A Note from Franklin’s Mayor
I recently had the opportunity to participate in the ribbon-cutting for the first phase of the new Peabody Place, a beautiful environment for our special senior residents.
New Peabody Place Formally Opens After Celebratory Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Current members from 80-year-old facility moved into new senior living community April 2
A celebratory crowd of employees, board members, employees, friends, dignitaries and contractors were on hand at the brand-new Peabody Place to gather, tell stories and raise a glass to the completion of phase one of an ambitious renovation project. The formal ceremony took place on Thursday, March 31 and less than two days later, all members of the 1940’s era former Peabody Home began moving as the inaugural first members of Peabody Place.
“The work here started 80 years ago when four ladies bought the property and had a vision,” said John Benham, a long-time board member and volunteer who chairs the building committee. “The board had a vision for the new Peabody Place, which we have been working towards for the past six to eight years, with the understanding that we had to continue what started 80 years ago. Now, we’re ready for another 80 years.”
Peabody Place is pet-welcoming and features well-appointed apartments with private bathrooms, oversized windows and unique views of the Winnipesauke River. Amenities include common space for gathering on all floors, a 24-hour emergency response system, memory care services, apartments in a dedicated section of the building, personal transportation services, a beauty and barber shop, an exercise and wellness room and easy access to downtown Franklin.
“This home may be new but it’s a continuation of the work of many generations,” said Chris Seufert, who chairs the Peabody Place Board of Directors. “We would not be here today without the great work of our contractors, engineers and architects or without the many city officials and others who had a vision. It does take a village and a village can make a dream become a reality. You all dreamed big, and it is exciting to welcome residents into the new living space.”
Over 50 special guests attended the ribbon cutting ceremony on the afternoon of March 31 and enjoyed the remarks, a champagne toast, first-peak tours of the finished space and a sampling of the high-quality cuisine that is available to Peabody Place members. The following Saturday, dozens of volunteers helped move the current members living in the old building a few hundred yards into their new homes.
Franklin Mayor Jo Brown recalled old memories of playing the grand piano with her grandmother in the old building and on how the new Peabody Place embraces a forward of senior care. “I want to thank Executive Director Howie Chandler for moving the focus away from a nursing-focused medical facility and towards a whole person inclusive community of people that are coming in. The Peabody team is at the forefront on this,” she said.
The first phase of the project is now completed and is dedicated to individuals interested in an assisted living environment. Upon completion of phase two, the 63,632 square foot Peabody Place will more than double its original capacity and will include 45 assisted living apartments, 13 memory care apartments and 16 independent living apartments.
Funding totaling $26 million was approved through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development’s Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program in November 2020.
“New Hampshire and Vermont have two of the highest median ages,” said Eric Law, rural development community program director for the N.H./Vt. region of the USDA. “Our communities need quality, affordable elderly care and Peabody Place is a prime example of that. On behalf of USDA Secretary Vilsack, I want to congratulate you all. From your USDA, a sincere congratulations.”
The building was designed and built by EGA P.C. Engelberth Construction and the engineering work is being conducted by Nobis Engineering, both of Concord, N.H. Advisory work is being provided by New Hampshire-based RS Consulting and North Country and the Northern Community Investment Corporation, in St. Johnsbury, Vt.
Engelberth CEO Pierre Leblanc was also on hand for the ribbon cutting. “We built this new building through the pandemic and I’m so proud of everyone here. Our team and the many subcontractors that worked with us faced challenges, labor shortages and more to get to this point. It was pretty incredible to see everyone persevere. Now we’re going to go to locker room and regroup and kick the next phase into gear,” he said.
The original building will be torn down in mid-April to make room for phase two. This will include constructing a new independent living facility on that location. Both phases are being integrated into a single three-story building that features a granite and brick façade and large manor windows. Phase two is expected to be completed in late 2022.
