There have been new and exciting changes in Landmark’s Memory Care and Assisted Living neighborhoods. The Landmark Center welcomes Victoria Bennett, CTRS, CDP; Elizabeth Nester, CNA, RMA, CDP; and April Walker, LPN, HCC.

Victoria comes to us from Blue Ridge Therapy Connection and is the new Memory Care coordinator. Elizabeth is the new resident care coordinator; she has been working on Memory Care since February,. April also comes to us from Blue Ridge Therapy Connection and is the new health care coordinator. We welcome each of you and look forward to working with you in the future.

Saturday morning, October 14, residents joined the children from Two Hands in painting Jack-o’lanterns. Thank you for sharing your Saturday morning with us. Sunday afternoon, residents competed in the Jeopardy game answering questions about Halloween and resident rights; it was a tight race to the finish line. October is Resident Rights Month.

Students from the senior cosmetology class of Patrick County High School pampered the residents with manicures on October 17. Residents enjoy meeting the students almost as much as getting a manicure. In the afternoon, residents traveled to Ferrum for a special ice cream treat. After dinner, local artist Sue Nester performed for the residents and guests.

Memory Care residents rode to Martinsville, October 18, and enjoyed lunch out. On the 25th they shopped and ate lunch locally. They are always doing something fun and interesting in the neighborhood.

October 18, Helen Cowley, cooking club volunteer, family, and staff assisted Landmark residents as they recognized Alaska Day, 1867, by making homemade vanilla ice cream. After dinner, the youth from Abiding Grace Church and residents built their own haunted House. Residents always look forward to a visit from these children.

The Patrick County Library really outdid themselves this month. Each third Thursday Landmark residents attend an adult coloring class at the local library. This month they were surprised by a showcasing of their art. They were so excited to see their pictures framed and on display. Thank you for providing the class and always going the extra mile which made our residents feel so special.

Landmark residents celebrated the October birthdays on October 20. They enjoyed cake, ice cream, and punch while listening to party music. Sycamore Baptist Church donated the birthday gifts this month.

Landmark residents had a busy weekend, October 21 and 22, attending the Apple Dumpling Festival on Saturday morning. Many purchased apple dumplings and ice cream. They welcomed members from Harvest Worship Center Saturday afternoon for a time of praise and worship.

Sunday, October 22 was National Nut Day and residents celebrated with mixed nuts and solving a “nutty” word search puzzle in the afternoon.

The residents raced to find the most hidden items in the Halloween scavenger hunt activity on October 24. After lunch, they went on a ride-about to Meadows of Dan to view the changing leaves.

In the spirit of Halloween, Laura and the residents made slime during the morning activity on October 26. Jim and Ellen Saunders, volunteers, led the game, Name That Tune, in the afternoon. Each time a resident guesses the correct song title they receive a prize. Thank you for providing this fun activity. If you would like to become a volunteer please stop by and apply or for more information call (276) 694-3050, extension 4514.

October 22-28 was National Pastoral Care Week. October 25, Blue Ridge Therapy Connection and The Landmark Center honored the pastors who visit our facilities with a luncheon at The Landmark Center. We appreciate you sharing your time and talents as you minister to our residents.

Many of the residents at The Landmark Center took advantage of the opportunity to vote by using an absentee ballot for the November 7 election. I would like to thank Susan Taylor for all assistance with this process.

Don’t forget to turn your clock back one hour before going to bed, Saturday, November 4. Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 5.

A special thank you to Linda Hall for the donation of hats to our residents.

The community is invited to the next Operation Homefront meeting November 7 from 9 to 10 a.m. at The Landmark Center. If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces, join us to connect, support, and recognize our local heroes. For more information, contact Susan Foster at (276) 694-4416. This program is sponsored by Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care. Refreshments are provided.

Blood pressure times and locations are: Nov. 6, Lowes Foods, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Nov. 9, Patrick County Seniors at Rotary Field, 10:30 to 11 a.m.; Ararat Seniors at the Ararat Fellowship Church, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Nov. 14, Step Seniors in Stuart, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The next Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting will be November 28 at noon at The Landmark Center. For more information call Landmark at (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.

Until next time, see you at Landmark.