Pioneer Place Residents Share Memories of Christmas Past

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred,

and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit,

become a child again at Christmas-time. 

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Recently, a few of the residents at Pioneer Place shared their Christmas memories. We are privileged to post them here as part of our Christmas celebration and a reminder of how important our family is every day of the year but especially at Christmas.

I remember when I was a kid, we lived on a farm in Custer. We really didn't have much of a celebration for Christmas because my parents were very poor. We had hardly any presents and no Christmas tree. But at my Custer school, we had beautiful Christmas programs and I always had a part in them. I like that very much so now I really appreciate everything I have.
        Submitted by Lorraine


When I was about 9 or 10 years old during the Great Depression, I got a doll about 14 or 15 inches tall. The doll had "real" yellow hair, a dress, sox, and little slippers. Best of all, it had eyes that opened and shut and it cried when I rolled it over on its face! It was also very , very cold when Mom gave it to me. I asked why the doll was so cold and she said that Santa Claus had delivered it by airplane. I found out years later that she had stored our presents in the machine shed or granary so we kids wouldn't find them before Christmas! Recalling it now, I realize that Mom probably wanted that doll as much as I did because over the years she sewed clothes for it with scraps of fabric or good parts from worn out clothes. I still have the doll tucked away in a dresser drawer on a little blanket for her bed!
      Submitted by Catherine


When I was about seven years old, my father and mother gave me a doll for Christmas. It was about half as tall as I was and had blond hair, blue eyes, a blue dress with ribbon decoration, black shoes and white stockings. I loved playing with it and still had it when I was grown up. I was planning to give it to my sister's girls. After my mother died, my dad married a lady with eight children. The three youngest were much younger than I and often played with my doll. Somehow the legs of the doll got broken so I decided to give my nieces some movies instead. I was very glad that they liked the movies very much and watched them over and over again.
      Submitted by Audrey

Every year around Christmas time when I was a little girl, our front parlor was closed off and none of us dared to open that door. Through a crack in the door came the smell of oranges and apples and some evenings we cold hear a lot of activity on the other side of the door. On Christmas morning, we would each get a box. My parents had a large family, and in those depression years there was little money for frills, so all we could expect was some candy and nuts, a large orange, maybe a cap and warm mittens, a warm nightie, and one or two toys.

My sister was four years older than I, and on this Christmas I remember, she had a beautiful doll on the very top of her box. When I opened my box, I had all the practical gifts. I tried to hide my disappointment just knowing I could have been a better girl. When I got to the bottom of the box, I also had a pretty doll but this was an experience I've never forgotten.

          Submitted by Rita

One of my fondest memories of Christmas is when I was a young girl living on a farm. One year I got a brand new coat for Christmas. That was really special because I was used to getting mostly hand-me-downs. We always got new pajamas and slippers which we got to wear Christmas night. What I remember most is that whatever we got, was given with much love.
      Submitted by Pat


When my oldest granddaughter was 8 years old, she was being naughty; and I told her if she wasn't good, Santa would not put gifts in her stocking. When Christmas Eve came, she helped my husband wrap gifts and saw what was to be my gift from Santa. On Christmas morning, with a concerned look on her face and a smug smile she was unable to conceal, she asked me if I knew why Santa is mad at me. I said, "Why do you think Santa is mad at me?" She said, "Because I was so excited I couldn't sleep so I came downstairs during the night to check the stockings and everyone had a present but you. I know Papa must have felt sorry for you when he saw you didn't have a present from Santa because I know he put that present in your stocking."
      Submitted by Judy

CWSL Offering Rent Specials for Pioneer Place and Whitetail Run

Open House at Pioneer Place

Senior Independent Living: Change Is Never Easy Part II

Among the myriad of housing choices available for seniors, Independent Living offers today's seniors the most versatile options. As was discussed in last week's post, maintaining a home is a source of pride but as we age, those familiar surrounding may begin to feel more like a burden. For many of us, coming to the realization that we should begin looking at housing alternatives to our current situation is the first - and often most difficult - step.

Where Do I Start?

Before Dorothy embarked on her journey down the yellow brick road she received sage advice from Glinda;  it is always best to start at the beginning.

Today's seniors have the advantage of a wide variety of resources to draw from. Boomers grew up during the period of time when new technologies were becoming reality on an almost daily basis. These seniors are more apt to turn to the Internet for information. Regardless of whether or not you access the 'net, grabbing a handful of brochures should not be your first step. Like everything else in life, printed media has its place in helping disseminate information but for making an informed decision, nothing can replace a face-to-face meeting.

Life In Ten Words Or Less?

A discovery interview for all levels of senior living will involve filling out a form or two but that is only part of the process. Like any good relationship, sharing information about who you are is the first step in the getting acquainted process. Information sharing enables the staff at Central Wisconsin Senior Living to assess your likes and dislikes, narrowing down your housing options until you have a customized plan tailored just for you.

