Font ResizeAYER -- Robert Leblanc, a resident of Nashoba Park Assisted Living, is the proud recipient of the prestigious Resident Spirit Award from the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association. Only one resident in over 200 communities in the state wins this yearly award.
Award recipients were recently announced at the MassALFA annual Awards Dinner. Over 500 residents, volunteers and staff from assisted living residences across the state joined in celebration. Billy Costa, Kiss 108/NECN's TV Diner, emceed the evening.
Stephanie Burton, executive director of Nashoba Park said: "Bob richly deserves this award. As a valued and active resident of Nashoba Park Assisted Living, he enhances the lives of others with his positive spirit of caring, friendship, helpfulness and genuine appreciation for his life here."
Leblanc's many contributions to Nashoba Park were enumerated by Kim Dee, the community's social program director.
She said that he volunteers his time by running a weekly evening game night, helping distribute equipment at a daily exercise session and calling bingo. Most importantly, she said, he is a one-man unofficial "welcoming committee" for new residents.
Dee said: "Bob enjoys getting to know others and greets everyone with a warm, friendly smile, a jovial hello, a caring word or a sincere compliment. He invites newer residents to join him at upcoming programs or asks if they might be interested in playing a game of cards. He offers to teach them
She concluded: "Bob is an inspiration to his fellow residents to become engaged and involved in our community and he exemplifies the warm, caring, friendly atmosphere that embodies Nashoba Park."
At the dinner, several Nashoba Park associates and an invaluable volunteer were finalists for various award categories:
* Kevin Miller, housekeeper, was nominated for the Direct Service Award for being an inspiration to everyone he works with and for being highly motivated to do his job well day in and day out based on his compassion for the seniors who reside at Nashoba Park.
* Dee was nominated for the Community Service Award for her "natural abilities as an exemplary ambassador" who forms long-lasting relationships with individuals and organizations in the Nashoba Valley community to benefit Nashoba Park residents.
* Denise Miller, business manager, was nominated for the Employee Leadership Award for consistently going the extra mile and reaching out to her colleagues and residents with kindness, understanding and humor.
* Lorraine Farnsworth was nominated for the Volunteer Award. Lorraine volunteers as an escort on van trips and also provides private free transportation in her personal vehicle to residents who need rides to appointments at a local barber shop or to an important out-of-town doctor's office. She enhances lives with her caring and respectful assistance.
Burton said: "We are so proud of Bob, Kim, Kevin, Denise and Lorraine, who truly showcase our daily reality: Nashoba Park Assisted Living is a great place to live, work and volunteer!"
Located in the Ayer Historic District, Nashoba Park Assisted Living offers local seniors a secure, supportive, enriching lifestyle with gracious accommodations, personalized services and many amenities at reasonable monthly rates. Nashoba Park was established by the nonprofit Volunteers of America, Massachusetts.
For information visit www.NashobaPark.com.
