June, 6, 2023.
By Ann Bregman Rascoe.

Yesterday I got out of my friend’s car and Scott, who was admiring the newly decorated front porch, greeted me, saying, are you ready for the toast? Since I had fasted all night preparing for lab tests, I thought he was offering to get me some food. But it was three o’clock and I had eaten. Nancy and Diedre were smiling and chuckling, so when I saw their faces, my mind shifted to another kind of toast. It only took a dropped jaw, wide eyes and eventually a smile as I understood. Somehow, I was selected to give a toast today in honor of Toby Weinman’s 20th anniversary.

I am honored, and grateful for the opportunity to thank and offer a toast to those visionaries who conceived of the idea of an assisted living residence in this location, with a philosophy embracing the best environment for people who were unable to live independently.

This is my home, and I think I speak for others when I say that it’s a comfortable, well run home, thanks to the administrators, their staff, and the board members.

What makes it so? The people! Every staff member is compassionate, patient, responsive to our needs, and friendly. Smiles and warmth abound. Our health, safety and happiness are their major concerns. The congeniality of residents is awesome. We enjoy each other’s company, participate in activities and dining together, but privacy is respected by one and all. Our rabbi who is empathetic, available, and knowledgeable, brings spirituality as we celebrate religious occasions, and his leadership in direct interaction on topics which enhance our lives.

The physical environment: A well-planned building, high quality fixtures and furniture, good traffic patterns and a lovely patio for relaxing, reading, chatting, or even dozing off a bit. I like the grounds next door with pathways leading to areas above the river, where we can see turtles, ducks, and other birds. And the proximity to Samson Nursing Home is very important to many of us, for visiting a family member or friend, or needing medical intervention ourselves. The gym is close by, and the PT department has helped me to recover strength and energy which I never expected to have again.

A toast: To all who created Toby Weinman Assisted Living Residence, carried the responsibilities through the years, served in various capacities, staff, board, donors, and to the residents. They need us to be here!

Let’s all raise our glasses, saying, “L’chaim. To life! To life! L’chaim!”