Governor Deval Patrick toured the Leonard Florence Center for Living – the nation’s first specialized ALS Residence – last Friday morning, afterward addressing a large gathering of dignitaries and residents with remarks. The governor’s cabinet convened for its weekly private meeting at the facility, with all members in attendance and participating in tours of the LFCL. Alongside City Manager Jay Ash and Chelsea Jewish Foundation CEO Barry Berman, Governor Patrick spoke to the crowd. He expressed being moved by both the work happening at the center and the facility’s state-of-the-art technology enabling those with ALS to live full lives despite their condition. “I am absolutely amazed at the effort for others being made here everyday. This is what life as we want it to be is about,” he said. The grand opening event, featuring the governor’s remarks, highlighted the LFCL’s impressive design and staffing, presenting an architecturally distinctive showcase positioned atop the rear of Admiral’s Hill. Steve Saling, a landscape architect living with ALS, created and designed the residence. The governor met with Saling in his room and introduced him to attendees at the opening. “The ALS residence offers unprecedented automation that provides unparalleled independence and productivity. People with ALS come here to live with the disease, not to die of it,” he added. For Chelsea Jewish Foundation CEO Berman, the groundbreaking represented the fulfillment of a long-held vision following years of dedicated effort. “The mission, concept and design of the Leonard Florence Center for Living and its receptive specialized houses is truly revolutionary in that it is changing the way in which we conceive of long and short term care not only for resident but also for the staff and the medical professionals who care for them,” Berman said. The LFCL features ten condo-style homes, each with ten private bedrooms arranged around a dining room, open kitchen and common living area. The facility serves the elderly, disabled individuals, and those requiring short-term rehabilitation. The grand opening drew attendees from diverse backgrounds, including Governor Patrick and his cabinet members – notably Ian Bowles, secretary of the Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs; Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan; City Manager Jay Ash; State Senator Sal DeDomenico; Representatives Gene O’Flaherty and Kathi Anne Reinstein; Police Chief Brian Kyes; and Chelsea Councillors Brian Hatleberg, Richard Maronski and Dan Cortell. The late Leonard Florence’s family members, facility staff, and numerous invited guests also attended.
Grand opening – Governor Patrick tours Leonard Florence Center for Learning
