Staff/Resident Spotlights

As the Food Services Director of Decatur House, Helene Rogers is responsible for planning our menus, ordering food and supplies, and overseeing meal preparation. If you step inside the kitchen when Helene is on duty, you might sense the tantalizing aroma of simmering chowder, blending nicely with the sweet country sound of a Hank Williams […]

Entering James’ cottage apartment, you are immediately taken in by his display of artwork. James grew up in Peabody, and was one of five boys. From childhood, he had an interest in art, and as a boy, worked a paper route to raise money for art classes. He went on to choose art as his […]

Jeanette was born and raised in the small, rural town of Norridgewock, Maine (north of Augusta in Sommerset County). Her father worked for the State Highway Department while her mother, a beloved member of the community, worked in the school cafeteria, making sure the school children had a good, hot meal every day. Jeanette, the […]

On January 27th handmade items created by a cohort of residents, members of our staff, and some family members were put on display in the dining room. Exhibits included illustrations, paintings, shadow boxes, knitted items, needlework, quilts, photography, jewelry, glass and shell art, and pottery. It was fun to see and learn about everyone’s amazing […]

Decatur House resident Al Haven (pictured, with his wife Jane) was the oldest of three siblings, and raised in Albany, NY. After graduating high school, he enrolled in Amherst College and later transferred to Williams College on the GI Bill. He graduated from Williams as a naval officer. During World War II, Al served on […]

Decatur House resident Lourana Thomas was born and raised in Deerfield, MA. Her parents were both accomplished musicians and Lourana followed in their footsteps, going on to earn a bachelor’s in music education from Oberlin College and then taking graduate classes in music therapy. This training and education led to a 40-year career teaching music, […]