Administrator Vander Poel leaves after six years

It has been a wonderful time, but it is time to move on.

After almost six years as the chief administrator at the Augustana Care Center campus in Hastings, Larry Vander Poel has stepped down.

On Friday, Sept. 30, staff, residents, family and friends gave him a farewell reception. Afterwards, Vander Poel said the day was “overwhelming,” and he wanted to extend his appreciation to everyone.

He began his position at Augustana in January 2007 and said he felt the immediate warmth of the center and the community.

“People were so welcoming and the feeling at the home was immediate,” he said. “I have enjoyed every minute with the residents, families, staff and community members. I would describe Hastings and the Hastings campus as really being alive and living life to the fullest.”

The caring staff and the involvement of the community with the campus were also praised by Vander Poel.

“I am very proud of all the accomplishments we were able to make at the Hastings campus of Augustana,” he said. “The team effort by all the staff was extraordinary and the involvement of the residents, families and community was just unbelievable.”

Currently the care center is undergoing extensive renovations and Vander Poel commended that effort and what it will mean to the residents, staff and community.

His future plans are indefinite, said Vander Poel, but he said he plans to remains active with the Hastings Area Rotary Club.

Tags: events, seniors, entertainment, local