Mark Your Calendars-National Volunteer Week is April 19th-25th!

Well, it's that time of year again...when we start thinking about how we can recognize those individuals who volunteer their time on our communities.

National Volunteer Week is April 19th-25th 2009

If you need any assistance planning or brainstorming your National Volunteer Recognition Event please let me know, I am more than happy to support you. We, at The Goodman Group, continue to appreicate all of the time and energy you put into coordinating volunteers in your community, and we look forward to the continued focus on further developing these programs and opportunities in 2009.

The Residence at Timber Pines "ROCKS" its way into the NEW YEAR!

The Residence at Timber Pines in Spring Hill, Florida hosted a Rock-a-thon in January of 2009 to raise money for Alzheimer's Disease. The team rocked continuously all night long raising a total of $3,000! The event kicked off with a day filled with local speakers and educators from the Spring Hill community. Way to go Spring Hill team! If you would like more information on hosting a Rock-a-thon in your community please contact: Cheryl Fazio, Activity Director.

Regal Palms is Ready for the New Year!

For the New Year, we had a party in the afternoon on New Year's Eve. We had entertainment with Dori, a resident favorite. She gets everyone singing and doing the conga! Dining Services provided a wonder assortment of munchies. (Coconut fried shrimp, quiche, cheese and crackers, cranberry & white chocolate scones, brownies and pizza bites!) We had N/A champagne spritzers to toast with, too.

2009 Resolutions...After speaking with our Executive Director, we are going to do a few subtle changes in Memory Care. Since our folks are changing, I need to take that into consideration, and change with them from a programming point of view. I will be working hard on that. I know our folks don't get into a change in their routine, so I thought I would target the activities that some of our folks were able to do, and there are folks that still can, and make a smaller group of the folks who need a little more attention. I can take care of the smaller group instead of having to eliminate a program that used to be fun for some or that is still fun for others, the small group setting will still enable them to function without the help of other residents, and everyone can enjoy it better. I sat with three ladies this morning during Bingo. Two of these ladies were able to play just fine on their own in the past, and one lady is new...we had a ball. One of the ladies used to be assisted by another resident who I felt was frustrated when she had to help. So hopefully we have solved that problem. I am going to be more available to the residents on a small group way or more one on ones. So I guess one of my targets is more hands on.

Tammy Dunlap (Life Enrichment Director)
Regal Palms
Largo, FL

2009 Arrives...FLORIDA Style!

Terracina Grand in Naples, FL rings in the New Year and the Activity team sets a New Year's resolution...

For New Year's, we kicked it off Florida style with a special Happy Hour poolside from 4-5. The weather was perfect; we had a beautiful 78 degree day. Joseph, our chef created some wonderful appetizers for us including Oysters Rockefeller, Calzones, and fresh tropical fruit. Following Happy Hour, we had a special Surf and Turf dinner, followed by our New Year's party with one of our favorite entertainers and a Champaign toast. A great time were had by all. A group of about 20 of our party animals stayed up to watch the ball drop and had a small gathering on the 4th floor, where they could also see fireworks coming from the beach downtown Naples.

One of our main goals each year is for our department to continue to get to know our residents. Forming special bonds with each person is so important. Our building is just about full, so we want to help retain our residents through our programs and activities. We will continue to provide that special spark for people to find friends and new things to enjoy through activities and relationships.

One thing we can improve on, based on our resident survey, was providing the opportunity to grow as a person. We are going to focus on providing new programs in this area; more specifically, speakers, outings to new places, and more educational opportunities.

Sandy Steinbach (Activity Director)

The Inn on Westport Rings in the New Year!

For New Years we had a cocktail hour before the Dietary Department served Oyster Stew. We had Hot Buttered Rum or Peppermint Patties (hot chocolate/peppermint schnapps, whipped cream & peppermint sticks) we also had non-alcoholic versions available. We had a count down to "midnight somewhere" at 3:00.

Cherilyn Dystrka (Activity Director)

Inn on Westport, South Dakota

Antique Car Show Rolls into Westchester Gardens!

Westchester Gardens in Tampa, FL hosted an Antique Car Show in the Fall of 2008. Residents and families enjoyed the show sponsored by a local car club and were treated to grilled hot dogs and all the trimmings. The event also attracted approximately 200 visitors from the community. For more information please contact: Ann Padavoni (Activity Director).

Victorian Tea at Old Main Village

In November of 2008 Old Main Village in Mankato, MN hosted a Victorian Tea. This tea kicked off the holiday season! 80 individuals attended including, residents, and guests from the local community. For more information on this event please contact, Jackie Lupkes (Life Enrichment Director).