Reflections

RESTHAVEN COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 2016

Shahbaz (universal caregiver) Brandy Brown and resident Marion prepare for a meal
in the home-like dining room of the Boersma Cottage.

Meeting the Needs

of a Growing
Senior Population

Focusing on West Michigan, the

2014 Health Check Report, prepared

by Grand Valley State University for
Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan
counties, indicates there are more

THE STATISTICS ARE DAUNTING.

people 65+ than there are individuals

Nationwide, according to the U.S.

in the prime working ages of 35-44.

Census Bureau, the population of

Americans aged 65 and older is

have wide-ranging implications for

projected to more than double by

the country and West Michigan. The

2050. Much of this change is driven

growth will present challenges to

by the baby boom generation who

policy makers and programs, such as

will have moved into the ranks of

Social Security and Medicare, and for

the older population by 2030, and

families, businesses and health care

will increase those 65+ years from

providers.

13 percent of the population to

19 percent.

way in responding to the challenges

The aging of the population will

Resthaven intends to lead the

and demands with new ideas and

their life. Resthavens Vern & Lois

methods to deliver the kind of care

Boersma Cottage was a leader in West

all seniors deserve, supported by our

Michigan for providing the new way

faith-based mission.

to improve care.

Many of our changes are inspired

by three core ideas from the GREEN

HOUSE

TM

movement that promotes

smaller home settings for people

Groundbreaking
ceremony participants included: Dr.
Jim Hinkamp (left)
and Lois Hinkamp
Boersma (children
of Resthavens
founder, Rev. Paul
Hinkamp) with
Resthaven President/CEO Charles
Vander Broek
and former Board
member Dr. Vern
Boersma

As Resthaven plans for its future,

efforts will be made to respond to the

needs of a growing senior population
in a way that is financially sustainable, affordable and able to address

Resthavens Vern & Lois

Boersma Cottage was a leader
in West Michigan for providing
the new way to improve care.

the increasing financial constraints

of todays senior. At the same time,
Resthaven remains committed to
goals of providing quality care in an
intimate, home-like environment.

In the months and years ahead,

with special needs as they age. Based

you will see our plans unfold as we

on work by Harvard-trained physician

create more private rooms for our

Bill Thomas, the goals are: True home,

residents, improve living spaces with

meaningful life and empowered staff. In

greater accessibility for those with

his NYT bestseller book, Being

mobility challenges and upgrade our

Mortal, Dr. Atul Gawande endorses

older facilities. We will retain a deep

those goals and states We need in-

commitment to help those with

novative approaches, like the GREEN

IT WAS A CEREMONIAL TURN-OF-THE-EARTH WHEN, on June 30, the Board

limited financial resources.

of Trustees, management, residents and neighbors gathered for a celebration

HOUSE model, which are built on the

belief that every person, up until their
last breath, should have the freedom
to feel empowered and engaged in

Resthaven Breaks Ground for

Maple Woods Cottages
of the beginning of construction of the Maple Woods Cottages.

The Hinkamp Garden at Resthavens

Care Center provides a peaceful outdoor
setting for residents and families.

After much research and study, the Board determined Resthaven needed

to respond to a growing need for barrier-free, assisted living level residential care, states Bill Ryckbost, Board chair. The Maple Woods complex has
served residents well since it first opened in 1955, and changing demands
and increased regulations have demanded Resthaven supplement this
offering with newer units and spaces.

Resthaven purchased the land on 32nd Street and College Avenue in 1948,

which at that time was considered out in the country. The first building was
completed in 1954, and two wings were added in 1969.

The new Maple Woods cottages are being built on land directly adjacent

to Maple Woods, allowing for synergy and shared services between buildings.
The cottages will be two, 12-unit households featuring private rooms,
community dining and living spaces, and ADAaccessible space and
bathrooms. They will provide a small-home environment and amenities for
comfort and security, and allow residents to remain in place longer during
the aging process.

A fund-raising effort will assist in the financing of the project in order to

retain Resthavens affordability for those with limited resources. The cottages
are expected to be completed by April 2017.

