Orchard Cove

Orchard Cove Orchard Cove is a comfortable, active retirement community on Reservoir Pond in Canton, Massachusetts.

Blooming with amenities such as an indoor pool and walking trails, Orchard Cove offers modern, well-appointed apartments, close proximity to Boston and much more. What makes our retirement community so desirable is the unique approach to senior living that informs every facet of our community; from the abundant classes and activities available - many lead by residents - to Vitality 360, our individualized health and wellness program. Our residents also benefit from on-site access to the region's most trusted continuum of senior health care from Hebrew SeniorLife, supported by Harvard Medical School-affiliated physicians. Our residents benefit from on-site access to the region’s most trusted continuum of senior health care from Hebrew SeniorLife, supported by Harvard Medical School affiliated physicians

Something truly special from Orchard Cove was on display at the 2025 LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO last week in Bosto...
11/14/2025

Something truly special from Orchard Cove was on display at the 2025 LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO last week in Boston—a 36-foot-long mural created by resident and artist Edie Green. 🎨

The annual conference brought together more than 7,000 leaders and innovators in the field of aging services to share ideas and celebrate innovation. Orchard Cove was represented not only through Edie's artwork, but also in a panel discussion, "Let Residents and Team Members Reimagine the Continuum," featuring Executive Director Aline Russotto, Geriatric Specialist Jennifer Brinckerhoff, MD, Director of Community Life Catherine Couture, and resident Janet Brady.

"I'm 92 years old and I've never done a mural, and I figured why not?" Green said. "Something inside of me said to take the chance, so here I go!"

After being asked by Russotto to take this on in June, Green created a mockup detailing a seascape scene with waves, fish, and boats. Reading from her notes about the process, Green said, "A lot of thought and rethinking is going into this project. I want it to be successful for all concerned. I do not want to be embarrassed!"

Describing the project as daunting, she said, "I know in my heart that my Arnie is watching over me, and I'll try to make him proud of me.”

At the conference, Green shared that she felt her husband Arnie's spirit was behind this project. They were married for 68 years before he passed in 2023.

Fellow Orchard Cove residents Lee Blumenthal and Ruthie Kirsch helped Green prep the canvas, using a quart of paint to turn the white canvas blue.

"To make it more comfortable for me, I thought I would cover all the canvases with a shade of blue paint, and then paint the ripples and waves," Green said, noting that working on a blue canvas was far less daunting than a white one.

The mural is dotted with fish and boats navigating atop and underneath the waves. This element presented an opportunity for communal collaboration. Green invited fellow residents from across Hebrew SeniorLife communities to write messages on the boats and fish, highlighting what they appreciate about Hebrew SeniorLife staff. Residents expressed gratitude for the team members' helpfulness and friendliness, their smiling faces, their ability to listen, as well as their support with tasks such as adjusting the thermostat or changing light bulbs.

Thanks to chaplain Rabbi Joel Baron, Green said assistance in planning the mural came from an unlikely source: artificial intelligence. Together, they used the technology to find pictures of waves.

"Speaking of gratitude, how fortunate I am to have this new experience with such a special person as Rabbi Joel!" Green said.

The mural was finished on August 31. Green estimates that more than 50 hours of work went into creating it.

"It is done, it met their expectations, and I'm not embarrassed. I'm proud," Green said.

Green has reason to be proud as her work made quite an impression at the conference. Students from Kentucky who attended were so captivated by both the artist and her mural that they asked to take a photo with her — a fitting tribute to Green’s courage in taking on the mural project despite never having done one before and creating something truly memorable!

Anyone can express themselves in the Orchard Cove Art Studio! Twice a month, residents can join instructor Linda Landsbe...
11/12/2025

Anyone can express themselves in the Orchard Cove Art Studio! Twice a month, residents can join instructor Linda Landsberg for an art exploration class. For more than 10 years, Linda has helped residents bring watercolor paintings to life. Open to all—including seasoned artists and total beginners—the class is a great way to explore art and express yourself on canvas.

Several of the paintings made during the class have been featured on the resident art wall at Orchard Cove. This curated collection features paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures created by Orchard Cove residents.

Erik Goldstein, Professor Emeritus of International Relations and History at Boston University, returned to Orchard Cove...
11/10/2025

Erik Goldstein, Professor Emeritus of International Relations and History at Boston University, returned to Orchard Cove to discuss George Washington, the Revolutionary War, and the shaping of the United States of America. More than 50 residents attended the history lecture, which detailed Washington's family life, his role in the revolution, and how his influence continues to be felt today.

"If anyone was the revolution's most indispensable man, it was George Washington. Take him out of the picture, and the Revolutionary War probably isn't successful," Goldstein said.

He described the American Revolution as unusual in that what followed wasn't a dictatorship, but a republic.

"George Washington was careful in his use of power, and he never abused it," Goldstein said, noting this was particularly important as Washington set many precedents for the presidency as the country's first president.

Orchard Cove residents interested in studying more history with Professor Goldstein can join him for his "World of World War II" Lifelong Learning class, which starts in November. He previously taught a "World of World War I" class at Orchard Cove.

