Emerson said, “The earth laughs in flowers.” Now that the summer sun has returned, there is an abundance of laughter inside and outside The Thanksgiving Home. Last month’s lovely tulips have been replaced with brilliant red geraniums and striking lime green hostas. The sun brought a dynamic energy to the home, and we came alive with laughter and a renewed sense of family. We had many June birthdays to celebrate including Jackie Renwick, Ireland Gable, Frank Miller, Mary Butler, Leon Rathbun, Dee Bouck and Donna Runcorn. As always, we partied in style in our cozy living room with lots of laughs and adelicious chocolate vanilla marble cake. A good time was had by all!
Our book club enjoyed Erma Bombeck’s “All I Know About Animal Behavior I Learned in Loehmann’s Dressing Room.”
Hilde Parr, Wally Pickhardt, Patsy De- Baun and Sandy Brown spent the afternoon giggling uncontrollably in the library. After we finished, we began reading one of Hilde’s books about ghost stories from local places in the Adirondacks.
It was fascinating to read about spirits and ghosts that are said to still inhabit this area. Now, we are reading articles by columnist Dave Barry and continue to fill our afternoons with laughter and fun.
We tried some new games for our surprise activities on Wednesdays. Pictionary was a big hit, though none of us will ever be Rembrandt! Deanna Gable and Janet Saporito exhibited superhuman talent at both drawing their words and guessing the right answers.
Last week, we played “Quiz Show,” featuring trivia from the 1940s and 1950s. Though it was a close game, it was no surprise that Art Laidlaw took home the prestigious title of “The Smartest Person in the Universe.”
After the formal game was finished, Ireland Gable quizzed Bill Bowes one on one to test his knowledge of trivia. Bill astounded us with his extensive knowledge and great sense of humor.
Finally, we held the Thanksgiving Home talent show! It was wonderful to see everyone’s hidden tale ts.
Carol Affourtit sang and danced to three songs karaoke style. Laura Black played three beautiful songs on her wooden flute. Art Laidlaw showcased his fortune telling talents dressed as “The Great Karmac.” Laurie Blatt, Wally Pickhardt, Ralph Veenema, Leon Rathbun and Kathy Lindberg brought down the house with their singing group, singing several songs that lifted our spirits and kept our toes tapping. Fred Blatt played the saxophone while Laurie and Kathy played guitar with the group. What a fun way to spend a morning!
Doris Blomquist moved to Keene, N.H., to be closer to her son and daughter. Though we will miss her sense of humor and wonderful stories, we are glad that she is able to spend more time with her immediate family. Our loss is their gain.
On June 13, we lost our dear friend Ellen Hankin. A beautiful celebration of her life was held on June 20 and attended by family, friends, residents and staff. Ellen was a gentle and gracious woman who always had a kind word to say to everyone. She was very intelligent and kept up on current events by reading The New York Times every day. Ellen was a treasure to the Thanksgiving Home. We will all miss her sparkling blue eyes and loving presence.
Home Notes
Home Notes: June full of fun, laughs at Thanksgiving Home
- Home Notes
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- Pete Rose on deck for TLC The man known to legions of baseball fans as Charlie Hustle still isn't being considered for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Holiday celebrations have begun We have decked the halls of the home with garland, the greenhouses delivered a magnificent wreath for the door and the largest poinsettias we've ever seen, with pristine white cyclamen to accent the tables.
- Home welcomes new residents We honored our residents who are veterans on Veterans Day, including Alberta Bowes, Bill Bowes, Janet Gorman, Art Laidlaw, Wally Pickhardt, Ralph Veenema and Grace Welsh. It is wonderful to have so many residents who served our country.
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Summer has been busy at the home
In the spring we held a workshop to create a shared vision of a summer program that would provide meaningful and enriching experiences. Residents and staff partnered to brainstorm creative ideas, then a planning committee of residents and staff worked out the details to organize and schedule the events from June through August. We’ve had many enjoyable and actionpacked days, and our journey will continue in August.
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Home Notes: Celebrations abound at the Thanksgiving Home
April was a month of celebrations and much to appreciate. We had a 90th birthday celebration for Wanda Noyes on April 4 including her family and friends. Personal care staff Dee Bouck worked with residents to hand paint Easter eggs for the tree in the activity room.
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Home Notes: Workshops held for Thanksgiving Home residents
We welcomed Linda Keller, Ph.D. of the Bassett Research Institute and Ida Baker of NYCAMH who presented a six-week workshop for residents and staff.
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Home Notes: Residents enjoy harvest dinner
The month of October was absolutely GOURD-geous at The Thanksgiving Home. We started off the month with a beautiful and festive harvest dinner for both staff and residents. As one big family, we sat around warm plates of turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, delicious corn casserole and fresh rolls.
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Home Notes: Many surprises, much fun in September
“Rainbows apologize for angry skies.” -- Sylvia Voirol
The month of September began on a damp note at the home. The rains of Hurricane Irene, flooded basements andwashed out roadways making it impossible for some staff to get to work during their scheduled times. Thank you to all who helped cover for each other during the rains! -
Home Notes: August is opera season
“Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you.” - Langston Hughes There is a never a shortage of humor at the Thanksgiving Home, andAugust was no different.
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Home Notes: July has been busy and with record breaking temperatures
July has been busy and with record breaking temperatures it was a hot one! Bill, Jeanette, Leon, Patsy, Ralph and Dottie enjoyed the Forth of July fireworks with Laurie, Fred and Jaclyn, from the porch of the Otesaga.
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