This week of November 30 began with the Daily Guideposts read over the intercom, which included a verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks.” Especially in these times, we need to remember to be thankful for all that we have. The ladies once again enjoyed pampering during Manicure Monday. They loved getting their nails done for the holidays and chatting about the upcoming season. In addition, the Roanoke Apostolic Christian Church Service at from Sunday church was replayed on activity channel 2.
Thanks to the decorating talents of Activity Assistant Phyllis Eden for Christmas-izing the Home this year! Residents are thoroughly enjoying the beautiful tree and fireplace mantel.
Due to COVID-19, changes had to be made to our annual holiday festivities, one of these including the outing to see Folepi’s Festival of Lights. Instead, the parade was shown on activity channel 2 and brought back many memories of years past of driving through the display of lighted floats and then coming back to the Home for cookies and hot chocolate.
That evening the Eureka and Congerville Apostolic Christian Faith Churches sang beautiful Christmas carols at the lobby window. They also took some extra time to sing at the windows of some individual residents. A couple of these residents just lit up and sang along. It was very touching to witness this beautiful interaction of love for the Lord and for one another through song. Evening singings and musical entertainment are always a highlight for the entire Home. The residents are so thankful for guests, even if they can’t come inside at this time. Please consider scheduling a window caroling sing this year with your family, church, or civic group by contacting Activity Director Mary Beth Knapp at 923-2071 ext. 170 or via email to marybeth@achroanoke.org to plan a mutually convenient date/time.
Tuesday residents enjoyed picking out special Christmas cards for their family and friends to be mailed out. Lots of memories were shared as they would say “I used to write cards out many, many times!” In the evening, everyone was excited to have the Roanoke, Eureka, Congerville, & Goodfield Apostolic Christian Young Groups visit for a window hymn sing and caroling. The residents were thrilled! While they looked chilly outside, the comfort of their love warmed hearts inside.
The residents appreciated another weekly round of BINGO in their rooms on Wednesday morning. That afternoon on activity channel 2, a winter edition of Sentimental Reflections was available for viewing from the comfort of their own rooms. The cover story featured The Canal Era of the mid 1800s in Historic Roscoe Village in central Ohio. The winter feature was a beautiful Christmas candle lighting ceremony in Roscoe Village. This has been a tradition there for over 30 years. The evening concluded with a Roanoke AC Church service played over the intercom.
Thursday morning began a Christmas hunt for the Elf on the Shelf. The residents
had a great time exploring the halls, looking for the little, red elf that was hidden somewhere near. Every morning until Christmas Eve, residents have a chance to find “Rona” and “Corona,” our two elf friends, somewhere in their hallway. Whoever finds it first gets a basket of goodies!
Activity staff visited resident rooms with balloons for a fun, interactive game of Balloon Ball. Everyone had a great time passing the balloon around and catching up on life. Our arms were moving with a swift game of “keep-the-balloon-off-the-floor!” while hearts were merry and laughs were plentiful. Who could possibly think exercise isn’t fun? Just try this with your little ones the next time you’re able to be together.
Step Back in Time was enjoyable as usual on Friday morning. A variety of winter themes are used during these visits while reminiscing about days gone by. The beautiful music of the late Roger Bennett Piano Concert DVD was available on activity channel 2 that afternoon. His musical talent was such a relaxing treat. In the evening, the Eureka Apostolic Christian Faith Church Young Group & their parents were welcome faces to our windows for more caroling. Staff and residents were so thankful such a great way to end the day.
Meghan Westergreen from Transitions Hospice blessed those residing at the Home and Country View with activity packets and pens. These fun types of paper and pencil games can keep a person busy for a long time.
The movie called “Christmas Oranges” was shown on activity channel 2 on Saturday. It is a beautiful Christmas film based on a book with a timeless message of hope. It tells the story of an orphan named Rose and is endearing from beginning til the end.
With the noticeable increase in the daily mail this week, many smiles radiated from residents’ faces when being handed a Christmas card from their family and friends. Thanks for remembering your loved ones with pictures cards that they often hold tight and cherish for a very long time. In addition, window visits and video chats can be scheduled online through the Home’s website with an easy link on the homepage to this website: https://calendly.com/achroanoke