We have a new couple that recently moved into Keystone Place, Ken and Joan Brekke.   Ken has the most amazing model ship, he constructed it himself and it took him over 5 years to complete it. It is a replica of the U.S. Essex.  The details are unbelievable.   It is so cool, we displayed it in one of our sitting areas in at Keystone Place and it has made quite a conversation piece for our residents. We are so proud of our residents and all of their individual talents!

Click to enlarge photos:

Story by: Deanna Lawrence, Executive Director, Keystone Woods

We have a resident here, Mr. Lucius, who used to have a business called “Birds of Prey”, and he would go to schools, nursing homes, etc., to show his birds and to educate folks about them.  One of his birds was a female golden eagle.  The eagle had been shot somewhere in Maryland about 25 years ago, and the government knew that Mr. Lucius was an expert bird handler so they sent him the eagle.  He nursed the eagle back to health and developed a strong relationship with the eagle for about 15 years. 

 Unfortunately, Mr. Lucius had to give up his business when his wife became ill with Alzheimer’s Disease.  He had a friend who adored his birds and quit her job to take over the business.  The eagle would allow only Mr. Lucius and this woman to come anywhere near her.  If a stranger ever comes close to her she spreads her wings in an attempt to flee.

 The woman came to Grayson House with the birds today.  Mr. Lucius hasn’t seen the eagle in about 12 years.  The big question of the day was whether or not the eagle would remember him.  When the woman took the eagle out, she had Mr. Lucius approach her.  The eagle just sat there and allowed Mr. Lucius to pet her chest without flinching.  It was simply a beautiful sight to behold!  There wasn’t a dry eye in the place, including mine, of course!  Fortunately, his daughter was here to witness all of this, and she was crying her eyes out!  She knows (and perhaps he does, too) that this may be the last time that he will have the opportunity to be with his eagle, and it was a treasured moment that I will never forget.   It was amazing to be able to make his dream come true!

On June 16th, resident Hazel Grote who resides at the Reedsburg(Director Sandy Socha) house celebrated her 10 year anniversary as a resident of Our House. As we all know a celebration has to include not only the cake, ice cream and punch, but an official visit from the Reedsburg Mayor!  Hazel, who likes to go by the nickname “Peg” received a Proclamation written and signed by the Mayor, David G Estes. The Proclamation goes as follows:

Whereas: 
Hazel “Peg” Grote has been a resident of Our House since June 16th 2001; 
Peg is an inspiration to everyone with her cheerful greetings and friendly smile; 
At the young age of just 99 1/2 , Peg enjoys her weekly outings and visiting with friends and family;
Not a day goes by that Peg does not fully peruse the sports page, especially articles about her favorite Green Bay Packer, Aron Rogers; We all look forward to celebrating with Peg when she celebrates her 100th birthday this December 18th.

Now, Therefore, be it resolved that I, David G Estes, Mayor of the City of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim Thursday, June 16th, 2011, as Hazel Grote Day in the City of Reedsburg.

In Witness Thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Reedsburg to be affixed this 16th day of June in the year Two Thousand and Eleven.

Of course the excitement did hit the local paper so the entire community was invited in. 

Last but not least, a local businessman in the Reedsburg area found out that Mr. Aaron Rogers, yes the Aaron Rogers of the Green Bay Packers, happen to be golfing in the near by area. Sandy knowing everyone in the Reedsburg community got word of this and asked the businessman if he could some how get an autograph from Mr Rogers for Ms. Peg who just adores him. Well sure enough, that happened!  Peg’s dream is to actually get the chance to meet Aaron Rogers face to face and I am sure Sandy is going to make that happen!

The great thing about Our House is we all find a way to celebrate every day no matter what the reason may be. Thank you Sandy and your team for making another unforgettable  special day for a resident. 

- Story by Balnche Wellman, KSMS Our House - Area Director