Press

Tomassetti’s dream involved reconnecting with the kind of farm life she grew up around. She fondly recalled a pony named Lightning, who had a fluffy mane that stood straight up instead of lying flat, and riding in farm vehicles through the dirt and fields.

“We had to do it because we were baling hay and stuff like that,” she said. “I’d rather do that than anything else.”

About 20 of the community’s 67 residents, including some in memory care, took at least one ride. When a visitor remarked on the joy on one resident’s face after a loop, Tomassetti said she was happy the other residents were having fun.

The event was made possible by the company’s leadership team, volunteer drivers David and Alex Russell, and powersports dealership Ridezilla, which donated the RZR for the occasion.

“We’re blessed that we can play a major part in doing this,” MacLean said. She said the Ageless Dreams program is rooted in the organization’s mission, values and principles, which she called its MVPs: caring people performing acts of kindness and ensuring residents are respected, served and cared for.

After her last ride, Tomassetti sat in the shade and talked about her life, her pony and how beautiful the desert is while a few of her neighbors took one last loop.

When MacLean asked whether she wanted to go on one more ride or was ready for lunch, Tomassetti shook her visitor’s hand and stood up to head inside. Her dream had been fulfilled, and now a hamburger was waiting for her.