The days are getting longer, and the residents are anxious for spring. In the meantime, we have been having fun indoors with craft projects, music, and a lot of intergenerational activities in February. It’s a joy to see the interactions of the elders with the children who come to visit the Care Center.
I happened to overhear a conversation between a resident and a kindergartener at a recent craft event. The resident was unable to draw a heart, and the little one offered to do it for her. The resident smiled, and said that she would like that very much.
Together they decided on the colors to use, and both worked on completing it. Both were proud of their work of art. There may have been a 90-year age difference, but the friendship made was ageless.
There will be a lot of fun activities in March starting with Mardi Gras Happy Hour with Hilja on Fat Tuesday, March 5. The residents will be doing some St. Patrick’s Day crafts, and we’ll have “Pot of Gold” Bingo on March 14 to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Above: The residents had a delightful afternoon making Valentine decorations with the kindergarteners from Great Expectations School on February 11th. Left: Visiting with a group of children who had a tour of North Shore Hospital and Care Center on February 12th. Photos courtesy of North Shore Health Care Center
We have plenty of games planned to fill those wintry March afternoons too. Lucky 7 is a popular favorite with the residents along with crossword games, trivia fun, and hangman games.
The residents will be able to do some spring clothes shopping on March 8 without leaving the Care Center! A representative of the “LuLaRoe” line of clothing will be here with a variety of comfortable clothing for the elders to try on and purchase.
There will be a special presentation on March 21 at 10 a.m. when Jo Wood will visit the Care Center to demonstrate and talk with the residents about her unique artwork.
We’re hoping for a warm, sunny day on March 28 when we have an outing planned to have lunch with our friends at the Senior Center.
There will be a variety of music events in March. Arianna will play her violin for the residents on March 12 at 2 p.m. On March 19, Tim Haus will perform at the Care Center at 2 p.m., John Gruber will join us on March 25 at 2 p.m. and Marco Good will be here on March 26 at 2 p.m.
Portage Band will host a dance on Saturday, March 30 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Myron Bursheim will play on Sunday afternoons, and Susan Scherer will be here on Wednesday afternoons. Family and friends are welcome to join us for any of our music events.
The residents are hoping that March “goes out like a lamb,” as we start to think about some spring gardening projects. On March 25, we’ll be planting some flower seeds indoors, with the hope that they will be in full bloom when the warmer weather finally arrives.
For more information about volunteer opportunities at North Shore Health Care Center or to check out the March calendar of events, visit our website: www.northshorehealthgm.org or contact the Activity Department at 387-3518.
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 Health Care Center, courtesy of Activities Director Belinda Hudler.
Doug Sanders treated the residents to some wonderful love songs on the piano for their Valentine party held on February 13th. Pictured here (L-R) are Rose Hasegawa, Trudy Boyd, Marcy Podas, Doug Sanders, and Jean Roberts.
Trudy Boyd visited with “Tim Haus” during his performance at the Care Center on February 5th.
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