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Rosemary C. Brooks Place is a familiar place for many Winchester and Clark County residents.

However, Friday allowed visitors an opportunity to receive a more in-depth understanding.

From 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., an open house allowed individuals to stop by and learn more about the facility that calls itself “a great value for retirement living.”

“We’re having [an] open house to invite people into Brooks Place just to see what we do, what makes us unique, and see if we’re a fit for someone,” said Tim Janes, the facility’s executive director. “We take a tour of the whole building and explain to people what we are, what we do, and how the process works if they’re interested in moving.”

Commonly referred to as Brooks Place, the local organization houses 42 apartments for assisted living and has 64 independent living cottages on its 16-acre property that first opened in 2004.

As of Friday, July 21, at least three apartments remained available for rent.

It also is non-profit, allowing it the advantage of taking income and reinvesting it in programs already available while keeping rental costs affordable.

As such, it offers several opportunities for residents to be involved.

“Most of our residents are actively engaged in activities, events, [and] social activities not only here at Brooks Place, but in the community as well,” Janes added. “That’s the kind of resident who really thrives here.”

Along with a picnic at Beech Springs Farm Market, upcoming events include Kentucky Chautauqua performers appearing and a homecoming dance in the fall.

While the former will showcase an entertainer providing music and comedy as the late Kentucky-born banjo player Louis “Grandpa” Jones, the latter will crown a king and queen, incorporate a DJ, provide food and more.

Thanks largely to activity director Kimberly Howard, the residents have plenty to explore daily.

“We focus on doing four to six activities a day whether it’s trivia, devotions, music, lunch [and] brunch outings, going to the farmers market, [and] having all kinds of things that engage physical, spiritual, and mental components,” Janes said.

Along with Janes and Howard, the staff includes Jenny Turner – who helps lead devotional classes.

Another staff member, Beth Walters, helps make desserts and other foods to benefit residents.

As was most evident on Friday, when visitors upon entry were treated to a collage of photos with the phrase “Wild About Our Residents” printed next to it, Brooks Place continues to seek to be a provider.

“We’re proud of what we do here that makes us unique for seniors,” Janes said. “We’re trying to be a place where they’re going to thrive by focusing on those engaging activities and building relationships.”