Golden Living Center
By PAT SMITH
Golden Living Center, Marion, correspondent
"Fun in the Sun" day was certainly an appropriate name Aug. 9, when the residents began their day with a continental breakfast consisting of fresh honeydew, peaches, strawberries, cantaloupe, and watermelon.
Beach balls and hula hoops were in play with a few of the staff demonstrating techniques of hula hoops to the residents. A few daring residents gave them a try.
The beach balls were flying or being kicked around and a wading pool was even there.
The music of the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet was heard throughout the day and the staff and residents dressed for the occasion minus any bikinis. A cookout at noon offered juicy hamburgers, hot dogs, and fresh garden vegetables. Desserts were brought in by the staff for the afternoon treats. All in all, it was a very enjoyable day and all without any heat!
Dorothy Thornhill had a real surprise when she got a visit from a granddaughter she had never met! The granddaughter brought her two small daughters with her so now Dorothy has increased her great-grandchildren by two. Her granddaughter assured Dorothy that she would be back to visit as often as she can.
Lisa entertains the residents on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with pre-lunch fun facts and word games. The residents are usually at their tables about a half hour before they are served so they enjoy the interaction plus learning new things.
Along with Monday bingo, all August birthdays were celebrated Aug. 13 with cupcakes and punch. Those with birthdays were Gene Street, Aug. 8; Rubena Jost, Aug. 14; Charles Kjellin, Aug. 28; and Darlene Danner, Aug. 29. Charles Kjellin is our resident celebrity since he's been having his picture in the Marion County Record the past several weeks. When he gets teased, he just smiles.
Sandy Holub applied for a grant through Golden Ventures for the Marion County Peace Officers Association. The grant asked for bullet proof shields and training equipment so if a situation arose in our schools, hospital, or nursing homes involving an active shooter, peace officers could defuse the sourse. The $1,500 grant was awarded and will be presented Saturday. Good work, Sandy. MCPOA also are having other fund-raisers to reach the $3,875 goal for the equipment.
Penny Day Thursday brought facts about Abe Lincoln and the penny, which were given throughout the day over the intercom and in conjunction with other activities.
Joke Day was Thursday and residents and staff told their favorite jokes over the intercom and during activities.
At the recent Resident Council, residents were given a chance to voice concerns, express their preferences on menus, or discuss anything else. All ideas and concerns are written on a form and given to the department head that it concerns. The following month it is re-addressed to make sure the issue was resolved.
Father Hien was here Friday for Mass and the anointing of the sick. The Catholic residents always are happy to be able to attend Mass.
Golden Living Center is one of the sponsors of Kids' Day in the Park, which will be Saturday at Central Park, Marion. We put together a basket for a drawing, a pool for the duck game, eggs for an egg race, prizes, and volunteers for the event. It's sure to be a great, fun day for all the children and it is free.
Delicious Italian sub sandwiches were the main entree at the July potluck. Many delicious side dishes and desserts were furnished by family and friends.
Join us Tuesday and see what our kitchen has cooked up for the August potluck.
