St. Luke Living Center
By SUE GUTSCH
St. Luke Living Center reporter
We spent Thursday morning, the day of our Czech Festival, making rohlicky. Irma's daughter, Lori Torline and her daughter came to visit and were put to work, too. Actually, their help probably saved the rolls' reputation, because Lori knew just how to shape them.
At 1:15, Anita Hancock and her third grade songsters came singing cute pumpkin carols and we gave pumpkin suckers to the children as they left.
The afternoon's official festivities began with the arrival of the musicians, Alex and Jean Stuchlik and Tom Nelson of Burdick. The voices of Madonna Schafers and Shirley Bowers were added as were dancers Terry Klenda, Carol Makovec, Joyce Ford, Debbie Craig, Bob Reznicek, and Khrista, Rick, and Gage Branson. Many residents took advantage of the opportunity get on the dance floor, also.
Our guests joined us for the evening's meal. The menu had been planned by our residents with recipes submitted by our Czech contingent and prepared by our dietary department. The buffet-style meal consisted of pork, sauerkraut, and potato dumplings, chicken noodle soup, kraut salad, rohlickys, tapioca pudding, and the kolaches we had made earlier in the week. Pretzels, lemonade, coffee, and iced tea also were available.
The chocolate chip shortbread cookies living center bakers made Friday morning were part of the Bake for the Cure promotion to beat breast cancer, which was an online recipe exchange. We should have doubled the recipe (but our confidence is a bit shaken after last week!). Lynley Remy, Sue's daughter, stopped by while we were baking and "planted" an idea in our minds — we'll see if it grows.
In the afternoon we welcomed bingo caller Elsie Reiswig for her second "tour of duty." Our large group quietly noted the absence of Pauline Schimpf and assistance of her son, Bill.
Applebites, our Saturday afternoon project, was one of the "gotta see to appreciate" variety. This is exactly what Frances' daughter, Gayle Scrivner did when she dropped in during the activity. Gala apples and slivered almonds made these toothsome treats gruesome as well as delicious.
Our Sunday guest minister again this week was Pastor Phil Smith fulfilling his obligations after making a trade earlier in the fall. Thank you for caring about us.
We have had the pleasure of taking part in the observances of many momentous occasions and this Sunday afternoon one more, Aline Bernhardt's 95th birthday celebration. The early afternoon was spent with family and friends in our large, sunny dining room. Following the afternoon worship service, the party included residents and staff who all shared decorated birthday cake, ice cream, cheese, crackers, and punch. Aline's special guests and hosts were her daughter and son-in-law, Caroline and David Gilbert of Denver, sisters-in-law, Frances Kreutziger and Maxine Kreutziger, three nephews and their wives, and two out-of-town nieces.
We played fruit-basket upset with our activity schedule when we "scratched" pretty-up Monday morning and carved pumpkins instead, four of which we entered in the facility-wide contest.
There was a little pretty-up going on Tuesday a.m. and in the afternoon 12 residents met with Khrista for the regular council meeting. Dietitian Janet Bowers joined us to help with the planning of our Thanksgiving Day dinner.
Everyone thought the Czech Festival went well and was lots of fun and thanked all those in the dietary department for their hard work in planning and preparing the food. We made plans to make angel wing cookies in November to share with everyone. It also was suggested we "throw" a one-year birthday party for our large, white van. We do like to celebrate.
Prayer group with Dick Pracht was held in our chapel Wednesday morning. Earlier in the afternoon than we'd expected, the first of many trick-or-treaters arrived, many with their families. We had planned sack lunches for our evening meal, allowing residents to be free more quickly to enjoy our spooky company. Ruby commented on how mannerly the costumed children were and we are very happy so many included us in their stops.
Thanks to Marlin Buchholz for the generous donation of candy and all the residents, their families, and friends, and the entire facility staff who contributed to our treat coffers.
We'd be remiss if there was no mention of a very handsomely costumed pirate whom his own mother did not recognize. Thank you, Bob Reznicek, for all the fun you instigated.
