Ellendale’s Whispering Oaks Place charms residents with Fall Festival

The Whispering Oaks Place assisted living facility in Ellendale held an NRHEG homecoming pre-celebration before dinner on Friday, Sept. 25. This fall-themed festival consisted of snacks, music, yard games and pumpkin painting for a medium-sized crowd.

 

Barbra Mekenye, the regional director of operations, was helping serve guests while music man Jim Weissgerber sang nearby. He was playing an acoustic guitar and had the beautiful second floor scenery of Ellendale’s fall-turning fields behind him. The song was “Blue Velvet,” and while he sang, Mekenye said, “We’ve been planning this for the past two months. It is our mission here to serve these elderly residents of Ellendale, those who cannot live at home and those on a subsidized income. We held this festival to inform those Ellendale residents who may need a place to go. If they didn’t know about us, or have never been to this building, this would give them an excuse to check us out.” There are close to 30 apartments available at the facility, some of which have two bedrooms.

 

Mark Syvertson, currently a resident of Whispering Oaks Place, said he enjoyed the celebration but that it was close to 5 p.m. and he needed to chill out for a little while. This 1984 graduate was a lover of Aerosmith, especially mid-80s Aerosmith, and he said, “I’ve eaten all the cookies and cupcakes I’m going to eat for the day. I just need to lie down for a little bit.” Before he retired to his room, caregiver Montana Alvarado wished him pleasant dreams. As Syvertson left the room, Weissgerber began playing the song, “Red, Red Wine” by Neil Diamond, some of the residents were singing along with him.

 

Activities director Kelly Schwartz said, “It’s wonderful the guests are happy and they enjoyed the snacks.” She kept a watchful eye in case anyone in the group needed help. Mekenye added, “We brought in five different new directors with us. We always have our residents on our minds.

 

”The building itself has been an Ellendale institution since 2019. In 2024 the owners of Whispering Oaks Place hired Health Dimensions Group to manage the business. According to an online source: “Health Dimensions Group (HDG) is a privately held, women‑owned senior care management and consulting organization founded in 2000.” 

 

Staff members say they welcome visits anytime; the building is located at Calverly Court.