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 Michael Palmieri, our President and CEO at Havenwood-Heritage Heights (H-HH) asked me to share the story of how my wife and I came to H-HH. I hope you enjoy the ride! After retiring in 1997 my wife, Anne, and I moved to our farm in Dalton, New Hampshire. We both experienced some medical set backs and began to realize keeping up with the place was becoming more and more difficult. Both of us recognized that we needed to alter our living arrangements. We looked at much smaller homes in surrounding towns, considered the idea of building new somewhere north of the notch…but found nothing we liked. Eventually through our research we found Havenwood-Heritage Heights. To say that "I came here kicking and screaming" might suffice. I was far less than enthusiastic, and went through the appointment for Anne's sake (and to keep peace!) We were greeted by the marketing representative. What really made the difference, after touring the facility with a knowledgeable guide, was to be turned over to the care of a woman resident whose dynamism was immediately apparent and whose enthusiasm for H-HH was eloquent. Nothing would do, she exclaimed, but to come home with her to her apartment and really see what life there was like. So, off we went, and she showed us every nook and cranny and every closet and cupboard. I was favorably impressed. The marketing representative took us to an accommodation under renovation. Paint ladders, drop cloths, doors removed from closets…but I was immediately impressed with the fact that it was a two bedroom apartment located at the end of the building. Anne liked its location (reasonably close to Barrows Activity Center where "everything" is located)…and its location on campus. We were told the unit had been taken. We said our "thank you's and goodbyes"…and I allowed as how I might be persuaded to consider living here in, say, 4-5 years (then age 68) …and headed back north. Anne clearly remembers that conversation en route home I lowered the threshold further from 4-5 to 2 years. I was "that" impressed with the concept, the facility and the people. A few weeks later we received a call from the marketing representative offering us the apartment we had viewed during our visit. The time frame for decision making was immediate. Anne, who had been listening nearby, cried out "NOOOOO! We can't possibly move that fast! ...and started to protest with all the reasons why we couldn't possibly say yes immediately. I was intrigued and negotiated time to make the decision over the weekend. To say that the weekend was memorable would be a gross understatement! Just the thought of dealing with a fully furnished dwelling, a pole barn, a huge workshop and cartons and cartons of stuff lugged to our farm we promised to sort through but haven't in 8 years. WHAT IN GOD'S NAME ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH ALL THIS "STUFF"? Over the weekend we listed all the compelling reasons why we should move to H-HH within 3 months…and all forces we could identify that would prevent us from accomplishing them…and then began to deal with them in the order we had ranked them. By Monday breakfast we agreed that - given a lot of hard work, we could make it happen and we did three months later. Today, Anne is deeply involved with the Joyful Joey's performing Clown Troupe, co-chair of the Heritage Heights Library, co-leader of the Crafts Group, President of the Area 6 Residents and assists me with Geezer Group Productions. I am a member of the H-HH Chorus, participant in the Play-Reading Group, founder/Director of "Geezer Group Productions" which has staged Fiddler on the Roof and The Music Man in the past 2 years, and serve on the Programs Committee and Ethics Committee. We are convinced that we have saved our three grown children much worry and anxiety about our welfare and safety, as aging affects our lives and we need additional levels of support and care. We believe we have made our lives and theirs much simpler and enjoyable. In a way, all this becomes our final gift to each of them. Anne & I encourage you to contact the Marketing Department at H-HH. Donna Deoss and Jane Read are knowledgeable, helpful folks who will steer you in the right direction. It doesn't hurt to look. In fact, I hearten you to do so. I guarantee you will be happy with what you see. Dick and Anne Rush Residents P.S. Remember, not to make a decision IS to make a decision. Don't wait!
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1-800-457-6833 | Affiliated with the United Church of Christ
Havenwood : 33 Christian Avenue Heritage Heights : 149 East Side Drive Concord, New Hampshire, 03301 |
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