Fifth Anniversary for 'Manor at Mason Woods'

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The residents and staff at the Manor at Mason Woods are prepared to welcome the public Friday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the opening of the assisted living facility in Pinckneyville.

Guests get a free corn dog from Paulette's Concessions on Friday and have the chance to win door prizes. Flyers went out earlier this week with numbered puzzle pieces on them. Just bring in your puzzle piece to see if it's a winner.

The flyer asks if Manor at Mason Woods could be the missing piece in your or a loved one's life. The assisted living facility is a step between independent living and nursing homes.

Residents get medication reminders, prepared meals, housekeeping, laundry, scheduled transportation, daily activities and 24 hour nursing care.

"We're family here," Administrator Brooke Fox said. "We'd want people to come and experience that Friday."

Activities Coordinator Denise Bauersachs keeps the residents and public busy with daily activities. Mason Woods is a frequent venue for local musical groups and others who enjoy sharing their talents with an appreciative audience.

The assisted living facility also works closely with the University of Illinois Extension Office in Perry County. Many 4-H Clubs visit the Manor each year for club activities or to participate in large activities such as the lasagna garden that is planted each year. Mason Woods was the site for the second 'Biggest Loser' Challenge hosted by Perry County HCE.

"We're always open to the community," Fox said. "It makes the residents an active part of the community."

Mason Woods opened in 2004 with 30 units in three wings. The facility was so popular that construction on a fourth wing and an additional 10 units began in 2005.

The units are studio or one-bedroom apartments. The one-bedroom units can accommodate couples. There are three unoccupied units right now. Those units and some furnished ones will be open to the public. Residents volunteered to have their units be a part of the tour.