an account executive for Mederi Caretenders, a company that services the community, said he’s witnessed firsthand the willingness of the Oak Tree Village staff to go out of its way for residents. “They are always extremely accommodating and overly pleasant,” he said. “They’re a class act.”

Tortorici thinks so highly of the community that he’s recommended it for the friend of a loved one. “It’s a lovely place,” he said.

Oak Tree Village offers month-to-month rent without buy-in fees or long-term leases. One-bedroom/one-bath and two-bedroom/two-bath apartments and two-bedroom/two-bath villas, some with a patio or balcony, are available, and pets are welcome.

For more information on Oak Tree Village Retirement Community & Cottages, call 636-928-3877, or visit www.oaktreevillageret.com. Tours are available Monday to Saturday. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended, so the staff can tailor the tour to the visitors’ needs.



Oak Tree Village Retirement Community
363 Jungermann Rd.
St. Peters, MO 63376
(636) 928-3877
www.oaktreevillageret.com