The Lodge at Lone Tree Creek is proud to celebrate its 25th Anniversary this September during National Assisted Living Week, September 7–13. Community members are invited to join staff, residents, and family members for a special Open House on Sunday, September 7 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM. Guests will enjoy a walking taco bar, facility tours, live entertainment, and complimentary resident family photos by Steele Shots Photography.
A Quarter Century of Care
The Lodge was envisioned in the late 1990s when Sidney Health Center identified a strong need for assisted living in Richland County. At the time, Nursing Home Administrator Theresa Livers worked alongside CEO Don Rush and the Board of Directors to set the project in motion. In 1998, plans were unveiled for a 36-apartment facility designed to give seniors independence in a homelike setting while receiving supportive services.
Construction progressed quickly, and by May 2000, The Lodge welcomed its first residents. Within the first week, seven individuals had already made The Lodge their home, drawn by features such as private apartments with kitchenettes, a library, a large activity room with a fireplace, and a dining program that emphasized choice and dignity.
By its first anniversary, The Lodge was already surpassing expectations—nearly reaching full occupancy and expanding activities such as Bible study groups, children’s visits, and monthly tea parties. Within just five years, the facility had become an integral part of the community, consistently operating at or near capacity while adding new amenities including a walking path, screened porch, bus transportation, and unique activities like “Tasty Wednesdays” and Valentine’s service projects.
At its 10-year celebration in 2010, The Lodge was recognized as one of the first assisted living facilities in Montana and as a vital part of Sidney Health Center’s continuum of care. The milestone celebration highlighted its wide array of activities—music, book clubs, crafts, fitness, and spiritual programs—all designed to keep residents active, engaged, and supported.
Over the past 25 years, The Lodge has been guided by three dedicated directors: Tawnya Gurney, Kathy Jensen, and its current director, Jodie Leland. Additional services have included a respite room, furnished by the family of late residents J. Harry and Donna Johnson, to provide a peaceful space for loved ones at the end of life. Sidney Health Center’s Sleep Center program also moved into one of the apartments to conduct sleep studies, offering a quiet and comfortable location for patients.
Continuing the Mission
Today, 25 years later, The Lodge at Lone Tree Creek continues its tradition of providing compassionate, resident-centered care in a warm and welcoming environment. Kerry Reitz, Senior Executive of Long-Term Care Services, commented, “The Lodge continues to be a vital part of our community—a place where seniors can live independently while staying engaged in the activities they enjoy. With different levels of service, residents have the flexibility to age in place with dignity and comfort. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this milestone anniversary.”
Event Details
- What: The Lodge at Lone Tree Creek 25th Anniversary Open House
- When: Sunday, September 7 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
- Where: The Lodge at Lone Tree Creek, Sidney, MT
- Activities: Walking taco bar, facility tours, entertainment, and Steele Shots Photography resident family pictures
The Lodge’s mission remains the same as in the beginning, which is to provide an enriched living environment for those seeking privacy and independence, while nurturing continued growth of the human spirit through friendship, companionship, and spontaneity. To learn more or schedule a personal tour, visit lodgeatlonetree.org or call 406.488.4682. Apartments are currently available.