The Thirwood Voice – May 2026 Newsletter

Happy Spring!

It’s time to officially welcome spring at Thirwood Place. It seems like the flowers are finally making an appearance after a long winter filled with challenging storms. Although cold, the winter months brought fun celebrations that included a performance from the Ken Badger Trio on Valentine’s Day and Shepherds Pie on St. Patrick’s Day. No matter the season, Thirwood continues to flourish. Residents stay engaged, connected, and inspired, through daily activities. While our dedicated team works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure each day is filled with comfort, care, and opportunity. Here, every moment is supported with purpose, which shows through the vibrant life our residents lead all year long.

A Note from our Executive Director

Dear Residents, Families, and Friends,
As May begins, it’s time to take a moment and look back on the winter and early spring months at Thirwood Place. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the strength and spirit of this community and it’s team. This past winter certainly tested us, especially during the blizzard and the unexpected power outage that followed. In those moments, what stood out most was not the storm itself, but the remarkable response from our team. Staff members went above and beyond ensuring our residents remained safe, comfortable, and cared for every step of the way.

Just as meaningful was the support we felt from our residents and their families. Your patience, encouragement, and sense of togetherness made a challenging time feel manageable. As we look ahead to the upcoming summer months with excitement and gratitude, the Thirwood team can honestly say that we can’t wait to see what this season will brings.

Warmly,
Ken Smith
Executive Director, Thirwood Place

Fun Around Thirwood

Recent Blog Posts

• Thirwood Place News: Cape Cod Within Reach
• Thirwood Place News: The Nantucket Lightship/LV-112

Upcoming Events

The Handyman Hotline

Grab Your Toolbox—It’s Time for the Handyman Hotline! Larry Egan will be hosting the Handyman Hotline Live from the Thirwood Place Auditorium.

WHEN: Saturday, June 13, at 1-3 p.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 Valentine’s Day!

Superbowl! Go Pats!

Barn Babies

Happy 100th Birthday Mrs. Colgan

Staff Highlight: Morgan Slowek, Office Supervisor

How long have you been at Thirwood Place?
I was hired in November of 2002 at the age of 16 and was a junior at DY High School. My goal was to obtain a part-time job and work with friends who were already waitressing in the dining room. I later went off to Salem State University for Business Management and had the flexibility to come home on weekends and long breaks. That allowed me to work and obtain my degree. After college, my little part-time job turned into a career. A part-time receptionist position became available; I applied and was hired. Shortly after the Administrative Assistant retired, I grew into that role, working a few mornings as a receptionist and other days in the back office working hand in hand with the Administrative Director. A few years later when she left, the position became available and I was able to transition to those responsibilities. I became the Office Supervisor.

What has made you chose Thirwood Place as your work home?
Coming back to Thirwood after being away at school always felt like coming home to family. I still remember my first day of work. I was so nervous. I had never waited tables before. The manager and the other waitstaff were all so wonderful, we had so much fun together. Each night I was able to get to know the residents and learn who just wanted a fruit cup and who only wanted half a cup of soup. When residents had guests, we’d get to know their family too, which was so special!

What’s something you enjoy about working with our residents?
The connection and bond we share with the residents, I wish I could bottle it up and share it, it is that special! Each day brings new adventures and shared heartfelt memories. Coming to work each day becomes more like catching up with old friends.

Do you have a favorite Thirwood Place memory?
I was still waitressing and had been working here for a few years, and it was Halloween. I came in dressed wearing a grey wig, oversized glasses, white sneakers, with a long floral nightgown and used a steel-framed walker with tennis balls. I sat in a chair outside the dining room waiting to be seated for dinner. The residents warmly greeted me, and I told them I was new and it was my first night. Wanting to help me, they told me they’d get the hostess. In reality, they were all concerned and were arranging for a staff member to help me home. I had residents totally fooled. We all had a good laugh once I pulled the wig off and walked without the walker!

Fun fact about Morgan:

Last year I became certified in two types of energy healing, Angelic Light Healing and Holy Fire Reiki®. Energy healing helps on a multitude of levels to assist with blocks and imbalances that then support physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. When a client receives the healing, I work as the bridge connecting them to Universal Energies and their Angelic Team who take over the show and work together to bring healing exactly where it’s needed most. It is extra special after the session, I enjoy taking the time to go over with them what they felt, what I felt and then weeks after when I follow up and they are still so giddy about the session.

Taste of Thirwood 

In April, we filmed a very special brunch episode of Taste of Thirwood with a live studio audience. Chef Payne made eggs benedict three ways and a stuffed French toast. 

Thirwood Place Residents Made a Recipe Book!

Last year Thirwood Place residents published a cookbook, “Stirred with Memories.” It includes recipes from the kitchens of 28 Thirwood residents. In April, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner in the main dining room featuring the dishes of Lauria Schoen.