Photo courtesy of Peabody Place. Photo caption (left to right) Franklin Mayor Jo Brown, Peabody Place Chair of the Board of Directors Chris Seufert and Engelberth CEO Pierre LeBlanc at Peabody Place ribbon cutting ceremony on March 31, 2022.
Renovations harken in new long-term care model at Peabody Place
The Concord Monitor’s recent article on our expansion and upcoming spring opening details how Peabody is empowering individuals living in a long-term care setting.
Peabody Place Readies for Opening
Brand-new state-of-the-art senior living community to open in early Spring
As finishing touches including window treatments, furnishings and décor are put in place, the long-awaited brand-new Peabody Place will open this spring and welcome individuals who are in need of assisted living. Construction on phase one of the $26 million residential senior living community is scheduled to be completed in early March. Current members living in the original 80-year-old Peabody Place (formerly known as Peabody Home) will begin moving in later in the month while new members will be welcomed in April.
“We are very excited to welcome current and future Peabody Place members to this new residential community that has been designed and built for their comfort and lifestyle,” said Howard Chandler, executive director of Peabody Place. “Assisted living is a wonderful option for those who might find living at home alone to be a bit of a challenge. As a nonprofit, community-based organization, we have no entrance fees and focus on offering affordable and attractive option for care and quality of life. Our doors will soon be wide open for individuals and their families to begin a new, exciting chapter of their lives at Peabody Place.”
Peabody Place is pet-welcoming and features well-appointed apartments with private bathrooms, oversized windows and unique views of the Winnipesaukee River. Amenities include common space for gathering on all floors, a 24-hour emergency response system, memory care services and apartments in a dedicated section of the building, personal transportation services, a beauty and barber shop, an exercise and wellness room and easy access to downtown Franklin.
Construction of the new 63,632 square foot facility is being done in two phases. Once completed, Peabody Place will more than double capacity and will include 45 assisted living apartments, 13 memory care apartments and 16 independent living apartments.
“We’re ready to roll out the welcome mat at Peabody Place,” said John Benham, who serves on the Peabody Place Board of Directors and chairs the Building Committee. “So much thought and attention to detail have been put into this effort and we’re thrilled to begin welcoming individuals to a place they will be proud to call home.”
The first phase will be the future home for individuals interested in an assisted living environment. After phase one is completed, the original building will then be torn down and phase two will include constructing a new independent living facility on that location. Both phases are being integrated into a single three-story building that features a granite and brick façade and large manor windows. Phase two is expected to be completed in late 2022.
Current members who live in the original 1942 Peabody Place (formerly called Peabody Home) will move into their new apartments first. Then new members will be able to move in after. Those interested in learning more and exploring living opportunities are encouraged to contact Peabody Place quickly given the demand for these services. For more information, contact Marylee Gorham at 603-934-3718 or mgorham@peabody.place.
Peabody Place partners with newly formed Auxiliary Group
Peabody Place, located in Franklin, has formed the Peabody Place Auxiliary group through a partnership with the Auxiliary Group. Comprised of a well-connected professional women, the Auxiliary will promote and support the mission of the senior living community in the Lakes Region.
“The Peabody Place Auxiliary will quickly prove itself to be important not just to our members – but to the greater Franklin community,” said Howard Chandler, executive director of Peabody Place.
Auxiliary co-chair, Christine Dzujna, has successfully grown the group from humble beginnings in 2009 starting with a dozen people from her church, the Bessie Rowell School, Business & Professional Women’s Franklin chapter, and her own neighborhood. The group separated from Franklin Regional Hospital when LRGHealthcare merged with Concord Hospital. The Auxiliary historically has a strong track record of fundraising and has supported many programs in its prior iteration including The Lights of Memory, Senior Safety Day, Tanger Outlet’s Annual Fit for a Cure 5K, in addition to hosting the “Mom Prom” and running a wildly successful gift shop which also hosted the Christmas in July sale.
“Our Auxiliary has worked hard over the years [to support the hospital and enjoyed every minute],” said Dzunja. “I personally look forward to being a part of the Peabody Place Auxiliary. They say, when one door closes another opens. We’re thrilled to lend our skills, enthusiasm and goodwill to Peabody Place and look forward to many wonderful projects!”
