Golden Living Center
By PAT SMITH
Golden Living Center correspondent
There was plenty of hand-clapping and toe-tapping by residents of Golden Living Center following the September potluck dinner, when all attending enjoyed the current western music of the "Singing Cowboy." He hails from Hutchinson and has his background music recorded and sings the words. He has a great voice and even danced a few of his selections with the staff, to the delight of the audience. Everyone requested that he come back soon.
Barbara Svoboda was pleasantly shocked when she arrived for work Sept. 27 to find a decorated table, relatives, friends, staff, and residents waiting for her. They were there to recognize Barbara for 30 years as a caregiver at the center. All were treated to a beautifully decorated cake and punch. Among the gifts were flowers and a painted pumpkin. Barbara shared several stories spanning her yeas at the nursing home. She is planning on cutting her hours but is not quitting in the near future. We all salute Barbara for loyalty and devotion to the residents throughout the past 30 years.
Robin called bingo and popped popcorn for residents Oct. 5 and 6. Ralph Noriega was here with his great music.
Columbus Day the residents enjoyed hearing bits of trivia concerning Columbus relayed to them by the staff. Much of the information was known at one time, but had been forgotten over the years.
Dick Pracht was here Oct. 10 for hymns and scripture with the residents. Lisa had bingo in the afternoon. There was a good turn-out for both events.
Robin had Ladies' Tea Thursday and they discussed favorite recipes and Halloween memories. Tea and cookies were served while they visited.
Helmut always has good attendance at his Friday News and Views where he reads articles from the Marion County Record and other area papers. Residents are encouraged to express their opinions about the articles.
Robin conducted a survey Oct. 13 on favorite candy bars using Nestle's Butterfinger, Hershey Milk Chocolate and Hershey Almonds. Those participating tasted each of the three kinds, then voted. Nestle's Butterfinger was the winner.
Interested residents made French bread Tuesday using a bread machine. The smell was heavenly while it baked. The finished product was eaten with butter while it was still warm.
We are so happy to have a new volunteer aboard. Welcome, Hazel Hoffner.
Apple-tasting day was Saturday. The three sampled varieties were Delicious, Bradford, and Johnson. Sliced apples cannot set out too long as they turn brown rather quickly; but, fortunately, we had plenty of tasters and the slices disappeared quickly.
The Golden Living Center has created a "spotlight" bulletin board highlighting a staff person each week. The residents get to know personal things about them such as marital status, number of children, education, and how long in the field of care-giving. The bulletin board is located in the front foyer.
The October potluck will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday with a Halloween theme for tables and food. Buck Swartz who is an accomplished singer and guitar player will entertain the families, friends, and residents after the meal. The public is invited to join us for the evening.
Golden Living Center will host a kiddy carnival from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 31. Children can wear their Halloween costumes and enjoy games, prizes, and candy, candy, candy. Invite your friends and neighbors as it promises to be great fun for all the kids.
Sunday afternoons were spent with ministers from Eastmoor, Florence/Aulne United Methodist Churches, Strassburg Baptist, and Our Savior Lutheran.
