Community Highlights

What sets us apart? We’re glad you asked!

Many people choose our community for the security it brings for their future. However, we encourage you to also consider the amenities since they will play a big role in your enjoyment of life as you age.

As you consider a move to our community, rest assured the amenities we offer will contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle!

• Housekeeping and Maintenance - Forget the worries that come with homeownership. Onsite maintenance staff will manage all aspects of maintenance and upkeep for your home and the community common areas. When you have an issue you simply let us know. Light housekeeping services for your home are also offered and include; vacuuming, sweeping and mopping hard surface floors, dusting, cleaning of sinks, toilets, showers/bath areas, and emptying of the garbage.
   
• Security - Residing in a secure building is a major attraction to many people. You can live with confidence knowing you and your home are safe in our secure building with 24/7 staff.
   
• Garages - For those wanting storage for their vehicle our patio homes come with their own garages attached. Independent and Assisted Living tenants may elect to rent garage space for an additional fee.
   
• Community Spaces and Activities - Lack of access to socialization can cause loneliness and negative outcomes for many people as they age. Our full-time Recreation Program Directors continually develop an engaging and fun schedule of activities and entertainment for tenants to choose from. In addition, community spaces such as our fitness room, theater room, and outdoor spaces are available for tenants to enjoy on their own or with family and friends.
   
• Dining Experience - Our Culinary Supervisor works under the guidance of a licensed dietitian to ensure high-quality meal options. The menu varies with the seasons and includes a variety of specialty soups and desserts. Residents enjoy a restaurant-style dining experience every day, eliminating the hassle of driving or preparing their own meals. If the main entrée does not appeal to someone, we offer an always-available menu. Even the pickiest eaters will find something they love!
   
• Salon Services - We have an on-site beauty parlor that offers services by appointment with a professional beautician.
   
• Access to Health Care Services - Tenants have the option to access our Assisted Living health care services. These services are provided in your private apartment by trained staff. To add services, a tenant meets with our licensed nurse who completes an assessment and works with the tenant to develop a personalized care plan. Services may be adjusted as needed. Health care services can include:
  • Medication Management
  • Bathing/Dressing
  • Reminders
  • Mobility Assistance (1 person assist)
  • Incontinence Management
  • Nurse Assisted Physician Communication
  • Local Pediatrist
    • In-House Therapy
    • Partnered Monthly Routine Visits 
  • Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapy
    • Housed in Penn Place by Millennium Therapy

Resident Highlights

A Life Filled With Music

For Becky Peters, music has never been just a hobby—it has been the rhythm of her life. Becky grew up north of Agency and later moved to her family’s Century Farm near Batavia after marrying her late husband, Ivan. Together, they raised two children, Kevin and Debra, and today Becky is proud to be grandmother to five and great-grandmother to seven.

Becky’s musical journey began at age five, when she started piano lessons and continued through high school. She later learned organ and chord music during college and went on to teach piano, elementary vocal music, and first grade. For more than 60 years, she played the organ at Bladensburg Christian Church.

“Music brings happiness to everyone,” Becky says.

Since moving to Penn Place Assisted Living, Becky has brought her passion with her, creating new traditions that brighten the community. Each day, she plays piano before lunch as residents gather to listen and sing along. She also leads Saturday Sing-A-Longs at 2 p.m., welcoming residents—and even the public—to share in the joy of song.

Becky believes music is a gift meant to be shared. “Singing in the choir is cheaper than therapy, safer than drinking, and more fun than exercise,” she jokes.

At Penn Place, Becky has found what she calls her “new home,” grateful for the caring staff, delicious meals, clean environment, and the many friends she has made. And through music, she continues to add warmth and harmony to the community she now calls family.

From Navy Waves to Penn Place

A Veteran’s Journey from Service to Community

When you meet Norma Joseph, you’re struck by her warmth, resilience, and energy—qualities she credits in part to the discipline she learned during her Navy years.

Norma grew up on a farm east of Eldon, graduating from Selma Consolidated School in 1941. But it was her father’s stories of serving in World War I that inspired Norma to follow in his footsteps.

In February 1944, at just 20 years old, Norma enlisted in the Navy Waves (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service). After basic training at Hunter College in New York, she became a Yeoman First Class, stationed at bases from Illinois to Ames, Iowa. “I loved the military marching,” she recalls, “and the friendships I made with other women.”

That marching and structure became habits she carried into civilian life. Even now, Norma remains remarkably healthy and active, attributing her energy to the routines of discipline, movement, and purpose she learned in the service.

Following her time in the Navy, Norma returned to Ottumwa, where she married Ralph Joseph and raised their daughter, Lea Ann. She later built a long career in office and service work, always with a dedication to others.

For the past 17 years, Norma has called Penn Place home. She says she’s grateful for the staff, the delicious food, and the sense of safety. These days, you’ll often find her working on puzzles or joining in activities—still sharp, still smiling, still inspiring.

Celebrating 22 Years at Penn Place: Meet Ron Utech

If you’ve spent time at Penn Place Assisted Living, you’ve likely been greeted by the warm smile of Ron Utech, our longest resident. Ron moved in on January 5, 2003, and for the past 22 years, he’s brought positivity and kindness to everyone he meets.

Before calling Penn Place home, Ron spent 34 years teaching history and coaching basketball and track at Ottumwa High School. He remembers his time there fondly: “We all formed a family, you might say—administrators, teachers, and students—each doing their job for the good of OHS.” It’s that same spirit of teamwork and care that he says makes Penn Place feel like home.

Ron is the proud father of two children—John, who lives in Ottumwa, and Anne, who lives in Houston, Texas. “They’ve both grown into professional and caring individuals,” he says with pride.

A lifelong history buff, Ron’s favorite era is the Civil War, which he calls “a turbulent time that still influences us today.” An avid baseball fan, Ron follows both the Cubs and the Cardinals, and jokes about family bets on the World Series: “No one ever got rich!”

Here at Penn Place, Ron’s passion is Wii Bowling, where he’s bowled seven perfect 300 games. “It’s great fun and good exercise,” he says.

As for life at Penn Place? Ron sums it up best: “The staff goes the extra mile for all of us. This is home—and Chef Mike’s oyster soup doesn’t hurt either.”