b'19821991 Dr. Bryan EfronWe feel so fortunate to continueSaddest Memories: to maintain a close connectionWhenever a Village resident with former Executive Director, Dr.passed away.Bryan Efron. When asked to offer his reflections on NEV and its 50thFunniest memoryanniversary, he did not hold back(again, one of many):and offered some candid and evenI gathered staff for a bus ride just humorous memories. before we retired the Village\'s old Dear New England Village"Tootsie Roll" bus. It was intended Community, to be a fun team-building exercise. Congratulations on what is trulyI was the driver. First time I had ever a remarkable milestone. Our 50thdriven a bus. It became immediately anniversary is a source of personalevident to everyone that driving a bus 24 pride and a testament to the clearwas not in my skill set. We stopped vision of our founders, our mission- for ice cream and to everyone\'s relief focused Board of Directors, closereturned safely! New England Villagefamily involvement and support, aStanley Kaitz memorydedicated and genuinely caring staff,desire to provide a dignified and(I\'m sure many of you have one): and, above all, the men and women offulfilling life for their adult children,Every so often, I would drive New England Village whose courageand their collective resourcefulnessStanley Kaitz to a sports event. We and resilience inspire all of us to doin making their dream a reality. I never our best. After 29 years as NEV\'sregretted my decision.were at a Celtics basketball game Executive Director, I have so manyand at the halftime buzzer, a Celtics memories. Its very hard to boil it downMost stressful memory player turns to look up at the fans, to just one, so Ill share a few: (one of many): sees Stanley about five rows up, and The funds available in theshouts, "Hi Stanley. Classic Stanley Most impactful memory: operating account were insufficientKaitz, who has the uncanny ability to I met with some of the foundersto meet staff payroll, during my verybe befriended by everyone.and several of the original Villagefirst week on the job. Not good! families to help me decide if I shouldImportant note: Almost every Village accept the Executive DirectorBoard member made a significantBryan Efron, Ph.D.position. I was blown away by theirdonation to fund payroll and help usExecutive Directorindomitable spirit, their passionatethrough the financial challenges weJuly 1983September 2012experienced early on in my tenure. NEV_50Year_95x95_v5Final.indd 24 6/8/22 4:32 PM'