The Commons in Lincoln Chef Receives Senior Living Dining Award

June 8, 2026

LINCOLN, Mass. — Chef Nina Quirk, campus culinary services director at The Commons in Lincoln, has been named to WTWH Healthcare’s DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards Class of 2026.

Quirk was one of 27 senior living dining innovators recognized across five categories. She was honored in the “Elevating the Experience” category for her work with local ingredients and the resident dining experience at The Commons in Lincoln, a continuing care retirement community managed by Benchmark Senior Living. She joined the community in 2023.

“Nina’s culinary approach is creative and inspiring. Her passion for her work is apparent every day, as is her care for our residents,” said Adam Manchester, campus executive director of The Commons in Lincoln. “Through her dedication, patience, warmth and remarkable attention to detail, she elevated not only the quality of the meals that residents enjoy, but also the overall service and dining experience. Her impact on resident satisfaction has been both meaningful and lasting.”

Quirk’s approach centers on learning each resident’s preferences, habits and dietary needs through observation and conversation. Residents are encouraged to share family favorites and personal recipes, which Quirk incorporates alongside scratch-made dishes, low-sodium preparations and sugar-free options.

Quirk studied gastronomy at Boston University and has worked in senior living culinary programs for more than a decade.

“I was raised in a family restaurant and shaped by the deep connections I had with my grandmothers,” Quirk said. “They were my earliest role models and instilled in me not only a passion for cooking, but an understanding of how food brings people together. That foundation continues to guide my philosophy today, especially in my work with seniors.”

The Commons in Lincoln is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community in Lincoln, Mass. It is owned by JustLiving Communities and managed by Benchmark Senior Living. The community includes 168 independent living apartment homes and cottages, as well as 40 assisted living, 24 memory care and 32 skilled nursing units.

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