On Tuesday, Oct. 23, friends, family and staff members all gathered to celebrate a business that has become a local institution as Haralson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center marked their 40th year in business.

The Center was founded in 1972 by Larry and Margaret Kimball.

“Before the Center even opened, the building caught fire,” said Administrator Rhonda Bass. “But Mr. Kimball rebuilt it with his own money. Larry and Margaret wanted to see this facility built because they saw a need here in the community.

“Though some residents were against having an ‘old folks home’ – as Mrs. Margaret recalls – in Bremen, those living in the city eventually came around.”

Over the years, several different individuals or companies have owned the Center, which is currently owned by Cypress Health Group. However, employees said though the Center has changed hands a few times, current administrators say their dedication to the community has never changed.

“The Center has had many names of the years, but it has always provided services to the residents of Haralson County with care and dignity,” said Cypress Health Group Regional Vice President Brad Bilbo.

Bilbo says he remembers the first time he visited the Center.

“The first time I set foot in this building was with my pre-K class,” he recalls. “This building has been a part of my life for a long time. I’ve had family members who worked here and family members who were residents here.”

Many at the reception touted the family-like atmosphere of the Center, which was embodied by full-time resident James Lovvorn. Lovvorn has been a resident at the facility since it opened 40 years ago.

Bremen Mayor Sharon Sewell was on hand during the reception to make a proclamation in Lovvorn’s honor, which proclaimed Oct. 23 as James Lovvorn Day.

The proclamation stated that “WHEREAS, James Lovvorn has been a resident at Haralson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center since 1972; [...] he speaks to everyone with a smile, is known for his helpfulness to staff, residents and visitors alike, his kindness, his friendliness as he greets everyone with a warm, “Hello,” and his perseverance in dealing with his life’s circumstances; and [...] the Bremen Community recognizes the precious value of all senior adults and the indescribable gifts they bring to our lives; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sharon Sewell, Mayor of the City of Bremen, Georgia, do hereby declare this day as James Lovvorn day in Bremen, recognizing his contributions to this center, to our lives and acknowledging that he is a representative of all other residents of Haralson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.”

Lovvorn was presented with a copy of the proclamation as well as a matted photograph signed by all of the staff, residents and visitors to hang in his room. Lovvorn’s family was also on hand to share the special moment with him.

Lovvorn’s family said he was very excited the day’s festivities and was looking forward to his 78th birthday on Dec. 22.

In addition to the mayor’s proclamation, Center residents and staff had another reason to celebrate: receiving a deficiency free survey from the Georgia Office of Regulatory Services.

“All centers are surveyed for quality across the state,” said Admissions and Marketing Director Leesa Copeland. “Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but we are very proud of receiving no deficiencies on our survey.”

According to Bass, the state’s surveyors check multiple criteria during their review, anything from accuracy of medical records to resident care.

“They really are checking everything,” Bass said.

Bass says a deficiency free survey is the goal of every center, and she’s very proud of the staff of 95 who have helped Haralson Nursing and Rehab Center reach that goal.

Though the Center has the capacity for 120 resident, it currently serves 102 and continues to provide short-term and long-term nursing and rehabilitation services for area residents.

“Our community is so fortunate to have a facility like this here in town,” Sewell said.