By Laura Kadlec

Activities Director & Music Therapist

Songs of love swirled in on Monday morning in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Red lights and hearts of all shapes and sizes adorned the halls and dining room. Many of our folks still share a twinkle in their eye for that special sweetheart. It was our pleasure to offer lunch to those spouses who live outside the care center. It was nice for them to be able to share a meal with their loves. A special treat was local harpist, Kristen Reinhardt who sweetly serenaded us during the lunch hour. The afternoon included our popcorn social followed by a splendid game of bowling. This week the strikes were few, but the fun was boundless with competition at all levels. Winners this week were: Fourt place, Shirley Klinski; third place, Frances White, Irene Converse; second place, Beryl Anderson, Alvin Bergmark; first place, Willy Lindstrom. The evening was topped off with a fun game of fruit bingo. Bingo carried us through the evening with one of our own sweethearts, Marie Berger, who assisted.

Tuesday toddled in with the tuners for Name That Tune. Our top guessers took the show winning all the points. Third place, Aileen Wayne with 9; second place was awarded to Shirley Klinski with 19; and barely ahead of her, Mary Ellen Coulson earned 20 for top honors! With washed and gloved hands, the baking bunch rolled up their sleeves to make cranberry-orange muffins. This was “Muffin Mania Week” and we were not about to be left behind! Zeona Bechel used her muscles to grate the zest off the oranges while Irene Converse was busy filling muffin pans with five dozen papers. (Looks as though we’ll be eating muffins for a while!) Shirley Klinski carefully measured out dry ingredients while Aileen Wayne cracked eggs, and jokes, and whisked them right up. Soon enough, Beryl Anderson was spooning the batter into the cups and popped them into the oven. Oh my, how delicious they were served warm with butter and a fresh cup of coffee! After packing them up for the next day’s social, we spent time with Pastor Paul from Sabylund Lutheran for our weekly worship service. This is always a special time for us.

Since we want to keep moving and shaking, we joined Stacey for “Movers & Shakers” using our “eggs” filled with macaroni for shaking. It gets a little wild sometimes and on occasion an egg will be dropped, burst, and it’s macaroni sprinkled on the floor! It’s easily repaired and always summons laughter from the rest of the work out gang! Lunch arrived right on time and soon, Wanda Ebensperger and Linda Delong entered our doors ready to set up for bingo. Chips and cards were neatly arranged and welcomed us to the tables. Blackout winner this week was Paul Bauer. The aroma of freshly perked coffee and warmed muffins kept folks out after bingo to sit a spell and enjoy the treats from the baking bunch. Everyone was impressed and enjoyed the snack.

A frigid start to the day was warmed with Marlene Zimmer’s smile. She carried the paper news with her and read to us through the morning while we enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies. She also shared a few Ole and Lena jokes which we always enjoy! Ole says, “Dose miracle drugs are really great. Dey keep you alive until you get your doctor bill paid up!” After a quick lunch, Jessica set up in the activity room for manicures. The ladies congregated around the table. Some choosing colors, others simply enjoying the comradery and conversation. Brad Richardson soon joined us with puppies in tow. The tiny ones soak up the love and cuddles while the older ones are busy running and playing, making for a very entertaining show. Our evening concluded with pokeno with Alvin Bergmark and Beryl Anderson as the big winners.

Drummers joined the band on Friday morning. Some new and some veterans to the group. Just because you never played the drums, does not mean you can’t join in! It’s a great time for music and movement, too! Our afternoon began with mail delivery, quickly followed by the snack makers cutting pieces of frankfurters and mixing in sauerkraut for National Franks and Kraut Week! This delectable treat was served for happy hour (with beer of course), and music from the Konsela Family. Our evening concluded with our movie night. This week’s flick was “The Strongest Man in the World.” Consider stopping in this week, after the snow clears and the roads are drive-worthy. We’d love to see you! Until then…

Ron Bergh joined his bride, Rosie, for a lovely Valentine's Day lunch at Plum City Care Center.

Carol and Paul Bauer enjoyed a special day to remember their love.

Long-time friends and sweethearts, Inky and Mary Ellen Coulson both wore red for the Valentine's lunch!

Granddaughter, Kassandra, was sweet enough to spend lunch with Grandma Penny Stafford when hubby could not attend.

We caught Sandy Lindstrom stealing a kiss from Willie before lunch was served.

Sharon Gingras joined J. Henry, both great additions to our lunch gang.

Our beautiful harpist, Kristen Reinhardt, played beautiful music during our sweetheart lunch.

Photos courtesy of Laura Kadlec