Life. Laughter And Learning.
Enjoy the freedom to live life as you choose. Spend time with friends, doing the things that mean the most to you, or simply relax with a good book. Play bridge, take a class, join a club, volunteer, or venture off with us to area cultural events, restaurants and travel excursions.
Guest Suite Accommodations
For your convenience, Westminster Village has two guest apartments where family and friends can stay when they come to visit. Please contact Marilyn Kahn, Executive Assistant, at 480-451-2002 for our rate schedule and availability.
Special Parties & Family Gatherings
Our private dining room is available for special parties and family gatherings. Our food service team will be happy to help you select the perfect menu and beverage service to make your gathering special. The maximum capacity of the private dining room is 12. For larger groups, the Ocotillo Dining Room or Donnelly's may be used. Contact Maeghan Borrego, Catering and Events Manager, at 480-451-2079 for rates and reservations.
Bruno the African Tortoise
Bruno is a male African Tortoise (no, not a turtle!). He is between 10 and 12 years old and weighs about 200 pounds. His species is the third largest in the world, and the largest mainland tortoise. The species is native to the Sahara Desert where they excavate burrows to get to higher moisture levels, thus avoiding the heat of the day. You've probably noticed that Bruno is "absent" during our hot summer days, but emerges in the early evening to graze. Lifespan is 30 to 50 years, although the oldest in captivity is 54 years (in the Giza Zoological Gardens, Egypt).
Bruno tried, when he first graced our premises, to dig his own burrow. However, we have discouraged him from this activity by furnishing him with one of our own design. He has the option of improving on it, at his discretion.
His diet is simple: nutritious chemical-free healthy foods such as grass, clover, dandelion, plantain (the weed), Hibiscus (leaves and flowers), Opuntia, Thistles and Chickweed. Never: Rhubarb, Beans of any kind, dog food, pasta, Lantana and Oleander (the latter 2 are toxic). Because of his constitution, it is necessary for him to eat primarily dried foods, with an occasional treat of some dark leafy greens, one strawberry or a small piece of watermelon. To keep Bruno in good health, it is hoped that residents will refrain from feeding him, except when under the supervision of one of his caretakers. Moderation and variety are the keys to a healthy Tortoise - as is true for us humans.
So say "Hello" and "Welcome" to Bruno the next time you visit the Secret Garden. Stop by around 5:30 p.m., which is feeding time, and maybe you'll be lucky enough to help with serving him the evening repast.