Greetings from “The Home” front …

What a wonderful turnout we had last Sunday when Riverside Church came and performed a musical event in the chapel.  Thanks again to everyone involved – our residents always enjoy good music!  We had a special narrator aboard the bus on Monday when Mark Heskin rode with us while we went sightseeing around Portland/Mayville.  His humorous commentary and knowledge of the towns really added to the trip.  Thanks Mark!

In addition to the van trip on Monday, we also had newscurrrents in the morning and played 5 square in the afternoon.  It was Sit & Be Fit on Tuesday along with Rhythm Band.  The residents played Real Bingo Wednesday morning and then the crafty ladies (and men) made crosses during crafting time.  The crosses turned out FABULOUS (just like on Pinterest!!) and some will be for sale during Pie Day.  Good job everyone!  Pastor Dianne was here on Thursday for Men’s Bible Study and then we had a special event when Jackie Kuhle from Countryside Creations came and did a flower arranging demonstration.  She made it look so easy!!!  Thanks Jackie - the arrangements were beautiful!  After church on Friday, there was another picnic in the shelter.  The residents enjoyed hot dogs, potato salad and ice cream!  Later on, in the afternoon there was pretty nails and happy ½ hour!  Wow – what a great day!  There is trivia on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the activity room and Kaffee Hus from 2-3:30 in the dining room.  Our Saturday movie matinee is “The Gaithers – Something Beautiful” – this is a beautiful gospel music video.  The singing and songs are wonderful – you won’t want to miss it.

Molly will be here on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. for reminisce – am sure she will have some great old junk to show and talk about.  Monday will be busy with a food committee meeting, newscurrents and another sightseeing trip.  The memorial for Lovey Aamold will be held in the chapel at 2 p.m. and later in the afternoon the residents will be playing noodle ball.  There is Sit & Be Fit on Tuesday with Rhythm Band in the afternoon.  Wednesday brings a Jet Set Project, Bunco and resident council.  Thursday June 14 is Flag Day so we will be having a Flag Day Facts program in the morning along with pretty nails and ice tea on the patio in the afternoon.  We are having a special music event on Friday when Larry Charon preforms in the dining room at 2 p.m.  Larry always puts on a lively show.  Of course, there will be mass and church in the morning.

We have had three residents pass away this past few weeks and we would like to extend our sympathy to the friends and family of Bobby Balstad, Helen Haugen and Viola Sparrow.  Bobby died on May 28th.  He enjoyed visiting with his many friends and family and sitting out in the sun “soaking up the rays”.  He had a great sense of humor and will definitely be missed by us all.  Helen passed away on June 3rd.  She enjoyed all of our activities and was a whiz at crosswords, trivia and 5 square. Viola, who died June 4th, enjoyed  music, visiting with staff and being out in the hallways “where the action was”.  Rest in Peace Bobby, Helen and Viola.

We have three residents with birthdays next week – Dawn Ludwig on June 10th and Kathryn Kvislen and LeRoy Brenna on June 13th.  Staff members McKenna Paulson, Denise Vaagene, Amy Ramstad and Alexis Franco all celebrate their birthdays next week – McKenna (June 11), Denise (June 12) Amy and Alexis (June 14).  Happy Birthday to all of you and enjoy your special day!

Until next time … a thought for the week …  Start each day with a grateful heart …