Ribbon cutting comes with long awaited exhale

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Linda Smith exhaled through a massive smile as she cut the ribbon in front of the new Rolling Hills facility on Tuesday. In front of a crowd, both seated and standing, the exhaustive efforts of so many ended with a collective sigh of relief. The fruits of their labor, planning, creativity, meetings, interviews and long hours away from family coasted into eloquent speeches by Cedric Schnitzler-Monroe County Board Chair, Linda Smith-Rolling Hills Administrator, Toni Wissestad-Committee Chair, and Tina Osterberg-County Administrator.

The hallways were immaculate, and the design beckoned the interested community members that showed up in droves to witness firsthand the amazing new premises. Folks could munch on the cookies that were provided as they meandered the well-lit corridors, checking out the luxurious lounges and fantastic flooring throughout the structure. Amazing art also adorned the walls in all areas, eagerly awaiting to be admired.

Staggered throughout the community perusal were people in light green shirts. Each shirt was embroidered with Rolling Hills, indicating that these particular posted people could fill folks in on information they may want to know or answer curious queries that may arise suddenly.

The event took place officially from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., but the eager audience started arriving earlier, with most able-bodied pedestrians parking across the street, in the parking lot of the original Rolling Hills. From there they would walk or hop on a shuttle to reach their not-so-distant destination. It was a “Field of Dreams” moment … build it, and they shall come. The Sheriff’s Department was on hand, to ensure the treaded travelers made it across the busy road safely. There were also large digital signs book-marking a quarter-mile stretch, that requested drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians, and to expect slight delays.

The event met the expectations of most and surpassed the hopes of many. On August 23rd the new Rolling Hills will start receiving people from the original Rolling Hills, from across the street. While the ink is still drying on the final chapter of one facility, a feathered fountain pen is submerged in an inkwell, waiting to start annotating the beginning of a new book.

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