January 24-30, 2021 news

With Valentine’s Day coming soon, a special Secret Valentine Week is being organized at the Home for the residents by staff. The lobby is beautifully decorated in red, pink, and white hearts in anticipation of this fun event.

Each morning we take a small amount of time to set our focus by reading from the Daily Guidepost over the intercom. This is done at 9:00 am each weekday. It reminds us of our priorities to love God and love others. The verse on Monday, February 1, was “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Peter 1:5-7 KJV

Another Manicure Monday arrived and activity staff assistants were back to filing & polishing nails. The ladies are always delighted for this!

In the afternoon was BINGO in residents’ rooms with numbers called over the intercom. After counting up their lines of BINGO, the residents chose from an array of chocolates, mints, and Twizzlers that staff takes around to each room.

Following the hustle and bustle of BINGO, the bird aviary in the lobby received a very thorough cleaning as well as all the birds were inventoried and received a health checkup by the aviary serviceman. This was quite entertaining for those who were watching as each bird had to be caught in a net. Some birds were just fluttering around and were easily gathered. But others quickly darted to and fro, making it quite the chase to capture them. All the birds including the new babies were placed in a small cage while their large home was completely emptied and washed. When it was ready for their return, each bird had his nails clipped along with receiving a drop of medicine as needed. Many commented how sparkling clean the aviary looked and how happily the birds were singing the next day.

Tuesday our verse was Deuteronomy 5:13-14 “Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.”

The travelogue that morning was a Sentimental Reflections featuring “The town built on chocolate” Hershey, PA. From the cozy comfort of their arm chairs, residents visited The Hershey Museum, learning about Milton Hershey and his chocolate factory built in the early 20th century. What a delicious legacy!

Do you want to build a snowman? That is exactly what residents did in Crafts in rooms that day. Kits were used that had pre-cut felt or foam pieces; a white round body, assorted colors of hats and scarves, rosy cheeks, cute eyes, and carrot nose were all included. Each person just had to glue them together to make a sweet friendly snowman. A couple extra touches were added, including snowflakes, sparkly buttons, and different ribbon so it could be hung up to display. Each one turned out unique and darling!

That afternoon activity staff prepared fresh veggies, including carrots, celery, cucumbers, and radishes with ranch dip. While visiting in rooms, they delivered the delicious relishes to residents. They were served in adorable small cups with colorful striped napkins. Residents seemed grateful for the healthy afternoon snack.

Wednesday began with the Bible verse from Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” We are blessed with many cheerful hearts around our Home, especially those who helped with BINGO on Wednesday morning. The residents said they called “good numbers.” Then out came the candy prizes to everyone’s delight for all the winners.

That afternoon it wasn’t exactly pedal to the metal, but the race was on with Remote Control Cars. Residents who participated used remotes to cruise the vehicles around the room and up over a small gravel and rock obstacle. This activity always brings smiles and laughter.

Psalm 29:11 was Thursday’s verse. “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.”

When stepping on the scale, everyone’s trying hard not to gain the “quarantine 15.” To help fight the pounds, residents were invited to join in with our “Grow Young Fitness” senior workout video that anyone can do while conveniently seated in a chair.

Later in the day during room visits, activity staff shared inspirational stories about a mother’s love, courage, and wisdom. Sharing these special stories with our residents is especially nice for those who are less verbal or unable to visit.

Popcorn Pop-In had the hallways smelling like a movie theatre. All this week many have been watching the Love Comes Softly saga Hallmark movie series. This popular Jeanette Oke series has been well received by both nursing home residents and Country View tenants. Thank you to the generous donor of this excellent series of DVDs.

Friday’s Bible verse was from 1 John 4 verse 7, which several people have memorized. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”

During one-on-one visits that day, activity staff reminisced with several residents about Peorians Jim and Marian Jordan, who were nationally known as Fibber McGee and Molly. Their comedy radio show premiered in 1935 and aired until 1959. Each week Fibber would be trying to complete a mundane task or launching into a hair-brained scheme with the ever indulgent Molly always trying to contain the damage.