May is Older Americans Month, a month designated to raise awareness about issues facing older adults, and highlight the way older Americans are advocating for themselves, their peers, and their communities. May 8-14 is also National Nursing Home Week, a time to honor the indomitable spirit of residents and recognizing staff who face each day with a sense of purpose and compassion.
We have a busy month planned with lots of activities! With the coming of warmer weather, the residents are anxious to get outside and enjoy some sunshine on the patio.
The month started out on a creative note with everyone using his or her skills to make a piñata to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The piñata will be a part of the fun when the little ones come to visit for the “Kids Korner” activity on May 6.
On May 7, Marco Good and friends will be visiting in the afternoon to share music and stories.
A special celebration was held in April to honor centenarians Ethel Leng (left) and Phyllis Noyes. Ethel turned 100 on April 12 and Phyllis turned 101 on April 30. Congratulations and best wishes to both of them.
The monthly birthday party will be held on May 11 at 3 p.m. to honor Jane Burley. Cake and ice cream will be served along with piano tunes by Doug Sanders.
The residents always look forward to our annual Gold Dollar Bingo, which will be on May 12 at 2:30 p.m.
It’s the Minnesota fishing opener on May 14. We hope to get out on the patio to share fishing stories, talk about the big one that got away, and enjoy some fish snacks.
An outing to the Cook County Senior Center is scheduled on May 19 for a delicious lunch, and visiting with all our friends there.
The annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch will be held on Wednesday, May 25 at 10 a.m. The residents and staff want to acknowledge our many volunteers who shared their time and talents with us in 2015. Our volunteers are truly our greatest natural resource—enriching the lives of our residents, and keeping them connected to the community. Thanks for all that you do!
Above: The Care Center resonated with wonderful music on April 15 when members of the group Lake Effect played for the residents. Left: Rain Elfvin of Elfvin Bakery spent the afternoon of April 11 with the residents at the Care Center demonstrating the art of making soft pretzels. Everyone enjoyed the fresh pretzels afterwards.
At the end of the month, the band Portage will play their classic country music on May 28 at 6:30 p.m. Families, friends, and community members are always welcome to join in the fun.
Additional live music in May will feature Myron Bursheim on Sundays, Al Fuller on Mondays, Susan Scherer on Wednesdays, and occasionally Harris Mills.
We are planning a picnic lunch on the patio for Memorial Day with some outdoor games. The residents are hoping for lots of sunshine, and warm weather that day. We’ll still have the grilled hotdogs, rain or shine!
For more information about volunteer opportunities at North Shore Care Center or to check out the May calendar of events, please contact the Activity Department at 387-3518 or our website: www.nshorehospital.com.
Cook County has a vibrant and active community of elders. Each week we will offer Senior News to highlight our senior citizens. This week’s submission is about the North Shore Care Center, courtesy of Activities Director Belinda Hudler.
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