BOARD PROFILE
Bill Ryckbost
BEGINNING HIS SECOND year as
chair of the Resthaven Board of
Trustees, Bill Ryckbost brings valued
leadership and organizational skills,
as well as a growing understanding of the challenges of caring for a
growing, aging population. When he
retired from a local manufacturing
company in 2008, Bill decided to use
his broad experience in management,

The Warm Friend A Community Icon

logistics and operations to serve as

an independent consultant to
companies needing to better under-

ON APRIL 30, 1925, the Warm Friend Tavern opened in downtown

Holland with great fanfare, including the ceremonial tossing of the key
by August Landwehr on horseback into Black Lake, a British tradition
symbolizing a tavern that is always open. Initiated by the Holland Furnace
Company and funded by many community leaders, Holland gained a
reputation as having a hotel in the roaring 20s that matched any smalltown hotel nationwide (Holland Sentinel article).
Built in 300 days at the cost of $500,000, the six-story structure
included guest rooms, nine apartments, and a ballroom with an elevated
orchestra loft. It also included a large dining room, dinette-style grille, and
a lower level exhibition hall/rathskeller. The hotel hosted many notables,
including Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, actresses Dorothy Lamour,
Fay Wray and Virginia Gray, actors George Raft, Pat OBrien, Richard Arlen
and Robert Cummings, and world heavyweight champ Rocky Marciano.
When Holland Furnace Company went out of business, the hotel was
sold to Jack and Arthur Vannette, who operated the hotel until they sold
it to Resthaven in 1981 as senior independent apartments. Today, 70
residents live in comfortable apartments as part of Resthavens
continuum of care.
Over the years, Resthaven has been committed to maintaining the
beauty and the elegance of the original hotel. Maintaining a 90+-yearold structure can be a challenge, states Susan DeJong, Director of the
Warm Friend since 2004. We work very hard to make our apartments
attractive and modern, while retaining the style of the lobby and dining
room as when it opened in the 1920s. We also want to demonstrate
the gracious hospitality so much a part of the Warm Friend tradition.

stand the supply chain and their role

in it. He also wanted to give back to

Board, and received the Outstand-

his community by committing time

ing Service Award in 2007. He also

and energy to a non-profit, faith

received a Master in Business

based organization.

Administration degree from the

University of Notre Dame, and

Resthaven is fortunate to have

Bill in such a volunteer leadership

attained certifications in production

role, says Charlie Vander Broek,

and inventory control.

Resthavens President and CEO.

Bill is married to the former

Diane Dood, who was raised in

It is both a privilege and a

challenge to serve on
Resthavens Board during
such a critical time in senior
health care. Mr. Ryckbost

Holland and also a graduate of Calvin.

Bill and Diane serve as co-chairs of
a fund-raising initiative to help
Resthaven to enhance its services
in the future. They have three adult
children and four grandchildren.

It is both a privilege and a chal-

He is invaluable in supporting our

lenge to serve on Resthavens Board

strategic planning and development

during such a critical time in senior

processes while, at the same time,

healthcare. With a 70+ year tradition

keeping us aware of operational effi-

of providing outstanding care in the

ciencies in a growth environment.

community and the willingness to be

innovative in its delivery, Resthaven

Bill was raised in upstate New

York. He graduated from Calvin

has a very positive reputation and

College, where he has since served

strong brand which I am confident

on the Board of Trustees and Alumni

will continue far into the future.

BARBARA BALDWIN RECEIVES THE

VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
The U.S. Presidents Volunteer Service Award recognizes citizens who demonstrate lives of
service, inspire others, and make a difference in the
communities in which they live. This year,
Resthaven volunteer Barb Baldwin was honored with
the award for over nine years and 500+ hours of service to Resthaven.

Twice a week, rain or shine, Barb leads the residents of The Warm Friend in

chair exercises. Knowing how body movement and strengthening are so critical
to preventing falls and improving quality of life, Barb pushes her participants to
stretch and flex in a gentle, healthy manner while enjoying the fun of the
challenge and the company of others. If you dont use it, you will lose it, says
Barb repeatedly as she conducts she classes.

Barb brings a special flare to her volunteer work at The Warm Friend. Residents

count on her to represent each and every holiday wearing colorful clothing and
accessories, and frequently bring homemade treats for after exercise class. When
asked why she volunteers for Resthaven, she simply says, I deeply believe in the
need for all of us, and in particular seniors, to remain active and exercise on a
regular basis. I hope I am making an impact on the lives of those around me.

