Tuning into residents’ life stories to create outings and activities around their interests is something we take great pride in. Jim, a retired biochemist and one of our residents, has a passion for reading. During any afternoon, you more than likely will find him relaxed on the couch with a book in hand.
Cathy Clairmont, Owner Jayne Clairmont’s sister, helps out with many projects around our homes. She is a true gift to have around! Like Jim with his book, it’s rare to see Cathy without her little Bandit. Bandit has become a beloved member of the English Rose Suites family. Our residents adore him and all of his puppy kisses!
Cathy is not only generous enough to help out with cleaning and organizing, she is always eager to take residents out on fun and unique outings. A few weeks ago Cathy took Jim to the Hennepin County Library. They enjoyed great conversation, a cup of coffee or two and grabbed a few books to read.
While at the library they passed by the Rare Book Collections area and were intrigued. Little did they know that viewing required special written permission from the board of the Minneapolis Athenaeum due to the value and rarity of these items. The Rare Book Collections includes many highly illustrated and stunning works worth millions of dollars, hence the procedure required to view them. They ended their day with hopes of going back to view the Rare Books Special Collection someday.
Katie Rinehimer, our Quality of Life Director, was able to work her magic so that Jim and Cathy were granted permission to view Birds of America by John James Audubon, 1827-1838. Birds of America, a color-plate book, is a work of art in itself with its stunning colorful bird drawings that wow your eyes. The individual book is quoted to be worth more than $12 million dollars. Only 120 complete sets of this book are known to exist. Audobon was an American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter and is credited for discovering 25 bird species.
Jim and Cathy had such a wonderful time viewing this work of art. Enjoy the photos of their adventure and a huge thank you to Janna and Bailey from the Minneapolis History Collection and Special Collections department at the Hennepin County Library.