Raffling Sunshine

The local car club had a car show in our parking lot. This is the big fundraiser of the year and I was so happy with my department's basket to raffle.

Here is the press release I wrote about the event:


"The *** *** team (including resident families and volunteers) gave their time, energy, and more on July 22nd, 2016. Together they pulled off a great car show on the front lot.

The memories made on this night are sure to last for a long time.

Earlier on that Friday the weather darkened and rain threatened to cancel the opportunity for dozens of unique cars to park outside safely. Instead, a bright sky and light breeze set the stage for residents, families, staff, and visitors to enjoy a great evening.

*** *** would like to thank the *** *** Car Club for having their show with us again this year. Also, they volunteered to have a 50/50 raffle and donated the winnings to the residents. Each person who brought a car to the show was given a *** *** dash plaque to celebrate the day.

Music was provided by **** DJ and listened to by all.

Besides the delicious food for sale, people seemed to enjoy viewing the raffle baskets and buying chances to win. These were donated by all departments from *** ***.

The proceeds of the show were split between the employee Christmas party fund and the resident Christmas party fund. There will be many more ways to raise money for these anticipated events."
 

Lightening Bug Fires

In July, fireflies tell us it's summer. Since most of the residents aren't outside at the time of night when the males emit a light in hopes a female will respond back, we decided to make a decoration instead.

One of my new activities professionals is an artist and I only had to tell him my idea for him to create a fantastic wall piece. Christmas lights poking through really make it unique.

Unlike real lightening bugs, our project is not almost 100% efficient. Therefore we can't keep it plugged in without attending it. It's still nice to turn on and promote discussion.

Gifts for the Laundry Workers

Starting this month, we will celebrate a different group of employees throughout the year.

The residents used clothes pins to attach two snacks to a hanger for each of our wonderful laundry workers.They also wrote thank you notes on cards picked out by the greeting card club. The laundry department is constantly complimented.

Additionally, one of my new activities assistants used his art skills to draw a picture on a canvas with a funny laundry room saying chosen by the residents. Then he filled the remaining space with appreciative signatures.

Life is a Picnic

The residents mentioned summer makes them think of picnics so we changed the Independence day table decorations to suit. Each vase even has a little solo cup and plastic straw. I think they turned out adorable and the residents who made them had a lot of fun.

Independence day

I'm dependent on photo props:

1. making them is an activity in itself. residents enjoy helping to decide what to use, how they should look, coloring  in, etc

2. props keep us oriented to the time of year and special activities coming up

3. when you take someone's photo there is a great chance they will smile

4. prints can be given to residents, family members, and will make great additions to our upcoming scrapbook club

Cold Watermelon on a Sunny Day

Sometimes simple activities are the best. Our watermelon social under the awning, looking into the freshly landscaped courtyard and eating cold melon slices was a great example of this. Yes, I did set aside red balloons to decorate with black "seeds" to add to the mood. Otherwise it was just about sitting back and letting the residents talk to each other about the great weather.

I worked especially hard to invite a new resident who is here on hospice. He doesn't care much for food or being around other people, but he did allow me to convince him to join us in the fresh air. He even ate!

My only regret is that I didn't call it Watermelon Tellin'.

Yes Bologna

This Father's Day I wanted to serve something healthy, and blue. After a quick poll of fathers, I found out that men don't really care about color coordinating their snacks. They also don't care about health at a party.

For our social I picked up a special local bologna, cheese, crackers, cookies, and cupcakes. It took a few phones calls to delis, but the food brought back memories to many residents. We laid out blue tablecloths in the dining room and a favorite band came in to sing and play for the residents. We focused on inviting the men (who are all fathers in some way) but the women who peaked in were welcome to attend. For once, they were outnumbered.

One of the female residents who I took back to her room reminded me of why activities are important, although much different from the medical services offered. She told me that morning had been difficult for her and she prayed for God to help her get through the day. Then, she heard music coming from down the hall.  She could not believe the band took the request for one of her favorite songs. The social "revived her".

I love my job. No bologna.