A Place to LIVE

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“Youth is a circumstance you can’t do anything about. The trick is to grow up without getting old.”
~ Frank Lloyd Wright

As the Director of Investor Relations for the Siouxland Chamber I can truly say that this position has allowed me to see business and our community in a new way.  Its my role at the Chamber of Commerce to support and promote existing and new

Northern Hills Assited Living Resident Frances Lelchook shares family photographs of her late husband and herself

Northern Hills Assisted Living Resident Frances Lelchook shares family photographs of her late husband and herself

chamber members. This includes helping businesses celebrate milestones, expansions, new facilities and the like. Last week, I had the opportunity to head out to Northern Hills Assisted Living to help them celebrate their 10 year anniversary in Siouxland. My intent was to interview one of their residents who has lived at Northern Hills since they opened.

The visit turned out to be more than just a residents account of 10 years at Northern Hills. Her story and life experiences were an evident reminder that assisted living facilities are such a huge part of our community and allow people to truly live their lives.

Frances stands in front of a collage that recognizes her as North Hills first resident.

Frances stands in front of a collage that recognizes her as North Hills first resident.

It was obvious to me when I met Frances Lelchook that she is how I want to be when I’m 92; welcoming, kind and a little fiery.  She reminded me very much of my late grandmother, whom I was very close. Instantly, I felt like I had known Frances my entire life and we chatted comfortably about family (she has 52 great grandchildren from two daughters) and her experiences as a native Siouxlander and business owner. When I asked her of her favorite part about living at Northern Hills, her answer was short, yet frank. “I like everything about it,” she said without hesitation. “I don’t have to wash dishes, cook, clean, do the laundry, its really nice.”

As Frances sat visiting with me in her own vintage wing-back chair, I

Gary Troth, Executive Director of Northern Hills and Frances

Gary Troth, Executive Director of Northern Hills and Frances

couldn’t help but think of the many memories and life experiences that senior centers, assisted living facilities and the like are encapsulated with– not to mention our community as a whole! From wars and weddings to summer vacations and those ‘have to see it to believe it’ stories there is a wealth of history right here in Siouxland. Frances and her husband Ben owned Ben’s Thifty Mart (located on W3rd and Sioux) for 50 years. Northern Hills is celebrating 10 years in business and the Siouxland Chamber has been around  for 135 years. Throughout the years it has been, and will continue to be our goal to help business continue to move forward.  But, sometimes on a sunny Friday afternoon in August its nice to look back.

-Beth Trejo, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce

One Response to “A Place to LIVE”

  1. Mitzie Zucker

    Frances Lelchook is my aunt. My maiden name was Lelchook. My father was her husbands brother. I haven’t seen my Aunt in many years so it was wonderful to read about her. I wish her a happy and healthy new year.
    Love,
    Mitzie (Lelchook) Zucker