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Bentley Looks Out for New Canaan Seniors

Updated

 

So you would like to volunteer with a nonprofit organization but can't find the time? Ask Judy Bentley, a member of the Bank of New Canaan's board of directors, how she does it. The New Canaan resident's résumé lists almost 20 different boards and commissions she's devoted time to over the years.

Bentley's volunteerism began years ago when her son was in the school system. She served as president of the Parent Teacher Council at West School. She would go on to the Board of Education.

Over the years, the list would grow to everything from Meals on Wheels to her most recent appointment, the Phase 3 Senior Health Care and Housing Team. Much of her most recent activity focuses on seniors with the Waveny Care Network, Staying Put in New Canaan and the Elder Care council.

While she has entered her senior years, she thinks about when her parents moved into a continuing care retirement community. “Together they were independent as a couple, but if one of them was down for some reason, the house was unsafe,” said Bentley. As a senior herself, currently recovering from a foot injury, the issues faced by her seniors friends are no longer things that were just concerns of her parents.

Helping seniors remain independent is a continuing goal for her. "Staying Put is dedicated to giving our seniors the practical means and social support to live their lives to the fullest, safely and confidently, in the New Canaan community," said Bentley.

In addition, the Phase 3 work will help establish affordable senior housing for many who might otherwise have to leave New Canaan.

In fairness, not all of Bentley’s activities are altruistic. The avid golfer presided over the Country Club of New Canaan's board of Governors for the last two years. She is now back on the Greens and Grounds committee, her favorite.

As a member of this committee Bentley will work to gain Audubon certification for the golf course by finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of grounds-keeping practices. The superintendent is ready and willing to help reach that goal, said Bentley. "We want to ensure a healthy environment for both people and wildlife on our golf course," she said.

 

This story was updated to include an additional credential.

 

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