"Traditions of the Heart" at The Commons on Marice

Tamra Brunn

Director of Life Enrichment

The Commons on Marice

Minnesota

"Grandparent's Day" Enjoyed By Many at Old Main Village

Jackie Lupkes

Director of Life Enrichment

Old Main Village

Minnesota

"Centennial Celebation" at Royal Palms

August 3rd at Royal was vibrating with excitement as we prepared for a

“Centennial Celebration.”

Not only are we blessed to have Colonel Ed. Stansbury turn 103 on July 18th, but we have Helen McEldowney turning 100 on August 27th and Ruth Hagan 100 on August 31st. We began their celebration with a professional videographer doing a private interview with each one of them. Then we moved to the Birthday Cake in the lobby with the three youngsters having their pictures taken. From there it is off to the Theater for more celebration.
The program began with a special rendition of Happy Birthday being sung by: Dee, Jim, Faye and Daphne. After a brief welcome by Dee the program moved to Jim singing a favorite song chosen by each of the birthday residents. Colonel’s song was God Bless the USA, Helen’s song was How Great Thou Art and Ruth’s song was New York, New York.
Next on the agenda was a close friend of Colonel’s, Dale Kelley sharing his thoughts about the Colonel, and Daphne wishing all 3 residents’ a special birthday.
Helen McEldowney’s daughter Margaret Rose had written her memories of her Mother and Dee shared her article for her.
Ruth Hagan’s niece, Barbara Molter shared memories about Ruth which was written by her daughter, Karen.
The ladies were each presented with a rose corsage and Colonel was presented with a red rose boutonnière. They have begun a Centurion Club w/ Colonel as the President, Ruth as Vice President, and Helen as the Secretary/Treasure. They are now soliciting for more members. We are fortunate to have these 3 individuals all in the Royal building.

Dee Ragan

Director of Life Enrichment

Royal Palms

Florida

"Symphony" a HUGE Success at West Hills Village

West Hills Village was asked to host a concert by the Pacific Crest Wind Symphony who had been given a grant to get music out to people who could not get to music. We hosted a pre-concert dinner for our residents and their families and invited the surrounding community to join everyone in the main parking lot afterwards for dessert (gelato, melon ice, and Italian sodas…yum!). During dessert people could enjoy entertainment provided by a local woman who teaches hula-hooping and a variety of vendor booths. Our Multnomah Days King and Queen were crowned just prior to the beginning of the concert and then for over an hour we were overwhelmed by beautiful music. Everyone had a fabulous time!

Holli Wronski
Director of Life Enrichment
West Hills Village

Oregon

"Sturgis" Comes to The Village Campus.

The Village Senior Residence and The Village Health Care hosted their 2nd annual Mini-Sturgis in July. The Blue Collar Band – an awesome local band that we had last year – came back to play for us. We had 20+ bikers from 3 different motorcycle clubs, and 600 residents, family members and employees at this year’s event. We served lunch outside on one of the Village Health Care’s wonderful patios. We had some square dancers dance for us and after lunch the bikers started giving rides to anyone who wanted one. We had two bikes with side cars this year and a tri-motorcycle (a bike with 3 tires). Quite a few residents were ready and waiting to take rides and others waited to see if the first people taking rides would survive the ride (which they did J) and other residents just a good time watching everyone. The residents and their families had a great time and this year it was only 90 –some degrees (as compared to the 100+ degree we had last year!). It was a great success and we all are looking forward to next year!

Katie Knudsen
Director of Life Enrichment

Village Senior

Montana

"1946 Radio Show" at Terracina Grand

I always like to do a Talent Show every year, and this year we made it into a 1946 Radio Show---what a hit!!! I had one lady who has lived here for over 4 years that it was her favorite show we’ve ever done.
So you can see from the pictures, we re-acted it out just like the old radio shows. This guy I met, Robert, and I co-hosted the show (he worked on cruise ships and such for years, and is now focusing on senior comedy type things)…
The residents and staff had tons of talent to share! LaShonda did a great job bringing in the folks from the memory units (we had 4 ladies do a song with the bell choir, one man sang with Lashonda and another resident did the jig), then we had many other things from the AL and IL folks, like singing, piano playing, knock-knock jokes, and a skit, plus we had commercials and sound effects, just like they used to do!
What a great event-so wanted to share!

Sandy Steinbach

Director of Life Enrichment

Terracina Grand

Florida