Sarah Brown
Samaritan Wiley Creek Community celebrated its 20th anniversary Thursday, May 10, by hosting an open house and Chamber of Commerce After Hours event for the residents and community.
The celebration included food, music, tours, raffle prizes, and horse-drawn carriage rides by Chafin Farm Carriages.
Patty Rhoads was honored for being the longest employee still at Wiley Creek, as was Donna Ego for being the longest resident at the facility. Both have been at Wiley Creek since its opening 20 years ago.
Bill Matthews, chairperson for Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce, welcomed attendees and observed how well the staff takes care of its residents.
“I want you to know, on a personal level and a chamber level, how much we appreciate all you do here at Wiley Creek,” Matthews said.
Marty Cahill, CEO of Samaritan, was also present and mentioned the great support the community has shown for Wiley Creek.
“It’s about our residents, it’s about our employees and the care they deliver, and the resource this is to the community,” Cahill said. “We had an opportunity a few years ago to test whether or not there was support, and we were shown very quickly there was great support. So we built off that over the last couple years, and we’re glad that we’re here for 20 years.”
The assisted and independent living facility opened in 1998, placing 44 apartments and 20 cottages spread out on 42 acres. There are openings available in assisted living, but cottages are full and have a waiting list, said Marsha Blankenship, manager.