News

Rosemary was born to Banford Floyd and Lona Gladys Byrd at their home in Syracuse IN. Rosemary had five other siblings, Dolores, Jaunita, Jean, Helen and Bernard. During her younger years she moved to Chrisman, Il. where she still lives to this day. Rosemary has never married and never had any children. She states she is the last Byrd to leave the nest.

Rosemary attended the Chrisman Nazarene Church in Chrisman, IL. where she taught the second grade Sunday School Class.

Rosemary graduated from a small 2 room school called Cherry Point School located south of Chrisman Il. Rosemary first worked as a Nanny for 2 sets of twins. She fondly recalls their names Sammy and Sandra, and Dick and Darlene. After working as a Nanny, Rosemary started working at the Children’s Home in Danville, Il. where she stayed full time and the kids all called her Mama Byrd. She then transferred to the Children’s Home in Paris, Il. and enjoyed her time there the best because of the children. After working at the second Children’s Home location, Rosemary then began working at the television factory Zenith until it’s closing in 1984.

Rosemary stated that the one major event that has happened in her lifetime was the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She states that the difference between the younger generation today and her generation is that all the kids from grade school to high school spoke to one another and that they all got along well.

Rosemary hobbies today include reading her Bible daily, working on word search books and visiting with staff and peers.

I asked Rosemary what advice she has for our younger generation she states “Mind your parents, check who you run around with and check who you marry!”

Joan Deering was born to Emerson and Bernice Martin in Kokomo IN. . She had three brothers Bob, Richard and Junior with whom she got along well. During her younger years Joan was a member of the Daughters of the Masonic Lodge and was named Grand Bethel Queen. Joan lived at home with her parents until she was 45 and married her sweetheart Bill Deering.

Joan knew at the age of 7 or 8 that she wanted to be a teacher. She pursued her goal by graduating from Kokomo High School and attending Indiana University earning her BS in Education and an MA at Ball State. Joan’s first teaching job was at Von Erick Elementary School. She loved it so much that this is were she remained teaching for the next 23 years. Joan taught several grades including First, Second and Third. She says that the most rewarding aspect of the job was being able to teach the children and the children themselves and that the most challenging were the ornery ones!

Joan stated that she never faced any large world events like we are facing now but she says that the difference between the younger generation of today and her generation is that parents and teachers were definetly more strict and that they did not have cell phones or computers to distract them.

I asked Joan if she could write a message to todays younger generation to put in a time capsule to be opened in 20 years, what advice would she have for them:

To be a good citizen and be helpful to others.

Our facility is ready and anxious to coordinate outside visits with residents and family members. Please review the guidelines in the attached document, including when appointments can be scheduled and how to request your appointment. (You may also download a copy by clicking here.) You will be asked to complete and sign this waiver as well: Click To View or Print

Our campus is excited to report that Governor Pritzker is allowing outdoor visitation as part of the re-opening process. Our regulatory agencies are putting together the policy and procedure that we are required to follow. We understand that all facilities will have to follow the strict guidelines given to us in order to minimize the risk to our residents. The Illinois Department of Public Health as well as our local Health Department and the Health Care Council of Illinois will soon be guiding us through this next stage.

We will do our very best to accommodate every resident as soon as it is possible to safely begin these anticipated and coveted visits. We know this has been a very stressful and trying time for both you and your resident, and we thank you so much for your cooperation and patience as we adhere to the regulations.

We have already faced many challenges and are so proud of our staff for the sacrifices they have made and for the way they continue to rise up to meet each new challenge. Our residents have also risen to these challenges, despite all the changes in their normal routine, and they try to remain upbeat and encourage each other, and us! Of course ,they miss you, their loved ones, but because of all of their life experiences and hardships they have already endured, they sometimes understand and cope with the imposed restrictions better than we do!

In the meantime, we hope you will visit our Face Book page as well as our website to see some of the fun and creative ways we are keeping your loved one busy, engaged and entertained. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

We will move forward with a combination of excitement and caution when we are instructed to do so and will advise you of the policy and procedure required.

Mexicana day brought out the musical side of our staff and residents – especially our Director of Nursing! Thank you Penny 🙂