Dining in senior living is constantly evolving, and it’s our responsibility to continue to offer excellent dining to residents and adapt to the changing needs of all who come into our community. From nutrition to taste, we are creating a dining experience that sets us apart from the rest. Here’s what you can expect when dining at Westminster Village.
The Dining Philosophy at Westminster Village
At Westminster Village, we believe in a balance of nutrition and flavor. For people ages 60 and up, diet is an extremely important part of maintaining wellness. However, we believe that nutritious meals don’t have to come at the expense of flavor. Our chefs work with fresh, high-quality ingredients to craft dishes that satisfy both the palate and the body. We prioritize whole grains, lean proteins, and vibrant fruits and vegetables, ensuring every meal is rich in essential nutrients. Yet, we never lose sight of the joy that comes from eating. Through creative seasoning, careful preparation, and a focus on wellness, our menus offer a variety of meals. At Westminster Village, residents don’t have to choose between eating well and eating happily. We believe that the right blend of nutrition and flavor can enhance the well-being of our residents, making every meal a moment to savor.
An Emphasis on Community
At Westminster Village, our commitment to fostering a vibrant, engaged community extends beyond providing exceptional meals prepared by our skilled culinary team. We also empower our residents to take an active role in shaping their dining experiences. By offering them the option to host their own luncheons or meals, we not only promote independence but also create meaningful opportunities for social interaction.
This approach reflects our belief that dining is not just about nourishment; it’s about connection. When residents are given the freedom to plan and prepare meals for their friends and loved ones, they can share their favorite recipes, reminisce over beloved dishes, and create new memories together. This hands-on involvement in the dining experience strengthens community bonds and enhances the sense of belonging that is so crucial in senior living.
Allowing residents to exercise their culinary creativity also acknowledges their unique tastes and preferences. Whether it’s a cherished family recipe or a new dish they’ve always wanted to try, our residents have the chance to craft meals that reflect their individuality. This autonomy reinforces the importance of personal choice and celebrates the diversity of our community.
By enabling residents to host their own meals, we ensure that dining at Westminster Village is not just a routine part of the day, but a personalized, communal experience that brings people together in the most meaningful way possible—around a shared table.
Meet Kris Kraut – Our New Culinary Visionary
As we work to provide the highest quality experience for our residents, we are strategic in bringing on the highest quality of staff. To ensure a consistently excellent dining experience, we added Kris Kraut as our executive chef. Chef Kris Kraut brings over 20 years of culinary expertise to the table, blending the precision of a seasoned chef with the vision of an accomplished entrepreneur. Originally from Terre Haute, Kris’s culinary journey began at his family’s bed and breakfast, where he mastered the art of flipping eggs and brewing coffee. These early experiences, rooted in family traditions, ignited his lifelong passion for food—a passion that continues to drive his creativity and commitment to excellence. His earliest food memories are filled with moments spent at the stove with his grandmother and great-grandmother, where he learned to prepare traditional Swedish and Czech dishes, a heritage that still influences his culinary style.
Kris’s career has been marked by both leadership and innovation. After honing his skills and leading the kitchens at his alma mater, Indiana State University, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding a successful catering company, wedding venue, and coffee shop. Each of these endeavors reflected his dedication to quality ingredients, flawless presentation, and a harmonious blend of local and international flavors. Notably, Kris’s career highlights include cooking for Willie Nelson, serving meals to the Blue Angels, and catering a memorable five-night movie shoot in the cornfields of Illinois.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kris values the time he spends with his wife Gretchen and their three daughters, whether traveling, tending their garden, or hosting lively family dinner parties. Now, as the executive chef at Westminster Village, Kris is eager to bring his passion and creativity to our community. He looks forward to creating new culinary memories and experiences around the table, ensuring that every meal is not just about nourishment, but about bringing people together in a celebration of food, tradition, and community.
Experience the Best of Senior Living at Westminster Village
At Westminster Village, we understand that dining is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that nourishes both body and soul. Our commitment to balancing nutrition and flavor ensures that every dish delights the palate while supporting the well-being of our residents. But what truly sets us apart is our focus on community. We believe that the dining experience should foster connections, celebrate individuality, and create cherished memories. Whether it’s through our chef-prepared meals or resident-hosted gatherings, every meal at Westminster Village is an opportunity to bring people together.
With the addition of Chef Kris Kraut, whose 20 years of culinary expertise and passion for food are evident in every dish he creates, our dining program has reached new heights. His commitment to quality, creativity, and tradition reflects our broader mission to provide a vibrant and engaging environment for all who call Westminster Village home.
