It’s always a full-house when we invite entertainer Frank Anthony. Along with Valentine's Bingo and wonderful sugary treats, Frank sweetened up our Valentine’s Day party this year with love tunes. His specialty is songs from our residents’ era, so they enjoy singing along, dancing and clapping their hands. We’re eagerly looking forward to his St. Patrick’s day performance.

For our recent outing, residents voted for a trip to Walmart. It’s a great place for browsing and picking up minor needs, so they’ve requested that we make this a regular monthly outing. The highlight of this particular trip was our stop at Skyline for lunch— everyone loves Skyline!

We rang in 2020 with a terrific New Year’s Eve party. We nibbled on wonderful snacks throughout the evening, popped balloons and posed for pictures in front of a special backdrop. Live entertainment was provided by a high-energy, talented, husband and wife musical duo called Debray Music. With perfect harmony, their music took us through several decades and genres, so there was something for everyone. It was a great start for the new year.

Once a month, residents have the opportunity to select a carry-in meal. This month Kentucky Fried Chicken was the popular vote. Of course, nobody does chicken like KFC, so it was a real treat. Carry-ins are a fun opportunity to satisfy our food cravings and a great time to socialize, make new friends and share stories.

The Christmas season offered ample opportunities for a wide variety fun activities that got many of the residents involved. One of the most lively favorites was our twist on the usual gift exchange by holding a White Elephant Party. The activities staff supplied festively wrapped gifts of assorted personal items and each participant drew a number that corresponded to a gift. A rowdy bout of present-stealing fun began when participants could choose to steal another player’s gift and the game continued until each guest was satisfied with their prize. It was a zany party that we’re looking forward to playing again soon.

Each year the president of Liberty Nursing Center of Colerain, Linda Black-Kurek, hosts a wonderful Christmas party for the staff and this year was certainly no exception. Food was catered by a Cincinnati favorite, Eli’s BBQ, and we were showered with marvelous gift bags and raffles. Thanks so much for your generosity Linda!

For Veterans Day, our community partnered with Viaquest. They put on a wonderful presentation that included a historical slideshow as well as a recognition ceremony. We saluted more than 20 senior veteran residents, which also included spouses who have lost a veteran mate. It was a wonderful day to reminisce, share, and be thankful.

We strive for variety in our outings, and this week we decided to hit the Dollar Tree. It's relaxing to browse the isles and it's the perfect place to pick up odds and ends to finish personal projects. Topping the trip off was a wonderful lunch at Perkins.

Golden Leaf Baptist Church recently conducted a service for our residents. The program was engaging with lots of singing, and we’re looking forward to quarterly visits with them.

Several times a year the folks at Greater Hope Church stop by bearing gifts, treats and organizing plenty of fun. Residents look forward to these worship visits and often family members join us. Greater New Hope is a riveting group that manage to get everyone involved on their visits. We sang familiar songs such as “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands”. We’re certainly looking forward to seeing them again very soon!