Smack dab in the middle of New London is a place that is dear to my heart. Woodcrest Village Assisted Living is not the average “old folks” home. In fact, there is nothing about Woodcrest that is average. Here is an inside story (account) that began in 1997 when I was hired to provide activities for twelve residents.

The vision to create Woodcrest as a family style home for seniors was Linda Brenner’s.  As a Registered Nurse, she wanted for her grandmother an alternative to living in a nursing home. There being no alternative at the time, Linda, with the support of her husband Gary and two children, left her job and started creating what is now called “assisted living”. It was a 24/7 job or lifestyle. The entire Brenner family participated. Their family now included a half dozen or so elderly folks. Holidays were held all together. Often, the Brenners included members of the residents’ families.

They established an assisted living culture that is personal, caring and elegant. At the core is the deep belief that senior members in our society have much to offer.  An environment that nurtures personal autonomy and encourages individualism results in a healthy sense of self value and belonging. Having a nurse available round the clock puts residents and their families at ease.

The need for more rooms at “the inn” grew, and in 1998, Woodcrest expanded to include 44 rooms. The staff grew also; however, the culture that Linda had established remained.

At Woodcrest, staff, residents and family members are welcome to help with any number of household tasks, i.e. taking the cats to the vet, washing the car, decorating for holidays, prepping vegetables for meals, watering the garden, arranging fresh flowers, planting and tending the raised beds, folding towels, raking, addressing envelopes for party invitations, to name a few. There is a continuity of life here that we can all relate to.

Being in the middle of New London, Woodcrest and residents have benefitted in many ways. The New London community at large is so very generous and over the years the relationship between the two has deepened and expanded.

The Tracy Library and staff make sure that residents have the books and resources they desire. They even deliver books to the door. The Barn Playhouse has been generous in loaning costumes for Variety Shows and holiday celebrations. 

The many churches within the town and in neighboring towns give tremendously: providing visits, rides, services and music. Colby Sawyer College and Woodcrest have a long relationship with internships and community outreach through special clubs like “Adopt a Grandparent”.

Caring Animal Partners, Council on Aging, the New London Historical Society, Adventures in Learning, The Ice House Museum, the Fire and Police Departments, the Recreation Department, public and private schools, local stores and farms are some of the connections that have made Woodcrest Village vivacious.

In 2000, Linda handed me an article about a new model or philosophy for the care of seniors called The Eden Alternative. In short, it professes an approach to care that focuses on the strengths of individuals, encourages staying connected with the outside world and opportunities to engage with plants, animals and people. We affectionately recognized that this approach had always been a Woodcrest Village philosophy and always will be.

I retired in 2020. In the almost twenty-five years that I was a part of this community, I do not recall ever asking for something from the community and not receiving it! There is such respect and love for Woodcrest Village in the greater community that it shows in many ways and every day.

Linda and Gary’s daughter, Bethany Brenner has been director now for 21 years. Bethany continues the traditions and culture established by her mother. She is a hands-on director and spends her days with residents and family members. 

Bethany can be found knitting with the knitting group on Thursday afternoons. I have heard Bethany giggling with a resident about something funny that she is reading aloud at their bedside. You might also see her welcoming a family with kids and a dog. Animal visitors have always been welcomed including alpacas, rabbits, chickens, miniature horses, turtles…

Now, in their thirty-sixth year, Woodcrest Village has been home and family to hundreds of people. It’s a magical loving community that continues to thrive and be an integral part of the community.