The week of May 13-19 was National Skilled Nursing Care Week. This annual event is an opportunity to recognize the crucial role that facilities such as ours play in communities across the country. We endeavored to have a full week's worth of activities to encourage residents, visitors and staff to enjoy getting to know one another better. Everyone kicked back for events such as our delicious ice cream social, salsa and nacho day, and a wonderful cookout. Of course challenging games and activities delighted everyone and kept us all on our toes!

We love culinary adventures, so it's no wonder that our recent Swiss Burger Day was a hit with residents and guests! Indulging in juicy, flavorful burgers was as fun as it was delicious. And, with a variety of toppings and condiments to choose from everyone was able to take their burgers to the next level. Paired with tasty onion rings, this lunch felt like a trip to Frisch's and kept our taste buds wanting more!

Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping quicker than our Quarter Auction Day. It encourages socialization and of course who doesn't love a bargain. Ramona, a regular volunteer here at Liberty, discovers and brings in a wide variety of collectibles that residents bid on with loose change. Stuffed animals and jewelry are always a big hit. As our lively auctioneer, Romana does a wonderful job of building the fun and excitement!

We decided to break Spring in with a lunch outing to one of our favorite places— Cracker Barrel! Getting out brightened everyone's spirit, but of course delicious comfort food really put the smiles on our faces. With all the joy and laughter, it was easy to tell that this outing was a great success. We're looking forward to many more surprise food trips! Stay tuned.

We're wishing our dear friend and co-worker, Brenda Drinnen, a long, happy retirement filled with fun and happiness. Brenda is currently our facility's Director of Nursing. She's been with the Liberty family for over 10 years, serving at several locations. Residents and co-workers alike appreciate her dedication and love for her job. We'll all truly miss her kind heart, bright smile, and the colorful notepads she brings to our staff meetings. Brenda is looking forward to spending more time with her family and taking some awesome camping trips. Congratulations Brenda, let the fun begin!

We're all very saddened by the recent passing of our dear resident, Ruth Detmer on January 24th at the age of 98. To her Liberty family, Ruth was very special for many reasons. She was actually one of our first ten residents when this location opened it's doors. But it was Ruth's soft voice, kind heart and generous spirit that endeared her to everyone. Here in our community, she was known as the Candy Lady because you could count on her to have a full candy dish ready to share with anyone who stopped in for a visit. Ruth was always interested in helping her fellow residents, loved to garden and enjoyed singing Ave Maria. Her memorial service last month was performed by Deacon Tim from St James Church where she attended for many years and her daughter Jane wrote a wonderful tribute to her mother that was read. We will all treasure Ruth's memory and miss her beyond measure.

Residents and their families had a wonderful time making new cheerful memories at our annual Easter Party. We can always count on entertainment by Frank Anthony to bring big smiles and a joyous environment. This year was no exception with lots of dancing and singing together. Also, we have the Colerain Township Citizens Fire Academy Alumni to thank for our energized volunteer Easter Bunny. The bunny led the children to residents' rooms for an egg hunt, posed for photos with them, and tickled everyone by dancing with Frank Anthony. We always enjoy a good party and this was certainly one to remember!

On Fridays, residents look forward to celebrating the end of the week with a lively Happy Hour. We kick back with root beer floats and snacks while enjoying special entertainment. Our most recent gathering featured entertainment by one of our favorite performers, Ray Heckman. In fact, residents special request Ray because they enjoy listening to him sing and play his saxophone. The sing-alongs bring out the smiles and always are the highlight.

Two Mondays a month Joy & RJ bring us Karaoke Time and everyone looks forward to it. Looking around the room you see eyes light up and faces that are full of smiles as they fully enjoy listening to the music. Some are braver than others to take the microphone, but residents and family members alike step up to the plate. Even Tara, our Activity Director has been known to sing a tune or two Pat, one of our residents, is seen here joyfully singing My Way.

We recently enjoyed a winter craft day making mugs. It was a great opportunity to stretch our imaginations, exchange creative ideas, laugh and chit chat.