Bridge at Cherry Hill recognizes Assisted Living Week

Johnston Sun Rise ·

When it comes to creating classic and clever events, Maryann Grace and Jennifer Burns are in a class of their own.

Take last week’s celebration of National Assisted Living Week, for example.

Grace, who is the long-serving executive director. and Burns, who has pumped new energy into her position as sales and marketing director, went above and beyond to host Assisted Living Week at The Bridge at Cherry Hill.

So much so, The Bridge held a weeklong list of exciting events with the theme centered on “Family is Forever!”

“We had various events throughout the week to reflect the theme of the day,” Burns said amid the fun and food featured Classic Car Cruise Friday night. “We had many family members turn out to be with our residents for the special events.”

Grace, Burns and the entire staff at The Bridge began the week with Grandparents Day that featured a sumptuous buffet prepared by Executive Chef Marvin Carter along with entertainment.

Monday’s theme was “Hometown Heroes” and The Bridge honored its special heroes – members of the Johnston Police Department – with a breakfast and later in the day held a Veterans Lunch for those heroes who live there.

The “Family Tree” was Tuesday’s theme and residents and staffers made a family tree while Wednesday’s theme was “I Love Your Baby Face” during which residents and staff submitted their baby pictures, which were on display prior to “Family Bingo Night.”

Thursday, The Bridge celebrated “Marvelous Milestones” with a “mock wedding reception” that included hors d’oeuvres in the bistro followed by a “wedding-style” lunch in the main dining room to honor Al and Bianca Letizia, Al and Dorothy Palombo and Florence and John Prior who actually live at The Bridge.

Grace, though, made the lunch special when she delivered a toast and blessing to the three couples whose milestones totaled 201 years of marriage. There was even a “Happy Hour” later in the day.

Friday was “Olympic Day” and featured in-house Olympic Games as well as a Classic Car Cruise in the early evening featuring everything from corn on the cob to grilled hamburgers and chicken.

The week concluded Saturday with Sports Day that included a Tailgate Party and Photo Booth.

“It was a fantastic week of celebrating with our Bridge family,” Burns related. “It was ever so special in many, many ways.”