Glenmeadow continues 125th anniversary celebration

Date: 11/10/2009

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



LONGMEADOW -- More than a century ago, an organization was founded to assist Springfield's "gentle ladies." Now, 125 years later, that organization is one of the largest non-profit senior housing establishments in the region.

Glenmeadow, located at 24 Tabor Crossing off Converse Street, has been in Longmeadow for about 15 years but its mission has lasted more than eight times as long. The assisted and independent living community continued to celebrate its 125th anniversary last Monday with a reception following its 125th annual meeting of its corporators.

Rick Steele of the Investment Committee noted during the meeting that, despite the economy, Glenmeadow's assets grew by about 1.7 percent during its most recent fiscal year.

"We've had a great year so far celebrating our 125th anniversary, and it will continue through the end of 2009," President George Keady stated.

State Rep. Brian Ashe congratulated the organization at the meeting by presenting the corporators with a citation from the House of Representatives.

"On behalf of myself and Sen. [Gale] Candaras, congratulations and see you in another 125 years," Ashe said.

The annual meeting of corporators has taken place the first Monday in November since 1884. In Longmeadow, the number employed by Glenmeadow has grown from 35 to 180 over the past 16 years and its new Glenmeadow at Home program, which offers services to those 62 and over who need some assistance but want to stay in their own homes, has increased from 1,000 hours of work in the community to 1,600 over the past year.

Four new corporators were named this year: Sandra Bellantonio, William Burrows, Stephen Hoyt and Michael Sweet. New board members include William Burrows, Eric Fuller and Ellen McKenna, and Randy Locklin will be serving as the president through the next year.

Former president and long-time corporator Brad Gill was honored at the reception following the meeting.

"Brad was one of the first men to join the Board of Directors. He played a critical role in the transition [from Springfield to Longmeadow]," Timothy Cotz, executive director, said. "He had a key role in negotiating with the developers, the town of Longmeadow, the underwriters and the attorneys. He has an innate business savvy and he's a really nice guy. He's an example of what a compassionate leader can be."

Gill was the only person to serve two consecutive terms as the president of Glenmeadow.

"I've waited many years for this opportunity [to honor Gill]," Keady said. "I and many people are very grateful to Brad for what he's accomplished."

To honor him, Glenmeadow dedicated a section of its building at the Gill Garden Gallery.

"This was a cooperative effort," Gill said of Glenmeadow. "It wasn't me, it was everyone involved. We all should be equally proud for what we've done here."