http://www.chartwell.com/RSSFeed/chartwell_newsWed, 04 Jan 2012 09:00:00 ESTPalomino WebPal/CMS - www.palominosys.comenCopyright newsdInlRHFjbkhttp://www.chartwell.com/RSSFeed/NewCOO.htmlMISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 21, 2011) - Chartwell Seniors Housing Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:CSH.UN) announced today Karen Sullivan has been appointed Chief Operating Officer effective January 1, 2012. Ms. Sullivan is currently Chartwell's Executive Vice President of People and Long Term Care and she has been with the company since January 2008. Previously, she was the Executive Director of the Ontario Long Term Care Association, an organization she worked with for over 20 years."Karen is an integral part of our senior executive leadership team at Chartwell and has headed up our long term care platform for the past year and a half. Her strategic leadership will be a great asset in this important role and I have every confidence that her contributions will help us be even more successful in the coming years," commented Brent Binions Chartwell's President and CEO. "Karen embraces our commitment to generating stable, sustainable and growing AFFO for our unit holders while providing the highest levels of care and service for our residents."Chartwell is a real estate investment trust which indirectly owns and operates a complete range of seniors housing communities from independent supportive living ("ISL") through assisted living ("AL") to long-term care ("LTC"). It is one of the largest participants in the seniors housing business in North America. Chartwell's aim is to capitalize on the strong demographic trends present in its markets to maximize the value of its existing portfolio of seniors housing communities, and prudently avail itself of opportunities to grow internally and through accretive acquisitions.Chartwell's Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) allows Unitholders to have their monthly cash distributions used to purchase units without incurring commission or brokerage fees, and receive bonus units equal to 3% of their monthly cash distributions. More information can be obtained at www.chartwell.com.Forward Looking InformationThis press release contains forward-looking information that reflects the current expectations, estimates and projections of management about the future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities for Chartwell and the seniors housing industry. The words "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "projects", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "could", "would", "might", "occur", "be achieved" or "continue" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.While we anticipate that subsequent events and developments may cause our views to change, we do not have an intention to update this forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. This forward-looking information represents our views as of the date of this press release and such information should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this document. We have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those current expectations or estimated expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. However, there may be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as expected or estimated and that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from current expectations. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those expected or estimated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect us. See "Risks and Uncertainties" in our 2010 MD&A and risk factors highlighted in materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada from time to time, including but not limited to our most recent annual information form.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:Chartwell Seniors Housing Real Estate Investment TrustVlad VolodarskiChief Financial Officer(905) 501-4709Fax: (905) 501-4710(FAX)vvolodarski@chartwellreit.cawww.chartwell.comSource: Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT newsbNEFVtNqyNhttp://www.chartwell.com/RSSFeed/Seniorstarwinner.html[Mississauga, ON] - Following over 65 regional competitions with almost 1,500 auditions and a star-studded National Final for the Top Ten finalists on November 21st at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario pianist Toni Pinto of Woodbridge, Ontario was named Chartwell’s 2011 Senior Star. It was a difficult decision for celebrity judges Gordie Tapp, Tim Louis and Dan Clancy who are each well-known performers in the Canadian music and television industry. Famed vocal coach Elaine Overholt joined the show this year to provide coaching and vocal support. Toni wowed the crowd and the judges with a moving piano instrumental performance of the classic Autumn Leaves. Judge Tim Louis complimented the original composition saying “Toni, that had some classical, some jazz and some swing. You’ve got it all.”A graduate of Economics at Bombay University, Toni chose to instead follow his passion for the piano, eventually leading the quartet