If you’re looking for a community that values both your health and happiness, where dining is a celebration of flavor, connection, and joy, Westminster Village is the place for you. Join us and discover a senior living experience where every meal is a moment to savor, and every day offers new opportunities to grow, flourish, and thrive.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a tour and experience firsthand the warmth, community, and exceptional dining that make Westminster Village truly special.
We are witnessing a record-breaking number of retirees! Navigating life after retirement can be full of questions, and one of those questions might be where are you going to live? Whether you’re freshly retired or ready for a change of scenery, our apartments at Westminster Village in Terre Haute may be exactly what you’re looking for. See below for five benefits of moving into an independent living apartment.
True Independence
When making the move from your residence to a senior living community, it can be easy to wonder how you aren’t giving up some level of independence. Thankfully, at Westminster Village, you can be truly independent. We have designed a neighborhood experience for all of our residents to enjoy.
Imagine residential life as you know now, and that is what you will find at Westminster Village. The beauty of our community is that it not only provides you with the independence you are used to, but it also builds on this and creates the best social living experience possible.
We achieve this by providing our residents with a variety of luxuries that are designed to improve day-to-day life. From spacious, private apartments that you can personalize to your taste, to well-maintained communal areas that encourage socializing and recreation, every aspect of Westminster Village is designed with your comfort and independence in mind.
In essence, Westminster Village redefines what it means to live independently within a community. By combining personal freedom with a supportive, enriching environment, we create a place where you can thrive and truly enjoy life to the fullest.
Manageable Spaces
Another benefit of choosing to live at Westminster Village is the opportunity to move into a more manageable space. Downsizing can be a liberating experience, freeing you from the upkeep and maintenance of a larger home and allowing you to focus on enjoying your life to the fullest. At Westminster Village, we offer a range of living arrangements tailored to your needs, from cozy villas to spacious one and two-bedroom apartments, all designed with comfort and convenience in mind.
Our thoughtfully designed living spaces maximize every square foot, providing ample storage and functional layouts that make day-to-day living effortless. Each residence creates a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you prefer a quiet retreat or a lively gathering space, you can arrange your new home to reflect your personal style and needs with no wasted space.
Choosing to live at Westminster Village provides the perfect opportunity to transition into a more manageable and efficient living space. By reducing the burdens of home maintenance and embracing a simplified lifestyle, you can fully enjoy the independence, convenience, and enriching experiences that our community has to offer.
Is now the right time to downsize? Find out here.
Maintenance-Free Living
As you adopt a new space at Westminster Village, you can enjoy the luxury of maintenance-free living. In a traditional residence, you are responsible for maintenance, property taxes, and all the responsibilities that come with owning a home. At Westminster Village, our residents are liberated from these burdens, enjoying a lifestyle where every detail is taken care of for them.
Our residents can benefit from housekeeping services that keep their homes spotless and comfortable. Whether it’s dusting, vacuuming, or general cleaning, our professional housekeeping team ensures that your living space remains pristine, allowing you to spend your time on activities you love rather than on chores.
In addition to housekeeping, our comprehensive maintenance services cover all aspects of home upkeep. From routine repairs to more significant issues, our skilled maintenance team is always on hand to address any concerns promptly and efficiently. You no longer have to worry about fixing a leaky faucet, dealing with appliance malfunctions, or arranging for repairs; we handle it all for you.
Also, our dedicated groundskeeping staff takes care of lawn mowing, pruning, and seasonal plantings, ensuring that the outdoor areas are always inviting and well-kept. You can enjoy a picturesque lawn, all without lifting a finger.
By choosing Westminster Village, you embrace a lifestyle where the burdens of homeownership are lifted, giving you more freedom and flexibility to enjoy life. Our maintenance-free living ensures that your time and energy are spent on what truly matters – enjoying retirement.
Secure Environment
Although independence is a key part of retiring at Westminster Village, our community also offers residents safety and security that provide peace of mind for residents and their loved ones. While residents enjoy the convenience of electronic access across all buildings, we prioritize the safety of our residents with controlled access to our community for guests and visitors. In addition to this, we provide 24-hour emergency assistance, ready to respond to any situation at any time. This continuous support and vigilance mean that help is always just moments away, whether it’s a medical emergency or a simple need for assistance.
We understand that peace of mind extends beyond just security. Our dedicated staff is available around the clock to provide assistance with daily activities, transportation, and any other needs that may arise. By fostering a secure and supportive environment, we enable our residents to fully enjoy their retirement years with peace of mind.
