Riverbrook Residence

05/22/2026

The Glendale Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary dropped off beautifully packaged snacks today for each of Riverbrook's residents. Thank you to this group who has shown us many acts of kindness. We are blessed to have such a loving community!

05/07/2026

Six athletes from Riverbrook competed in the Special Olympics held at Monument Mountain Regional High School. It's an event they look forward to all year. Congratulation to Ali, Donna, Jo, Kalie, Kaylin and Kelsey. Meanwhile, back at Riverbrook, more residents took part in our version of the Special Olympics, whether it was a turn at the bat, bubble blowing, playing co****le or virtual bowling. Lots of medals were won. Thank you to our community, Father Sam from St. Paul's, our dedicated staff, volunteers, and families for showing their support and making the day one of love and fun.

04/17/2026

The Berkshire Be-Witches visited Riverbrook. In anticipation of the witches' visit, residents made brooms which became handy props as they danced and swept away Winter. Let's hope that spell worked. Even the most apprehensive of participants felt the magic and were soon on their feet. Thanks to staffer Michelle for organizing this enchanting event, and to the witches for fun, fun, fun!

04/12/2026

04/10/2026

Our hearts are heavy at Riverbrook since hearing of the passing of Pam Boudreau. Pam was a friend to all of the residents here. An employee at the Stockbridge branch at Lee Bank, she would always make time when these exceptional women would stop in to conduct their personal banking. She shared an especially sweet friendship with Noel. This photo depicts the two singing "It's a Small World (After All)" through the glass during the pandemic that kept us separated. She was one special lady. Our condolences to Pam's family and colleagues. She will be missed.

https://www.weremember.com/pamela-boudreau/2t4n/memories

03/23/2026

Susan Booth, aka “Boothie”, may be Riverbrook’s most famous resident. She arrived in Stockbridge in 1963 as a young girl with an intellectual disability and Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic disorder whose symptoms include the inability to feel satiated after eating. To manage her symptoms, Boothie made the conscious decision to keep her hands busy. She is a prolific knitter having made gifts for many. An ongoing puzzle is always on a table. Susan has been a familiar face around town, recognized wherever she goes. She’s been a fixture at the Council on Aging and a participant in the weekly Bingo game. She’s what you’d call an actively engaged citizen. As the resident member on Riverbrook’s Board, she successfully advocated for the lift for Riverbook’s pool. In early 2020, Boothie traveled to Tampa, FL with her aide Anne Roy for the Prader-Willi conference where she was recognized as one of the oldest living people with PWS in the US. That longevity can likely be attributed to her determination and the support she’s received at Riverbrook with protocols in place to keep her safe. Boothie worked at Marian Fathers for 33 years and was known for her strong work ethic. As the story goes, on a winter day with blizzard-like conditions, when other employees were calling out, the supervisor saw a snowy figure appear on the hill leading to the Marian Fathers’ campus. It was Boothie, reporting for work just like she always did. In 2023, she decided to retire, citing time with her family in Maine as a motivating reason. Her dedicated family welcomed the visits, transporting her to and from the Berkshires. Boothie has always been an active participant in her own care and recently chose to move to a higher level of care locally. In true Boothie fashion, she has made friends in her new home and is very happy there. She can be found swaying to music and playing games in the activities room. Because the bond with Riverbrook is still strong, her former housemates visit regularly and, though we miss her, she remains our good friend. So, to our sister Boothie, it's not goodbye; it’s “see you soon.”

03/20/2026

"I love it here! Can you see that my face is glowing?"
- Esther upon arriving at Mrs. Topham's classroom

Riverbrook resident Esther arrives at Muddy Brook Elementary School every other Monday and is met by a pack of adorable pre-kindergartners greeting her with squeals. She has been a volunteer reader to Mrs. Topham’s classes for four years, continuing a tradition of Riverbrook women reading to local students. As Esther (on right) reads a book on the weather, her aide Annie holds the book, showing the pictures to the children. On this day, she is presented with an honorarium, receiving a check in recognition of her volunteerism. Esther says she loves this “job” and looks forward to seeing the kids every time.

02/17/2026

Riverbrook's Travelers Group, made up of residents Ali, Kelsey, Kalie, and Jessie and led by staffer Narisa, made a presentation to all of us, sharing the many interesting things they had learned during their months spent researching 7 countries (USA, Costa Rica, Croatia, France, Spain, Italy, and Iceland) and 7 states (Massachusetts, Vermont, Colorado, Florida, Texas, New Mexico, and Hawaii). We all learned some pretty interesting facts. For example, did you know that the state flower of Massachusetts is the Mayflower? Can you name the 5 major oceans? Answer: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern (Antarctic), and Arctic. The women identified the flower and motto of each state as well the flag of each state and country. We learned how to say hello in different languages (it's zdravo in Croatian). We laughed trying to pronounce the name of the state fish for Hawaii, humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (pronounced who-moo-who-moo-new-coo-new-coo-ah-poo-ah-ah). Someday, this may help us win Jeopardy!

02/05/2026

Yayi (11 years old) and Ronya (6 years old) from Le Petit Ranch visited Riverbrook. They're Spanish greyhounds (Galgos) who were rescued from Spain where many are often mistreated. Now, they are incredibly loving, patient, and gentle dogs, bringing their calm presence to their interactions with people. These visits are more than just petting sessions; we learn attention, coordination, confidence, communication, teamwork and connection, all through our relationship with the dogs.

We worked on fine motor skills and focus by helping to prepare and make the dogs’ treats, a concoction of oats, peanut butter and bananas. We learned how to introduce ourselves safely to a dog, helping reduce fear, biting risk, and misunderstandings. We practiced walking on leash while truly connecting by talking to the dogs, making eye contact, noticing their reactions, and not just walking side by side. We observed the dogs playing and searching for treats, then reflected through drawing and observation.

Thank you to Le Petit Ranch for another heart-warming and educational visit!