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4 Assisted Living Communities Joined Forces to Watch 80 for Brady

February 21, 2023

Dressed in red, white and blue to honor Tom Brady’s legacy as former New England Patriots quarterback – complete with pom-poms– 60 residents of Hartford Healthcare assisted living facilities were in the spirit for his movie “80 for Brady.”

The seniors – from Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, Cedar Mountain Commons, Mulberry Gardens and The Orchards at Southington – traveled from opposite parts of the state to AMC Plainville for the film, which was inspired by the true story of four best friends and New England Patriots fans who take a trip to Super Bowl LI to see Brady play. The movie’s stars – Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sally Field and Rita Moreno – are near or over 80 years old.

“We are thankful for the collaboration. All four of our assisted living communities came together to do something normal, post-COVID. The residents were excited and so were the staff,” says Denise Lebrocquy, executive director, Cedar Mountain Commons.

Executive directors of each community rented out an entire theater for residents to laugh, cheer, cry and enjoy the movie with popcorn and cold drinks.

“When they offered to take us to see this movie, I said absolutely! I used to live in Massachusetts and I am a huge Tom Brady fan!” says Alice Zito, a resident of Cedar Mountain Commons.

“This was a group effort for our assisted living communities to get together and have some fun! Watching a movie about Tom Brady and the four leading actresses, all proving that no matter your age you still have hopes, dreams and can do whatever you set your mind to. This movie, based on a true story, shared a heartfelt message, to keep going no matter what the challenges are. Our residents live this every day – showing us that no matter what ails them, they are still thriving,” says Lori Toombs, regional director of assisted living, Hartford HealthCare.