Adult Agricultural Community Option for Residential Needs 

June 2026

AROUND THE PROGRAM

Building Connections at Vineyard Assisted Living

One of the highlights of June was AACORN's first visit to Vineyard Assisted Living, where participants and residents gathered to enjoy homemade lemonade, freshly baked cookies prepared by our participants, and great conversation. It was a meaningful afternoon filled with laughter, new friendships, and genuine connection.

As conversations flowed from gardening and pets to favorite activities and life experiences, participants gained confidence getting to know someone new while proudly sharing stories about life at AACORN, including caring for animals, growing produce, and volunteering in the community.

Residents were eager to learn more about AACORN and the people who make it such a special place. The afternoon fostered understanding, inclusion, and meaningful connections across generations, leaving everyone with a genuine sense of warmth and connection.



This first visit was rewarding for everyone involved, and we hope it is the beginning of many more opportunities to gather, connect, and enjoy each other's company. We are grateful to Vineyard Assisted Living for their warm welcome.

Property Manager Autumn and participant Sean share stories about life at AACORN with residents at Vineyard Assisted Living.

Laughter and conversation filled the table as Program Staff Sanny and participant Noah enjoyed getting to know Vineyard Assisted Living residents.(Elliot in the foreground)

The homemade lemonade was such a hit that we couldn't keep the recipe to ourselves! Visit our website for the recipe our participants prepared to share with friends at Vineyard Assisted Living.



The photos below capture just a few of the many steps along the way. Mary Lee carefully selected fresh lemons at the grocery store, Josh and Gio helped gather more lemons for the recipe, and Anson strained the freshly squeezed juice before it was mixed into the refreshing lemonade everyone enjoyed.

AROUND THE FARM

New Compost Pad Takes Shape

Excitement was in the air as participants watched the concrete crew pour the foundation for AACORN's new composting system. As they observed the work, participants quickly noticed something familiar—the crew wore rubber boots, just like we do when caring for the animals in the barn! It sparked conversations about the many different jobs that require the right tools, equipment, and teamwork.



When completed, the new composting area will feature four separate bins, making it easier to manage compost through each stage of the process. This improvement will help us create nutrient-rich compost more efficiently, supporting healthier gardens while reducing waste and strengthening AACORN's commitment to environmental stewardship.

Volunteers Make a Lasting Impact

We're grateful for the many volunteer groups who generously share their time and talents to help improve AACORN. This month, a team from Advia tackled several projects around the farm, including improvements to the chicken coop area, landscaping around one of our memorial trees, and staining the garden shed.

A dedicated group from Pfizer also took on the physically demanding task of preparing the foundation for our greenhouse. Volunteers hauled wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of stabilizer gravel, spread and compacted it to create a raised base that will help prevent future flooding and provide a stronger foundation for the greenhouse.

Thank You for an Incredible Golf Outing!

Thank you to our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and everyone who helped make AACORN's 5th Annual Golf Outing such a success. Together, we raised more than $18,500 to support life-enrichment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental differences.

We are especially grateful to our Headline Sponsors, Sheet Metal Workers International Union – Local 7/Zone 1 and Glas Associates, for their generous support of this year's event.

Participant volunteers helped make the day a success in many different ways. Gio, Tom, and Jessie welcomed and encouraged golfers on the course, while Elliot helped inside the clubhouse by collecting scorecards as teams completed their rounds. Their enthusiasm and willingness to lend a hand helped create a welcoming experience for everyone who attended.

Read the full golf outing recap, view additional photos, and see our complete list of sponsors and contributors.

Gio (fourth from left, maroon shirt) joined the tournament's winning team after they finished with an impressive score of 55.

Jessie (wearing the ball cap) and volunteer Mary welcomed golfers with smiles at the Marshmallow Drive hole.

Tom (second from right) celebrated with golfers after his successful toss at the event hole earned their team a hole-in-one.

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