Greetings from “The Home” front …

Congratulations to Soholt Bakery on their soft opening Monday morning! It’s great to have you back in business! We were treated to a sneak preview of the delicious pastries when the new owner delivered donuts to our staff and residents a few weeks ago. Every bite was delicious and we thank you for thinking of LMH – we’ll be back for more!

Our residents and staff have been testing twice a week for Covid and I am happy to report that these last three times we have had zero positives – that means we can enjoy small group activities again and our residents are able to move about the hallways to visit others. As this column goes to press, we are doing several activities either in the activity room, over Channel 98 or in the hallway. Monday, we learned all about Oreos since it was National Oreo Day on March 6! The sample cart when around in the afternoon giving everyone a chance to choose their favorite Oreo. Tuesday brought Newscurrents in the morning followed by Jeopardy in the afternoon. There was also EZ Does It Trivia. We played Crosswords on Wednesday morning – the residents really seem to enjoy that. The crafty crafters met in the afternoon to make a shamrock wall hanging – thank you Deb Sletten for cutting out all those shamrocks on your Cricket machine. Cutting them by hand would have been a chore! Staff also went shopping for residents at the Dollar General and Miller’s. The Star of the Month on Thursday was Catherine O’Hara. We learned all about her life and history. The ladies got their nails done in the afternoon at Pretty Nails. Pastor Deb is here for church on Friday morning and there will be Hallway Bingo in the afternoon. There is Sit & Be Fit on Saturday and then Wheel of Fortune in the afternoon. We also have Leprechaun Races later on.

Sunday afternoon there is a Bean Bag Toss in the activity room. We have Fun with Limericks on Monday morning followed by Buzzwords and a Resident Council meeting in the afternoon. We plan to have Bingo in the evening if our covid numbers remain low. Tuesday brings Newscurrents in the morning and SAINT categories in the afternoon. This is a game that really gets you thinking and is a lot of fun. We also have Reminisce. We will be Remembering Irish Songs with Lysa Wednesday morning and do a craft project in the afternoon. On Thursday March 17th, which is St. Patrick’s Day, there is Bible Study in the morning and then special St. Patrick’s Day treats in the afternoon. We learn all about St. Patrick’s Day later in the afternoon and we plan to have Bingo in the evening. Staff will also be treated to Mint Milkshakes on Thursday!! Pastor Deb is here for Church on Friday morning followed by Pretty Nails in the afternoon.
I will be on vacation for two weeks starting this Thursday. I am going someplace WARM and hope to do a lot of sewing and quilting! Our activity director, Lysa Wright, may fill in writing this column in my absence.

We have three resident birthdays next week – Don Sussex on March 17, Bob Verwest on March 18 and Chris Larson on March 19th. There are only two staff birthdays – Destinee Korsmo on March 13th and Meagan Karolus on March 16th. Happy Birthday to all of you and enjoy your special day!

We lost three special residents last week – Gladys Chandler on February 28th, Hilma Hovde on March 1st, and Marie Tollefsrud on March 2nd. Gladys was the mother of our staff member Jeff Chandler and she enjoyed visiting with staff and residents, listening to devotions and music. Hilma will be remembered for her wonderful baked goods and musical ability. While here at LMH she participated in many activities, crafts and music events. Marie enjoyed being around others residents and staff and always seemed to enjoy both books about animals and the live ones in her life. Blessed be the memories of Gladys, Hilma, and Marie – you will be missed.

Until next time … a thought for the week … we do not quit playing because we grow old … we grow old because we quit playing …