Evanston, Ill. (August 21, 2008) – Mather LifeWays, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating “Ways to Age Well,” has announced a partnership with Chicago’s Testa Produce to provide locally-grown and organic produce on select menu items at dining venues in The Mather, the organization’s new continuing care retirement community that will open in late 2009. The partnership joins two well-known and respected organizations that, together, have served Chicago area residents for more than 150 years.
The Mather is the latest addition to a family of senior living residences created by Mather LifeWays that strive to offer older adults the opportunity to pursue engaged and active lifestyles. Among its many amenities will be seven dining venues that will provide a wide variety of food options to residents.
Scheduled to open in 2009 near the shores of Lake Michigan, construction of The Mather North building is currently underway and on schedule. The senior living residence will ultimately be comprised of two structures with construction of The Mather South building scheduled for completion in 2011.
“We are developing an extraordinary foodservice program for The Mather that demands high-quality produce and fresh ingredients,” said Cara Baldwin, Assistant Vice President of Dining Services. “Residents will be pleased to know that, whenever possible, we will be purchasing locally-grown produce from local farmers sourced through Testa.”
Locally-grown organic food ingredients have become the standard of excellence in the foodservice industry, according to Baldwin. “In addition to great taste, residents of The Mather will feel good knowing that we are lowering the carbon footprint by dealing with local farmers,” she said. “And, Testa Produce is a HACCP- approved facility which enables us to purchase their produce knowing it has gone through strict steps to ensure safety of our food supply.”
Prospective residents of The Mather North have the opportunity to make a personal selection from among 141 apartment homes and more than 30 floor plans. Beginning in October 2008 reservations will become available for an additional 102 apartment homes in The Mather South building.
The residence features a 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center and day spa, complete with a 20-meter indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam showers; seven dining venues, including rooftop dining with views of downtown Evanston and Chicago’s skyline; 24-hour concierge service; and “plant-your-own” garden plots on nearly two acres of green space. As a continuing care retirement community, The Mather will also offer onsite health care, should residents ever need it.
The Mather Information and Design Centre is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (847) 492-7400 or visit www.matherlifeways.com.
About Mather LifeWays
Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather LifeWays enhances the lives of older adults by creating Ways to Age Well.SM Founded in 1941 by entrepreneur and humanitarian Alonzo Mather, Mather LifeWays is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a continuum of living and care; making neighborhoods better places for older adults to live, work, learn, contribute and play; and identifying, implementing and sharing progressive practices for wellness, workforce issues, memory care support and empowering caregivers. To learn more about our senior living residences, community initiatives, Institute on Aging and how to make a tax-deductible donation, please call (847) 492-7500 or visit www.matherlifeways.com.
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