Greetings from "The Home" front …
It is National Nursing Home Week and have we been celebrating!
Monday was super hero day and many of the staff and residents wore costumes of their favorite character. In the afternoon we had our staff recognition program. It was Western Day on Tuesday with horseshoes in the morning and a petting zoo in the courtyard in the afternoon. Special thanks to Jay & Rebecca Hodgson, Natasha Archambeau, and Shelby Krueger who brought their various animals for the residents to pet and snuggle with. Chuck Fox was here for our Polka Dot Social on Wednesday afternoon. It was polka dot day with bingo in the morning and Dip & Dots and Cotton candy along with Chuck in the afternoon. We celebrated Syttende Mai on Thursday. Pastor Dianne was here for Bible Study in the morning and later we celebrated Norwegian Independence Day along with Norwegian Golf in the afternoon. Friday brought crazy sock and hat day along with church, pretty nails, and happy 1/2 hour. Saturday is Armed Forces Day and we will have bingo and kaffee hus at 2 p.m. Our Saturday movie matinee is "Railroad Journeys Around the World". It sounds like a wonderful way to see the world without leaving Mayville!
The following staff members were honored at our Staff Recognition Program on Monday. All were nominated for Caregiver of the Year - a program sponsored by the North Dakota Long Term Care Association. If you know of a staff member who does an exceptional job why not nominate them next year for this honor? Luther Memorial Home had 11 nominations: Rachel Balstad, Irma Bennett, Melinda Donohue, Julie Johnson, Amanda Landa, Jessica Nelson, Lisa Nelson, LeeAnn Strand, Brett Ulrich, and All LMH staff. Jessica Nelson (2010), Lisa Nelson (2009) and LeeAnn Strand (2004) have all been winners of the North Dakota State Caregiver of the Year award. Congratulations to all of our nominees.
Staff members were also honored for their years of service: 5 years: Rahni Smith, Ilene Larson, Jennifer Koenig; 10 years: Erica Baldock; 15 years: Vonda Gunderson, Donna Dick; 20 years: Vicki Johnson, Jean Holter; 25 years: Genelle Dale, Kori Fenske, Alice Simengaard, Elaine Aune.
Next week we have newscurrents on Monday morning and then a van trip sightseeing around town. There has been lots of building and changes taking place since our last trip in the fall. The residents do enjoy getting out to see what is going on! It is National Police Week and we have invited our local sheriffs to stop in and have coffee and treats with us on Tuesday morning. It is also time for the Auxiliary Birthday Party (where does the time go!) on Tuesday afternoon. Valley Free Church is hostess this month. There is a special event on Wednesday when Mary and her quilting gang put on a Quilt Show in the chapel. The ladies will be showing and talking about their special quilts at 1:30. Why not stop by and see their beautiful work. We hope to get out in the courtyard to do some planting on Thursday morning and then get our nails done in the afternoon. Friday brings church in the morning and a picnic in the shelter (weather permitting) afterward. There is bingo with the VFW in the afternoon.
Everyone is invited to a special concert by Higher Ground on Sunday May 20th in the chapel. This group plays down home toe tapping gospel music. Hope you can attend!
We have two resident birthdays this week: LaVerne Burke on May 22 and Marie Tollefsrud on May 24th. And only two staff birthdays: Pam Sedler on May 23 and Jessica Nelson on May 24. Happy Birthday to all of you and enjoy your special day!
Our sympathy to the friends and family of Gertrude (Gert) Anda who passed away May 12th. Gert enjoyed her morning cup of coffee, visiting with staff and playing on her ipad. Rest in Peace Gert.
Until next time … a thought for the week …Don't just go through life, grow through it …