The week started off with the Labor Day holiday and folks gathered around for some relaxing morning painting. Athea led the group and helped residents get in touch with their creative sides. Brainstorming the perfect color pallets worked up their appetites, and lunch soon followed. After lunch residents gathered around outside to test their target shooting skills. Everyone took turns shooting a suction cup bullet and were “shooting stars” with skillful aim trying to hit the star worth the most points. Our top sharp shooters with a three-way tie for first place were Jeff Halverson, Yvonne Sinz and Judy Thorn. Coming in at second place were Carol Bauer and Wanda Traynor. And our third-place winners were Milda Bautch and Wilbur Black. We ended our Monday with a night of bingo. Joyce Berger came to help folks and pass out prizes. Even on a holiday our volunteers are here to help! We are forever grateful for our faithful volunteer crew!

We started Tuesday with some spiritual reflection as we hosted Catholic mass in our dining room. Terry Pelzel was here early to set up for services that were led by Father Jojo. Stomachs were rumbling and bellies were filled after services as lunch was served. After lunch mail was passed and soon after that the aroma of popcorn filled the air. Residents followed their noses as fresh hot popcorn and juice was served. There was a lot of visiting and getting to know our new activity assistant, Kelsey. After the last kernels of popcorn were enjoyed and the bowls were washed it was time for afternoon church service with Pastor Phil from the Evangelical Free Church. Lots of hymns were sang as Kim accompanied us on the piano. Visits were had as service time came to an ends and residents found their way to the dinner table for the supper meal. We are truly grateful for our religious leaders and a day devoted to our faith. After supper was served Kelsey led a group in a game of climb the mountain. A dice game where a poker chip is moved up to the peak of ‘the mountain’ and then down the other side to the finish line. When reaching the peak residents were asked to give their best yodel. Lots of laughs were had as the dice were rolled and the yodeling filled the dining room.  

Wednesday started off with a large group of competitive bowlers! Encouraging shouts and crashing of pins filled the air as Wyatt and Gabe from Ave Maria Academy helped set our pins and keep score. Our top bowlers this week were Zeona Bechel and Yvonne Sinz tying for third place. Jeff Halverson and Barb Holmstadt shared second place and the top winner this week remains to be anonymous as they do not want to give all their bowling tricks away. With all the morning action everyone built up their appetite and was ready for lunch. After lunch was served Kathy Shingledecker and Marlene Zimmer were here to help with the set up for the afternoon bingo game with the Ave Maria Academy students. Our residents just love to play bingo, especially when the kids are here playing alongside them. Our bingo blackout winner this week was Herb Tschumperlin! Bingo cards and chips were gathered and cleaned as Athea made root beer floats for our afternoon social. Folks gathered and reminisced about homemade ice cream and root beer stands as they enjoyed these nostalgic sweet treats.

Thursday morning brought cups of coffee accompanied by Lana Ingli reading our local news. A large group gathered to listen to the latest headlines as well as reminisce. It was fun for our residents to remember the good old days and laugh together while enjoying a hot cup of coffee on this cold fall like day. Conversation lasted until it was time to belly up to the lunch table. After lunch, mail was passed and nails were painted. The ladies enjoy being pampered by Makya each Thursday afternoon and pick out fun colors to wear for the week. Makya stayed after the supper meal and played several rounds of Pokeno, a bingo-like card game.

We ended our week with a morning game that got our bodies moving and grooving. Athea and new activity aid, Kelsey were here to help gather folks for a lively game of kickball. Lunch was had and mail was passed as we entered the afternoon. Friday always brings the favorite activity program: HAPPY HOUR! The Sunshine Gals were here playing there ukuleles and singing fun familiar tunes. Ice cream treats were enjoyed and beverages were served. Clean up concluded our afternoon fun as folks headed to the supper table. After dining it was time for movie night. The big screen and projector was set up for the nights feature film, “The Lone Ranger.” The lights were dimmed and popcorn was served as Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels graced the screen. Stay tuned for next week’s adventures!