Long Term Care News

December, 2017 - December 1st fell on a Friday and the morning activity was group exercise lead by Virginia Rychner. Group exercises are scheduled three times a week with very good participation. Later that afternoon, a going away party was held for Debbie Reynolds. Debbie made the decision to move away from our little town and seek new employment. Wishing you the very best Debbie!

Monday afternoon, a "Paint and Sip" party took place in the dining room. The supplies; canvas, paint, and brushes were furnished by the activity dept. Wine glasses were placed by each setting and a sparkling cider served. If assistance was needed several members of the staff were available. The final product was a snowman painted on a blue canvas; the end result looked so festive! After the paintings were dried Martha hung each one on the dining room wall.

Tuesday, December 5th Elsie Scholten had her bags packed and made plans to spend a week or two at Dahl Memorial in the Adult Day Care Program. Welcome Elsie, hope your stay will be a pleasant experience.

Wednesday morning, Martha and Libby hung snow balls from the ceiling of the dayroom. The snowballs consisted of cotton balls and fishing line all hung to create a winter wonder land theme. Later that afternoon, chairs were rearranged to accommodate the fans who enjoy listening to Libby Barth, Betty Cline, Phil Cook, and Delbert Justice. Several familiar Christmas songs were played as well as the old familiar tunes. This group is very popular around here!

Saturday afternoon, members of the Community Choir presented their program to the residents. I guess it's called a rehearsal, but I was told it was just as good as or better than the original program that was performed on Sunday afternoon for the public. The time and effort the members of this choir contribute does not go unnoticed, thank you.

The day of the Resident's Annual Christmas Dinner is similar to an active Bee Hive! The dinner was scheduled for the evening of the 15th. The day room and dining room are cleared of tables, recliners and end tables. The Christmas tree and piano are even moved to different spots. Tables and chairs are set up, table cloths and decorations are added, the residents all have their hair done and are dressed into their nicest outfits. Before the individual photos are taken, the ladies all have make-up applied. The theme for the evening was a Winter Wonderland; the tables had light blue table cloths with vases of white sprayed twigs, as well as fake snowflakes down the center. The dietary dept. served a beautiful meal consisting of ham or roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, and green beans. Members of the FCCLA served each guest their meal and drinks. For dessert, guests were asked to bring their loved ones favorite Christmas cookie or dessert. The evening entertainment was Pastor John and Kati Champlin playing guitar and singing several Christmas specials. The songs that were chosen were so meaningful and beautiful! To top the evening off a very special couple showed up, Santa and Mrs. Clause! They greeted each one and handed out treats, it really was a magical evening. I'm sure memories were made!

Wednesday afternoon, the FCCLA group came over and spent some time with the residents. Several played table games while others spent their time visiting, refreshments were furnished and served by the group. Before departing the FCCLA group sang Christmas carols. The FCCLA is under the direction of Mrs. Amy Walker.

Dec. 21 is the first day of winter or the shortest day of the year. The Activity dept. hosted a special Bingo party; Christmas Bingo. With each Bingo the residents were to pick out a gift wrapped package. It was told to that everyone's a winner; some great gifts were given away. Special thanks to the little elves who faithfully help; Billie Elmore and Stella Powell.

The last day of school before Christmas vacation, the day room was filled with students and teachers from Carter County High School. The original plan was to just have the music dept. but it turned out the whole student body showed up. Christmas carols were sung mostly by the students but on occasion the residents would join in. It was time well spent, thank you!

Friday afternoon, the Bell Choir performed their Christmas concert. Members of the choir are: Tootie Boggs, Jimmy Curry, and Jeanie Tauck. Virginia asked if this writer could help with some of the selections, sure how hard can it be. I had my colored bell and was also instructed to help Tootie if she needed it. Several numbers were played, some sounded better than others, but now I know why they practice so much!

Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday this year, after church services the Hamblin family stopped by and shared some of their musical talents with the residents. It was a special time and very much appreciated.

Christmas Day morning, after breakfast, the residents gathered in the day room to open their presents. The dietary dept. prepared a traditional Christmas dinner consisting of ham with all the trimmings, and for dessert peppermint pie. Residents who were able to spend the day with their families were Jeane Koefelda and Joe Till. Throughout the day, several visitors stopped by to spread some Holiday Cheer! It really was a good day to celebrate the birth of Jesus!

As 2017 winds down, we at Dahl Memorial wish each of our readers a Happy and Blessed 2018!

Donations for the month of December were given in memory of Gerry Sykes and Carol Odell by Bill and Candy Loehding. Another donation was given by Vicki Fix. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Until Next Time...