Paul Helbach, and his sister Bonnie, donated a piece of wildlife artwork to the Portage County Health Care Center, a senior living facility administered by the county, to commemorate more than 10 years of care given to the Helbach family. Both Paul and Bonnie’s parents, Walter and Theresa Helbach, were residents of the center.

Paul said his family received care unparalleled in quality by a community of caretakers and residents, funded and supported by the community at large, at the center. Portage County Executive Patty Dreier and Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza attended to show their gratitude for the gift and support for the center. Paul said each of the ring neck pheasants in the painting represent members of the Helbach family, his parents and their seven children.

He said from his perspective as a registered nurse for more than 40 years, the Portage County Health Care Center was one of the best senior care facilities he’s ever seen. “My grandmother, my father and my mother spent their last days here, and I could think of no better place,” he said, noting how the PCHCC community values quality of life above all, even in financially restrictive times. (Portage County Gazette photos)