07/30/2026
When we announced our America's 250th Door Decorating Contest, resident Rita thought, "I don't have anything to decorate with."
Then she remembered a quilt she had made years ago.
Using a traditional pattern as her starting point, Rita created an American flag quilt of her own, adjusting the design so the flag appears to wave in the wind, just the way she wanted it.
The quilt carries special meaning. Rita's husband served as a civil engineer in the U.S. Army and is buried at Fort Snelling. After his passing, she wanted a flying flag displayed at their home. Years later, when it became time to leave the house they had shared for 50 years, Rita toured SummerWood of Plymouth with her family. By the next morning, she had reserved an apartment.
"The four of us looked at each other and knew this was home," she said.
Since moving in, Rita says she loves the quiet, the convenience of no stairs, and the kindness of her neighbors and team members.
As for quilting?
"People don't really understand. They think quilting is about cutting up pieces and putting them together. But it gives you a lot of joy."
Today, that joyful quilted flag is proudly waving from Rita's front door once again.
❤️🤍💙
