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HOLYOKE Susan Roitman of Granby wanted her dad to be happy when he settled into his new home at Loomis House last fall, and she knew a garden to putter in would make the setting complete. "That was the only stipulation Susan had," said Lori Todd, administrator of Loomis House and Loomis Nursing Center on Jarvis Avenue, during an interview with Reminder Publications. In the spring, the staff at Loomis House cut out a 20' x 20' plot for Roitman's dad, George Puffer, 87, which is now home to rows of tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, radishes, scallions and okra. Puffer originally lived in Westfield for 22 years before moving to a farm in Mariah, N.Y. For many years, Puffer worked for the railroads and did carpentry work, but he loved farming. He grew fresh produce on almost three acres of land and sold his crops at a roadside stand for many years. "When he and his dog, Jeff, moved from his farm to Loomis House, he thought his days of growing fresh vegetables were over," said Todd. "But the staff at Loomis House thought otherwise." During a recent afternoon, Puffer and John Miller, 84, originally from Knoxville, TN, gave an impromptu tour of their garden which is flourishing under the watchful eyes of both men. Roitman had purchased the plants for Puffer early in the planting season and since the garden wasn't quite ready at the time, Puffer had to care for them in their pots. "George had to baby them for two weeks," said Miller. Not only have Puffer and Miller benefited from the gardening experience, but the Loomis House residents get to sample the fruit of their labors. "We not only enjoy working in the garden, but we like giving back to the residents," said Puffer. Residents now look forward to seeing what fresh produce awaits them in the lobby in a neat little basket outside of the caf each day. Both Puffer and Miller stressed that they enjoy working with their hands every chance they get and they don't limit themselves to gardening. "They have put together furniture for our beauty salon and stained benches outside," added Todd. Miller jumped in and noted, "We like to stay busy because once you quit you're done." Puffer added they are always looking for projects around the facility to work on and Todd noted she is always on the lookout for the perfect projects. When Puffer and Miller finish tinkering in the garden, they also spend time working on puzzles together and enjoy visiting with others at Loomis House. Miller also spends ample time with his wife Jackie, a resident of the Loomis House Nursing Center. Both men hope to expand the garden next year and Todd couldn't be happier about the idea. "It's wonderful to walk around and let your mind wander," said Miller, adding, "it's easy to forget what's happening around you. This is the best place in the world." | ||||||