Pioneer Place has 19 different floor plans and over 30 apartments, furnished and unfurnished, making it possible for you to find a living arrangement that fits your needs. Also available is the option of Whitetail Run. Both communities offer safe, secure environments for today's active seniors. The deciding factor won't be found in a side-by-side brochure comparison but will be made following several meetings with Central Wisconsin Senior Living staff and apartment tours. Scheduling an appointment for a tour and individualized amenity plan meeting should be your first step.

What Should I Look For?

There are several Independent Living Checklists available online including one that you can access by clicking on this link. They are all similar in nature, varying slightly but all cover the same topics you should be looking at when considering Independent Living: location, your prospective home, community, dining, service & programs, and staff. 

While a checklist will help you keep track of the amenities that are offered, it is also helpful to talk to residents to get their feedback. You don't except your new living arrangements to be one-dimensional; this is not the time for 'one-size-fits-all' or expecting a round peg to be forced into a square hole. Finding a community that offers the amenities that are important to you, in a place you will feel proud to entertain your family and friends is important.

It's been said the light is what guides you home, but it is the warmth that keeps you there.

Senior Independent Living: Change Is Never Easy

"Change always comes bearing gifts."

~ Price Pritchett

Price Pritchett’s quote on change is one that offers a fresh take on change, a subject we all like to discuss when change happens to someone. While we offer our friends and family a response “change is never easy,”  the truth of the matter is that oftentimes change can be difficult to accept but something we all must deal with.

The generation termed Baby Boomers is now on the threshold of change as they contemplate revising their living arrangements. According to The Baby Boomers Webplace the generation that became teenagers between 1953 and 1977, heavily influenced by television and the generation to experience the first major geo-political repositioning of the world since the Roman Empire (aka The Cold War) now find themselves concerned about out-living retirement assests, caring for elderly parents and concern for their own retirement lifestyle.

Thinking about moving can be a source of stress but exploring your options and planning ahead can help relieve that anxiety. 

Independent Living or Other Senior Housing?

What is the difference? 

Independent living is classified as any housing arrangement designed exclusively for seniors, generally aged 55 and older. Housing options cover a wide variety of options from freestanding homes to apartment-style living. The major difference between independent living and other housing options is overall health and assistance in daily living activities. If home upkeep and maintenance has become overwhelming or your simply looking for a community with more transportation access and opportunities to socialize, an independent living facility may be a good option.

If you or a loved one requires round-the-clock help with eating, dressing or personal hygiene, other housing options such as assisted living or nursing homes may be a better fit.

For those who desire the ability to maintain an independent lifestyle, Pioneer Place is an outstanding and affordable choice.

The building that houses Pioneer Place was built in 1931 and at one time was home to Lullabye Furniture Company. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, was renovated into a beautiful Independent Living apartment complex.

For today’s senior population exploring their housing options, thinking about giving up the familiar for a new living arrangement is a major decision. What you need from an independent living faciltiy depends upon your own situation. Knowing what to look for in an independent living facility can help you make the decision that is right for you or your loved one.

One of the first things that you can expect after your initial contact with the staff at Pioneer Place will be to schedule a discovery interview which will determine which one of the 19 different floor plans will best suit your lifestyle and your needs.

There’s No Place Like Home

It isn’t just Dorothy who longed for the comfort of home; our holiday carols are filled with references to being home for the holidays. Maintaining a home is a source of pride but as we age, it can also be a burden. Yard maintenance, difficulty keeping up the cleaning those extra rooms after the children have moved out. Maybe your home is difficult to access making it increasingly difficult for you to leave home, leaving you or your loved one more isolated. It might be worthwhile for you to take a look at your current living situation to see if an alternative will allow you more freedom and flexibility.

Upcoming blog post: What to expect in a discovery interview

Pioneer Place Meeting Seniors' Needs

A recent article on the needs of seniors' housing needs caught our attention. Published in the Fresno Bee, the concerns of California’s aging population are just as relevant in north central Wisconsin. Craig Smith, director of development for AMCAL Multi-Housing Inc., a Los Angeles-based non-profit that’s building is quoted in the Fresno article, “Affordable housing is probably one of the biggest things ... the need, whether it’s affordable or not, for senior housing is going to increase.” 

The senior population is expected to grow nationwide, fueled by the oncoming generation of baby boomers - those born between 1946 and 1964. The oldest of the baby boomers will celebrate their 65th birthday this year.

According to Clear Senior Living, Wisconsin has a higher than national average of residents who are over the age of 65. At the time of the web posting, 13% of Wisconsin residents are seniors, the national average is 12.4%. The current number of 722,000 seniors in the dairy state will most certainly rise in the coming years, increasing the need for independent and assisted living and long term care in our state.

