A TALE OF FRIENDSHIP

by Kelly Cheramy

Bob Dott and Sam Arneson are lifelong friends. But they didn’t know it until recently.

It was November 22, 1944. World War II was—in hindsight—winding down, but the notion of patriotic duty was still swelling. Two men, both 18 at the time, were strangers from Barneveld and Hollandale when they first boarded a bus in Dodgeville headed for Milwaukee. The two had the same purpose: to undergo a military medical exam. Both passed and enlisted in the United States Army. A deferment allowed Sam to finish the semester at University of Wisconsin‒Madison, so he was headed back home. Without a chance to say goodbye, Sam left Bob a note of good luck.

That day, on what Bob calls “the magic numbers of 11-22-44,” would always remain an important touchstone. It was their enlistment date and the precursor to a unique lifelong, albeit mostly absentee, friendship that they never saw coming. Bob was sent to Germany, and Sam served in Japan. Both were infantrymen. Bob escaped a death sentence associated with the Battle of the Bulge in Europe, and Sam was stationed to be a part of combat that never materialized thanks to Japan’s surrender.

After the war ended in 1945, the two finished out their service without knowing the fate of the other. Both returned to Madison to finish school, and each started his own business: Bob as an accountant in Beaver Dam, and Sam as an insurance agent in Barneveld and Madison.

Fast forward to 2022. Bob, who had been living in the Attic Angel Community for 18 years, was having lunch in Attic Angel’s Arbor Café when the nametag of a touring visitor caught his eye. Immediately, he recognized the name and asked, “Are you from Barneveld?” Sam replied in the affirmative.

“I know you!” said Bob, prying open his memory. And, even better, Bob unearthed the very note that Sam had left for him more than 77 years earlier. The two are now as close friends as can be.

“It was just incredible,” Sam recalls. “I don’t even remember writing the note.”

The scene couldn’t have played out any better if it had been written. Our past lives aren’t vestiges of our presents, but potential building blocks of opportunity to reconnect with something truly special that brought us to where we are today. We can’t anticipate when or where the chance will come to rekindle a memory, a moment, or a friendship, but when it comes around, we sure are quick to recognize it. We all should be so fortunate to have something meaningful from our past come back to enhance our lives going forward.

ALZHEIMER’S/ DEMENTIA/ MEMORY CARE

ALL SAINTS NEIGHBORHOOD MEMORY CARE

8210 Highview Dr., Madison 53719 (608) 827-3029 dmalaise@elderspan.com allsaintsneighborhood.org

Lovely studio apartments with specialized, person-centered care for those with Alzheimer’s or other memory challenges. Licensed nurses, care staff, and activity staff provide individualized services and dignified assistance to support seniors and their families.

ATTIC ANGEL COMMUNITY

8301 Old Sauk Rd., Middleton 53562 (608) 662-8842

LivingWell@atticangel.org atticangel.org

The Haven, Attic Angel Community’s memory care residence, provides peaceful and supportive living for adults with Alzheimer’s or related forms of dementia. Licensed as a CBRF, the Haven employs dedicated nursing and activities staff with specialty training and expertise. Exceptional programming is a trademark.

ATTIC ANGEL COMMUNITY

(608) 662-8842 atticangel.org

BRIGHTSTAR SENIOR LIVING OF MADISON

6550 Schroeder Rd., Madison 53711 (608) 620-7900 ryan.walsh@brightstarseniorliving.com brightstarseniorliving.com/madison

Our beautiful, secure memory care neighborhood promotes the dignity and individuality of each resident. A specially trained memory care team provides helpful assistance and innovative programming along with therapeutic diets. Studio, one-bedroom, and deluxe suites.

BRIGHTSTAR SENIOR LIVING OF WAUNAKEE

1001 Quinn Dr., Waunakee 53597 (608) 849-2322 ryan.walsh@brightstarseniorliving.com brightstarseniorliving.com/waunakee

Our thoughtfully designed memory care community offers the security and comfort BrightStar has become known for. Dementia-trained caregivers embrace the life story of each resident to promote dignified connections each day.

Come join us for a tour of our welcoming studio and one-bedroom suites.

HERITAGE MIDDLETON MEMORY CARE

(608) 831-7004 heritagesenior.com/middleton

HERITAGE MONONA MEMORY CARE

(608) 441-9990 heritagesenior.com/monona

HYLAND PARK – SUN PRAIRIE

881 Liberty Blvd., Sun Prairie 53590 (608) 360-6728 info@capricommunities.com hylandcampus.com

Hyland Crossings Memory Care is located in the charming town of Sun Prairie. This secure, free-standing building features studios with private baths, walking paths, and beautiful indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Residents benefit from our signature Blu Grotto MC programming.

