The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner
The groundbreaking at Oak Wood Estates Retirement Village couldn't have went more smoothly Thursday with beautiful weather, a good attendance, and some surprises for a long-time board member and his wife.
Board President Diana Doran of the Board of Directors, said this is an extra-ordinary day as they not only celebrate the construction of a new addition to satisfy the needs of those on their long waiting list, but also were celebrating some special people that have helped along the way.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, residents, and staff of Oak Wood Estates Retirement Village, Bobbi Tapscott, Oak Wood Administrator extended a warm welcome to all who came to witness the groundbreaking ceremony which marked the commencement of construction of the new addition to Oak Wood Estates.
"While it has taken some time to reach this stage, we are pleased to say that work is about to begin!" she said.
"From its inception, Henderson County Retirement Center has received the support of Security Savings Bank, Bank of Stronghurst, Raritan State Bank, USDA and most of all our community.
"They have believed in our facility since the first day and stood by us through the years. Without them, we may not be celebrating this day.
"We appreciate the continued support and dedication to Henderson County Retirement Center, Inc.
"In April 1996, I began with the Henderson County Retirement Center, Inc. working as a Certified Nurse's Aide.
"In November of 2009, I was hired as the first Administrator of Oak Wood Estates and I continue to serve in that capacity. It is therefore a very special occasion for me to preside over this ceremony."
Tapscott said the new construction will include 10 additional resident rooms, 6 doubles and 4 singles, a game room, an enclosed patio and a beauty shop.
"Ralph Tatge, Vice President of the board has been the catalyst for this project," she said. "Within the first year of Oak Wood's operation Ralph began advocating for additional rooms. He has served on the board since June 1995 and became Vice President in 2004. Ralph, thank you for the unselfish time and work you have dedicated to the Henderson County Retirement Center."
Tapscott said that Diana Doran, President of the board was also a strong advocate for Henderson County Retirement Center.
"Her drive, knowledge and leadership skills have brought this project to fruition. Diana is always striving to improve our facilities and the care to our clients.
"Diana, thank you for your tireless work, sleepless nights and continued dedication."
Tapscott also gave her appreciation for The Community Health Foundation of Warren and Henderson County for their generous contribution and Security Savings Bank for their support of this project, and C. A. Nelson & Company, who were awarded the building contract and the local contractors.
"But most of all I want to thank this community who has championed our facility through encouragement, volunteerism, inspiration and patronage," Tapscott said.
Tribute To Tatges
by Diana Doran, Henderson Co. Retirement Center Board President
Time is a very valuable thing. If a price was placed on time, Ralph Tatge would be a very, very rich man. Instead, Ralph has given his time freely for many years. Ralph served time in the military in defense of our country.
He has served this community as many things. As a businessman, a church elder, an ambulance driver, and as a member of the board of this facility. His wife, Darlene, and their family have spent a lifetime sharing this man with us all. Time that they will never get back.
In their honor, we are giving Ralph and Darlene the gift of time.
A clock to measure the time spent with family, a tree planted here that will allow time is the shade for many, and this new addition will be known until the end of time as the Ralph and Darlene Tatge Wing.
Yes, time is a very valuable thing. We want to thank both Ralph and Darlene, for the years of dedication and time given to this community and the people in it.
No, Ralph did not make a fortune on all the time he has spent volunteering.
But, as I look at the faces of his friends and family, I see the pride and love for him shining brightly.
As I look I also realize, Ralph Tatge is one of the richest men I know.
President of the board, Diana Doran (left) and Oak Wood Estates Retirement Village's Administrator, Bobbi Tabscott (right) stand along side Ralph and Darlene Tatge after recognizing them with a bouquet of flowers and a beautiful clock for the many many hours Ralph has given to the Stronghurst community and Henderson County Retirement Center, Inc.. They also surprised them with an announcement that the new addition at Oak Wood would be known as "The Ralph and Darlene Tatge Wing". Ralph has served on the board since 1995.
Henderson County Retirement Center, Inc. board members help break ground for a new wing onto Oak Wood Estates Retirement Center assistant living facility. David Gerst, Nancy Stevenson, Mary Reed, Jayne Richey Olson, Bobbi Tapscott, Wendy Noble, Diana Doran, Judy Roessler, Ralph Tatge, and Tom Pullen.