With the holidays just around the corner, Santa’s helpers were out and about Monday morning finishing up some holiday errands so the morning activities were pushed back to the afternoon. Aaliyah arrived after school to lead folks in an invigorating Monday Movers seated exercise session, followed by a game of Tic Tac Toss! Herb Tschumperlin grabbed fourth place, Nancy Bishop came in third, and Shirley Klinski nabbed second place. Dorothy Pfaffe and Judy Thorn tied for first place! The day concluded with supper and then Marie Berger, Joyce Berger and Jana Derrichs came for a festive bingo game. Everyone had lots of fun playing “Ho Ho Bingo” and collecting candy prizes with each win! They had a record number of 22 bingo players Monday night…wow!

Tuesday morning brought Deacon Mark to the care center for Mass; as we continue with preparations for the Christmas holiday it is wonderful to pause and send up a prayer or two. Lunch followed mass and once mail had been delivered, Aaliyah was back again for our afternoon Popcorn Social! The wonderful smells of freshly made popcorn wafted up and down the halls and brought residents into the dining room, looking for a bowlful. One on one visits with folks took up the rest of the afternoon, until Pastor Paul from Sabylund Lutheran Church came for church. Residents gathered for afternoon worship and hymns and then supper was served soon afterward. Aaliyah then brought the group together again for an evening of fun games!

The week rolled right along until it was Wednesday morning again and the bowlers came to play! Bowling always draws a crowd and this day was no different. Everyone watched and cheered as Kay George came in fourth place, Milda Bautch placed third and Shirley Klinski, Virgie Fritz and Kevin Bauer all came in second place. We had a three-way tie for first place this week: Beryl Anderson, Bill Joyner and Dorothy Pfaffe! Bowling took us up to lunchtime and then we cleared the tables for Fruit Bingo, this week with Lana Ingli helping with set up, clean up and prize passing. Herb Tschumperlin was our Blackout Bingo champion this week! We celebrated National Ice Cream Day with ice cream sundaes at our Mid-Week Social after bingo. Scoops of yummy vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauce? Yes please!

Kathy Shingledecker stopped by Thursday morning for our Local News and Coffee group; we love visiting with her and sharing joyful stories that make us smile and laugh! Along with reading the local papers to residents, she also shared the classic holiday poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and other Christmas-y stories from years past. Lunch and mail delivery (LOTS of holiday cards included) followed and then Aaliyah was here in the afternoon for manicures. The ladies lined up for a fresh coat of polish and sparkle on their nails and then settled in for a relaxing afternoon of visiting and socializing.  Supper came and went; then it was on to an evening game of Pokeno! 

Friday morning Noel assembled residents for a Fitness Friday game of Reindeer Ring Toss! With jingle bells and reindeer antlers aplenty, we laughed and played our way to lunchtime. Shirley Klinski came in fourth place, Alice Brantner took third and Kevin Bauer was second. Kay George went dashing all the way to first place! After lunch, Ave Maria students were here to practice their reading skills at our Book Buddies activity. Residents sat and enjoyed a holiday story or two and the students sharpened their reading skills – what a wonderful way to spend a December afternoon! Later on, Noel had a couple of ladies help bake a plethora of lemon cupcakes for our Happy Hour snack; Friday was Lemon Cupcake Day so we had no choice but to indulge in the sweet snack! Craig Morton was here at Happy Hour to entertain us with festive tunes to help us get in the holiday spirit and we sang along to all our favorites.  After a delicious supper, Noel dimmed the lights and fired up the projector for Movie Night! This week, we watched the 90’s Christmas comedy “Jingle All The Way.” We are wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!