THE LEGACY AT NOEL MANOR

435 Prairie Oaks Dr., Verona 53593 (608) 729-9001 noelmanorliving.com

The Legacy at Noel Manor features 32 apartments, common living areas, dining room, and an outdoor patio for our residents with higher level needs. We believe loving care, comfort, respect, security, and spirituality are just as important as medical and physical needs.

OAK PARK® PLACE

MEMORY CARE

MADISON EAST (GRANDVIEW)

702 and 719 Jupiter Dr., Madison 53718 (608) 663-8600 madisonsales@oakparkplace.com

MADISON WEST (NAKOMA)

4327 Nakoma Rd., Madison 53711 (608) 640-4100 nakomasales@oakparkplace.com

JANESVILLE

700 Myrtle Way, Janesville 53545 (608) 530-5700 janesvillesales@oakparkplace.com

BARABOO

800 Waldo St., Baraboo 53913 (608) 355-4111 baraboosales@oakparkplace.com oakparkplace.com

OAK PARK® Place Memory Care

Communities provide 24-hour care in a comforting environment along with meals, housekeeping, and a full complement of activities for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Transportation is available for group activities and scheduled outings.

OAK PARK® PLACE

SKILLED NURSING

MADISON EAST (GRANDVIEW)

718 Jupiter Dr., Madison 53718 (608) 663-8600 madisonsales@oakparkplace.com

MADISON WEST (NAKOMA)

4327 Nakoma Rd., Madison 53711 (608) 640-4100 nakomasales@oakparkplace.com

JANESVILLE

700 Myrtle Way, Janesville 53545 (608) 530-5700 janesvillesales@oakparkplace.com oakparkplace.com

OAK PARK® Place provides a comforting environment with skilled nursing services, including specialized programming for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia. We work with family and physicians to ensure the best possible care for your loved o ne.

PINE VILLA MEMORY CARE

890 Prairie St., Prairie du Sac 53578 (608) 643-7343 cgeorgeson@elderspan.com pinesprairiedusac.com

Part of The Pines Senior Living in Prairie du Sac, Pine Villa Memory Care provides specialized, person-centered care for those with Alzheimer’s or other memory challenges. Spacious studio apartments with private baths surround beautiful common spaces, encouraging socialization. Licensed nurses, care staff, and activity staff provide dignified assistance to support seniors and their families.

RENAISSANCE SENIOR LIVING OF HILLDALE

602 N. Segoe Rd., Madison 53705 (608) 949-7550 renaissancehilldale.net

We are honored to serve families whose loved ones have been touched by memory disorders. Our memory care facility is a refuge from the storms associated with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory-related conditions. The overall theme, design, colors, furniture, and artwork reflect an era reminiscent of younger days.

VISTA WEST – MADISON

150 Bella Vista Dr., Madison 53717 (608) 360-6725 info@capricommunities.com vistawestmadison.com

Vista West’s Memory Care (MC) neighborhood is a beautiful space featuring private studios with full baths and stunning indoor and outdoor gathering areas. Residents benefit from our signature Blu Grotto MC programming and personalized care plans are delivered in a nurturing environment.

ASSISTED LIVING - AFH

Adult Family Home. These private homes contain four or fewer unrelated individuals. Residents receive care above the level of room and board, which can include up to seven hours per week of licensed nursing care.

BRIDGE ADULT FAMILY HOME (608) 444-7710

COUNTRY LIVING

Adult Family Home (608) 838-6131

608-849-2322

DOOR CREEK

Adult Family Home (608) 575-4844

EMERSON SENIOR LIVING

402 Rustic Dr., Madison 53718 (608) 669-5542 info@emersonmadison.com emersonseniorliving.com

Assisted and Supportive Living. Private single rooms or efficiencies. Exceptional care. Trained staff. Array of services. It doesn’t just feel like home, it is home

HOPE & A FUTURE

Adult Family Home (608) 831-0243 hopeandafutureinc.org

PLEASANT MEADOWS

Adult Family Home (608) 512-7764

Find us on Facebook

ROSEWOOD

Adult Family Home (608) 438-1585

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UNIFIED

Adult Family Home (608) 838-8612 facebook.com/unifiedafh

ASSISTED LIVING - CBRF

Community Based Residential Facility. Designed specifically for aging adults needing more advanced care, CBRFs are appropriate for individuals with general/ frail requirements. They provide up to 28 hours per week of personalized supportive services, such as meals, health monitoring, medication management, housekeeping, and laundry similar to RCACs but also includes no more than three hours per week of licensed nursing care. CBRFs can work for those with Alzheimer’s-related dementias or other ailments requiring more in-depth monitoring.

