ALAMOSA– A song written by the residents at The Bridge of Alamosa, featuring a line of drums and other instruments, was a highlight of the facility’s 10^th anniversary celebrated recently.

Seniors at The Bridge practiced the song titled “Fond Memories” every week for several months with Deborah Palmer, neurologic music therapist.

The chorus of the song is, “Fond memories, because we have lived, we have loved, and we still do,” repeated twice, and included three verses.

Awards were given to each of the residents based on their time living at The Bridge, and administrator Carol Riggenbach was honored for her 25 years serving seniors in the San Luis Valley.

History

Forrest L. Preston, president of The Bridge’s parent company, Century Park Associates, invested in the Alamosa community to serve the needs of its growing senior population.

After acquiring San Luis Assisted Living, at the time the town’s only assisted living center, in 1995, Preston saw that the community needed more than 14 assisted living apartments for its citizens.

In 2005, his team broke ground for the 70-apartment The Bridge at Alamosa, and the center opened on July 23, 2007.

Riggenbach has been administrator since the opening.

Caption: Deborah Palmer, MM, MT-BC, directs The Bridge residents on their original song, “Fond Memories.” Shown are Betty Eavenson, Elnora Speiser, Grace Helms, Joyce Houle and Eleanor Christopher. Courtesy photos

Carol Riggenbach, administrator at The Bridge, was honored for her 25 years of service to senior citizens in the San Luis Valley. Business office manager Teri Burnett presented her with flowers from the staff.

Enjoying the 10th anniversary celebration were Peggy Connoni, left, friend of Margaret Davis, former owner of Spudnut Shop in Alamosa.

Forrest L. Preston

The Bridge Founder