Featured appraiser of the popular PBS program“Antiques Roadshow”Gary Piattoni visited with residents at The Stayton at Museum Way – an SQLC retirement community – as he inspected dozens of their treasured heirlooms and antiques. Piattoni’s eye for fine art, antiques and collectibles landed him on the renowned PBS television series in 1995. Piattoni has also made several appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”over the course of his 25 years in the antique appraisal industry.
“It was an honor to host the very knowledgeable Gary Piattoni and give residents a chance to have their antiques, heirlooms and flea market finds assessed,” said Scott Polzin, executive director of The Stayton. “Piattoni captivated the audience at The Stayton with his vast expertise in the appraisal industry.”
According to Piattoni, his favorite part of the session – even more than discovering the value of items – was learning about the history behind family heirlooms and favorite treasures, along with taking questions from residents. In many cases, Piattoni only confirms what antique owners already suspect – that their ancestor’s prized possessions aren’t worth much money. But sometimes, Piattoni stumbles upon a piece that catches his attention.
Resident Cuba Web brought in a life-sized,hand-carved owlshe and her husband discovered at a New England-area antique shop while on vacation in the 1980s. Web explained to Piattoni that her husband had noticed she was particularly fond of the owl, and surprised her with the gift as a Christmas present a few months after their trip. Piattoni also took notice of Web’s rare owl, and shared his findings with the audience.
“My beloved owl reached a new level of popularity!” said Web. “I believe my husband purchased the cross-eyed owl for $800 decades ago. The owl was sitting under the Christmas tree, wrapped in a box that resembled a chimney with Santa Clause sitting atop. Piattoni appraised my owl at $3,500, but I have no reason to sell him, especially now that I have this story to share.”
Hosting educational and social events like this is important to the TheStayton, Fort Worth’s premier retirement community, as it subscribes to the Masterpiece Living® program philosophy, which embraces healthy living at any age and in all regards – physical, spiritual, social and mental.
“The value that Gary Piattoni assigned to the treasures turned out to be less important than the fact that everyone had a wonderful time meeting new friends, and perhaps learning a bit of history along the way,” said Polzin.
Members of the media: If you are interested in covering this story, email Jena Spiroat jspiro@fortegroupinc.com or call (214) 378-7970 ext. 245 or contact Amy Jones at ajones@fortegroupinc.com or ext. 302.
ABOUT THE STAYTON AT MUSEUM WAY
Located in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, The Stayton at Museum Way is an 11-story, three building community featuring 188 independent living residences with a variety of spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. In addition to resort-style independent living, The Stayton provides onsite assisted living, memory support, and private skilled nursing and rehab on a month-to-month basis with no entrance fee.
The Stayton at Museum Way, a Masterpiece Living® community, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit senior living community sponsored by Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), a Texas-based nonprofit organization that sponsors sister communities The Buckingham in Houston, Edgemere in Dallas, Querencia at Barton Creek in Austin, Mirador in Corpus Christi and The Barrington of Carmel in Indianapolis. The Stayton is proud to be pet friendly. For information call (817) 439-6936 or visit www.thestayton.com.
Blue Zones Project® is partnering with employers across Fort Worth to create healthier work environments and to make healthy choices easier for employees. The Stayton has completed the Blue Zones Project Worksite Pledge and is a Blue Zones Project Approved™ Worksite. By implementing healthy, evidence-based actions, The Stayton empowers its employees to live longer, happier, and more fulfilling lives. Learn more about Blue Zones Project at bluezonesproject.com.
