Cathy Osten

Senator Osten Welcomes State Bonding For Sheltering Arms Renovations, New Bath House At Salt Rock State Forest

NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) announce today that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve $3 million in renovations for the Sheltering Arms residential care home in Norwich, and another $550,000 for a new bath house at Salt Rock State Forest in Sprague, when it meets next week in Hartford.

“I’m always working to ensure that eastern Connecticut gets its fair share of state bonding every year, and Sheltering Arms and Salt Rock State Forest are two valuable regional assets that I know will benefit from this infusion of state funding,” Sen. Osten said. “I’ve visited Sheltering Arms a dozen times, and I know what a fantastic job they do keeping their residents healthy and happy. And anyone who has ever visited or camped at Salt Rock on the Shetucket River knows how important a renovated bath house will be. So these are two great investments in eastern Connecticut that I was happy to advocate for and help secure.”

The State Bond Commission is poised to approve a $3 million grant for Sheltering Arms for building renovations, updated mechanical and electric systems, and updates to bedrooms, bathrooms, and elevators. Sheltering Arms originally opened in 1877 at a different location; it has been in its present location since the late 1920’s. The 30-room residential care community for men and women over 60 years of age offers a less restrictive alternative for seniors who could benefit from supervised retirement living.

“I want thank Cathy profusely for her efforts in securing this funding; it will have a huge impact on Sheltering Arms,” said Jennifer Granger, President and CEO of United Community & Family Services (UCFS), which operates Sheltering Arms. “The building was built in 1927; this bonding will allow us to modernize the property and make it nice for the community. There have been some renovations over time, but the layout of the rooms and bathrooms has remained the same. One of the goals of the $3 million is to create more rooms with their own bathrooms. That’s especially important, considering the recent pandemic and the need for strict infection control.”

“This funding is not only beneficial for our current residents, but for future residents as well,” said Katherine Ramos, Vice President of Eldercare Services at Sheltering Arms. “This funding will modernize and enhance the home and bring it into the modern age.”

The State Bond Commission is also set to approve $550,000 for a new bath house at Salt Rock State Forest. Covering 149 wooded acres in a rural setting that was once farmland, Salt Rock offers walking trails, river and fishing access and a campground with 71 tent and recreational vehicle sites, some of which have utilities. There are also showers, restrooms, two in-ground swimming pools (which open in mid-June), and a dumping station