Summary
What began as a spur-of-the-moment celebration at Atria Cary became a beloved tradition. Guided by Maintenance Director Don Coberly, “Don’s Parties” show how Atria Senior Living communities bring creativity, warmth and connection to daily life.
It started with a New Year’s party.
In August.
When Maintenance Director Don Coberly, a Navy veteran at Atria Cary in North Carolina, noticed an open spot on the events calendar one weekend, he decided to make the most of it. With decorations and supplies leftover from the previous year, he turned an ordinary afternoon into a celebration residents still talk about.
That spontaneous idea grew into a community tradition known as “Don’s Parties” – proof that life in an Atria community thrives on curiosity and heart.
A simple idea with lasting impact
For Don, these gatherings are about more than decorations or themes. They’re about creating the kind of moments that make every day worth looking forward to.
“Helping my mom through her later years taught me just how much engagement matters,” he says. “A quick hello or sharing a laugh can mean everything.”
Since that first surprise party, Don and his teammates have hosted events ranging from a Woodstock Weekend with tie-dye shirts and live ’60s music to a Beach Boys celebration that brought summer indoors and a Beatlemania night that had residents and staff singing along. Each event adds new energy to the Engage Life® calendar, keeping residents active and involved.
Teamwork that defines Atria communities
Don is quick to credit the people around him.
“It’s never just one person,” he says. “We’ve got an incredible group of directors who jump in to make things happen.”
That cooperation stems from Executive Director Jessi Tougeron, who encourages every department to see how their work connects.
“Jessi had us think about how each department supports the next,” says Breanne Draper, Engage Life Director. “That conversation changed everything. Now everyone contributes to the experience.”
You might see the Director of Culinary Services hanging decorations or the maintenance team joining residents on the dance floor. Across Atria communities nationwide, that spirit of teamwork turns simple ideas into memorable experiences.
Moments that become memories
One of the biggest celebrations yet was a Blues Brothers-themed gala. The team brought in vintage cars, Chicago-style food and live blues music. Nearly 250 guests filled the courtyard.
“They still talk about it,” Don says with a grin. “That’s when you know it mattered.”
Events like these do more than fill a schedule – they remind residents that life can stay vibrant, social and full of surprises.
What families can learn from Don’s story
Whether you’re exploring senior living for yourself, a parent or another older adult you love, you might wonder:
- Will we feel at home?
- Will life stay engaging?
- Will the staff truly care?
Stories like Don’s answer each of those questions.
At Atria Senior Living, connection isn’t a program; it’s part of the culture. Team members bring empathy and imagination to everything they do, helping residents feel seen and supported.
When you visit an Atria community, you’ll find:
- Lively events that encourage friendship and fun
- Team members who know residents personally and take pride in brightening their day
- Leadership that keeps hospitality and care working hand in hand
- A setting where belonging grows naturally
From Cary, North Carolina, to California and beyond, that same spirit unites every Atria community.
Celebrating life, wherever you call home
Don’s story began with one small idea and became something much larger. Across the country, Atria teams continue that legacy by turning daily life into something meaningful.
Each gathering, conversation and shared smile reminds us that senior living is not about slowing down – it’s about living well together.
See how life at Atria feels when every day brings something to celebrate.
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