Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Last summer, Miller's Merry Manor started raising money for an aviary for all their residents to enjoy.
A variety of fund-raisers was used - car washes, bake sales and dunk tanks, among others. Families of residents also donated money.
The aviary was completed Sept. 8. It's now in a central location in the building where everyone can enjoy it the most.
"We wanted to get the bird aviary to brighten the residents' day," said James Schmidt, Miller's Merry Manor administrator. "Most elderly folk do enjoy plants and birds and things."
Marvin Pohl, maintenance director of the Plymouth Miller's Merry Manor, custom-made the aviary.
"The bird aviary is very nice," said Schmidt. It's 6 feet tall, 6-1/2 feet long and 3 feet deep.
Seven pairs of various finches were donated by Paws & Claws. It is hoped the birds will mate and raise their young on their own so the residents can see the whole cycle of life.
While many residents, employees and families helped to get the aviary, Schmidt said, "John Montgomery was stellar in helping us. He was an advocate in helping us get it."
Two other people whom Schmidt said were vital in helping with the fund-raisers last summer include Jamia Resing, who was Schmidt's administrator-in-training, and Keith Mostrog, an intern.
More than $3,500 was raised with the fund-raisers.
A day after the aviary was completed, Miller's held their annual family and resident picnic. The reaction to the aviary was, "very, very positive. Very, very happy," said Schmidt. "A lot of people were very glad we did that because we didn't have to."
Along with the aviary, Miller's has completed some other major renovations, including new wallpaper, furniture and carpeting. The outside of the facilities was landscaped.
Schmidt said, "(I just want to) thank all the residents and families for their support in the last year. We're just very, very happy we could do that for our residents."