Centralized Amenities
When a resident moves into our community, they gain access to a variety of on-site amenities designed to make their lives easier and more enjoyable. Although we love our local, Terre Haute community, we understand transportation can be limited. With restaurant-style dining, multiple coffee kiosks, a Village Store, Beauty Salon, Village Spa, a library, and so much more right on campus, our residents have all the essentials in close proximity. This convenience removes the stress of arranging transportation and brings everything close to home. By providing a comprehensive array of on-site amenities, we strive to create an environment where residents can lead active, independent, and worry-free lives. By simply removing the stress of going out, we enable residents to enjoy retirement.
Choosing an independent living apartment at Westminster Village offers a multitude of benefits that cater to a fulfilling and worry-free retirement lifestyle. Our community is designed to provide true independence while offering a supportive and enriching environment. Residents can enjoy spacious, manageable living spaces that are tailored to their needs, promoting a simplified and efficient lifestyle. Moving into an independent living apartment at Westminster Village means embracing a lifestyle of independence, convenience, and security, enriched by a wide array of amenities and supportive services. It’s the perfect place to enjoy retirement to the fullest. Contact us today to learn more.
Welcome to Summer, everyone! The atmosphere at Westminster Village is simply enchanting during this beautiful summer season.
Click here to read a letter from our Executive Director, Colleen Matthews!
Westminster Village Terre Haute is proud to be the headline sponsor for Ivy Tech’s Bingo Benefit. This exciting event, which supports the mission of Ivy Tech Community College, promises an evening of fun and camaraderie benefitting current and future Ivy Tech students.
As a longstanding member of the Terre Haute community, Westminster Village is deeply committed to fostering a sense of belonging and support through active participation in local events. This involvement goes beyond mere sponsorship; it represents Westminster Village’s enduring dedication to nurturing community ties and creating an environment where Terre Haute locals can thrive.
“I am extremely proud to be part of an organization that places value on supporting community organizations such as Ivy Tech and their mission of advancing student opportunities. I am also very proud of Westminster Village residents and team members for taking time to participate in such a worthwhile event.” said Deana Wilson, Director of Marketing at Westminster Village. “We are all looking forward to an evening filled with fun and fellowship!”
The event, set for July 13, 2024, at the Ivy Tech Center of Excellence (1700 E. Industrial Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47802), will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at $30 per person for early bird registration and $35 per person for day-of registration, both including bingo cards and a dauber. Additionally, the “Feelin’ Lucky Table” is available for $250, offering bingo cards, daubers, and seating for eight people.
By sponsoring the Ivy Tech Bingo Benefit, Westminster Village is not only contributing to a fun and engaging event but also enhancing the quality of life for the Ivy Tech and Terre Haute community. We invite all members of the Terre Haute community to join us for an evening of bingo, and great food and drinks while supporting a worthy cause. This event is not only a chance to win fantastic prizes, but also an opportunity to come together as a community and connect with friends, family, and neighbors.
For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://engage.ivytech.edu/s/event-registration?recordId=a4h5Y000000loEoQAI.
Happy 4th of July! This month, Westminster Village has an exciting lineup of activities and events for everyone to enjoy.
Click here to read a letter from our Executive Director, Colleen Matthews!
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At Westminster Village, our Continuing Care Retirement Community would not be what it is without our residents. It is a privilege to be able to serve the wonderful men and women in our community and learn their stories. Each month, we put together a publication highlighting one of our residents to help our community get to know each other better. We love our residents, and we are sure you will too. That’s why we want to introduce you to some of them:
Mary Halsted
Mary Halsted was born in Maryland but soon moved to Ohio before settling in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she spent her formative years. Mary’s father, a war veteran, eventually became a successful salesman in the auto industry, while her mother dedicated her time to volunteer work. Mary fondly recalls a happy childhood filled with books and a deep love for reading, a passion that continues to this day.
Mary’s family includes a daughter, Heather, who is the Director of Art at Kohl’s and lives in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, with her husband and their pets, Winston and Mr. Darcy. Despite the distance, Mary makes it a point to visit them frequently, enjoying her trips to Milwaukee every summer.
Mary’s academic journey took her from Grosse Pointe High School to Master College for Women, and then to the University of Michigan, where she graduated with a degree in Russian Studies. She later pursued graduate studies in History and Guidance Counseling at Wayne State University. It was at the University of Michigan that she met her husband, an avid bridge player who later became a successful CPA.
Mary’s professional career began as an Employment Counselor for the Michigan Employment Security Commission. After taking a break to raise her children, she resumed her career as a lead interpreter at Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village. Following her husband’s career move to Terre Haute, Mary transitioned into human resources, spending 20 years at Union Hospital as it grew significantly. Her career trajectory showcases her adaptability and commitment to helping others.
