b'19721981: The Early Years In the Spring of 1971, ground was broken for the construction of phase 1 of the project, consisting of three homes and a community/administration building. In the fall of 1972, New England Village opened the doors to its first 13 residents and, just one year later, that number grew to 25. Another 20 people from the community participated in NEVs work program, which was based out of the Villages community building. Executive Director Albert Spud Schmickel led the Village 10 during its first decade. In 1975,Members of the Womens Committee and residents celebrate the arrival of the bell. phase II began with the construction of townhouse apartments, which New England Villagewe now refer to as the mens andOne of the most cherished items aton the property, which had been ladies apartments, and in 1979,the Village arrived in May 1978. Afterincluded in even the earliest designs Massachusetts Governor Ed Kinga two-year search, the perfect bellof the Village. The bronze bell, which attended a dedication ceremony forwas found to complete the 40-footwas cast in 1850, was donated by House 4, the 6th residential home.Bell Tower, a signature structure Our Lady of Assumption School in Chelsea, MA. At the end of this first decade, Dr. George Rocky Krein took over as Executive Director. In June 1981, the Village held its first Family Day event, which was referred to as Visitors Day, in those early years. A small family-style picnic, the event would be the start of another long-held tradition.Individuals toss a Frisbee in front of the Community Building.NEV_50Year_95x95_v5Final.indd 10 6/8/22 4:32 PM'