at the famed Ambassador Hotel in Bombay for 16 years. During that time, he also performed the music for many Bollywood shows, working with some of the most renowned directors in the industry. Well respected as an artist and music teacher, 74-year old Toni left Bombay in 2001 to immigrate to Canada to be closer to family. “Senior Star has been an incredible experience,” he remarked after being named Senior Star. “It feels great but it was challenging in light of the high caliber of the other contestants.” Toni originally auditioned at Chartwell’s Valley Vista Retirement Residence in Vaughan, Ontario. “This show is a great idea,” Toni adds. “As seniors, our talent still exists and shouldn’t be overlooked. Chartwell’s Senior Star showcases that for seniors in an amazing way.” First runner-up Roger Radicioni, 70, of Ste-Adèle, Quebec held the crowd captive with his performance of the Frank Sinatra standard “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” Second runner-up Florence Hansen, 76, of Kitchener, Ontario drew great crowd support for her fiddle performance of “Singing Bird.” Now in its 5th year, the National Final features 10 finalists from across Canada and is hosted by the talented Dinah Christie. “This event allows seniors to break out of a mold that our society often puts them in,” said Brent Binions, President and CEO of Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT. “All of our top ten finalists are winners and they each did a tremendous job in their performances.” Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT owns and operates a complete range of seniors housing communities from independent supportive living through assisted living to long term care. It is one of the largest participants in the seniors housing business in North America. Photo shows Toni Pinto, Chartwell’s 2011 Senior Star.Additional photos are available upon request. A full list of finalists can be found at www.chartwell.com.For more information or to conduct a media interview with any participants, judges or Chartwell representatives, please contact:Sharon Henderson, Vice President Communication and Public Affairs, 905-501-4869 or 647-302-6117 (mobile) shenderson@chartwellreit.ca newsVrLOomBMTchttp://www.chartwell.com/RSSFeed/chartwellnews.html[Mississauga, ON] - Canada’s premier musical competition for seniors, Chartwell’s Senior Star, is proud to be celebrating its 5th anniversary with another exciting line up of talented performers for its National Final:Donald Brasseur – Burlington, ON Miriam Dreher – Calgary, AB Maggie Viveen – Cambridge, ON Florence Hansen – Cambridge, ON Paul Hariton –Cobourg, ON Gerald “Bud” Switzer – Newmarket, ON Roger Radicioni – Ste-Adèle, QC Dale Murray – Thunder Bay, ON Toni Pinto – Vaughan, ON Sandra May Mandzuk – Windsor, ON The National Final will take place this year on Monday, November 21, 2011 at the Fallsview Theatre in the new Scotiabank Convention Centre, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Hosted by the talented and charming Dinah Christie, finalists are scored by celebrity judges including Canadian icon Gordie Tapp and recording artists Tim Louis and Dan Clancy. Singer, performer and Broadway vocal coach Elaine Overholt joins the show this year for coaching and vocal support. “Senior Star is our way of honouring and celebrating seniors,” said Brent Binions, President and CEO of Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT. “When you witness the performances of these high caliber entertainers, you realize just how much incredible senior talent exists across Canada.” Over 50 regional Senior Star competitions took place in June hosted by Chartwell retirement and long term care homes across Canada. The first and second place finishers in those competitions were considered by the celebrity judges for eligibility as one of the top 10 finalists. “While the competition is open to Canadian seniors over the age of 65, we’re quite excited by the fact that the average age of our 2011 National Finalists is 77, with the oldest performer being 86.” said Phil McKenzie, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs. “Our experience in running this extraordinary competition over the past five years is age has no impact on someone’s ability to amaze you with their talent.” Previous Senior Star winners include: 2007 Hazel Proctor of Calgary, Alberta 2008 Lloyd Knight of Stouffville, Ontario 2009 Jean Rodrique of Kamloops, British Columbia 2010 Vic Johnson of Gravenhurst, Ontario Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT owns and operates a complete range of seniors housing communities from independent supportive living through assisted living to long term care. It is one of the largest participants in the seniors housing business in North America. Media are invited to attend the Senior Star National Final on November 21, 2011.For more information or to conduct a media interview with any participants, judges or Chartwell representatives, please contact:Sharon Henderson Vice President, Communication and Public Affairs 905-501-4869 shenderson@chartwellreit.ca www.chartwell.com