Mother’s Day Bouquets
Mother’s Day was a good day in spite of the pandemic that has brought family separations. One activity was to make beautiful flower bouquets. The elders chose which flowers to be wrapped inside the paper vase they made. There were also Happy Mother’s Day cakes shared to celebrate the life and love of each mother.
Shields UpAmong the personal protective equipment needed against Covid-19 is face shields. This is because droplet contamination from Covid-19 can get into the eyes or other facial openings. There may come a time in which we will need them – when the order is given, “Shields up”. We are grateful for a generous donation of face shields from Somerset Community College. Pictured is Racheal Gregory, RSM, receiving the shields from Jill Lawson. Thank you, Jill, and thank you, Somerset Community College! Education to Grow By
Stacy Smith with the Clinton County Nutrition Education Program, which is a part of the Clinton County Cooperative Extension, has been providing gardening supplies and educational information for our Elders. This support to our Quality of Life program is greatly appreciated during these spring planting days. Nurturing plants is also nurturing to the human spirit. Our Elders are enjoying the outdoor activity, exercise, and revitalization. Thank you, Stacy, for this educational and quality of life support. Sacred Music Touches the SoulAnd the winners are…The Sweet Sounds of Harmony
Harmony enriches music and life. The Pleasant Ridge Singers come each month with the sweet sounds of harmony filling each neighborhood (hall) and main room. They come as supper is concluding. They generally range in age from young to very young. They flow as one, both musically and as a group. The elders frequently praise their presence and their peaceful harmonious sound. A Plant Needs a Caregiver
Taking care of plants can give elders a sense of helpfulness that can counteract the overwhelming feeling of helplessness. Principle #4 of the Eden Alternative states that “an elder-centered community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care. This is the antidote to helplessness.” Here Bryan is harvesting fresh tomatoes that have been nurtured by staff and elders. It is another way being an Eden Alternative home is changing the culture. Back to School and Into the Community
We are a part of a good community where mutual support benefits all. Our connection to the school, to the children and families of Clinton County, is why we participated in the Public Library’s “End of Summer Reading Blast” event last week. We often take elders to the schools to interact with the students, bringing gifts and hugs. We continue to support the families of Clinton County and were pleased to join with the library in their efforts to do the same. Young Life-ChangersThe youth of the United Church of the Nazarene took time to bring board games to spend time with the elders. From Chess to Checkers to Sorry, the young people brought a variety of games to engage the elders. Most of all they brought themselves to be present with them. Thank you to Joni & Kris Upchurch, Kaylee Stearns, Hailey Brown, Jesley Brown, Malachi Upchurch, Seth Flynn, Madeline Marcum, Harley Whitaker, and Mason Whitaker. As a part of their Vacation Bible School this week the youth did service projects in the community. This training can change them and can make them life-changers for others. So thank you to the leadership of the Albany United Church of the Nazarene and their training of young “life-changers”. For it is in serving others that lives are changed. 
Protecting Our EldersWhile CEO Joe Steier and “Legislative Lady” Kathy Galin encouraged and challenged us via video, Elders and stakeholders gathered together to register to vote or sign up for Signature’s PAC (Political Action Committee). The purpose and mission of the PAC is to “Protect our Seniors”. Signature’s PAC wants: 1) access to healthcare, 2) good healthcare policy, 3) real tort reform, 4) education advancement and 5) job security. We are grateful to our County Clerk, Nathan Collins, and his assistant, for being present to register voters. Important business requires food, so Quality of Life Director, Michelle Shelton, along with the Dietary staff, provided a colorful and delicious array of fruit, snacks and sweets. Every vote and every voice matters! 
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