ALL SAINTS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTED LIVING

519 Commerce Dr., Madison 53719 (608) 827-2990 dmalaise@elderspan.com allsaintsneighborhood.org

Beautiful studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with private baths and kitchenettes. Licensed nurses available 24/7 and a life rich with social opportunities help deliver optimal aging.

ATTIC ANGEL COMMUNITY, THE HAVEN (MEMORY CARE)

(608) 662-8842 atticangel.org

ATTIC ANGEL COMMUNITY, THE HEALTH CENTER (608) 662-8842 atticangel.org

BRIGHTSTAR SENIOR LIVING OF MADISON

6550 Schroeder Rd., Madison 53711 (608) 620-7900 ryan.walsh@brightstarseniorliving.com brightstarseniorliving.com/madison

BrightStar Senior Living is a community where friendships are fostered and each moment is celebrated. We have the clinical expertise to support individuals with complex needs. Studio, one-bedroom, and deluxe suites. Chefprepared meals.

BRIGHTSTAR SENIOR LIVING OF WAUNAKEE

1001 Quinn Dr., Waunakee 53597 (608) 849-2322 ryan.walsh@brightstarseniorliving.com brightstarseniorliving.com/waunakee

The newest BrightStar Senior Living community offers all the comforts of home along with personalized care and clinical expertise. The community features studio, one- and two-bedroom, and deluxe suites; chef-prepared meals; and engaging social programming to meet every need.

FAITH LIVING CENTER

(managed by Attic Angel) (608) 825-3178 faithcommunitieswi.com

HERITAGE MIDDLETON (844) 658-4475 heritagesenior.com/middleton

HERITAGE MONONA (844) 658-4475 heritagesenior.com/monona

OAK PARK® PLACE

ASSISTED LIVING

MADISON EAST (GRANDVIEW)

719 Jupiter Dr., Madison 53718 (608) 663-8600 madisonsales@oakparkplace.com

MADISON WEST (NAKOMA)

4327 Nakoma Rd., Madison 53711 (608) 640-4100 nakomasales@oakparkplace.com

JANESVILLE

700 Myrtle Way, Janesville 53545 (608) 530-5700 janesvillesales@oakparkplace.com oakparkplace.com

OAK PARK® Place offers assisted living for seniors. Twenty-four-hour care is provided along with meals, housekeeping services, and a full complement of a ctivities. Transportation is available for group activities and regularly scheduled outings.

THE PINES ASSISTED LIVING

1050 Prairie St., Prairie du Sac 53578 (608) 643-5433 cgeorgeson@elderspan.com pinesprairiedusac.com

Part of The Pines Senior Living in Prairie du Sac, The Pines Assisted Living provides lovely studio and one-bedroom apartments with private baths and

Reasons to choose

1. Certified, Trained Dementia Caregivers

2. New, State-of-the-Art Design

3. Innovative Alzheimer’s and Specialty Care Programs

4. SimpleCtm Storyboard Therapy

5. Circadian Rhythm Lighting

6. Purposeful Daysm Life Enrichment Program Daily

7. VA Benefit Approved kitchenettes. Licensed nurses available 24/7, experienced staff members, and a life rich with social opportunities help deliver optimal aging.

RENAISSANCE SENIOR LIVING OF HILLDALE

602 N. Segoe Rd., Madison 53705 (608) 949-7550 renaissancehilldale.net

Our residents enjoy a comfortable, homelike setting in their own private apartment or studio. Each resident has access to the services they need and the amenities to enhance their lifestyle.

ASSISTED LIVING - RCAC

Residential Care Apartment Complex. Licensing renewals and dates vary— please reference dhs.wisconsin.gov for information that is updated quarterly. Designed specifically for independent adults 55+, and provide up to 28 hours per week of personalized supportive services, such as meals, health monitoring, medication management, housekeeping, and laundry. Each apartment has a lockable entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. RCACs are not recommended for those with Alzheimer’s-related dementias or other ailments requiring more in-depth monitoring.

Attic Angel Community

8301 Old Sauk Rd., Middleton 53562 (608) 662-8842

LivingWell@atticangel.org atticangel.org

Attic Angel offers two options for RCAC assisted living: one- and two-bedroom apartments for more independent living with scheduled services as needed, and one-bedroom suites and studios for assisted living where nursing staff is available 24/7. Gorgeous grounds and exceptional living are our trademarks.

