The Loomis Communities to Celebrate 120 Years at Spring Reception

 

SOUTH HADLEY — The Loomis Communities, the longest-serving provider of senior living in the Pioneer Valley, will stage its Spring Reception on June 16, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Loomis Village, 20 Bayon Dr. in South Hadley. 

This is the first such event for The Loomis Communities since 2019, and will also celebrate the organization’s 120 years in existence. More information and links to register can be found on The Loomis Communities Spring Reception website at https://www.loomiscommunities.org/spring-reception-2. 

At this year’s reception, the Loomis Communities will honor Mary-Anne Stearns with the Elvira Whiting Ball Award for outstanding service to older adults. Stearns has been a volunteer with The Loomis Communities for 29 years, serving on the organization’s board of directors and as chair of the finance committee. 

The organization will also honor Helen Kidess with the Award for Inspirational Aging. Kidess has been a resident of Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing for 16 years, one of its three campuses in the Pioneer Valley serving older adults. At the age of 94, Kidess still tutors Springfield College students and until recently was performing viola in both a string quartet and the Old Post Road Orchestra, an instrument she began playing when she moved into Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing. 

Sponsorships for the spring reception are being encouraged and funds will help sustain The Loomis Communities’ Friendship Funds for residents in need of financial assistance to remain in their Loomis home. Sponsorships will also directly support the organization’s skilled nursing center at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing.  

To date, spring reception sponsors include: Benefactors: Mountain View Landscape and Lawncare, PeoplesBank; Sustainers: Andrews Associates, Goss & McLain Insurance Agency, Smith Brothers; and Patrons: Atlantic Charter Insurance, Health New England, Lyon & Fitzpatrick, Specialized Construction, Tsomides Associates Architects Planners.  

Organizations or individuals interested in sponsorship should contact John Anz, Director of Development and Community Engagement for The Loomis Communities, at JAnz@loomiscommunities.org.  

“We are so glad we will be able to assemble in person for our 2022 Spring Reception, said President and CEO Marge Mantoni. “It is a time where we honor those who have contributed to our communities and this year’s honorees so ably represent the values of The Loomis Communities. This year’s event will also allow us to commemorate our 120 years in existence and our leadership and innovation in building vibrant senior living communities.”