A haul of fish brought in by residents of the Summerhaven assisted-living facility marks the start of new community initiatives for the facility.

“The residents are disabled, yes, but they have creative genius and when they realise that somebody’s paying attention that’s when things happen,” said Don Ricardo Wynn, administrator of the facility, in the wake of a charter fishing trip.

The men and women of Summerhaven pride themselves on their independence, but are keen for excursions as well as getting the public to visit.

Mr Wynn spoke after Dennis Rochester, Thomas “Blue” Young and Theophilus “Steve” Wilson were taken to waters off the West End earlier this month on board the Attitude Adjustment by captain Mike Jones. Their combined catches fed the masses at a fish fry.

Along with organising day trips, Summerhaven’s residents want guests from the broader community to feel welcome during activities there.

Mr Wynn gave special thanks to bodybuilders Albert Woolridge of Destination Transformation, and Chico Babon, Malachi Astwood and Bilial Binns from Raw Fitness Lifestyle who came along and flexed muscles to help get residents in wheelchairs on and off the boat.

Extra thanks went to the trip’s sponsors: Dowling’s Marine, Bermuda Security Services, Colette Simmons, Franzetta Parker, Calex Todd and John Powell.

To get involved at Summerhaven, call 293-2099.