A Havenwood Heritage Heights Second Generation Resident

In 2003, Lindsay Freese and his wife, Betsy Taylor, encouraged Lindsay’s parents, John and Barbara Freese, to move to the Havenwood campus of Havenwood Heritage Heights.

John and Barbara’s decision to move here was influenced by the fact that they’d be close to their son and daughter-in-law: Lindsay and Betsy lived in New Hampshire and Lindsay was teaching at NH Technical Institute just down the road.

Over the course of 13 years, John and Barbara lived in two cottages, the Lodge, Lodge Assisted Living and the Health Services Center. They enjoyed the community as it allowed them to participate in selected activities but also maintain their privacy as a couple.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ypwP1hYwb7E

Lindsay participated in almost all of the care plan meetings for his parents. “Havenwood Heritage Heights allowed us to be family right to the very end.”

One special memory was the 70th wedding anniversary celebration for John and Barbara that was held in the Great Room at Havenwood with family and friends. Dining services catered the event with a beautiful presentation of appetizers and desserts. It was a special day in a beautiful setting for John and Barbara.

Betsy says, “If the staff is staying here then they must be doing things right. This influenced us in our decision to choose Havenwood Heritage Heights.”

In addition, Lindsay and Betsy had fond memories of special holiday meals, served especially for them in Havenwood Heritage Height’s Cozy Corner. While visiting their parents, they loved the 25 cent ice creams.

Although Lindsay and Betsy were familiar with other retirement communities in the area, they both felt that Havenwood Heritage Heights was just the right fit for them. The community set-up with independent cottages and then a continuum of care was what they wanted so they became applicants and planned to move in three to four years.

However, Betsy experienced a medical setback, so they decided to accelerate their move-in date and selected a cottage at Havenwood in 2019. After moving in, both Betsy and Lindsay started to really enjoy the community and the people. Betsy joined the Tootler’s group and was in a community play.

“When COVID hit, we felt very safe,” says Lindsay. “The staff went to great lengths to serve and protect us.” With great pride, Havenwood Heritage Heights did not lose any residents or staff to the virus.

Now that things are beginning to open up on campus, the best is yet to come. Table tennis, photography, meeting new resident friends, going on trips and more are on the horizon for Lindsay and Betsy.