Greetings from “The Home” front …

We had a busy week here at LMH – starting with Food Committee, Newscurrents and cards on Monday. Later in the day, Nancy did an Easter Trivia activity and there was bingo in the evening. Pam was also here to play her guitar and sing for the residents. Many of them joined her in the familiar songs. It was a super special day on Tuesday when we held our Volunteer Recognition Luncheon in the chapel. This is a chance to do something special to thank all of the volunteers who devote so many hours visiting our residents, doing crafts with them, sharing their music, singing to them and just being there when needed. Thank you! In addition to the volunteer luncheon, we had Sit & Be Fit in the morning and Rhythm Band in the afternoon. MPCG 2nd graders stopped by and delivered beautiful spring cards during rhythm band, what a treat. After resident council Wednesday morning, the Peter Boe 3rd graders came to visit their “adopted” grandparents. It was great to see them again after such a long spell! There was reading on Thursday morning and then another special event in the afternoon – we were treated to a musical concert by the 2nd Wind Band! In addition, we went bowling and played bingo. Friday brings mass and church in the morning and then at Kitchen Cappers the resident cooks each made their own spam salad! What an old favorite stand by that is!!! We have coloring on Saturday morning and then Wheel of Fortune in the afternoon. Also, Kaffee Hus from 2-3:30 on both Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon Molly will be here to do “Just Saying” which is a word association game. It’s newscurrents on Monday morning followed by dyeing Easter eggs and bunco in the afternoon. There is Sit & Be Fit Tuesday morning and then Rhythm Band in the afternoon. After the Easter sing-along on Wednesday, Mary and her gang will be here to work with our residents on a special project. They have been working on tote bags that fit on a walker, plus a scotty dog applique quilt. The residents always enjoy these projects. On Maundy Thursday there will be a special church service with communion and then music by Leonard and Betty Wahl in the afternoon. We are also planning an Easter egg hunt. There is mass and church on Good Friday and then pretty nails and happy ½ hour in the afternoon.

After the front-page article in last week’s Tribune about the benefit of music therapy, I am proud to say that LMH has had “music therapy” in place for many years. Our Rhythm Band every Tuesday is well attended and the residents get a chance to play instruments and sing, clap and tap toes. On Wednesdays we alternate between choir and name that tune which gives our residents a chance to sing and do memory recall. Music is a universal language that everyone can enjoy.

There are two resident birthdays next week – Delores (DeeDee) Paulson on April 18th and Mary Lou Aamold on April 19th. Marv Callahan in Sun Center has his birthday on April 16th. Two staff members are celebrating their birthdays – Kiana Meyer on April 15th and Shelby Moore on April 16th. Happy Birthday to all of you and enjoy your special day!

Robbie Ulrich has joined our LMH team to work in our maintenance department. Welcome aboard Robbie!!

We were saddened by the loss of two residents this past few weeks. Opal Pietron passed away on April 2nd and Dawn Rae Ludwig died on April 4th. Opal was a resident at Sun Center and had just recently moved into LMH. She enjoyed visits with friends and family. Opal is the mother of our long time RN LeeAnn Strand. Dawn Rae was a well-known member of the Mayville Portland community. She enjoyed all of our activities and had an infectious laugh. Rest in Peace Opal and Dawn Rae – you will be missed.

Until next time … a thought for the week … we are not given a good life or bad life. We are given a life. It’s up to us to make it good or bad …