OLD BRIDGE — Don Adams enjoyed the fresh air of just being outside.
That’s why the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the tranquility garden in honor of Adams outside the Reformed Church Home (RCH) in Old Bridge on May 2 was truly fitting to remember the man who did so much for the building.
“Don served as our president of the board when the building was built [in 1998],” said Kate Shepard, executive director of the Reformed Church Home. “In 2010, Don and his wife, Bunny, became residents.”
RCH, which is also celebrating 20 years in Old Bridge this year, provides assisted living, rehabilitation, long-term nursing care and respite care services.
The tranquility garden, which is filled with a weeping hydrangea tree, Japanese maple, magnolias, petunia flowers, a columnar beech tree and a tri-color beech, also provides a lounge seating area and a pergola canopy.
“We finished the garden yesterday. … Marie [Tezza, director of development] and maintenance were putting the finishing touches on the placement of the furniture and pillows,” Shepard said. “When I left, I saw eight people sitting in the garden. … How fitting, Don and Bunny would have loved to see it. It made me happy and put a smile on my face.”
Residents Woodis Booraem and Helen Bechtold said the serenity garden was a nice place to enjoy.
“I only have been a resident here for a short time, but this is a beautiful space,” said Booraem, who had previously lived in South River for 92 years.
Bechtold, who previously lived in Edison for 55 years, said she was amazed when she saw the whole serenity garden put together.
“It took my breath away,” she said. “It’s so beautiful. I hope to sit here when the weather is nice.”
The Adams’ daughter, Judi Adams and her best friend Linda Ranft, were on hand at the ceremony.
“My father was so involved with the design of the building [in 1998] from the design of the windows to saving trees on the property near the gazebo,” she said, adding this was a special tribute for her parents.
Adams said her father wanted to move to RCH because he knew it was special, not just for him but for everyone.
Don Adams, who passed away in May 2015 at 92 years old, was instrumental in locating the site in Old Bridge and overseeing construction of the building, which was completed in 1998. His wife passed away in February 2014. She was 91.
Don Adams was on the board of the original RCH, which was located in Irvington from the 1950s.
Following a history of caring for the elderly members of the Reformed churches in the area, the home opened its doors to people of all faiths. As time passed, the crime rate and safety issues in the Irvington area became a concern for residents and staff, and the building itself required extensive renovations to satisfy changing regulations and codes for nursing facilities. It was decided by the board to build a new facility, according to Andrea M. Walls, director of marketing.
Adams was integrally involved with the search/relocation committee, whose goal was to find a centrally located area with easy access via major highway corridors and public transportation. When the board located the property in Old Bridge on Route 18, it filled all of the criteria, Walls said.
After working with Old Bridge Township to get the approval for the facility, the next challenge was for the design. Adams was adamant every resident have their own outside window and private space, even the semi-private rooms, Walls said.
“He challenged the architect to create this layout,” she said. “It remains one of the unique features of RCH, which affords all residents privacy and dignity.”
In addition, the goal was to have several indoor and outdoor areas, such as the gazebo beyond the front parking lot, where families could visit in comfortable surroundings.
“Mr. Adams fought to keep the trees between the home and Route 18, saying that it was important to shut out the traffic and make it a peaceful place to be,” Walls said.
Adams hired some of the current directors and staff members, including Shepard, and was on the board for about 10 years. He was instrumental in starting the annual golf tournament, which is the biggest fundraising effort each year for the home, Walls said.
This year marks the home’s 27th golf tournament. A few years ago, Adams was honored at the outing.
Adams was also instrumental in the design and creation of a stain glass panel, which is displayed in the building.
Contact Kathy Chang at kchang@newspapermediagroup.com.