The need for apartments in areas near grocery stories, social activities is growing; local housing agencies and senior organizations across the county receive phone calls daily from seniors looking for affordable places to live.

The establishment of Pioneer Place fills this need offering the most affordable and quality alternative for senior living in central Wisconsin.

Independent Living communities are often times referred to as "55 retirement communities" due to the fact that often, the residents must be at least 55-years of age, with exceptions being made for younger spouses. Independent living offers a carefree lifestyle and social connection for active adults and should not be confused with nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Those options are for residents who require medical and/or physical care. Independent living is the choice for seniors whose lives are no longer focused on career and raising families.

When considering an Independent Living community, consider the location. Ask yourself: Do I like the location and its appearance? Is the building in a safe neighborhood and convenient to areas that are important to me (libraries, shopping, parks, doctors?) 

Pioneer Place is housed in the former Lullabye Furniture Building located along the Wisconsin River. We’re proud of our renovation efforts creating individual one and two bedroom living units while maintaining the buildings' distinct historic 1931 charm, earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Situated within walking distance of downtown Stevens Point, Pioneer Place’s access to the Green Circle, Stevens Point’s famous Square, shops, Charles M. White Public Library and a wide variety of cafe’s and restaurants makes it ideal for the independent senior.

In future posts, we’ll detail more of the amenities that place Pioneer Park ahead of the competition. We are always available to assist you with any questions you may have choosing your new home.

Congratulations Judy Stashek TV Giveaway Winner

The Central Wisconsin Senior Living booth at the Portage County Business Council's 2011 Expo was a very popular place. The fact we were sharing homemade cookies (thanks to our very own chef!) might have had something to do with it. Or it could have been Marketing & Activities Director Lori Schuler engaging everyone with her aerobics prowess or grabbing the microphone to showcase her singing ability. A combination of cookies, talent, as well as enthusiasm to showcase Central Wisconsin's premier senior and assisted living facilities all helped contribute to a successful Business Expo for Central Wisconsin Senior Living.


The Business Expo was the perfect venue to roll out our new booth and promotional literature and to introduce Pioneer Place.


We were kept busy answering your questions about our properties, passing out cookies all the while watching the 'fish bowl' fill up with the names of people hoping to win the 19" LCD TV!




Accompanied by a drum roll, the winning name was drawn ... Congratulations to Judy Stashek, Westland Insurance! At the After Hours Event, Judy's name was called again as being a winner of one of the Portage County Business Council's giveaway. Apparently it was her lucky day.


After the banners and other material was packed up and we looked back on a very busy day, we realized that the success came from the start of our building relationships, along with the deeply-felt belief that those relationships are the most important part of business. We all look forward to getting to know you better.


If you're in the neighborhood, stop by for a cookie.

Considering A Change of Address? Welcome to Pioneer Place!

We are pleased to announce the newest addition to our selection of senior living choices, Pioneer Place. Central Wisconsin's most affordable and quality alternative for senior living.


Pioneer Place is an outstanding choice for those wishing to maintain an independent lifestyle with the security of supportive amenities in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.


City Residence For Active Adults Living Well


At Pioneer Place those who want to live in a lively community can enjoy peace of mind and security, supporting an independent lifestyle.

Formerly housing the Lullaby Furniture company, the building dates from 1931 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. It is from this historic building that Pioneer Place was renovated into a beautiful apartment complex at 1020 First Street, Stevens Point, WI, near the banks of the Wisconsin River.


Distinctive one and two-bedroom living units are designed to be reminiscent of early 20th Century construction. The apartments reflect the spacious quality of the building's proud manufacturing heritage.


Help Me Choose What's Best For My Situation


At Central Wisconsin Senior Living, we understand that there is no one-size-fits all and are committed to helping you make an informed and educated choice for the next important chapter of your life. We are available to assist you with any questions you may have in choosing your new home and look forward to introducing you to our senior living communities.


North Haven Assisted Living Homes offers a positive approach to resident care, helping residents maintain the maximum level of independence and dignity in a home setting. North Haven is your affordable home away from home.


Whitetail Run offers a one-of-a-kind senior community in the heart of Central Wisconsin. Nestled in the trees along a quiet road with a private drive, Whitetail Run was built with security and comfort in mind.


The announcement of Pioneer Place, Central Wisconsin Senior Livings newest senior community, also marks the introduction of our blog. In addition to a venue to share information and discuss topics that involve, affect and concern seniors. Consider this your invitation to  become part of our family; share your thoughts, photographs and comments.


We look forward to introducing you to your new lifestyle.


For more information or your personal showing, contact Pioneer Place on-site tenant concierge at 715-347-4999