Our Activities Room

Next to our very own chapel is the Activities Room. We do most of our crafts and games in this room. However it is also another space for residents to relax anytime they choose. There are always magazines, books and crosswords on a shelf for their pleasure. A large bay window looks out to trees and almost always wildlife fluttering, jumping and scurrying around.
Many residents enjoy taking their time and penciling in an adult coloring or working a crossword puzzle or just simply looking outside. Residents may also choose to join library club and receive books from the Carnegie library related to their interests.

Card Show on Wed!

The residents enjoyed a card show on Wed afternoon. It was a great change of pace. They really engaged Jim and Sheryl. It was so nice of them to volunteer their time.

Easy Bird Feeder

We love seeing the birds, squirrels and deer come close to the windows. So to entice them more we made hanging circle feeders. Great craft for keeping fingers nimble.
Everyone sat around and talked while they strung the cheerios on twine. You have to take your time so the twine does not fray and twist.

What you need;
Box of cheerios or something with a hole
Twine
Scissors

Directions;
Cut a piece of twine at least 15 inches. Whatever size you need just remember to have extra to tie off.
Start adding cheerios. You can tie one end in a knot if you think it will spill out.
When done tie the ends together in a double knot on a branch.

Snacks Bring A Little Sunshine!

I wanted the residents to have something we have not already tried in the past. Mexican ice cream is a delectable treat. However I needed a non-fry version. So I pieced a couple recipes together and came up with a refreshing sweet afternoon dessert!

What you need;
Slightly softened ice cream
unsalted butter
cinnamon
cornflakes
Squeeze bottle honey
whip cream in a can
Top off with a maraschino cherry or we did a yogurt pretzel.








Crush cornflakes in a baggy and then lightly saute with butter and cinnamon. Transfer to a jelly roll pan.
Roll ice cream into a ball as large you want it.
Roll ice cream in corn flake mixture.
You can let set up on a tray in the freezer or proceed to next step and serve.
Squeeze honey on top of ball. It will gently roll down sides.
Top with whip cream and put whip cream around ball.
Top with cherry or topping of your choice. Festive sprinkles are nice for a birthday.
Enjoy! We did!

Young Violinists Visit Us Again!

We are so lucky to have these two young men visit us every month. It is truly one of the resident's favorite events. They bring many smiles. A big thank you to their kind mother who is so gracious.  https://www.weplaymusic4you.org/

Excellent Music Every Time!

Birthday Cake!!!

Today we will celebrate Jan, Feb and March birthdays!
The bright, beautiful cake was shown to everyone while waiting for lunch. Everyone is excited for a sweet treat!
We will celebrate at 2 pm with coffee or tea.

Tissue Flower Tuesday

This morning was are weekly Fit Club. Every Tues at 11 am. Residents earn points towards prizes when they participate.

Dining Room

This afternoon we made tissue flowers. Residents were excited to put on their doors. The color combinations are so cheerful. We also created a wall of flowers in the dining room for everyone to enjoy.

                                       

Winter Tea

What do you do when it is bitter cold and snowy? Well, you have a Winter Tea of course!
Jen from Caring Hospice brought some serious dessert! She brought huge apple pies warmed in the oven topped with vanilla ice cream. She did not stop there! She also brought caramel coffee and cheery plates, napkins and forks.
Raspberry tea is still a hit. We went through three pots!

This was one of our biggest turn outs. Almost the entire community showed up for this delightful afternoon. We mixed it up a bit with music. I played some jazz which set a relaxed mood.

Finding Our Artistic Outlet

We have used so many mediums this week. Our list includes painting, gluing, folding tissue and paper, drawing, stamping and coloring!
Our flower picture took two days. Two residents painted the background. Five residents created the flowers and glued.

 We also stamped and colored clever garden gnomes. The residents decided to put their creations on their doors.

Helping each other

Crafting fun

Yes, we play BINGO!

I would be remiss if I did not tell you BINGO is one our biggest crowds twice a week for activities.
Our residents really enjoy the game. It's actually a great way to exercise your thinking and focus skills. We use chips so it is also excellent for keeping fingers nimble.
We always have prizes, of course! Many residents love cookies. I also throw in toiletries for them to win too! We supply the prizes as well as get nice donations from hospice providers.

Relax, it is Thursday!

Early this afternoon several residents hung out and listened to Malt Shop music and enjoyed a drink or snack. Many were tapping their feet and breaking out in song. It feels good to just relax. The dining room blinds were wide open to let the sunny day come in!

Later on we frosted cookies and enjoyed coffee or rasberry zinger hot tea.

It was great to see full tables of residents talking and sharing stories. Many mentioned the pastries they baked at home for themselves or loved ones. A simple activity turned into over an hour of enjoyable conversation. Many smiles all around.