The Thirwood Voice – January 2026 Newsletter

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from everyone at Thirwood Place. As the season changed from summer to autumn, we embraced the crisp air and spirit of togetherness that the fall holidays bring. We had an exciting Halloween celebration filled with fun, food, laughs, and costumes. Veterans Day was a huge celebration as well. It’s one of the biggest days of the year at Thirwood and an opportunity to celebrate our resident veterans as well as recognize them for their service. The Barn Babies visited us in November too, which our residents absolutely LOVED. We hope 2026 brings connection, comfort, and joy to all who call Thirwood Place home.

A Note from our Executive Director

Dear Residents, Families, and Friends,
As we look back on the fall and early winter months here at Thirwood Place, I am filled with gratitude for the sense of community that makes this such a special place to call home. There is something especially meaningful about autumn at Thirwood. I’m lucky that I can see the leaves changing color from my office window.

We began the season with festive Halloween gatherings, complete with costumes, pumpkin décor, and lots of laughs. Soon after, we came together to honor our resident veterans whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire us. Our Veterans Day ceremony was a heartfelt reminder of the strength and dedication within our community. Thanksgiving brought us together around tables filled with good food and even better company. Speaking of food, we had two great Taste of Thirwood shoots as well, highlighting cozy fall favorite dishes and winter holiday desserts. Our holiday episode of Taste is always a fun opportunity to have our team come together and share everything for which we are thankful. We then carried that spirit into the holiday season, celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah with moments of joy that warmed even the chilliest Cape Cod days. The fall is all about making memories at Thirwood.

Thank you to all who participated, supported, and helped make this season so memorable. As we turn the page toward a new year, I’m truly looking forward to what 2026 will bring at Thirwood Place—more connection, more shared experiences, and more reasons to celebrate together.

Warmly,
Ken Smith
Executive Director, Thirwood Place

Recent Activities

Recent Blog Posts

• The Thirwood Difference: Winter Holidays at Thirwood
• The Thirwood Difference: Every Seashell Tells a Story

Upcoming Events

THIRWOOD TALKS

Colin Reed, Director of Community Relations and Engagement at WHOI, will be coming to Thirwood Place for an informative presentation about the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

WHEN: Friday, January 23, at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Thirwood Place Auditorium, 237 North Main Street, South Yarmouth

Limited space available. Please call 508-760-6531 to reserve your seat.

Recent Events

Happy Halloween!

Happy Veterans Day

Veterans Day is one of the most important days of the year at Thirwood Place. It’s a day of celebration and remembrance. 

Barn Babies

The Barn Babies came to Thirwood Place in November and our residents CAN’T WAIT for them to come back in the spring. 

Staff Highlight: Erin Gorgone!

How long have you been the activities coordinator at Thirwood Place?
I have been at Thirwood for nearly 20 years. It will be 20 years in March. I started out as waitstaff in the Assisted Living dining room and worked my way up from there.

What has made you chose Thirwood Place as your work home?
I love the people. I love the people I work with. I love the residents. It’s one of those places where you don’t feel stressed on your way in to work. Sometimes I can’t wait to see my work family.

What’s your favorite part about working with our residents?
I’m lucky because I have the fun job of working with the residents. In activities, I get to go on trips with them. I sit and have conversations with them. It’s so fun.

Do you have a favorite Thirwood Place memory?
There’s so many but I love scaring Monique. I also remember going to a restaurant with Rosie and she ate a pretzel the size of her head.

Fun fact about Erin:
I love to cook. My new favorite activity is zip lining. (I hope to zip line in the winter this year.) I love to travel and be with my family.

Taste of Thirwood 

It’s a festive time of year for Taste of Thirwood as we celebrate all the best the holidays have to offer here at Thirwood Place! Come along for our latest episode as Chef Payne and Larry Lyford prepare a spectacular holiday dessert!

Congratulations Chris and Irene Kirkwood!

We can’t wait to meet the newest member of our Maintenance Team!

Testimonials