“Cheerful,” “intelligent,” and “young-at-heart” describe these seven representative residents of Resthave Home, 408 Maple Avenue, Morrison, IL. Seated left-to-right, Marilyn Herrick, 83, Rena Heusinkveld, 100, Nellie Zaagman, 90, Dorothy Tegeler (standing), 94, Marv Zaagman, 93, Irma Longanecker (standing), 96, and Joe Klimson, 90, are not old! As Heusinkveld said, “My mind is the same as always; it’s just that my body doesn’t always want to obey.”
Most of these “youngsters” have lived in this community for many years. Some even contributed to the building of the original Resthave in 1961. Others remember visiting people here. They all approved the remodeling and rebuilding that is nearing completion after three years. They especially enjoy the bigger rooms, new chapel, their private room, and the total expansion.
“If you can’t be home, this is the best place to be,” stated Tegeler.
Each also had a personal reason for their contentment and happiness. “I’m not alone,” said Zaagman. They all commented on the friendliness of everyone, the hominess, and all the attention that is paid to them.
“It’s easy to get out to activities and meals, too,” said Herrick.
Klimson, who is wheelchair bound, stated, “I still can go at my own speed with my feet as pedals.”
They have lived through the three years of construction and moving, but hey had no complaints! “All the workmen were so polite and helpful. They cleaned up after themselves and always had a path for us to go through,” said Longanecker. They all were impressed with the “Boss,” Steve, who was the foreman on the project.
“He knows all our names,” said Nellie Zaagman, and “all the nurses, too,” added Marv Zaagman.
Residents don’t just sit in their rooms. A wide variety of activities are available to all–from Bingo, (a favorite), to Bible study, Bunco, and Bowling. There is even exercise class. However, Tegeler said, “Walking from my room in Assisted Living to the dining room three times a day is my exercise.” There was agreement by all.
Two new adventures await those who wish: the Dinner Club and gardening. The Dinner Club is made up of five to six people who cook together weekly in the Assisted Living kitchen. They use their own recipes and then enjoy the fruits of their labors. “Currently, there are two Dinner Clubs,” said Nellie.
The other new activity is gardening in raised beds found throughout the property. There are plots of flowers, radishes, onions, beans, and tomatoes. Marv Zaagman and Longanecker planted several of these. “The rows are straight, too,” she said.
Such interesting people are at Resthave, each with his or her own story. Many have remarkable memories and can visit on a wide range of topics. They have lived through a lot of history: Stock Market Crash, Dust Bowl, Great Depression, World War II, and more. Resthave is full of “living” history!
Visit Resthave and take a look around the new facility with its beautiful face-lift; however, the gem of Resthave is its Residents. They, too, are open for visitors!