St. Luke Living Center: Women enjoy pretty up time
By AMELIA VINDUSKA AND SUE GUTSCH
Contributing writers
May 31-June 6
The living center is fortunate to have a large number of wonderful volunteers. A fine example is JoAnn Fitzpatrick, who spends Thursday mornings here providing what we call "pretty up." This includes nail cleaning, trims, and polish, hand lotion therapy, hair trims, etc., plus a lot of visiting.
Sunday afternoon residents who were interested gathered in our chapel and were joined by Bethann Black of Florence and Aulne United Methodist churches as our guest pastor.
We welcomed back Doris Kucher of Hillsboro Monday morning. She brought more handiwork. This time she included dolls dressed in beautiful clothes she had sewn and wall-hangings she had not shown on her previous trip.
Extra living center guests this week were women who came to conduct the annual state survey of our nursing home. The survey includes visiting with residents, allowing us an opportunity to share our thoughts and experiences while living here.
A special monthly occurrence is the Thursday afternoon ladies from the hospital auxiliary who come bringing a variety of goodies to share. This week were pleased to have Judy Reno and her husband, Wayne, Jean Case, and JoAnn Fitzpatrick. We enjoyed their visit as well as the large plates of cookies they brought.
We're aware farmers watch the skies for thunderheads, especially in the spring, but the living center gardeners watch for rain clouds, too. We have four half-barrels at the front of our facility in which we've planted petunias, marigolds, etc. They are maintained by Alice Van Buren, Amelia Vinduska, Mel Brewer, and Khrista Branson. In our courtyard we've planted zinnias and gladiolas started from seedlings. We also have on tomato plant. We're expecting a bumper crop!
May 24-30
Celebrations and activities have continued at St. Luke Living Center, even though we haven't had a reporter since Gladys Mann, our resident friend. Thanks to a rookie correspondent, Amelia Vinduska, we will try our best to again share our special occasions and happenings each week.
We would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge our observance of National Nursing Home Week, which included a large potluck noon meal including residents, family, and friends as well as the St. Luke family.
We also welcomed the Morning Star Church youth singers from Durham who shared their talent and message in an evening appearance.
The finale of the week was a scavenger hunt won by Happy Slifer doing some great sleuthing.
Our only May birthday was recognized Thursday afternoon. We served cake, baked earlier in the week by the residents, and ice cream, and joined in singing "Happy Birthday" to David Bowers. His wife, Shirley was a guest.
Memorial Day afternoon we were treated to Ellen Darrow's entertaining and timely piano music. The evening meal included hot dogs, baked beans, and homemade cookies prepared that morning by Khrista Branson and our resident cooks. We also took time to remember the significance of the day by singing patriotic songs throughout the meal hour.
Another special treat was the day Paula and Nancy Edmunds brought in their collection of about 60 dolls. We were able to hold the life-size baby dolls and admire the more exquisite dolls.
We at the living center congratulate our two graduates, Alysha O'Dell of Marion High School and Dawnyele Rose of Centre High School. Both of these girls have worked here as nursing assistants and plan to study nursing as a career choice.
Peabody July Fourth celebration imminent
The event for which Peabody may be best known is a scant three weeks away and plans are unfolding for the 85th annual fireworks extravaganza.
The Peabody July Fourth Society has a full day of events planned for the holiday itself as well as some activities the weekends before and after.
Brian and Alisa McDowell will again be in charge of the overall celebration.
Other chairmen for July Fourth committees are vendors/buttons, Kristi Silvernale, 983-2589; gate workers, Tim Peterson, 983-9131; carnival, Steve Rose, 983-2662; flea market, Larry Rose, 983-2910; alumni dance, Preston Hodges, 983-2970; horseshoe tournament, Kip Pohlman, 983-9206; kid games, Russ Busenitz, 620-344-8380; car show, Brian Whiteside, 983-2079; parade, Rose Thomason, 983-9156 or Tammy Whiteside, 983-2079; dog show and legion auxiliary dance, Myrna Wood, 983-2451; and story time, Rebecca Gillet, 983-9028.
Other events include dances and a softball tournament.