As part of their Casino Night fundraiser, the resident-run Orchard Cove Scholarship Committee hosted a silent auction. R...
11/07/2025

As part of their Casino Night fundraiser, the resident-run Orchard Cove Scholarship Committee hosted a silent auction. Residents and staff could bid on more than 60 items, all while raising money for a good cause.

Items up for bid included merchandise signed by former Bruins players Tuukka Rask and Bobby Orr, three sterling silver-mounted pendants, an ice cream social for 100 people, gift cards to area restaurants, and more. Several residents donated items and experiences to the cause, including a private poetry salon with Joan Halperin and Rabbi Joel Baron, a signed copy of Ellie Deaner's cookbook "So Easy, So Delicious," an "emotional support chicken" crafted by Janet Brady, an autographed copy of David Rubin's memoir "Chasing Hy Buller," mending services like hem and button repairs by Abby Brown, and more.

Proceeds from the auction and casino night benefited the Orchard Cove Scholarship Fund, which supports employees as they further their education. The Scholarship Committee awarded approximately $47,000 in scholarships to Orchard Cove employees at its annual awards night in August. Since its inception, the community has awarded over 400 scholarships, totaling more than $500,000.

The Orchard Cove ballroom was filled with teddy bears, blankets, sweaters, hats, turtles, and more during the annual exh...
11/05/2025

The Orchard Cove ballroom was filled with teddy bears, blankets, sweaters, hats, turtles, and more during the annual exhibit by the charity knitters of Orchard Cove. Throughout the year, the knitters crafted knit goods for Project Linus. The display is a culmination of their efforts, showcasing their work to the community before it is donated.

“It’s a wonderful way to give back,” said resident Helene Berke. “I’m just overwhelmed by some of this. It’s just beautiful, and I think this is the best we’ve ever shown!”

Resident Beverly Elfbaum joined the group when she moved into Orchard Cove, but has been knitting her whole life.

“My mother was a knitter and a crocheter, and I find it very relaxing,” she said, adding that her involvement with the group lets her continue to volunteer her time for a meaningful cause.

The Project Linus knitters at Orchard Cove meet every other week, with many members continuing their efforts between meetings as well.

Named after the Peanuts characters, Project Linus: Greater Boston Chapter donates handmade goods, like blankets and afghans, to provide children in need a sense of security, warmth, and comfort. Project Linus has donated more than 10.3 million blankets since its founding in 1995. In addition, some of the items knitted by the Orchard Cove group will be donated to children in Ukraine.

🎃 Things got spooktacular during the Halloween water aerobics class at Orchard Cove, led by Fitness Manager Chris Young!...
11/03/2025

🎃 Things got spooktacular during the Halloween water aerobics class at Orchard Cove, led by Fitness Manager Chris Young! 👻

The pool was decorated with witches' hats, jack-o-lanterns, and a giant inflatable pumpkin, while the workout playlist included seasonal songs like "Werewolves of London," "The Monster Mash," "Thriller," and The Addams Family theme song.

"I've been doing water aerobics for as long as it has been available. It's very energetic, and it's fun to be in the water. I kind of just lose myself and enjoy the freedom of movement," resident Terry Levinson said.

The Halloween fun continued when residents and staff members dressed up in costume! Danny from Grease, Daphne from Scooby Doo, and more were in attendance when residents gathered in the coffee klatch for some Halloween treats prepared by the culinary team. The spooky selection included pumpkin, bat, and ghost cookies, as well as delicious donuts.

The MOMS Club of Canton returned to Orchard Cove to trick or treat! Residents were visited by some adorable (and spooky!...
10/31/2025

The MOMS Club of Canton returned to Orchard Cove to trick or treat! Residents were visited by some adorable (and spooky!) local little ones, dressed up as characters like Skye from Paw Patrol, Tigger and Piglet from Winnie the Pooh, and Woody from Toy Story, as well as Halloween classics like witches and black cats.

They paraded through Orchard Cove, greeting residents with a “Trick or Treat!” and filling their bags full of candy, chocolate, and trinkets like fidget poppers. A wonderful time was had by all, whether they were giving out, collecting, or eating candy.

The annual parade brings generations together, and gives families another opportunity to use their Halloween costumes. We were thrilled to once again welcome the MOMS Club of Canton this spooky season!

Happy Halloween!

You’re invited to Orchard Cove for a public Boston Jewish Film Festival screening of "Charles Grodin: Rebel With A Cause...
10/30/2025

You’re invited to Orchard Cove for a public Boston Jewish Film Festival screening of "Charles Grodin: Rebel With A Cause" on Monday, November 10, at 7 p.m. Directed by James Freedman, the documentary examines Grodin’s extraordinary life and career as an actor and broadcast personality, and how he used his platform to advocate for justice and social issues. The documentary features film and TV clips, as well as interviews with Robert DeNiro, Steve Martin, and Carol Burnett.

For more information about the film and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/4hD8cTu

More than a dozen residents and employees from Orchard Cove participated in the 36th annual Canton Fall Classic, which f...
10/29/2025

More than a dozen residents and employees from Orchard Cove participated in the 36th annual Canton Fall Classic, which features 5K and 10K races, as well as a one-mile fun run and walk for older adults.

