Living at Lakeside News

Greetings, how does the saying go? March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. This refers to the ever-changing weather of the season, and we have surely experienced that here in Carroll County. Residents enjoyed the fireplace one day to front-porch sitting days later, dragging back out winter coats only to need a light jacket the next day. What an exciting time to see the nature around us coming back to life. 

No matter the weather, we had lots to celebrate. We let the good times roll as we crafted Mardi Gras floats for a fun-filled day of races all while residents wore feathered masks and gold, purple and green beads. Lonelle McMillan and Peggy Work regally decorated the dining room tables with themed placemats and centerpieces, gold tablecloths, purple dinnerware, and gold flatware. The kitchen staff made a New Orleans-inspired red bean and rice lunch with smoked sausage, and we had king cake for dessert.

The staff goes above and beyond to help make these events memorable for the residents. So, it was no surprise that on Employee Appreciation Day, the residents wanted to honor the employees of Lakeside with a tribute. The event started the day before as residents gathered to make jumbo flowers for a pictorial backdrop. Then we put together gifts of horse-themed notebooks and pens with a card that stated Wild Horses couldn’t keep us from telling you how much we appreciate you. The next gift was a reusable lidded bee-themed cup filled with a floral-scented candle and homemade yellow bows affixed to the straws with a card reading Thanks for BEE-ing so kind. The next day, Thelma McCain kicked off the party by reading a poem of thanks and the ladies giving out the gifts. Residents lined the walls and loved on each employee as they passed by, headed to a beautiful reception table where residents served punch and sugary treats displayed like flowers mimicking the floral décor wall. 

We all must have a sweet tooth because knowing it was Johnny Appleseed Day on the 11th gave us just the excuse to have a cooking class. The ladies took to the kitchen and made Caramel Apple cakes served hot out of the oven for dessert following the evening meal. Staff took it a step further and just knew it would be best topped with some vanilla ice cream.

They say everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, so we put on our green to avoid being pinched and just in case we handed out themed bracelets and pins to make sure all the residents were covered and we set up for an afternoon of Lucky Leprechaun BINGO and let the shenanigans begin; when Bingo was called the winner selected a pot of gold and how ever many gold coins were in the pot that’s how many prizes they got to select. If that wasn’t enough fun, we ended the party with Shamrock Shakes. A Special Shout out to Resident Ruth Turner’s son, Lynn, for securing the ice cream for us. 

The local Book Club held its monthly meeting in our multi-purpose room and brought along some excitement. The mayor was a special speaker and showcased a couple of officers and drug dogs and spoke on how hard they work to reduce crime in our area. If that wasn’t enough, knowing the mayor’s talents for entertaining, we talked him into playing the piano and blessing us with a few songs. 

Although the first day of Spring was quite breezy, we still celebrated the occasion with many residents sitting in a circle where a left-right Easter story or two, well actually three, were shared. Every time they heard the word right, they passed a bouquet of colored eggs to the right and the same if left was read, at the end of the stories, whoever was holding the eggs scored a spring gift bag full of goodies. The winners  were Thai Saul, Lula Mae Adams and Maxine Garner. 

We celebrated two birthdays: Faye Hicks and Robbie Adams; recognized one anniversary of 67 years, Robbie and Bro. John Adams and welcomed two new residents: Phyllis Maddox and Lula Mae Adams. But by far, the thing we were the happiest to celebrate this month was the return of our beloved manager, Cris Stafford. Following an automobile accident with a hospital stay and a recovery period at home and many prayers, she was able to come back to her Lakeside family. We had an array of finger foods and sodas, but the best part was the fellowship and the remembrance of God’s Grace and Blessings. 

Until next time...