On Saturday, November 23, 2024, SALMON Health and Retirement joined the Westborough Education Foundation for an incredible community event—the 11th Annual Westborough Turkey Trot. This year marked a special milestone as we introduced the first-ever Senior Stroll, a onemile walk around the Westborough High School track. Despite the rain and brisk November weather, the event was filled with warmth, camaraderie, and excitement.
The idea for the Senior Stroll came from Kerry Paulhus, Director of Health and Fitness at The Willows at Westborough, who introduced the concept to Maureen Johnson, a member of the Westborough Cultural Council and the Westborough Education Foundation. Maureen, along with the Foundation team who runs and organizes the Turkey Trot every year, embraced the idea wholeheartedly, making the Senior Stroll a reality this year.
Residents of The Willows at Westborough, our Independent Living community, departed at 9:30 AM, some by van and others carpooling with friends, to join the festivities at the track. Sporting their Turkey Trot shirts or SALMON gear, they looked fantastic—especially with a few staff members adding fun turkey hats for extra cheer!
The Senior Stroll kicked off at 10:15 AM, and about a dozen residents embraced the challenge, completing the four laps in high spirits. Alongside them, Matt Salmon, CEO; Andrew Salmon, Chief Future Officer; and Shawn Neville, COO, walked the laps while the young dining servers from The Willows cheered enthusiastically, embodying the tight-knit, supportive community that makes SALMON so special.
Our team, including Greg Hoonjan, Executive Director; Kerry Paulhus, Director of Health and Fitness; and the Sales Department, set up a hydration station that served over six gallons of hot chocolate, a massive hit that kept walkers and supporters warm. The event was truly a family affair, with residents, staff, leadership, and even local community members coming together in the spirit of health and fun.
Looking ahead to next year, we’re dreaming even bigger! We hope to open the Senior Stroll to seniors from across Westborough and nearby towns, showcasing how vibrant and connected life in a senior living community can be. Events like this demonstrate the heart of SALMON Health and Retirement: fostering meaningful connections and empowering residents to stay active and engaged.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and made this day unforgettable. Your support and love inspire us daily as we continue making a difference in the lives of our residents. Here’s to another year of community, joy, and success!
