[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   WALNUT GROVE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 1999

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Walnut Grove 
Retirement Community which is celebrating its 10th anniversary of 
outstanding service to the elderly community of Grundy County.
  On March 7, 1989, the Walnut Grove Healthcare Center opened with 97 
beds available to seniors. Four years later, in 1993, Grundy County 
experienced a need for more beds for the elderly. Walnut Grove applied 
for and completed the Certificate of Need process in order to add more 
beds and better serve Grundy County senior citizens. This process 
resulted in the increase of licensed beds from 97 to 123.
  On January 10, 1994, a ground-breaking ceremony was held for these 24 
private suite sheltered care units. This addition is known as the 
Walnut Grove Villa. As these Villas have established a fine reputation, 
a waiting list of applicants wanting to reside in them usually exists.
  In addition to the Healthcare Center and the Villa, there are 
duplexes included in the retirement community. These 24 cottages house 
30 elderly residents for independent living.
  Walnut Grove's provision of care is sensational. The rehabilitation 
program of Walnut Grove is Medicare certified. Furthermore, there are 
always special events on the holidays, along with various outing and 
recreational events.
  Mr. Speaker, I find it appropriate that the Walnut Grove Retirement 
Community be given praise for its 10 years of existence. May the 
service Walnut Grove has provided to the people of the 11th District 
and the elderly community of Grundy County continue as we move into the 
21st Century.

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