The Mary Marshall Senior Assisted Living Residence celebrated its 15th anniversary with a carnival atmosphere.
“Candyland” was the theme of the Aug. 27 festivities at the 52-bed Penrose facility that supports 55+ residents with disabilities.
“Sweetness, joy, bright and lovely colors [salute] some of the sweetest people you would ever want to know,” said executive director Divina Alston, who has served as the facility’s administrator for most of its history.
Operated on behalf of the county’s Department of Human Services by Volunteers of America National Services, the property opened in November 2011.
“It has been amazing to witness how much this community has flourished,” Alston said. “Friendships are made, memories are created.”
Erica Wood, who serves as vice chair of the property’s advisory board, said events like the annual Mary Marshall Day celebration are a chance to “connect the community with Mary Marshall to support all the totally amazing residents.”
Organizations including the Rock Spring Garden Club and Arlington Retired Teachers Association provided support for the festivities, which included multiple raffles and carnival-themed stations including balloon-making and cotton candy.
The event took more than two months to organize, Alston told ARLnow.
“It is amazing,” Wood remarked.
Prospective residents are vetted first by the Department of Human Services and then by Volunteers of America. Alston said nearly all single-occupancy apartments with baths are currently occupied.
“It is a community of belonging and love, without judgment,” she said.
The facility was named in honor of former Del. Mary Marshall, who died in 1992. In the General Assembly, Marshall was instrumental in backing legislation in support of seniors and mental health, among other topics, during more than two decades in the state legislature.
