Fairgrounds - Island Life at its Finest

Fairgrouds resident showing her Halloween spirit
 

Ever wonder what it would be like to live on an island?

When asked about life on Nantucket at Fairgrounds, Allison Avery, FHR Island Services Manager, replied, “Nantucket culture is extremely laid back. There are no highways, no chain restaurants, and no large bargain department stores. All businesses are local. The Island is small, which is convenient for anyone who does not own a vehicle or wishes to contribute to living green. Everything is within walking distance from Fairgrounds; the grocery store, pharmacy, bank, post office, library, and several restaurants are all within two to three miles from the residence.”

“Fairgrounds is located in a quiet residential neighborhood,” Allison continued, “We have a big, beautiful yard that includes a brick patio, swing set, and vegetable garden. We have a large, renovated, two-room space in the basement where we run all of our weekly activities.” Fairgrounds is unique in that it is a residence and a day program all in one. "Prior to this space,” Allison stated, “it was difficult for residents to separate the idea of attending groups and attending to their own needs in their home.”

Allison added, “We have a few community members who also come to the house several days a week to attend our groups and outings.”

Fairgrounds folks are really into celebrating special occasions. “For Valentine's Day,” Allison reported, “we host a Healthy Hearts party in which we have a potluck and everyone must bring a healthy dish. We also have Halloween and Christmas parties each year, including a Secret Santa exchange. We love to celebrate birthdays. We even celebrate Arbor Day by spending the entire day working in the yard as a group. Every year a local nursery donates one tree of our choice, delivers it on Arbor Day, and help us plant it! The day ends with a big outdoor cookout.”

Doesn’t island life sound inviting?
 

 Allison Avery, Island Services Manager