DRUMLIN RESERVE –COTTAGE GROVE

139 E. Reynolds St. Cottage Grove 53527 (608) 360-6721 info@capricommunities.com drumlinreserve.com

Drumlin Reserve of Cottage Grove’s Assisted Living (AL) community features studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Our AL plans include three meals/day, kitchenettes, wifi, cable, and utilities. We offer flexible, personalized care plans geared at enjoying life and promoting independence.

HERITAGE MIDDLETON

(844) 658-4475 heritagesenior.com/middleton

HERITAGE MONONA

(844) 658-4475 heritagesenior.com/monona

HYLAND PARK – SUN PRAIRIE

881 Liberty Blvd., Sun Prairie 53590 (608) 360-6728 info@capricommunities.com hylandcampus.com

Hyland Campus’s Assisted Living neighborhood features bright and spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, balconies, and in-unit washer and dryers. We offer services 24/7 with flexible, personalized care plans designed to promote independence and enjoy life.

Noel Manor Assisted Living

471 Prairie Oaks Dr., Verona 53593 (608) 729-9001 noelmanorliving.com

Our Assisted Living option allows you to stay physically, mentally, and socially active with our on-site amenities, activities, and round-the-clock care provided with compassion and grace.

OAK PARK® PLACE ASSISTED LIVING

MADISON EAST (GRANDVIEW)

702 Jupiter Dr., Madison 53718 (608) 663-8600 madisonsales@oakparkplace.com

JANESVILLE

700 Myrtle Way, Janesville 53545 (608) 530-5700 janesvillesales@oakparkplace.com

BARABOO

800 Waldo St., Baraboo 53913 (608) 355-4111 baraboosales@oakparkplace.com oakparkplace.com

OAK PARK® Place offers assisted living for seniors. Twenty-four-hour care is provided along with meals, housekeeping services, and a full complement of a ctivities. Transportation is available for group activities and regularly scheduled outings.

VISTA WEST – MADISON

150 Bella Vista Dr., Madison 53717 (608) 360-6725 info@capricommunities.com vistawestmadison.com

Vista West’s campus on Madison’s West Side includes our Assisted Living (AL) community that features studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments. AL plans include three meals/day plus utilities. We offer flexible, personalized care plans geared at enjoying life and promoting independence.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY - CCRC

Larger retirement community with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care offering residents a continuum of care. A person can spend the rest of their life in a CCRC, moving between levels of care as needed.

ATTIC ANGEL COMMUNITY

(608) 662-8842 atticangel.org

OAK PARK® PLACE

MADISON EAST (GRANDVIEW)

618-719 Jupiter Dr., Madison 53718 (608) 663-8600

MADISON WEST (NAKOMA)

4327 Nakoma Rd., Madison 53711 (608) 640-4100 nakomasales@oakparkplace.com

JANESVILLE

700 Myrtle Way, Janesville 53545 (608) 530-5700 janesvillesales@oakparkplace.com oakparkplace.com

OAK PARK® Place is committed to promoting independence through its full continuum of care. Serving seniors with skilled nursing/orthopedic rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care, and independent living, OAK PARK® Place actively supports local community programs.

Housing Resources

ACCESS TO INDEPENDENCE

(608) 242-8484 accesstoind.org

DANE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

(608) 224-3636 dcha.net

FAIR HOUSING CENTER OF GREATER MADISON

(608) 257-0853 fairhousingwisconsin.com

MOVIN’ OUT, INC.

(608) 251-4446 x7 movin-out.org

INDEPENDENT LIVING APARTMENTS & COMMUNITIES

Designed specifically for independent adults 55+ able to live on their own who desire the security, enjoyment, and conveniences of community living with amenities, such as meals, housekeeping, and organized social programs.

Some Independent Living apartments/ communities accept financial assistance through the federally funded Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8.

Independent Homes and 4 Levels of Assisted Living

8301 Old Sauk Road, Middleton 608-662-8842 • www.AtticAngel.org

ALL SAINTS NEIGHBORHOOD MAIN STREET APARTMENTS

511 Commerce Dr., Madison 53719 (608) 827-3535 cyndi@elderspan.com allsaintsneighborhood.org

Beautiful independent apartments include in the monthly rent a variety of services to make your life easier, such as biweekly housekeeping and a noon meal Monday through Friday. An array of dining, education, and entertainment opportunities are also just steps away at the All Saints Neighborhood Main Street.

