Golden Living Center
By PAT SMITH
Golden Living Center correspondent
There was a large group present to celebrate December birthdays. There are four residents with birthdays this month — Kelly Kelsch, Norma Smith, Maurice Stroda, and Maxine Svitak. They all enjoyed "church" cake, ice cream, and drinks. They each received a birthday gift from the hostesses, Elaine Pfeiffer and Pat Smith. Maxine Svitak's son joined her for her party and Maurice Stroda's wife Margie came later.
The afternoon craft for Tuesday involved making candy canes into reindeer. They turned out very cute for the five or six people working on them. A few of them are giving them to their great-grandchildren.
The residents had a chance to decorate their ice cream with sprinkles or M&Ms, making for a delicious ice cream cup treat.
Dick Pracht was here Wednesday as he is faithfully, every week, with scripture and music for the residents' enjoyment.
Thursday morning, Lisa had a Christmas stocking filled with age-old Christmas sayings. The residents pulled out one and discussed what the sayings meant to them.
Danille had ladies' tea and/or coffee and talked with them about past Christmas traditions in their families.
Helmut hosted News & Views reading from the previous week's Marion County Record. The weather and road conditions were the main topics. The residents were unable to go out to lunch the past several weeks because of the icy weather.
The residents got a "taste of the season" Saturday by dipping candy canes into warm white chocolate. The tasters all agreed the taste is yummy.
Nora Spence came Sunday to eat lunch with her sister, Norma Smith. Maxine Svitak had her daughter, Christy Hiebert and Bill Schimpf as her luncheon guests. Roger Schwab enjoyed lunch with his mother, Juanita. Friends and relatives are encouraged to join the residents for lunch or dinner by just calling several hours ahead to inform the kitchen staff.
The Golden Living resident council met Monday with many residents in attendance. They discussed four of the residents' rights, which are: Residents may decide what time of day they want their showers. Residents may have their current pets as long as they are small animals and they are able to care for them. Residents may furnish their rooms with their personal belongings. Nurses are informed and educated on patients' needs, which the residents agreed, they are.
They also discussed how much they enjoyed choosing their lunch and evening meals.
They are happy about all the new cabinets that Helmut has installed in the dining room. It is much easier to access the coffee, tea, fruit, and snacks, plus making the room much more homey.
A new ice machine is being installed next to the cabinets for the residents' convenience.
Lisa brought in Zimmermans' delicious sandwiches and soup Friday for the residents who wanted a change of menu.
Visitors this past several weeks were Ruby Anderson of Lawrence and Sharon Middleton, both daughters of Dorothy Thornhill. They brought with them two great-granddaughters, Tracy and Whitney. Rubena Jost had friends from Hillsboro come to visit and her son, Larry is a frequent visitor.
Darlene Danner's daughter is here frequently and she also is a willing volunteer for whenever she is needed.
Our holiday potluck was Tuesday. Ham and turkey were offered and everyone was asked to bring a side dish.
