Residents Edith Leslie and Arnold Thorin are eager to show off their new homes at the Tuff Village during the open house planned for Sunday afternoon.
By Jolene Farley
The Tuff Village assisted living facility, the first of its kind in Rock County, will host an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at their new facility in Hills.
Pastor Lowell Berg will conduct a dedication ceremony for the new building beginning at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served in "Stella's room." Some occupied apartments will be open for tours during the open house.
"The tenants are anxious to show their apartments," said Bonnie Hengeveld, Tuff Village manager. "We would like to invite everyone to tour the facility at their leisure and join the tenants and staff for refreshments and fellowship."
When asked how it feels to have such a large project completed, Hengeveld said, "It feels wonderful. It is very rewarding to see the folks settled and really speaking out, telling us they are happy."
The Tuff Village is currently full and has a waiting list. The 19 apartments house 24 tenants, some couples and some individuals.
Besides beautiful surroundings, Tuff Village offers residents Bible study, crafts, puzzles, card games, musical programs and outings, usually to Luverne, once a week for shopping.
Soon Hengeveld hopes to offer intergenerational activities by inviting day care centers, 4-H groups and others to visit Tuff Village.
The Tuff Village carries an Assisted Living Home Care Providers License, which requires 24-hour registered nurse supervision, 24-hour supervision of residents, three meals a day plus snacks, socialization programs and transportation.
It differs from a congregate care facility, such as the Oaks in Luverne, in that it offers a higher level of care for residents.