Peabody Place represents the transition of the older Peabody Home; a beloved post war mansion on Central Street where seniors from the area could live well contemplating their later years with grace and dignity. This former mill town is currently undergoing revitalization and major capital investment with the refurbishments of manufacturing buildings, a steady downtown infusion of new businesses, upgraded facades, real estate renovations retain the light industrial vibe of interior brick, high tin ceilings and exposed duct work. East on Central the new whitewater park enjoys construction, while west on Central, the new Peabody will be open in late February. Meanwhile, the newly formed charitable arm of Peabody Place will continue what has always been a deeply embedded community resource.
Peabody Place 2020 Annual Report
Peabody Place shared the 2020 annual report at the annual meeting on August 11th.
Something special in Franklin, NH – the vision for Peabody Place
We’re excited to share the vision for Peabody Home in Franklin, NH as it becomes Peabody Place.
Peabody Home is Becoming Peabody Place as Construction Moves Forward
Priority list created so individuals can reserve space in the new Peabody Place now
It’s clear to all who visit downtown Franklin that there is a major project in the works at Peabody Home. The original home, the ‘mansion on Central Street,’ was constructed in 1941 and opened in October of the following year. Over time, upgrades and additions kept pace with changing eldercare standards, the last being in 2001.
The 80-year-old building that has been a beloved residence for many community members is being transformed into a larger, modern retirement community that will include assisted living, independent living and memory care. Such a transformation warrants re-naming to reflect the expanded services and amenities soon to be available. “Peabody Place” will epitomize a renewed culture that will offer more options for seniors in an inviting setting that promotes support of the mind, body and spirit, ultimately increasing quality of life.
“Our home for residential care for more than 80 years is becoming the place for expanded residential care and independent living in a new, state-of-the-art retirement community. With construction underway and the fact that we are taking reservations for those interested in becoming residents in our new retirement community, we wanted to unveil the name and logo now to help us showcase the vision for Peabody Place,” said Executive Director Howard Chandler.
Conceptual rendering of the new Peabody Place in Franklin, NHConceptual rendering of the new Peabody Place in Franklin, NH
Construction of the new 63,632 square foot Peabody Place is being done in two primary phases. Phase one of the project – building a brand-new assisted living and memory care center – is well underway and is scheduled to be completed in late 2021. Once open, current residents will move into the newly built Peabody Place, A priority waitlist has been created for individuals who want to reserve a space now.
After phase one is completed and residents move into the new space, the original building will be demolished and new independent living apartments will be built on that location. Both phases will be integrated into a single three-story building that features a granite and brick façade, large manor windows and will include a 24-hour emergency response system, personal transportation services, a beauty and barbershop, an exercise and wellness room – all within easy access to downtown Franklin. Phase two is expected to be completed in late 2022 and will also host well-appointed common areas including a bistro, media room and library.
Once completed, Peabody Place will more than double capacity from the current 37 residents and will include 13 memory care apartments, 45 assisted living apartments and 16 independent living apartments. It will feature more common space and take advantage of its unique views of the Winnipesaukee River, which bends around a point where the facility is located.
“We’re very excited about the future of Peabody Place and are developing some unique plans for the facility including using more locally sourced food in our dining areas, emphasizing that we are not just pet-friendly, but pet-welcoming, but pet-welcoming and determining how best to use the adjacent Proctor Point property for the enjoyment of our residents and their families. We’ll be launching a new website shortly that will help showcase this vision,” Chandler said.
Funding totaling $26 million for the project was approved through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development’s Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program in November 2020 and construction began a month later. The building was designed by EGA P.C. Engelberth Construction is building the facility and the engineering work is being conducted by Nobis Engineering. Advisory work is being provided by RS Consulting and Northern Community Investment Corporation. For more information, contact Admissions Director Marylee Gorham at 603-934-3718 or mgorham@peabodyhome.org.
