By Laura Kadlec Activities director/music therapist

We have begun to notice some crispy mornings: some with Rice Krispies, others with creaky joints, but all of us with that autumn coolness signaling a coming change.

There is a whisper of sadness that accompanies fall, as flowers fade and leaves tumble. We kept the mood cheery with our Monday morning sing-a-long. Stacey has been known to tell a joke or two in between tunes.

“Why should you never wear a polka dot shirt when playing hide and seek?” Because you are always spotted!” The afternoon included a popcorn social with the best popcorn in the county. Our afternoon concluded with a new game, Tic-Tac-Toss. Similar to tictac- toe but with bean bags.

Top throwers were Alvin Bergmark and Carol Campbell followed by Frances White earning second place and Shirley Klinski coming in third. After supper, Teresa Fedie stopped in and assisted with Bingo! Special thanks to Joyce and Marie Berger for donating a few bags of candy.

Tuesday began our day of worship with Father Jojo and Terry Pelzel. We enjoyed a special time of mass and communion with a goodsized group of folks. Soon after, we had a fun game of Name That Tune. We listened to over 50 songs and winners were as follows: Ai leen Wayne (fourth place), Shirley Klinski and Mary Ellen Coulson (third place), Barb Grewe (second place) and first place finisher Car ol Bauer! Lunch arrived and the crafting group arrived with paint and brushes to begin designing their canning jar scarecrows. However, there really was nothing scary about them as they all turned out extremely cute! After cleaning up our mess, we were excited to welcome Pastor Paolo from the Arkansaw Methodist Church, along with Barb Winberg who provided music for us. We are so very fortunate to have such a caring community of pastors and lay people willing to bring a worship service to us each week. After a quick bite for supper, we played a fun game of Uno. Big winner was Alvin Bergmark.

Wednesday was another week of kids and bowling.

This week’s helpers were Heather Benitz and Janessa Hemphill from the Plum City Elementary School. We are so happy to have our school students back with us again to help set pins for bowling!

The girls did a great job of keeping score as well. Win- ners were: Shirley Klinski and Milda Bautch (fourth place), Ivan Mason (third place), Frances White (sec- ond place) and first place champ Alvin Bergmark. The afternoon ouered bingo with Lana Ingli on deck to deliver candy, fruit, and quarters.

Black out winner this week was Barb Halling. To celebrate National Filled Donut Day, we served raspberry filled donuts fresh from Mol ly’s on Main! So-o-o-o-o-o good it was worth spoiling our appetite for supper!

Marlene Zimmer joined first thing on Thursday morn ing to read all the news from the Journal and the Courier Wedge. We enjoy keeping in touch with the doings of the area. Couee and cookies add to the fun. Lunch followed and soon ladies were lined up for manicures. We enjoy choosing colors along with chatting about our outings.

It was fun to hear about Zeona’s upcoming wedding and we are eager to hear how it went! Yips and barks were soon heard throughout the dining room as Brad’s pups announced their arrival. Everyone had a chance to hold one and choose a name. Supper soon arrived and a few folks stayed up to play Pokeno. This week’s big winner was Nancy Bishop.

It was Friday. Time to drag out the drums. A dozen drums and 12 drummers drumming. Minus the 10 lords a-leaping and the nine ladies dancing. But soon enough we will be drumming to Little Drummer Boy! Until then, polka and marches remain the favorite. Our afternoon is always happy hour, but this week it was a happy birthday happy hour in honor of Bill Lippert who turned 95! We celebrated with him as he shared cake and ice cream while Rich Schroeder shared his fantastic music.

We all enjoyed a great afternoon of friends, family, and fun. Supper was served and soon after we settled in for our Friday night movie.

This week’s movie was a lit- tle diuerent, at times funny, and something to make you think. “Get Low” was about an elderly man who chose to have his funeral BEFORE he died to see who would show up and just what they might say about him. We did enjoy it. As you consider taking a drive to see the trees changing colors, consider driving our way. Or better yet, take us with you! See you soon!

John and Sue Robelia enjoy some time together while Rich Schroeder sang us tunes. Photo courtesy of Laura Kadlec

Ivan Mason also enjoys a beer (or two?) at week’s end. Photo courtesy of Laura Kadlec