ALL SAINTS NEIGHBORHOOD SENIOR APARTMENTS

8202 Highview Dr., Madison 53719 (608) 827-2222 mnaegle@elderspan.com allsaintsneighborhood.org

Gracious independent one- and twobedroom apartments offering new friends, engaging activities, and carefree living. An array of dining, education, and entertainment opportunities are also available at the All Saints Neighborhood Main Street, just a short stroll across the skywalk.

ANGELL PARK

426 Park St., Sun Prairie 53590 (608) 837-9400 angellpark@horizondbm.com horizonseniorhousing.com

Angell Park is located within walking distance of the downtown Sun Prairie shopping district. The community features heated underground parking, large community room for social gatherings, hair salon, fitness center, and much more.

THE ARBORS AT OAK PARK® PLACE

MADISON EAST (GRANDVIEW)

618 Jupiter Dr., Madison 53718 (608) 663-8720 madisonsales@oakparkplace.com

JANESVILLE

700 Myrtle Way, Janesville 53545 (608) 530-5700 janesvillesales@oakparkplace.com

BARABOO

800 Waldo St., Baraboo 53913 (608) 355-4111 baraboosales@oakparkplace.com oakparkplace.com

The Arbors at OAK PARK® Place offers independent living for seniors. Housekeeping, meals, underground parking, activities, and transportation for group activities are all included. Pets are welcome to reside with you at OAK PARK® Place.

ATTIC ANGEL COMMUNITY

8301 Old Sauk Rd., Middleton 53562 (608) 662-8842

LivingWell@atticangel.org atticangel.org

Our Prairie Point neighborhood features 123 homes for independent living, while Attic Angel Place offers 74 one- and twobedroom apartments with services. Our senior community comes with built-in access to additional levels of care as needed, from rehabilitation and assisted living to memory care.

BURR OAKS

2417 Cypress Way, Madison 53713 (608) 250-2585 burroaks@horizondbm.com horizonseniorhousing.com

Burr Oaks is the gateway to Madison’s attractions. Amenities include heated underground parking, a large community room for social gatherings, a deck or patio on each apartment, energy star appliances, a third-floor terrace, and much more.

DRUMLIN RESERVE –COTTAGE GROVE

139 E. Reynolds St. Cottage Grove 53527 (608) 360-6721 info@capricommunities.com drumlinreserve.com

Drumlin Reserve is an active lifestyle community in Cottage Grove. Our spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments feature a plethora of modern amenities, patios/balconies, walk-in showers, in-unit washer/dryer, and beautiful indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Enjoy life at Drumlin Reserve.

Edgerton Retirement Apartments

505 Stoughton Rd., Edgerton 53534 (608) 884-9009 era@bmcmadison.com bmcmadison.com

A lovely affordable apartment community designed for older adults 62+ and/or disabled nestled in a quiet park-like setting with one-bedroom apartment homes. We feature on-site laundry, a community kitchen, large dining area, and lounge for entertaining. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

FIRST SENIOR I & II

1720 E. Memorial Dr. and 1801 E. Milwaukee St., Janesville 53545 (608) 289-2200 firstsenior@horizondbm.com horizonseniorhousing.com

First Senior I & II offer one- and twobedroom apartment homes. Built in an established neighborhood, both communities are smoke free and offer an independent, maintenance-free lifestyle. The community prides itself on creating a friendly, comfortable living environment with activities to keep you busy and social.

FROST WOODS I & II

101 and 201 Frost Woods Rd. Monona 53716 (608) 516-4280 frostwoods@horizondbm.com horizonseniorhousing.com

Frost Woods features both market-rate and affordable apartment homes in a quiet neighborhood setting. Amenities include heated underground parking, a community room for socializing, an active social event calendar, elevator access, and much more.

Genesis Apartments

230 S. Oak St., Oregon 53575 (608) 835-8600 customerservice@genesishousinginc.org bmcmadison.com

Unique and affordable one and twobedroom apartment homes designed for older adults 62+ and/or disabled, located in both the Oregon and Brooklyn communities. Each home was thoughtfully designed with you in mind to promote independence. Income limits apply, rental assistance may be available. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Greenspire Apartments

924 Jackson St., Stoughton 53589 (608) 873-7855 greenspire@sbcglobal.net

Imagine peaceful living in a park-like setting, affordability at its finest, and a location that can’t be beat. One and twobedroom apartment homes designed for older adults 62+ and/or disabled persons. Just a few blocks from Stoughton’s downtown shopping district, featuring charming local stores, restaurants, the arts, medical facilities, and the Stoughton Senior Center. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.