Peabody Home Holds Virtual Groundbreaking for Comprehensive New Senior Living Facility
State-of-the-art facility to include assisted living, independent living and memory care
The team at the Peabody Home in downtown Franklin put shovels in the ground at a recent virtual groundbreaking ceremony to formally kick of the construction process that will result in a significant expansion of facilities and services. The ceremony, captured on video, includes remarks from staff, board members and the mayor, all highlighting the long history of the Peabody Home and the strong interest in creating a “new Peabody.” The larger, brand-new facility will provide more capacity for assisted living and memory care and add in new high quality independent living options for a full continuum of care.
“Peabody Home has given back to this community for almost 100 years. This Board of Directors felt that we needed something to push the Peabody Home forward into the next century. The best option the board found is to put in a brand-new facility that will serve this community for another 100 years,” said Chris Seufert, chair of the Peabody Home Board of Trustees, during the virtual groundbreaking.
Funding totaling $26 million was approved through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development’s Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program in November. On December 22, all loan paperwork was finalized, allowing construction to start.
“Three years ago, we (the board) thought about expanding and meeting the expectations of what we know is coming in this industry. We looked at our 80-year-old building and thought, ‘it’s time to think of something different.’ What we have come up with is a set of plans that will accommodate two times the census and three times the square footage,” said John Benham, who also serves on the board and chairs the Building Committee.
Construction of the new 63,632 square foot facility will be done in two primary phases. The first phase will be the construction of the assisted living and memory care facility. Upon completion, residents and staff from the current facility, which dates back to 1942, will be moved to the new building. Phase one is expected to be completed in late 2021.
Franklin Mayor Tony Guinta participated in the virtual groundbreaking and read a proclamation. “The Peabody Home is now poised to begin an incredible expansion that will not only compliment Franklin’s downtown rebirth, but most importantly will provide a special place for more than 70 seniors to enjoy their golden years in a warm, safe and well-appointed environment,” he said.
After phase one is completed, the original building will then be torn down and phase two will include constructing the new independent living facility on that location. Both phases will be integrated into a single three-story building that features a granite and brick façade and large manor windows and will include a 24-hour emergency response system, personal transportation services, a beauty and barber shop, an exercise and wellness room and easy access to downtown Franklin. Phase two is expected to be completed in late 2022.
Once completed, the “new Peabody Home” will more than double capacity from the current 37 residents and will include 13 memory care apartments, 45 assisted living apartments and 16 independent living apartments. It will feature more common space and take advantage of its unique views of the Winnipesauke River, which bends around a point where the facility is located.
“The Peabody Home has been an integral and beloved part of Franklin’s downtown since the early 1940’s. Residents near and far have come to trust the facility for its high quality of care. The expanded capacity will be critical as the Peabody Home continues to serve the growing senior population of this great community,” US Senator Jeanne Shaheen said in a letter submitted as part of the ceremony.
U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan and U.S. Representative Annie Kuster provided video commentary for the ceremony. “This modernization and expansion of the Peabody Home will serve more seniors in our state, keeping them safe and healthy, and improving their lives,” Senator Hassan said in her video. “I’m just thrilled that the Peabody Home has received this significant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This direct loan represents an important investment in the City of Franklin, its residents and surrounding communities,” Representative Kuster added in her video.
Meg Miller, who has been at the Peabody Home for 22 years and currently serves as director, thanked her volunteer board for all of their work and support and Rural Development for providing the funding to make this project a reality. She encouraged those interested in learning more about the expansion to visit a new website that has information on the project.
Peabody Home, which is an independent nonprofit organization, will continue its unique benefits that help make it an affordable, high-quality option for senior living. While many facilities that offer independent living often require a significant down payment, Peabody plans on requiring a small, fully refundable deposit. The facility will also continue to offer its Yankee Plan, where residents pay for basic services and can then add in additional services a la carte, so they are not charged for services they don’t use.
