Living at Lakeside: A Season of Service, Celebration

McKENZIE — The spring season at Lakeside Senior Living kicked off with a heartwarming display of intergenerational support as students from McKenzie High School spent an afternoon volunteering for community service hours on April 1. The youth group assisted in cleaning the facility’s bus, leading exercise sessions, and hosting a spirited round of BINGO for the residents.

The Easter holiday followed closely with festive games organized by Becky Yates of Cherrywood Post Acute and Sabrina Young with Caris. The celebrations culminated in a family-oriented Sunday featuring a special class led by Mrs. Jan Creasey and a holiday feast prepared by the Lakeside kitchen crew.

Highlighting the facility's reliance on local support, Lakeside recently held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Program under the theme “It’s as Easy as Pie to Say Thank You.” The event featured a diverse "Pie Buffet" crafted by residents, including Oreo, Turtle, and Strawberry Cheesecake. Director Cris Stafford presented gifts to the dedicated volunteers, and Bro. Chance Steen of McKenzie Church of Christ closed the ceremony with a prayer.

Cultural activities remained a staple this month, including a five-star-rated screening of "I Can Only Imagine 2" for National Caramel Popcorn Day and a performance by the internationally touring Legacy Players. The Canadian-based troupe performed a series of mini-skits and songs, a tradition they maintain during their bi-annual workshops at Bethel.

Lakeside residents also maintained an active presence in the broader community. Outings included the Hometown Clinic Breakfast Club, senior dances at the Civic Center in Huntingdon, and a local fundraiser at Macedonia Community. Notably, residents attended the Henry County Senior Health Fair in Paris for the first time, where they were greeted with hospitality and a variety of vendor demonstrations.

Lakeside royalty also took center stage as Sweetheart King Clark Brown and Queen Sue Smith represented the facility in the World’s Biggest Fish Fry parade. Supported by volunteer Richard Ozment, the pair greeted onlookers from a decorated truck before enjoying a celebratory lunch.

In personal milestones, the community celebrated the birthdays of Trudy Bateman, Lance Kee, Peggy Cole, and Nancy Page. However, the month also held moments of reflection as the community bid farewell to Kathy Cook and Margie Gibson.

“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless,” noted Sherry Anderson, a sentiment that continues to define the spirit of Lakeside Senior Living as they look forward to the summer months ahead.