Luau Rings in Forest Farm Anniversary, Celebrates Assisted Living

Aloha!  

In honor of National Assisted Living Week & Forest Farm Assisted Living's 11th Anniversary, there were plenty of leis to go around for residents who came together recently for a Luau-inspired celebration.

Sunday's Luau began with an award ceremony to residents and staff presented by Nancy Caswell, Assistant Administrator of Forest Farm Assisted Living, following a lighting of the 11th anniversary Forest Farm cake, and entertainment provided by Nicholas King, who played a Ukulele and sang songs from the "good ole oldies."

The "2010 Community Volunteer of the Year Award" was presented to Linda O'Connell, who calls bingo three times a week and the honor of "2010 Resident Volunteer of the Year" was presented to Nell Gottier, who has helped organize exercise classes for the residents and always sews crafts for the holiday bazaars.

The festive island-themed event drew many smiles Sunday and brought out the natural camaraderie among friends and neighbors.

 "Fabulous experience," said Ann Macchioni, a Forest Farm resident of six years and President of the Resident Council. "It's a beautiful place to live. Staff is great, they are here for us twenty-four-seven."

"I have always loved it here," said Gladys Stone, a seven-year resident looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday Nov. 7, 2010.

"She makes us laugh everyday. She keeps us young," Macchioni said of Stone.

Forest Farm Assisted Living officials describe the facility as "affordable independent living for seniors" offering full one-bedroom apartments, also featuring restaurant-style dining, weekly housekeeping services, laundry and shopping assistance, as well as medication assistance.

For more information about Forest Farm, please contact Forest Farm Assisted Living, 191 Forest Ave., Middletown, RI 02842, (401) 849-1090.