Noel and Stacey led a BIG group of residents through Monday Movers exercises right away in the morning; everyone put in a great workout and we had lots of laughs to start the week off right! Folks must have been pooped out though because Karaoke Sing Along wasn’t as strongly attended this week as it usually is, but we still had a fun morning. After lunch, Noel and Chef Jeff mixed up a hefty batch of pumpkin bread at Kitchen Corner, which created a delightful fall aroma throughout the care center! After a restful afternoon, folks came out in droves for a game of Tic Tac Toss; this week Kevin Bauer scored fourth, Jeff Halverson and Carol Bauer (Seasons) tied for third and Carol Campbell placed second. There was a tie for first place this week: Warren Seifert and Yvonne Sinz! Supper followed the game and then it was on to Monday night Bingo with Kathy Luebker and Pat Frion. We appreciated all their stupendous assistance!     

Tuesday morning, Father Jojo arrived after breakfast for Mass and residents happily spent the morning in quiet reflection and prayer. After the peaceful morning, it was time for a little lunch and then Stacey wheeled out the popcorn machine for one of the most anticipated events of the week: Popcorn Social! She popped oodles of salty and buttery popcorn for the eager residents gathered to get their hands on a bowl! After every last kernel was consumed, there was time for visiting before afternoon church. Pastor Darren was here from Lund Mission Covenant to lead residents through the weekly prayer service, which was followed by suppertime. Willow arrived a little later for an evening of fun games.

It was Wednesday before we knew it, but that was just fine because it meant that it was time for our weekly Bowling game after breakfast! Players were assembled and everyone tested their skills on the lane; by the end of four rounds Jeff Halverson won fourth place, Janet Robelia scored third, with Milda Bautch and Kevin Bauer tied for second. Judy Thorn was this week’s first-place winner! Once lunch came and went, it was soon time for everyone’s favorite Wednesday afternoon activity: Fruit Bingo. We welcomed eight students from Ave Maria Academy to play the game as well, so our volunteers, Marlene Zimmer and Kathy Shingledecker, were kept very busy assisting with the game! A huge shout out goes to Virginia Fritz, who was our Blackout Bingo champion! After the exciting game, Noel passed out slices of seasonal pumpkin bread to the crowd at our Mid-Week Social.    

Thursday morning was crisp and cool but we were cozy inside at our Local News and Coffee group after breakfast. Harriet Rothe was here to read residents the local papers and enjoy a cup of coffee! She always has extra stories and anecdotes to share that keep everyone smiling and engaged. Lunch and mail delivery came and went, then Stacey gave our ladies a little pampering with manicures. It’s always fun to see which cheerful colors they choose and a sparkling topcoat also adds a little pizazz and glamour to their nails! Stacey brought out her guitar a little later and serenaded folks during one on one visits, while Willow engaged folks with new Conversation Cards to prompt unique and interesting conversations…all before suppertime. Willow brought folks together after the evening meal for a game of Pokeno!

Friday was full of fun and it all kicked off with Noel bringing out the beach balls for a little “kickball” with everyone! For a whole hour, residents kicked, bounced and volleyed the colorful beach balls around the circle, while we listened to the upbeat tunes of The Beach Boys. Lunch restored everyone’s energy and there was plenty of time in the afternoon for relaxation and visiting outside, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the fresh autumn air! Rich Schroeder showed up later for our afternoon Happy Hour and his soulful tunes on the guitar had everyone singing along, in between sips of ice cold frappes and bites of cheesecake. After supper we settled in for the Friday night movie, “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” starring Glenn Close and Christopher Walken!