By Belle Pendleton
Recreational Coordinator

The Landmark Center held the first Community Rook Tournament of 2017 on Thursday, February 2. The three top winners were, Rebecca Tatum, Jesse Mae Vernon, and Shirley Sheppard.

The tournament was coordinated by volunteers Jim and Ellen Saunders, and Daniel Quesenberry, activity department. Each winner received a heart-shaped box of candy and refreshments were provided by the Landmark dietary staff.

The next Rook Tournament will be April 6 beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the Landmark dining room. For more information contact Daniel Quesenberry at (276) 694-3050, extension 4514.

Residents and staff wore red on Friday, February 3 for National Wear Red Day. National Wear Red Day began 14 years ago and is always held on the first Friday of February. This event is designed to raise awareness for women’s heart health.

Join us at The Landmark Center Thursday, February 23 from 11 a.m. to  noon in the PT room as guest speaker Ashley Madura from the American Heart Association presents the program, “Women’s Heart Health & Symptoms.” For more information, call (276) 694-3050.The community and resident families were invited to join us for a Super Bowl 51 tailgate party on Sunday before the big game. Ice-cold bottled drinks were provided to all in attendance in anticipation of the game. Kickoff began at 6:30 and the living room was packed with excitement as the residents pulled for their favorite teams.

As the game started, Daniel began grilling bologna for sandwiches.

The Landmark dietary staff brought BLT dip, chips, cookies, and chicken salad sandwiches. For the first time ever, the game went into overtime. The New England Patriots came out on top with a score of 34-28. Special thanks to Daniel and Will for making this night so much fun for everyone.

One year ago Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care began Operation Homefront Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month from 9 to 10 a.m. here at the center. These casual meetings are for those who have served in the Armed Forces and would like to connect, recognize, and support our local heroes. The next meeting will be March 7. For more information, call Susan Foster at (276) 694-4416. Refreshments will be provided.

Thursday, February 9, local artists Ursula Allen and Norma Bozenmayer assisted the Landmark residents as they created beautiful Valentine hearts to hang in their rooms.

February 13, residents invited their families to join them for a Valentine party in the afternoon. Residents and their guests enjoyed a Valentine cake, strawberry ice-cream, cherry pinch, and potato chips which were provided by the Landmark dietary staff.

“Share Your Heart with Pasta,” presented by Blue Ridge Therapy Connection on February 13, was a huge success; proceeds from the meals purchased will benefit The Caring Hearts Free Clinic.

The Art Fusion Discussion Group met at The Landmark Center February 14. The meeting was led by Beth Ford, historical services assistant, and volunteer Becky Turner, from the Reynolds Homestead. The theme this month was “love.” The residents listened to love songs and poems about love. They also were shown items relating to the theme. As usual Beth and Becky did a great job and residents always enjoy sharing memories with the group.

Residents are having a blast on the bus trips. February 7, they traveled to Mount Airy, N.C., and enjoyed chicken for lunch; February 9, they ate breakfast at a local restaurant. February 14, the destination was Martinsville where they ate Asian cuisine; and February 16 they attended a coloring class at the local library.

Newcomers were welcomed to Landmark with a social, Thursday, February 16. Refreshments were served as music played in the background.

The next Alzheimer’s Support Group meeting will be held at The Landmark Center on February 28, beginning at noon. For more information call the Landmark Center (276) 694-3050, or Blue Ridge Therapy Connection at (276) 694-7161. This program is sponsored by Southern Area Agency on Aging, The Landmark Center, and Blue Ridge Therapy Connection. A light lunch will be provided.

The community is invited to our “Hold Your Hand” family education series, which will meet March 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. at The Landmark Center in the PT room. Guest speaker Tammy Kruse, RT, will present a program on respiratory health in the elderly. For more information, call Janet Ferraro at BRTC (276) 694-7161, or Melinda Collins at TLC (276) 694-3050. Light refreshments will be provided.

A special thank you goes to those who have provided evening entertainment: Mike Hall, Square Dancers and The Over the Hill Gang, Almost There, and the Mountain View Singers.. If you would like to become a volunteer call (276) 694-4514 or stop by and visit us.

Thank you to Gingerbread Creations Bake Shoppe for your gift of gingerbread cookies to all the residents here.

Until next time, see you at Landmark.