Schematics and additional information on the building can be found online. Space in the new facility can be reserved now. Anyone who moves into the Peabody Home prior to the opening of the expanded facility will have a space held for them in the “new Peabody.” The building was designed by EGA P.C. Engelberth Construction is building the facility and the engineering work is being conducted by Nobis Engineering. Advisory work is being provided by RS Consulting and North Country and the Northern Community Investment Corporation. For more information, contact us.
Introducing New Hampshire’s Healthcare Heroes – Meg Miller & Catie Gaudreault Named Healthcare Heroes
Congratulations to our very own, Meg Miller and Catie Gaudreault, for being named “New Hampshire Healthcare Heroes!” They were nominated by their colleagues for their dedication to go above and beyond the call of duty and were two of twelve winners throughout the state.
We all know Healthcare Heroes. Every hour of the day and every day of the year they are on the job helping ensure that everyone is healthy, safe and well cared for. New Hampshire is proud to honor two Healthcare Heroes from the Lakes Region – Our very own Heroes: Meg Miller, Executive Director and Catie Gaudreault, Director of Nursing Services.
Twelve Healthcare Heroes were selected from across New Hampshire through a nominations process. This effort was run through the New Hampshire Sector Partnerships Initiative (SPI), which put out a call for nominations for individuals employed in a wide range of healthcare organizations who have gone above and beyond over the past several months to care for others. A list of all winners and runners-up can be found on the NH Health Care Association website.
“These individuals exemplify the care and commitment we see across our state as healthcare workers play such a critical role as caregivers during a pandemic that has significantly challenged us in many unprecedented ways. We know there are thousands of Healthcare Heroes across New Hampshire and wanted to showcase a few of these amazing individuals,” said Roxie Severance, healthcare sector advisor for SPI.
As Executive Director of Peabody Home, a long-term care facility founded in 1938, Meg Miller says her role is to lead caring, dedicated individuals, to listen to elders, build on their abilities and minimize the assistance they may need.
Here’s what her nominator said about her:
“She has led her staff to have a zero COVID19 positive facility, keeping its staff and residents safe. While doing this she is spearheading a $25,000,000.00 expansion of the facility that will double its capacity. As Chairman of the Board of Directors, I see her daily efforts on both of the above and am just amazed.”
Meg began working in the healthcare field in 1980 at Concord Hospital. She earned her Nursing Home Administrator License in 1994 and began working at Peabody Home in 1998. “Although COVID19 has been the most challenging part of my career, I’ve enjoyed every minute of being in healthcare,” she said. “I would still recommend a healthcare career to anyone as it gave me a strong foundation to know myself better.”
Catie Gaudreault is passionate about her work in elder care. Her nominator said the following about her:
“Why I am choosing to nominate Catie is that right now, COVID19, staffing issues and increasing regulations, she is willing to take on the leadership role of Director of Nursing Services/quality of life for residents in a long-term care setting. The job of leading the backbone of a long-term care setting is a tough position and I commend Catie for embracing the role.”
Catie began working in the healthcare field 13 years ago after watching her husband’s chronically ill grandmother receive in-home care. “I started working as an Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) in long-term care,” she said. “Now, as the Director of Nursing, my biggest challenge since the pandemic has been addressing the evolving guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and educating and communicating those changes to our teams and residents’ families. For those considering a career in healthcare, starting your career as an LNA is a great steppingstone to help you further your goals.”
SPI is a collaborative, industry-led program that provides funding, training expertise and other resources to help companies within a growing industry sector collaborate on workforce development needs together. The SPI healthcare sector team developed the NH Healthcare Heroes effort. The NH Health Care Association serves as the host for the healthcare sector. The effort is sponsored in part by the BEA through a US Department of Labor grant, Northeast Delta Dental and a local t-shirt company, Beeze Tees.
For more information on this effort and to get involved in the future, please contact Roxie Severance at roxie@rsconsulting.services. For more information on SPI, please visit nhsectorpartners.org.
