AYER, MA – Every Tuesday and Friday, the residents of Nashoba Park Assisted Living receive a very special delivery: fresh, beautiful flowers from the local Shop N’ Save grocery store in Ayer.
The flower donations first started in September, when Nashoba Park Executive Director Libby Mattei asked the store if they had any surplus flowers that they would be willing to donate to residents. The relationship between the senior community and the local store blossomed, and the floral department at Shop N’ Save began sending bunches of flowers to the seniors twice each week, bringing cheerful pops of color to Nashoba Park.
Residents have been using the donated flowers to decorate the common areas at Nashoba Park, meeting up for floral arranging classes to learn which flowers best complement each other. Fresh bouquets greet families and guest as they enter the cozy parlor and bring smiles to residents as they enjoy their meals in the dining room, where each table has a unique floral arrangement.
Mattei says that the residents enjoy the opportunity to work with fresh flowers because they’re able to create something meaningful. She explains that many of the residents at Nashoba Park were avid gardeners while living at home, and this experience allows them to continue to enjoy something they love in a new way.
Sonya Tavilla, Assistant Produce Manager at Shop N’ Save, says that the store is honored to have been able to partner with Nashoba Park.
“Knowing that our surplus flowers can bring joy to the residents is a win-win situation,” explained Tavilla. “As Lady Bird Johnson once said, ‘where flowers bloom, so does hope.’”
For more information on Nashoba Park Assisted Living, visit www.NashobaPark.org. For more information on Shop N’ Save in Ayer, visit www.ayershopnsave.com.