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Dear Family and Friends,
Did you know August is the height of summer time in the Northern Hemisphere temperate zone? Although the longest days of the year are behind us, the hot days remain. Whoa, I feel like it's been pretty hot already. That won't keep the frosts away this month, though. They will let us know that winter is on its way. Don't worry, there are plenty of fun, gorgeous days ahead of us.
While the insects are louder and more numerous in August than any other month, we are busy making our own noise at Sunshine Gardens. Construction is on course for our on-site physical therapy, fitness room, and resident's quarters. Stop by and check out the progress.
A great time to visit will be Friday, August 28th. Sunshine Garden's annual party has moved to this date, but our Country Cowboy theme remains the same. Festivities will take place from 4:00PM-7:00PM at Sunshine Gardens West. Come for a great time.
Take your last vacation and enjoy the wonderful weather this month! Sunshine's residents are already out-and-about and we plan to soak up all of August's offerings. Please do the same! |
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What's A Happenin' Here?!
By: Rachel Gressler, Activities Director
August has finally brought summer to 25 Sunshine Court. The residents all have their fans on high and the air conditioner is working almost as hard as our care staff. Simply put, we've been very busy here at Sunshine Gardens.
In July, we have celebrated Independence Day with a picnic and a Red, White and Blue happy hour. Also on the list was celebrating chocolate week by hosting a chocolate fondue party adorned with a chocolate fountain! Next was Winnie Harrington's 90th Birthday, where her family was able to join us for, from Denver, Cortez, and Texas.
In addition to Winnie's special visitors, we were blessed to have 7 volunteers join us from Student Life, a church service group for youth. It was amazing how 14 extra hands make a difference in how active the residents are. They helped us with gardening, decorating, cleaning, and BINGO calling. They even did a special Christmas in July performance at the end of their visit.
July wouldn't be as special without our monthly birthday party. We celebrated with carrot and chocolate Cake, and had a wonderful Flute performance to watch following.
And don't forget about National Junk Food Week!!! YUM! We had a happy hour with junk food; lots of it.
In addition to our normal outings, we have continued on our Taste of Durango tour. This month we sampled Steamworks and CJ's Diner. We also had the privilege to view a free Music in the Mountains Concert at Three Springs. Robert, our amazing kitchen Manager, sent along with us a picnic, and we enjoyed nice weather, roast beef sandwiches and soda underneath a tent. I had a nice turn out of residents joining me for the picnic. We certainly tapped our toes along with the Music.
Lately, we have had a weekly performance by a gifted piano player Daniel Rottenburg, who plays ragtime piano. He volunteers to play for us once a week on Tuesdays. When he is not visiting us at Sunshine Gardens, he plays at the Diamond Bell Saloon! The resident really love to hear him play.
Finally, the last week in July was spent honoring the 1950's. We enjoyed a soda shoppe-themed party and a poodle skirt to cap things off.
With August being here now we will continue to play and plan ways to beat the heat. Trish and I have been working on our Annual Party. Cowboy theme this year, YE, HAW. I already have enough cowboy hats for all the residents. Bob, the owner of Sunshine Gardens, and his beautiful family will be joining us for the celebration!!!
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Caregiver's Corner By: Resident Lou Gans
Not very many individuals have traveled throughout the world or gained as much education in so many countries. . .as our beloved Jennifer Fransis.
Jennifer was born and raised in Durango with her amazing and extremely educated parents.
Jennifer enjoys enjoys her position at Sunshine Gardens immensely, but fondly recalls her experiences throughout the world. She's traveled through Santiago, Chile, Buenos Aires, and Argentina. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American studies and Spanish from Fort Lewis College. She also is certified to teach English as a second language. WOW!
Her father Ken Francis is Director of Community Services at Fort Lewis College. Her mother, Susie, is a culinary teacher at Durango High School. Jennifer has a brother Clint who is completing his PH.D at Colorado University.
Space nor time allows us to include her aspirations, ambitions, and desires. They are endless.
Jennifer, we truly admire you and look forward to future paper headlines with your name and accomplishments included.
We know your recent marriage will be a success along with all of the precious events in your life!
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FEATURED RESIDENT
By: Lou Gans, Sunshine Gardens Resident
A recently acquired Sunshine Gardens resident lived a much more exciting life than even HE realizes. His name is Jerome M. Willis.
Jerome, otherwise known as Jerry, was born in Laramie, Wyoming, but hear the following. He was never married, but his overseas and nation-wide travels will make you jealous.
In his youth, he traveled through major countries for approximately 10 years spending time in Germany, France, Italy, and Russia. He was educated while in these countries, too. With no siblings or wives, Jerry was "free." He even lived in New York City in a lovely area of Manhattan.
Jerry states that the oil industry which he was involved attracted him to move to Durango about 10 years ago.
With all of the above behind him, don't you sense an amount of jealousy in my soul?
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ANOTHER REMINDER, construction is underway and is on track! We are adding additional independent and assisted living residents quarters, a physical therapy, exercise room, and community garden to Sunshine Gardens West! We are excepting early reservations for the new additions. Contact me ASAP to secure your space!
Don't forget to mark your calendars for our annual party. Wear your country western garb and come eat, dance, and celebrate life! Again, it will be at Sunshine Gardens on August 28th from 4:00PM-7:00PM. See you there!
Sincerely,
Trisha Kellogg-Marketing Director
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