Congratulations to all who participated, including Jay Markson, whose time of 18:28.7 earned him third place in the 5K race. Markson is the son of Orchard Cove residents Bill Markson and Susan Wing, who trekked the one-mile walk course.

A longtime sponsor, Orchard Cove was proud to once again support the road race, which benefits the Randolph and Canton Food Pantries / Canton Helpline. This year's event also went pink, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Sometimes, it is easy being green! The Orchard Cove Sustainability Task Force makes it simple for residents to recycle t...
10/27/2025

Sometimes, it is easy being green! The Orchard Cove Sustainability Task Force makes it simple for residents to recycle their old electronics, textiles, wire hangers, batteries, books, and CDs. The community recently filled multiple bins with textiles for recycling!

The latest issue of The Green Times, the Task Force’s newsletter, outlines additional ways residents recycle. Jim Penzias notes that the Sustainability Task Force is entering the fourth year of its soft plastics polyethylene recycling program, while Ricky Ball collects the brown paper and green plastic bags from lunch and dinner carryout and shares them with Natick food pantries for reuse.

Orchard Cove resident Ellie Deaner knows a thing or two about cooking! Her lengthy culinary career includes producing an...
10/23/2025

Orchard Cove resident Ellie Deaner knows a thing or two about cooking! Her lengthy culinary career includes producing and hosting the television program "Ellie's Foodline," writing two cookbooks, "From Ellie's Kitchen to Yours" and "So Easy, So Delicious: More From Ellie's Kitchen," and leading cooking classes and culinary demonstrations.

"I walk down the corridor here and quite often someone will tell me that they have my cookbook," Ellie said.

"From Ellie's Kitchen to Yours" features more than 300 recipes, while "So Easy, So Delicious" includes more than 375 hints and recipes for making a variety of breads, muffins, and scones, Passover meals, sweet desserts, and more.

"Most of my recipes are pretty quick and easy, and yet, they are all from scratch," she said.

These recipes include shortcut spinach lasagna, spaghetti with artichoke, cider-baked French toast, berries with balsamic vinegar, sliced butter cookies, and a wide variety of soups.

Deaner was also the consumer affairs consultant for Roche Bros. and Sudbury Farms Supermarkets for more than 15 years.

"I would be in their stores occasionally to promote new recipes, host events, and do demonstrations." she said. "I also gave presentations on their behalf at churches, schools, and synagogues."

After working at Roche Bros., Deaner led culinary team-building events for local companies and organizations. Often working with groups of 15 to 25 people, participants were split into smaller groups, each responsible for preparing a portion of the meal. The finished meal, including the efforts of each team, was eaten together.

"It was something new and exciting, and people liked it," she said. "I also hosted classes and events in people's homes. They would invite their friends over, and we'd host a cooking lesson right in their kitchen."

Noting people of all ages can cook, Deaner said she even hosted children's birthday parties. The kids wore aprons and toques, and they'd cook together.

Cooking is also a part of her new home's décor. When you enter, you'll notice antique cooking supplies from her and her husband Dennis's parents' and grandparents' kitchens hanging from the walls. Cooking runs in the family. Ellie is the daughter of Herbert and Ilse Rose, who was known locally as "The Cake Lady" for baking and creating decorated cakes for various special events. The "CAKES" license plate on their wall is from her mother's business.

Ellie admits she has done less cooking since moving into Orchard Cove, something the Deaners attribute to the quality of the culinary team.

"[Orchard Cove Culinary Director] John [Ralston] is amazing. You can say that about a lot of people here, but John is really incredible," Dennis said.

Ellie said, "[Ralston] features such a wide variety of meals, and a lot of healthy options. I like how they have such a variety of cuisines."

Ellie and Dennis said joining Ralston on a tour of the Orchard Cove kitchen was a treat, and praised the programs and amenities here as "top-notch." Since moving to Orchard Cove in July, they've attended various exercise classes, chatted with others in the Newcomers Group, and used the swimming pool. Ellie has also attended the painting and jewelry-making classes in the art studio.

"We're really loving it here," Ellie said.

Igor Lukes, professor of History and International Affairs at the Pardee School at Boston University, discussed the Russ...
10/21/2025

Igor Lukes, professor of History and International Affairs at the Pardee School at Boston University, discussed the Russian invasion of Ukraine with more than 55 residents at Orchard Cove, detailing the fluidity of the frontlines and how the use of drones has changed wartime combat, both on land and at sea.

Lukes spoke with members of the Current Events Discussion Group, which meets every Monday. The group often welcomes outside experts, including college professors, journalists, and judges, to discuss local, state, national, and world news.

Lukes is the author of several books, including "Czechoslovakia Between Stalin and Hi**er: The Diplomacy of Edvard Beneš in the 1930s" and "On the Edge of the Cold War: American Diplomats and Spies in Postwar Prague." He has taught courses in the Lifelong Learning series for residents.

Address

1 Del Pond Drive
Canton, MA
02021

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