2016 Good Shepherd

Award Richard and
Susan Muzzy
RECENTLY THE RESTHAVEN Board of
Trustees selected Richard and Susan
Beebe Muzzy as the 2016 Good
Shepherd Award recipients. The Award
is given annually to an individual or
couple who exhibit, in action and spirit, qualities that promote the wellbeing and care of older adults in our
community.

Dick Muzzy served as Chairman of

the Board and Chief Executive Officer

of SAF-Holland, Inc., formerly known
as The Holland Group, Inc. He retired in
2006 after 29 years. Susan operated a
riding stable for many years. She served
on the Resthaven Board of Trustees,
2004-2010, as a member and vice chair.

STAFF PROFILE CASSIE WISSINK

The Muzzys have been involved in

many community endeavors, includ-

Cassie Lee Wissink, R.N., serves the residents of Resthavens

ing the Community Foundation of

Rehabilitation Cottage and Annas Cottage with the

Holland/Zeeland, Holland Historical

kindness and the skills of a valued registered nurse.

Trust, Hope College Patrons for the

Arts, and Ready for School. They have

A native of Owosso, MI, Cassie found caring for older

adults was truly her calling once she began working for a

been key supporters of Resthaven

home care services agency in 2006. Despite having several

projects to improve our facilities and

job offers, she accepted a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) position at

the services we provide.

Resthaven in August 2008 following much prayer and consideration.

to seniors.

She began taking nursing classes at Grand Rapids Junior College over a period

We thank them for their dedication

PAST GOOD SHEPHERD

AWARD WINNERS:
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006

2005
2004
2003
2002

Micki Janssen
Jim & Jean Cook
Dr. George Zuidema
Joe & Geraldine Reed
Maxine DeBruyn
Dr. David & Carol Myers
John & Marylin Bright
Elsa Prince Broekhuizen
Jack H. Miller
Dr. Darell & Mary
Schregardus
Marjorie Hoeksema
Dr. Richard Leppink
Dr. Vern & Lois Boersma
G.W. & Edna Haworth

of six years, waiting 4 years for an opening in the R.N. program. Financial
assistance through the Lillian Mulder Dalman Scholarship and tuition reimbursement at Resthaven helped her achieve her goal, graduating in February 2016.

Im supposed to be here, says Cassie. Working with a great team of

colleagues and providing care to residents The Resthaven Way brings great job
and personal fulfillment to me.

Just days prior to her wedding, Cassie was faced with the difficulty of her fa-

thers passing. He had been a resident of Resthavens Care Center, and despite the
emotional challenge, Cassie remains hopeful. It was a trying time, but one must
move on. I have a life ahead of me and I hope many more years with Resthaven.

RESTHAVEN ENCORE! LAKESHORE AWARD 2016

Celebrating Seven Over Seventy
ENCORE! honors seven individuals or couples over the age of 70 years
who have lived lives of social purpose, accomplishment, leadership and
inspiration on into their retirement years.
Do you know of people you would like to nominate for this
recognition? Nomination forms are available at www.resthaven.org or
any Resthaven facility. Deadline is September 1, 2016. Recipients will
be selected by a panel of community leaders and recognized at a
public event in early October.

Glenn Lowe, Director of Development

Amanda Olson, Director of Resthaven Home Care

Mike Jalacki, Administrator of Resthaven Care Center

Barbara Huls, Director of Human Resources

Nancy Frens, Director of Maple Woods

Susan DeJong, Director of The Warm Friend

Bev Donahue, Chief Financial Officer

Charles Vander Broek, President/CEO

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Rick Zweering

Molly Truttman

Victor Orozco

Andy Mulder

Sam Martin

Craig Janusz

Marianne Bouwens

Scott Patchin Secretary

Dave Lutz Treasurer

Matt Ahearn Vice Chair

Bill Ryckbost Chair

RESTHAVEN BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MAPLE WOODS / LONG TERM CARE / THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME / THE WARM FRIEND
REHABILITATION COTTAGE / HOME CARE / BOERSMA COTTAGE

9 East 8th Street

Holland Michigan 49423