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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday December 5, 2008 - 43 Churchill Place stays with you like family By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER If life is a handful of short stories pretending to be a novel, there are countless works of non-fiction at Churchill Place. The men and women who have called this retirement residence home over its 20-year history have unpacked plenty of tales, too. And while living in the lap of luxury at 345 Church St., more life stories are amassed. For 91-year-old George Anthony, earning the Ontario Retirement Communities Association award in 2006 is one such Churchill anecdote. He's the organizational dynamo behind the Churchill Chimes, an inhouse choir that performs around town to great applause. This and the former aircraft mechanic's unsinkable positive attitude make him a popular resident who's also known as the Churchill Greeter. There's no place like this home for Douglas and Mary Macdonald, who relish the spice of life variety contained within the walls of this downtown dwelling. Macdonald, 86 and his wife, 83 moved to Churchill Place in 2001 from Québec, to avoid the harsh winters and live closer to their sons. With all of the amenities just a walk down the hall, the Macdonalds are well accommodated at Churchill. DEREK WOOLLAM / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER CHURCHILL GREETER: Churchill Place residence George Anthony is an organizer -- and more -- at the retirement residence. While Douglas heads to the gym for a spin on the stationary bike or some yoga, Mary takes a short hike down the street to the public library to discuss current affairs with a chat group. Sometimes the pair head out to dinner at one of many local restaurants. The couple share one of the 68 suites in the retirement complex, which is the smallest of the 242 residences owned across the country by Revera Retirement. For them and 60 other tenants, life at Churchill Place is like having an extended family, for residents and for staff. "This is an intimate setting where residents get to know each other and their families," said Churchill's executive director Cathy Bortuski. As an age-in-place facility, residents are assured that they can stay despite future health changes. "It's a big transition moving from the place residents have called home for 40 years to a suite between 325 to 660 square feet, they don't want to have to do it again," said Bortuski. With a charming upscale inn feeling, Churchill Place is set apart from retirement home experience, added Elaine Wood, who previously held Bortuski's position, but is now regional marketing director for Revera Retirement. She returns often, just lately to celebrate the 20th anniversary with a cocktail party. "It's a place that just stays with you, like family does," said Wood. LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER RIGHT AT HOME: Churchill Place retirement residence, an upscale residence with the feel of an inn, celebrated 20 years in Oakville recently.