Assisted living facility observes Caring for Our Heritage Week

As the school season begins for the youngsters in our community, newly liberated moms might find a little time to sit down and actually read the Brick Bulletin, perhaps even finishing a cup of coffee. That sigh of relief as teenagers go out the door or a few tears wiped away as the tiniest ones get on the bus are the beginnings of memories that will last a lifetime.

As the executive director of an assisted living facility in Brick, I see these memories in the faces of my residents every day. It occurred to me that overworked moms and dads might need a reminder to stop for a few moments during these first few weeks of school and memorize the little giggles, the nerves before a first football game or tennis match, the faces (sullen or cute, depending on age!) through the bus window, the proud displays of first spelling tests. It goes so quickly.

Homework, first loves, football on Friday nights, playground antics — our residents remember so much about their children’s younger days and revel in the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are their legacy.

Of course, the beauty of today’s assisted living is that our residents are involved in their own full schedule of activities – movie nights in our theater, pool tournaments in the game room, cocktails by the pond.

Area residents might be interested to know that we celebrate the heritage of the wonderful elders of our town during National Assisted Living Week’s Caring for Our Heritage festivities, Sept. 12-17.

Any parents who are feeling at loose ends, or who have more time on their hands now that summer is past, are welcome to come over, this week or any week at all.

Thursday is Irish Day; Friday will be our Potluck Ethnic Covered Dish at noon; and on Saturday, Sept. 18, there will be a Vintage Auto Show and barbecue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to end the week. We welcome the visits, and your readers will go home with the strong feeling that they are creating the heritages of tomorrow.

Ulla Melyan

executive director

Brandywine Assisted Living at the Gables

Brick