September has been a busy and exciting month at Thirwood Place. From meaningful community experiences to special events and some exciting recognition, there has been a lot happening around our community. Here’s a look at some of the September highlights, including a special visit to The Wall That Heals, a pre-release screening of Watching Mr. Pearson, and some wonderful recognition in the 2026 Community Choice Best of Cape Cod Awards. It has been a month filled with memorable moments, and we’re happy to share a few of them with you.

The Wall that Heals

The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter scaled replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. It includes the names of 58,281 service members who died or remain missing from the Vietnam War. The Wall travels the country. South Yarmouth was its only Massachusetts stop before heading out to Oneonta, New York.

There were so many wonderful community activities for veterans and civilians to enjoy. Events began with opening ceremonies. This included a blessing of the wall Fromm from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s Medicine Man and a speech from Thirwood resident Linda Bryant. Linda was a Donut Dollie during the Vietnam War. She has the most incredible stories and has sat down with the Thirwood team more than once to share her experiences. She’s an inspiration to us all.

Remembering Vietnam

The wall also brought along a mobile Education Center. This helps visitors understand the history of the Vietnam War, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the long-term impact the war has had on veterans and their families. The center also includes multimedia presentations, personal items that have been left at the wall in D.C and photos of local veterans who returned home but later died due to health issues they got after being in Vietnam. Something just as special is the Hometown Heroes Digital display. This includes images of service members whose names are on the wall and whose home of record is in the local area creating even more community connection. This allowed visitors young and old to see names of those who lost their lives in Vietnam that are from their hometown.

Thirwood Place was honored to bring a bus of residents to The Wall That Heals in South Yarmouth. It gave our community the opportunity to connect with this powerful piece of history and join the South Yarmouth community in remembering those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. For our veteran residents, the visit was especially meaningful—a chance to reflect, connect, and share in an important moment of remembrance. We are deeply grateful to all who served our country and for the sacrifices they made.

 

Pre-Release Screening of Watching Mr. Pearson

An elderly man in a cap, reminiscent of many veterans, looks down; film title Watching Mr. Pearson appears on the left.

The same week The Wall That Heals came to South Yarmouth, Thirwood Place residents were treated to a special pre-release screening of the New England-shot film Watching Mr. Pearson. The film explores the complex and often emotional relationship between caregivers and those they care for, offering a thoughtful look at the challenges and connections that come with caregiving.

In the movie, Caroline and Miguel share the care of legendary Hollywood actor Robert Pearson, a talented man experiencing mental decline. While Miguel focuses on Robert’s basic needs, Caroline connects with him through friendship, imagination, and scenes from his old films. As Robert’s grip on reality begins to fade, Caroline and Miguel must put their differences aside and work together to keep him safe while preserving the spark that makes him feel alive.

A group of seniors, including several veterans, sit in rows watching a movie projected on a screen in a community room.

Director and co-writer Dillon Bentlage reached out to Thirwood Place because he wanted residents to have the opportunity to see Watching Mr. Pearson. This film explores a topic that can have a very real impact on their generation. He felt it was important to include people who could connect personally with the story and its themes. The film was well received by all. Dillon also stayed afterward for a Q&A with Thirwood residents. This gave them the chance to share their thoughts and ask questions about the movie. The Thirwood team also helped create a true movie theater experience, complete with popcorn, snacks, and beverages for residents to enjoy during the screening.

The Cape Cod’s Best Community’s Choice Awards 2026

One final piece of exciting Thirwood Place news. The Cape Cod’s Best Community’s Choice Awards are entirely community-driven.

Local residents first nominate businesses and organizations, and the top nominees move on to a public voting round. Winners are determined by the votes of the Cape Cod community rather than by a panel of judges. The program includes more than 125 categories and recognizes more than 375 businesses and organizations across Cape Cod.

Thirwood Place is honored to be the recipient of The Best of Cape Cod 2026 for Best Retirement/55+ Community and Best Assisted Senior Living. It is honored to be recognized again as we continue to provide the Cape with a vibrant senior living community.

More News