At Atria Cary, Maintenance Director Don Coberly turned a spontaneous New Year’s party into a new tradition. With help from his fellow department directors, “Don’s Parties” have become joyful celebrations that showcase the community’s spirit of Uncommon Hospitality.
It began with a New Year’s party. Held on a Sunday. In August.
Don Coberly, Navy veteran and Maintenance Director at Atria Cary, was working over the weekend when he noticed an open slot on the events calendar. With leftover decorations and supplies on hand, he saw little reason to wait six months – why not celebrate New Year’s now?
The residents loved it.
That spontaneous afternoon sparked what’s fondly become known as “Don’s Parties” – joyful celebrations that have grown in size, scope and spirit ever since.
Don says caring for his mother opened his eyes to the importance of engagement and connection through the aging process.
“Before that experience, I didn’t fully understand what engagement really meant – or how much it impacts well-being,” he reflects. “Sometimes people don’t realize how much it matters to say ‘Good morning’ when you walk by, sit down for a quick game of cards or round up eight guys and take them to the brewery for a couple of beers. Those moments can mean the world.”
The parties kept coming. Next was Woodstock-themed, complete with a 1960s tribute band and tie-dyed T-shirts for residents. Then, a Beach Boys bash with surfing vibes. Then Beatlemania.
Combined with a full calendar of events from the Engage Life® team, residents of Atria Cary always have something to look forward to.
But as Don is quick to point out, it’s never been a one-person show. “I’m just an old knuckle-dragging submarine engineman,” he laughs, “but we have such an incredible group of department directors that, together, we can pull off these big things that have a real impact.”
The staff attributes much of that teamwork to the intentional leadership of Jessi Tougeron, the community’s Executive Director.
“When I first got here, Jess sat us all down as department leaders,” says Breanne Draper, Engage Life Director at Atria Cary. “She asked us to reflect on how each department influences another – maintenance, culinary, administration. How do we all interact? She gave us space to really internalize that idea, and it was a great way to kickstart the culture. The rest flows from there.”
That understanding created a team unafraid to step beyond titles and pitch in wherever needed – whether it’s the Director of Culinary Services helping hang decorations or the Maintenance Director planning the next big bash.
Their most recent event, a Blues Brothers–themed celebration inspired by the classic ’80s film, featured vintage cars, fedoras, sunglasses, classic Chicago eats and, of course, live blues music.
The event drew nearly 250 guests and felt more like a gala than a casual gathering. “They still talk about it nonstop,” Don says with a smile.
What’s next? Plans are being kept under wraps, but rumor has it something big may be coming for the holidays. If history is any guide, it’ll be more than just a party – it’ll be another shining example of how camaraderie, creativity and heart combine to make life at Atria Cary something special.