This week, as we remember Christmas and all of the happiness of this joyful season, may I encourage you to reach out and give joy and time to someone new in 2017? I’ve been at Maple Lawn off and on a few times these past weeks. As I observed and also talked to some of the staff and to Annette Kremer, Activities Director, it has been shared with me that there are some needs. Maybe you could be one of their answers to those needs?!
Every Thursday evening the residents enjoy a time of Bingo. There are several groups that go to Maple Lawn on those evenings, from 7-8 P.M., however Annette said they could use more people to sign up and take a turn. It could be an “organized” group, but it doesn’t have to be. A family or group of friends could also come and run the Bingo time. Three or four people would be sufficient, and it is a great event for older kids to help with too! If you are interested in helping in this way, please contact Annette, and she can give you the needed information. It takes so little time, but is such a blessing to those living there.
Wednesday mornings at 10:00 A.M. finds the residents ready to enjoy a short inspirational “church” service. Several pastors in the area already are on rotation, but Annette said there is a need for others to volunteer in this way. Most who come include some singing and a short devotional time. However, if you have another idea for a short worship time, please give her a call. They would welcome newcomers, and lay pastors or others who enjoy leading a worship time of 30-45 minutes. They do have a piano to use, but otherwise they also have CD’s to accompany the singing time.
Do you like to just visit over a cup of coffee? Do you like to stop and chat with someone older who would love to have company for a few minutes out of your day? Then you could come and be a volunteer visitor!! Coffee is served every afternoon at Maple Lawn, and there are so many residents that would love for you to drop by, pull up a chair, and just visit for awhile. The time of day or evening doesn’t really matter for this activity…it is needed every day!
Parents or grandparents you can give the children in your family a great gift in this coming year. Bring them to Maple Lawn for a half hour or so, and they can brighten an elderly person’s day with their smiles, hugs, and just their presence. People at Maple Lawn love kids!! During the school year, some of the local classes come regularly to spend time with the residents. However, during vacation times and summer, that does not happen. This would be a good time for any of us with children in our care to go to Maple Lawn. Annette shared how much the inhabitants of the home just light up when kids come to shake their hand and reach out to them in a friendly way.
My dad had a “buddy” that came to read to him and share time with him. He absolutely loved that part of his week, and would tell me about his younger friend quite often. Do the kids in your life like to read out loud? What a good place and time to practice those skills when coming to the nursing home. Pull up a chair right next to the wheelchair and read loudly and show them the pictures. The residents will just love it.
Ms. Kremer wants the community to know how much everyone at Maple Lawn, residents and employees alike, appreciate all who come and volunteer. She assured me that many of the activities could not happen without trusted volunteers! She also wants us to know that if we have an idea other than what is already happening at the care facility, to please call her and share your thoughts. She is open to any new ideas that others might have. Annette’s phone number is: 507-446-2655. This is a direct number and you can leave a message if she is not able to answer just then. Or if you would like to e-mail her that address is: akremer@maplelawn.org
I’ve always enjoyed the saying, “ Bloom where you are planted!” For those of us who reside around Fulda, please consider giving the greatest gift you can give, your time. The blessings won’t only be for those you share with, but it is like a boomerang…blessings come right back to you! Happiness and much joy to you in this coming new year!
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