Liberty Commons Marks 40 Years Of Community

NORTH CHATHAM – When Liberty Commons opened in October 1986, it was a big deal.

“Entering Liberty Commons is like walking into a ritzy metropolitan hotel,” The Chronicle’s news report read. The nursing home was designed and owned by William Dobson, who was there when State Rep. Howard C. Cahoon cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Since that time, Liberty Commons and the rest of Broad Reach Healthcare have been focused on community, Liberty Commons Administrator Jason Lavallee said. In that spirit, the nursing home held a festive celebration to mark its 40th anniversary last Thursday.

“Forty years is a significant milestone,” Lavallee said. The party included live music, games, a raw bar and other food offerings and fun under a tent on the side lawn. Lavallee submitted to hopping in a dunk tank for a “dunk the boss” competition. He was joined by Broad Reach owner Bill Bogdanovich, who was first hired by Dobson as Liberty Commons’ administrator shortly after the facility opened.

A number of staff members at Liberty Commons have been there for more than 30 years, Lavallee said. “I think that just goes to show the culture that we have here.”