Upon retirement, Mary and her husband decided to join Westminster Village, a decision influenced by their positive experiences with Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Mary quickly became an active and cherished member of our community. Her involvement spans various committees and programs, including serving as Chair of the Library Committee, Secretary of the Dining Services Committee, Executive Council member, and Marketing Committee member. Mary’s contributions to community life are invaluable, reflecting her vibrant and social nature.
In her leisure time, Mary enjoys reading, playing online bridge, watching PBS, and participating in various community activities. Her presence and dedication greatly enhance the fabric of life at Westminster Village.
When is the right time to downsize?
Gene England
Get to know Gene England! Gene’s journey from a small town in Texas to becoming a cherished member of our community is a testament to his dedication, passion, and enduring spirit.
Born in Luling, Texas, in 1940, Gene spent a happy childhood as the only child of a close-knit family. He began his educational journey in the public schools of Luling, culminating in a BA in English with a minor in History from the University of Texas, Austin. Gene furthered his education with an MA and PhD in English from the same university. During his graduate studies, he met Rosemary Cochran, whom he married in 1963. Their family grew with the births of their sons, Meric and Scott. Gene’s academic career led them to Indiana, where he accepted a position with the English faculty at Indiana State University (ISU) in 1969.
Over his 33-year tenure at ISU, Gene made significant contributions, specializing in American Literature and teaching various courses across several departments. His roles included Director of Undergraduate Studies and Director of General Education. His dedication earned him numerous accolades, including the Caleb Millis Distinguished Teaching Award and the President’s Medal. Gene and Rosemary’s sons, Meric and Scott, have established their careers and families in Terre Haute, contributing to the community. Gene takes immense pride in his family’s accomplishments, including celebrating the artistic legacy of Rosemary, who passed away in 2009.
In 2019, Gene decided to join the Westminster Village community, influenced by positive experiences and the warm welcome he received. Here, he remains active, serving on committees for Dining Services and Community Life, and participating in the Village Singers and the Poetry Discussion Group. Gene cherishes the proximity of his family and the friendships he has formed within the community. Gene’s story is one of lifelong learning, teaching, and community engagement. We are honored to have him as part of our Westminster Village family and celebrate his remarkable life and contributions.
Is it the right time for senior living? Find out today.
Dorothy Jerse
Born in Chicago, IL, Dorothy grew up during the Great Depression. Her family moved to Des Plaines when she was two, and her household included extended family members. She attended local schools and graduated from Maine Township High School in 1944, sharing this alma mater with Hillary Clinton. Dorothy then enrolled at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, where she met Bill Jerse, a WWII veteran. They married in 1947 and enjoyed 70 happy years together. Their four children now live across the United States, and their extended family includes six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Dorothy and Bill’s life together was marked by numerous relocations. Starting in a small mining town in Illinois, they moved to Madison, WI, for graduate work, then to Kalamazoo, MI. Their passion for the West took them to Greeley, CO, Flagstaff, AR, and Santa Rosa, CA. In 1964, they returned to the Midwest when Bill joined the faculty at Indiana State University (ISU) in Terre Haute. Here, Dorothy completed her college degree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 1975.
Dorothy’s professional journey began as an assistant Welcome Wagon hostess, a role that introduced her to every area of Terre Haute and women from diverse backgrounds. She then worked with girls and teens at the old YMCA and later served as the curator of the Vigo County Historical Society Museum. She eventually became the Executive Director of the YMCA, a position she held until 1990. Additionally, she co-owned the Bridal Cottage.
A passionate writer, Dorothy contributed columns to the Tribune-Star and TH Living magazine for many years and authored or co-authored seven local history books. She and Bill also loved dancing and were active members of the German Oberlander Club. Dorothy’s collection of old valentines led to her involvement with the National Valentine Collectors Association, where she gave over 100 talks in Indiana and Illinois. Dorothy’s accolades include the “More Saga of the Wabash” award from Governor Evan Bayh, the History Maker award from the Vigo County Historical Society, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
In 2015, Dorothy and Bill moved to Westminster Village, drawn by its proximity to their Rea Park neighborhood and the engaging programs and beautiful grounds. Since moving in, Dorothy has made numerous friends among the staff and residents. Now at 97, Dorothy reflects fondly on her past, including her role as chair of the Vigo County Public Library’s “Celebrate the Century” program in 1998 and 1999. She humorously notes that she may need to start planning her own century celebration for 2026, and she can’t think of a better place to celebrate than at Westminster Village.
Join us at Westminster Village and become part of our community where every resident story is valued, and every resident is celebrated. Come meet our residents, explore our beautiful campus, and see for yourself why so many have chosen to make Westminster Village their home. We look forward to welcoming you and being a part of the next chapter of your story. Contact us today to learn more.
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