Extended care news

December, 2024

Sunday, the first day of December, Laura Erickson was honored on her 95th birthday with cupcakes and chocolate mint ice cream. Several stopped in to celebrate with her. Happy Birthday Laura Jean!

The time had come to bring out the Christmas decorations. The tree and totes were all brought down from the "future room" and the process begins. Probably the hardest part of the whole affair was setting up the tree. Connecting the 3 different sections, keeping it straight, fluffing the branches, and then stepping back and realizing its going to fall over! An emergency call is made to the maintenance man, HELP! But in the end, after changing the tree stand it was beautiful! Alva, Faye and Milton are the best supervisors anyone could ask for!

Tuesday afternoon the ladies played Po-Ke-No. Vernalea joined the group as did Faye. Faye is not a usual participant but Tuesday, she won! Later, the group played Wild 10 and again Faye won, definitely her lucky day!

With the help of Scott and Travis the nativity scene was placed in the courtyard. Lights were added, allowing the manager's scene to be seen both day and night.

During the Christmas season Diane Douglas gets inspired to make candy and bake. She so graciously brings in plates of treats to share with our residents during snack time. Thank You Diane!

December 6, just a few short years ago, the world was blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Gloria Schweigert Preuss. Gloria was the 4th baby born to John and Clarice. Gloria was honored with a party and the presence of her niece and a close friend. The ladies finished off the afternoon by playing a card game "7". Wishing you a Happy Birthday Gloria.

Friday the 6th Earnest Comes Last made the move into Dahl Memorial. We welcome you Earnest and hope this will be an easy transition for you.

Monday afternoon the Community Choir, under the direction of Elizabeth Barth, presented their Christmas concert to our residents. The group looked so festive with red as their main color and sounded wonderful! Thank you for blessing us with your presence and talents.

Tuesday afternoon David, Madlon's son, stopped by to visit and was encouraged to play cards with the ladies. The afternoon game was "Seven" and Marty was the top hand.

On Wednesday afternoon Phil Cook and Bill Frye came with their guitars and sang and entertained for about an hour. What a treat, they sing the old tunes and of course Karen sings right along with them.

Monday afternoon Sonja Bruski was over and gave Faye a perm and Milton a trim. Donna Guyer had company, her son Jim and his daughter were here for a few days.

Tuesday afternoon, Christmas Bingo was on the agenda. Gifts were purchased and for those who Bingo were able to choose from the basket. The ones who Blacked out chose from the larger gift assortment. After Bingo the ladies were still ready for more, a card game or two.

Wednesday, December 18, the morning started out like any other but right after dinner it was a different story. The day room was completely cleared of all recliners and side tables. The floors were scrubbed, tables brought in, folding chairs set up, tables decorated with blue table clothes and adjourned with white branches with blue ornaments. The dining room was set up for a buffet style dinner and a side table for desserts. The annual Christmas Family Dinner, which was to start at 5:30, was officially under way. The residents were dressed in their finest attire and Sonja from the Hair Affair had been in and fixed the ladies hair. The Day room was filled with residents and their families, Georgia Bruski, chairman of the board gave a welcome, Tom Stieg gave the blessing, and the meal train was started. The DeFord girls, Sage and April entertained the group with guitar music and song, Nelson Rolando shared a poem he had written. The dietary dept. served a lovely meal of sliced ham and roast beef and a wide variety of salads. It really was a special evening; memories were made as families gathered. Special thanks to all the staff who volunteered their services.

Thursday the 19th was a slow day, everyone seemed to be exhausted! To lighten the day and give the place some life the grade school kids came over after lunch and entertained the residents with a variety of Christmas songs. This was the last day of school before Christmas vacation and the children were over the top excited! What a treat to observe so much energy!

On Saturday, Gloria Preuss daughter Lisa made the trip from SD to pick up her mother and take her home with her for Christmas. Gloria had her bags packed and was so ready to go.

Monday, the 23rd Jimmy Curry presented his Christmas musical for the rest of the residents and his sister Carole. Jimmy has been practicing hand bells now for several weeks.

Jim and Deb Phalen stopped by before lunch. While Jim visited with different ones, Deb entertained the group with a variety of Christmas songs.

After lunch Sue Tooke and Monte Lou Munro entertained the residents with a "Name that Tune" game. Monte Lou played the piano and Sue used a drawing pad on an easel. Great entertainment! Thank you, ladies, you're always a joy to have!

Christmas Day after breakfast the residents gathered in the day room and gifts were passed out. The nursing staff helped those who were unable to open their own gifts. The dietary dept. served a beautiful traditional meal. Several of our residents were able to spend Christmas with their families. It was a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus!

With the month of December winding down the last big event planned was the New Year's Eve party. The dining room was decorated with blue tablecloths, adjourned with party hats and noise makers. Wine glasses were set on the tables with sparkling cider and sparkling grape juice offered. The dietary dept. served a family-style meal consisting of meat and cheese trays, baskets of crackers, relish trays, and a fancy little dessert. The evening was special, even if no one stayed up to bring in the New Year!

Special thanks to the Red Butte Ramblers for making wreaths for each of the residents' doors. To the children of Hope Baptist for making Christmas cards for each of the residents. To Rhonda Cordell for donating dozens of cookies. If I've missed anyone I apologize. A generous donation was also given by Dick and Karen Hammel. All donations are greatly appreciated.

Until Next Time....