UMass Minutemen Team up with Rockridge for a Big Move

NORTHAMPTON — As Rockridge Retirement Community, a not-for-profit campus, prepares to open its new Gardens Neighborhood for those with memory impairment, it has partnered the UMass Amherst Minutemen for a special task. During the week of moving the memory-support assisted-living neighborhood to the newly constructed first-floor space, the football team will provide the muscle to get the work done.

“When thinking about the logistics of moving our current residents who are living on the third floor to their new, first-floor accomodations, we found that there was a misalignment in actually physically being able to make these transistions happen in the most efficient and time-sensitive manner without help. We have extremely talented staff members here at Rockridge, but knew that these moves would require more muscle. Hence, contacting the UMass football team,” said Beth Vettori, executive director of Rockridge. “This is a great partnership, as it will expose the Minutemen to a genre that they have not necessarily been part of and will provide symbiotic interactions between the ladies and gentlemen living at Rockridge and the student athletes.”

The partnership will also give exposure to intergenerational programming, while consequently providing a strength and conditioning session outside of the normal gym atmosphere.

The new Gardens Neighborhood is located on the first-floor of a new building, with a beautiful and secure outdoor garden area where residents can enjoy nature and paved pathways.

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary as a Gardens Neighborhood, we are excited to open a brand-new, purpose-built environment, further enhancing our already fine service,” Vettori said.