On average, 500,000 Americans die from Alzheimer’s disease each year, making it our country’s sixth most deadly disease. Tragically, there is not yet a cure. On the summer solstice each year, the Alzheimer’s Association sponsors a nationwide initiative called The Longest Day. At this time, individuals and businesses work together to raise awareness and funds that support the battle against this disease.
As part of this program, Biltmore Forest resident Bobby Stricklin will host an inaugural two-day open house at his home, Sunday and Monday, June 19–20. This event is in loving memory of his wife, Louise, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2007 and passed away in 2013. Each element of the tour honors Louise and the special life she and Bobby shared together.
Louise and Bobby married in 1975 and spent 20 years working side-by-side in golf operations in the Tampa area before retiring to Asheville. During the next 23 years, they spent many hours in the car, exploring the back roads of America, always with their dog. They drove about 70,000 miles and visited 23 National Parks, with their favorite places being Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. In his home, Bobby displays art that represents the Parks, a reminder of their adventures together.
The couple also loved “playing” with model trains and their collection grew over the years (at one point the tracks ran through three rooms of their house). Today, Bobby maintains a 1,200-square-foot hobby room, called Celebration Station, which features their operating train collection.
Bobby hopes visitors can stroll the paths among the thousands of flowers in Louise’s Garden and contemplate a world without Alzheimer’s.
“The Longest Day open house allows me to continue to celebrate Louise and share her story,” says Bobby. “Visiting the house, garden, train collection, and national park art will allow others a glimpse of Louise’s cheerful and energetic life. Her hands touched all the things that are being shared during the tour. Her joyful spirit is evident in all that is on display at our home. All who knew Louise marveled at her enthusiasm for life, her smile, her energy, and generosity of giving her time to others.”
Hours are noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday. For more information and to reserve a time slot, visit Bruegger’s Bagels (160 Hendersonville Road) or e-mail Bobby at bobby.stricklin@bellsouth.net. Advance RSVP is recommended. Registration forms and donations (minimum of $5) will be accepted at the door on the day of the event. Care Partners employees can attend at no charge. All donations support the Florida Gulf Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
