Living at Lakeside News

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we kicked off the month with a visit from Megan Webb, a public health educator from the Tennessee Department of Health. She shared information about prevention, early detection, and factors that increase susceptibility to breast cancer. We took a moment to recognize our residents who are cancer survivors. Everyone wore pink to show their support, and Cris Stafford provided a raffle basket that included Mary Kay Moisturizing Lotion, which many who have undergone treatment found beneficial. The lucky winner was Sue Smith.

One of the key points highlighted during this program was the importance of staying active. Lacy Yeley from the UT Extension Office also joined us to discuss her Chair Yoga classes. She offered to return to demonstrate some exercises for seniors, and we look forward to her next visit.

This month, we were also entertained by the Legacy Players, who conducted workshops at Bethel College and treated us to an afternoon of delightful skits and harmonious music. They graciously visit us each spring and fall, providing a wonderfully enjoyable experience for our residents.

We had our regular breakfast club and errand day outings, but one afternoon, we attended the Senior Health Fair in Milan, TN. This event welcomed many local vendors that offer services to senior citizens. The day had a sports theme, and Lakeside was easily recognizable with our Rebel-inspired table. We collected various goodies, enjoyed lunch, and even met former NFL athlete Avery Williamson.

At Hometown Clinic, we participated in the community Monday Coffee, where we socialized over refreshments, played BINGO, and took part in an exercise class. A representative from Baptist Hospice brought snack cakes and led a categories game. Every other week, Baptist Home Health and Gentiva Hospice visit to check residents’ blood pressures. Amedisys hosts a monthly trivia and prize auction for residents. The services provided by these facilities can significantly improve both longevity and quality of life.

Musical entertainment this month included performances by Bo Solomon, Kenneth Johnson, 3 Old Men, Shamrock Band, Steve Morris, Chaplain Randy Blankenship, Larry & Mary Jo, and Billie Christian.

We also celebrated some national holidays in October. For Good Buddy Day, we enjoyed Nutty Buddy Bars. On National Apple Day, we hosted an apple-picking-themed celebration featuring cinnamon apple cider and games, with winners receiving fried apple pies. We played a lively “Price is Right” game, with residents competing in a Showcase Showdown; Lonnelle McMillin, Cornelia Pugh, and Sue Smith faced off, with Sue winning a large gift basket by coming within $23 of the correct guess. Additionally, we played a Candy Corn Day Ping Pong Toss Game.

The Lakeside staff has been busy creating autumn scenes inside and outside the building, adorning it with fall décor like hay bales, pumpkins, mums, leaves, and scarecrows. A crafting group made pumpkins out of toilet paper rolls, fabric, and foliage. You can see their creations on our Lakeside Senior Living Facebook page.

We also celebrated October birthdays, including Thai Saul, who treated us to strawberry cake; Imogene Brasfield, whose family held a birthday party for her and invited residents; and Peggy Work, whose family served cupcakes one day and cake the next. Others celebrating included Sheila Rogers, Sue Blow, Joan Brown, and our newest resident, Eileen McAdoo. Sadly, we bid farewell to one of our own, as Evelyn Coleman gained her wings this month.

We saved the best for last: The Lakeside Wizard of Oz Experience! On Halloween, we transformed our entrance into a yellow brick road that led to an enchanting Emerald City. Approximately 200 children were greeted along the way by Glinda the Good Witch (Cris Stafford), the Wicked Witches of the East and West (Maxine Garner and Chery King), the Wizard (Sheila Willis), the Lion (Clark Brown), the Scarecrow (Earl Ray Kee), the Tin Man (Charles Garner), and a host of Dorothys played by Lakeside ladies. We filled baskets with fruit juice barrels, fudge rounds, goldfish crackers, chips, blow pops, fun dip, Lifesavers, rice Krispy treats, moon pies, toys, double bubble gum, and assorted candies. Residents eagerly anticipate this event every year. Truly, there is No Place Like Our Lakeside Home!

Until next time...