The Timbers of Cass County had plenty to celebrate Thursday as the facility welcomed a new director of nursing and honored its second anniversary.

During an open house in the lobby of the nursing home, employees, visitors and supporters gathered to commend the facility on reaching its second-year mark. They also officially greeted Tammy Coney as the director of nursing, who began work on Monday.

“Everyone has been extremely welcoming,” Coney said Thursday. “It’s always overwhelming the first week; I have a staff and 83 new residents to learn and get to know.”

Coney came to The Timbers and Dowagiac from North Ridge Village, a nursing home in Albion, Ind. After just purchasing a house in town, Coney said her husband, a deputy sheriff in Indiana, and her three sons will join her soon .

“I had to make the move rather quickly, but I’m so happy to be here,” she said.

Coney said she hopes to add stability to the staff and facility while improving and expanding their systems.

“I want to find ways to grow and establish what we already have in place,” she said.

Among the celebrations Thursday afternoon, residents were treated to an ice cream social in the East Dining Room where Activity Director Cheri Nowicki and activity assistant Debbie Tumbleson served up ice cream sundaes.

Steve Case, The Timbers interim administrator, said the facility’s second birthday is something to be celebrated in the community.

“They are, by far, the most exquisite nursing home with state-of-the-art equipment,” Case said. “If someone is looking or planning, they’ve got to come here.”

The Timbers of Cass County is located at 55432 Colby St., Dowagiac. For more information, call the facility at (269) 782-7828.