Duck Tour fulfills Penacook Resident’s Longtime Dream

HAVERHILL – Penacook Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s resident gardener Ralph Prescott gets a lot of satisfaction from the time he spends planting and caring for the flower beds on the grounds of the facility. Prescott grew up on a farm so he’s got a bit of a green thumb, and it’s a good way for him to be involved and stay active. But in June, he went on an adventure that took him relatively far away from his flowers and the rest of his familiar surroundings. Through the Tree of Dreams program, staff at Penacook Place helped to fulfill one of Prescott’s long-time desires – to go on a boat ride – by taking him on a Boston Duck Tours excursion.

“It’s something I will always remember,” said Prescott, who was joined by his daughter-in-law and four Penacook staff members. “It was a real treat. The boat was full of people.”

Penacook Place is a member of Second Wind Dreams, a national organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of elders by fulfilling their dreams. Members of Penacook’s staff, who were planning to attend a national Second Wind Dreams conference in Danvers, thought that a Boston Duck Tour cruise, which was on the conference itinerary, would be the perfect opportunity to make Prescott’s dream come true. They contacted the organization, which was only too happy to accommodate the request.

Penacook’s nationally recognized Tree of Dreams program gives residents the opportunity to have their wishes come true. They are encouraged to explore their dreams and create wish lists. Other wishes that have been granted for residents include playing a round of golf, attending concerts, sporting events and enjoying special meals. Local businesses and individuals often help out with expenses associated with granting wishes.

Located at 150 Water St., the 160-bed Penacook Place is the only not-for-profit nursing and rehabilitation facility serving the city of Haverhill. Penacook Place has a professional staff of 230 employees. Contributions that support the Tree of Dreams can be made to the Friends of Penacook Fund, c/o Penacook Place, 150 Water St., Haverhill, MA, 01830.