Bridge at Cherry Hill celebrates National Assisted Living Week

The Bridge at Cherry Hill’s staff may have outdone itself this past Sunday, a tone they would set for the whole week.

Executive chef Martin Carter, Executive Director Maryann Grace and Sales/Community Relations Director Jennifer Burns and the entire staff at the Johnston-based assisted living-retirement center brought their A-game for National Assisted Living Week.

By the time tomorrow’s annual Classic Car Cruise and Saturday’s special “Spark of Friendship” ceremony is held, The Bridge at Cherry Hill will have completed the most successful seven-day stretch in its storied history.

It’s National Assisted Living Week, and as people who attended Sunday’s annual Grandparents Day Brunch will attest, the event far surpasses the national theme of “A Spark of Creativity.”

People like Alex Costantino, who was visiting her grandmother Claire Bessette, were “absolutely amazed” with the lavish breakfast buffet Carter and his talented staff created for the day.

Even folks like Ann Marie Cardilli, The Bridge’s dining room hostess, and Carter’s daughter Isabella, who took tremendous pride in helping a number of residents fill their plates, were tremendously impressed with Carter’s creations, which included fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, home fries, scrambled eggs, cheese omelets and more.

Wet Paint, a guitar-playing and singing duo of Walter Fay and Bob Trevite, provided Sunday’s special entertainment.

Meanwhile, Burns – who along with Grace welcomed each and every guest – explained that The Bridge adopted the NALW theme of “A Spark of Creativity,” which she emphasized “encourages everyone to get their creative juices flowing – whether it’s residents trying out new things or caregivers exploring innovative ways to improve care and community life.”

The Monday NALW event was “Spark of Culture,” featuring the sampling of food from five different cultures – Italy, Portugal, Mexico, Ireland and China – and Tuesday’s was “Spark of Adventure.”

Meanwhile, yesterday it was “Spark of Gratitude” with a staff appreciation lunch, and today is “Spark of Inspiration.” Tomorrow it’s “Spark of Art” with the Annual Cruise Night and BBQ, and Saturday, as noted, it’s “Spark of Friendship” with a champagne celebration.