Hammond Center for Assisted Living Celebrates 7-year Anniversary
The Hammond Center for Assisted Living marked a significant milestone with its 7-year anniversary celebration on March 4, honoring the stability and resilience of its vibrant community. The 7th anniversary symbolizes warmth, strength, and prosperity, traditionally commemorated with copper. In honor of this occasion, staff created a framed piece featuring 2019 pennies arranged in the shape of a "7" which will be proudly displayed at the Hammond Center marking its opening in 2019.
Afternoon entertainment included a “Lucky 7s” human slot machine and a Hammond Center trivia game. Manager/RN Sammi Bryan led an engaging game highlighting the common bonds between tenants and expressed heartfelt gratitude to each tenant for enriching the community with their wisdom, stories, and smiles.
The Hammond Center has achieved an impressive average length of stay, with 16 tenants surpassing the national average of 22 months. Sammi acknowledged the remarkable milestones of several tenants, including Bill Wilson's upcoming 7-year anniversary, Lois Hurd's 6-year anniversary in January and Clara Scott's upcoming 6-year anniversary. Last year the community welcomed four new tenants after achieving a record 13 months of 100% occupancy with no turnover from 2024-2025. Currently, 12 of 21 tenants are age 90 or above.
Pictured Above: Current tenants at the Hammond Center for Assisted Living are pictured at their recent 7-year celebration. L-R 1st row: Madolyn Braley, Theda Fopma, Shirley Sieck, Betty Rowell, Bill Wilson; 2nd row: Mary DePauw, Judy Cook, Agnes Creps, Pat Smith, Lois Hurd; Standing: Linda Winchell, Shirley Pistulka, Betty Hammond, Marge Kaloupek, Ruth Honold, Bob Ryan, Clara Scott, Darla Granzow, Glenn & Coleen Van Dyke; Not pictured: Laura Eidsness.
The special occasion featured a delicious meal of chicken wings, shrimp cocktail, Cuban sliders, an assorted fruit bowl and a veggie platter prepared by the St. Francis Manor culinary staff and adorable sugar cookies from La Rose Marie Bakery in Sully. A stunning balloon arch with copper-colored balloons served as a backdrop for many photos during the afternoon celebration.
"The Hammond Center provides a family-oriented environment where staff with caring hearts strive to serve others," commented Executive Administrator Dion Schrack. "Over the past 7 years, they have made a remarkable impact on the lives of 57 tenants in our 20-unit assisted living community."
Sammi concluded by thanking the dedicated staff, "You are the heartbeat of the Hammond Center. Your dedication, compassion and tireless efforts ensure that our tenants receive not just care, but love."
For more information about the Hammond Center for Assisted Living or to schedule a tour, contact Sammi Bryan at 641-269-5454 or by email at sbryan@stfrancismanor.com. Currently, names can be added to the waiting list as all 20 Hammond Center apartments are occupied.
Pictured above: The tenants savored the special meal featuring chicken wings, shrimp cocktail and Cuban sliders. Tenants pictured: Pat Smith, Shirley Sieck, Betty Hammond, Marge Kaloupek and Lois Hurd.
