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Heritage Center now has a shaded pavilion located in the courtyard of the facility where residents and their families can spend parts of a warm day.

The pavilion was dedicated on Friday in memory of Esther Jo Johnston, a former resident at Heritage Center.

“She was a resident here for a long time,” said Shelley Morgan, interim executive director of the Heritage Center. “She and her daughter were very active here. She had a lot of friends. When she passed, her daughter came back to volunteer and continue to be a part of the community.

Johnston’s daughter wanted to provide an area where the residents can be in the courtyard in the shade while enjoying their lives.

“We found this and with her blessing chose this cover and dedicated it to her,” Morgan said.

Morgan discussed about National Nursing Home Week.

“National Nursing Home Week is a chance for us to celebrate what we do,” Morgan said. “We plan things for the staff and residents all week.”

Morgan talked about the assisted care business being a tough industry.

“We are the most regulated industry that exists,” Morgan said. “It’s really easy to get stuck just trying to meet the regulations. We consistently do things and have programs in place to celebrate successes, the good things and achievements. National Nursing Home Week is kind of a culmination of that. We usually do that all together, celebrating our staff, residents and our mission to be the best care provider.”

Morgan said that the residents are at Heritage Center to “live their best lives, whatever that is.”

“We do become their family, even though some have wonderful families who come on a regular basis, we’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” she said. “We do become a family. A lot of times, some people don’t remember or give credit to loving relationships. There are a lot of laughter and a lot of people living their best lives.”

Also taking place under the main entrance Friday afternoon was a cookout to culminate the different Nursing Home Week activities.

“We decided to do all of this together,” Morgan said. “We fill that Nursing Home Week with things that honor our residents and our staff with what they’re doing in the community. We had several vendors that provide services to our staff and residents who brought things to honor them so we can all celebrate together.”

Among the offerings were different food giveaways, a cookout and more.

“It takes a family from all the people we work with in the community,” Morgan said. “We really appreciate the community support and the people who will take the time to come out here and be part of our community.