Bridge at Cherry Hill Celebrates 20th Anniversary
As tears of joy trickled down her face, Maryann Grace spoke about The Bridge at Cherry Hill, where she’s worked for the past nine years.
“They have been the best years of my life,” she said.
Grace is the executive director of the independent retirement and assisted living facility that celebrated its 20th anniversary on Sunday.
“It takes a village,” Grace said, “and my village are my department heads who work so great together. Teamwork! And my residents and families who make my job so easy, it is a pleasure being able to be of service to them.”
Grace, who hosted Sunday’s special celebration that included a buffet prepared by Chef Marvin Carter, who heads The Bridge’s Dietary Services, told attendees the facility was known as Whytebrook Terrace back in 1996, and “a certain woman was already on staff and is still here today.”
She was speaking about Elaine Morin, the former Director of Housekeeping.
“I refuse to let her retire,” Grace said.
Amid the sound of applause, Grace surprised Morin with a special sterling silver clock as a special thank you “for all you have done for everyone here at The Bridge at Cherry Hill.”
Morin received hugs from Grace and her co-worker, Rhonda Simmons, the current director of housekeeping. “Elaine came to work when this was Whytebrook Terrace,” Grace said. “We finally said okay, you can retire two years ago, but we’re all elated she still comes in a couple of days a week to help.”
“It is very unusual to have employees with twenty-plus years in this industry nowadays,” Grace said. “There are obviously exceptions to any rule, but believe me, Elaine Morin is indeed that rare exception.”
Grace honored Morin and Simmons along with other department heads, including Lisa Ricci, business office manager; Breein Ferry and Jean Rivard, director of activities; Ann Marie Cardilli, assistant food service director; Chef Carter; Jen Burns, business development director; Pat Wylie, resident care director and Ken Demers, director of maintenance.
