Living at Lakeside News

Greetings! As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and if this month’s rainfall is any indication, our flower beds are going to be stunning. Residents are already preparing by gathering pots, soil, and bird feeders for some delightful afternoons of sitting on the front porch. Despite the storms, we managed to get out and about.

We attended the Macedonia Community Center’s Cake Walk and Cookout, enjoyed a fantastic band, and brought home eight delicious desserts that were won by our residents to share at our next meal. Phyllis Maddox was the big winner that night, taking home three prizes. We also celebrated National Beer Day in the best way we could with frothy cold root beer floats. Our Senior Movie featured “Last Breath”, and if you’re a senior, you should take advantage of this deal: a movie, drink, and popcorn for just $5! The next showing will be on May 7th with *Working Man*.

We visited Sunrise Café for breakfast and saw their generosity to the Senior Citizens Center when they donated a new TV. We wanted to show our support in return. The residents were touched when McKenzie first- and second-graders sent us Valentine’s cards, so we decided to reciprocate by making them Easter cards, which were delivered to Principal Tonya Brown for distribution. We also made cards for the residents of Huntingdon Health and Rehab.

The Legacy Players, visitors from Bethel University, performed for us. This event occurs once or twice a year and is always a treat, featuring improv skits and beautiful songs. Students Avery Brown and Kason Brown partnered with residents for a baking session, preparing five desserts for a cancer bake auction. We bid with great interest the next day as the cakes were auctioned. Staff member Lisa Griffin was the highest bidder on our Tiger Paw Coconut Pecan Bundt Cake with a Chocolate Cream Cheese Drizzle, while resident Maxine Garner won our Banana Cake. We also made a Peach Cobbler, Ugly Duckling Apple Crumb Topping Cake, and an Old Fashioned Coca-Cola Cake.

Speaking of Lisa Griffin, residents gathered to sing “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and surprised her for Administrative Professionals Day. We showered her with a card, her favorite candy, and some wish-listed beauty products. She has been a dedicated employee for 15 years and always goes above and beyond for residents, families, and the Lakeside team.

We also enjoyed many “Hippity Hoppity” events this month, including an “Orange You Glad It’s Carrot Day” game, filling and donating 300 candy eggs for The Waters Easter Egg Hunt, a Bunny (Banana) Split Social, a Punch Board Easter Egg Hunt, and an Easter Holiday Feast for residents and their families.

We always appreciate our volunteers at Lakeside, but during National Volunteer Month, we decided to enhance our efforts with a “Thanks for Making the Time” themed brunch. Residents created and mailed clock-inspired invitations, made beautiful spring wreaths designed as clocks for decoration, and gifted each volunteer a wall clock. The kitchen staff served fruit, pastries, sausage balls, and juice. We hope our volunteers know how much we appreciate their time.

Residents attended The World’s Largest Fish Fry Parade and eagerly awaited the passing of the Lakeside Sweetheart King (alternate) Harry Walsh and Queen Peggy Work. We extend our gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for welcoming us to their office and to Lynn Brandon for chauffeuring us.

We celebrated four birthdays this month: Peggy Cole, Trudy Bateman, Lance Kee, and Nancy Page. We also welcomed new resident Joan Brown to our Lakeside family and bid farewell to our dear friends Alberta McCulley and Faye Jones.

Until next time…