The Landmark Center was the place to be on Saturday, September 8, for the Folk Festival.

Vendors and crafters displayed their wares which included handcrafted jewelry, homemade wreaths, wooden pallets, crochet and knit items, Scentsy, Thirty-One, and much more. Various food trucks were on hand with a variety of delicious food items. Live music was provided by Mayo River Alliance, Ben Shirley, The Conners, and Charles Bowman. Community guests attended workshops throughout the day which included making corn husk dolls, soft Yoga, Genealogy, Essential Oils, and Landmark’s dining. Special guests were J. E. B. Stuart Preservations. Thank you for joining us at The Landmark Center.

The monthly Veterans Coffee and get-together meeting was held on September 4, at The Landmark Center. If you served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America you are invited to join us to connect, support, and recognize our local heroes. For more information, call Susan Lytle at (276) 694-4416. This program is sponsored by Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care. The next meeting is October 2, from 9 to 10 a.m., in the Landmark game room. Refreshments are provided.

Pastor Dave Boarman provided an inspiring worship service for the residents on September 1. On September 2, residents enjoyed blueberry popsicles. Residents made cheese pizzas during the Cooking Club on September 5.

Bus trips included lunch in Ridgeway, and local shopping. On September 11, we attended the 911 Memorial Service at Mayo Mountain Church. The residents enjoyed breakfast out on September 13.

New residents were welcomed on September 7, with the New Comer’s Brunch.

Evening entertainment was provided by Two Old and Two Young, Mike Hall, and the Mountain View Singers.

National Assisted Living Week began on Sunday, September 9. The theme this year was, “Capture the Moment.” We hoped to inspire residents to realize their dreams and seize the day. This theme supports reflection, as residents may look back on the pivotal moments in their lives. We were also reminded that often the little things we do for our residents can deliver high quality person-centered care so the residents can celebrate their past while enjoying the present. This is a reminder to all of us. No matter your age, we should be living life to its fullest.  On September 9, we honored all grandparents with dessert and coffee, Sunday afternoon. Later, Jack’s Creek Primitive Baptist Church led a worship service for residents, family, and friends. Monday, September 10, Fairystone Baptist Church, provided the weekly Monday morning worship service. In the afternoon, residents viewed a YouTube video titled: Summer 1964: A Day in the Life of a 9 Year Old. Things have really changed.

On September 11, residents welcomed Beth Ford, Historical Services Assistant, and volunteer, Becki Turner, both from Reynolds Homestead, for the Art Fusion Discussion Group Meeting. Once again, Ford did an excellent job involving and interacting with the residents. After a brief discussion about where we were raised the program continued with “angels in art.” Ford provided examples which included dolls, books, cookie cutters, and paintings. Those in attendance shared memories; they loved the program.

Resident, Cora Grace Foley, has always wanted to go to Hawaii and on September 12, during National Assisted Living Week, we “made” her wish come true. Although we could not provide the real thing we came very close; the arts and crafts room was transformed into a tropical island. The room was decorated with brightly colored Hydrangea blooms, Hibiscus leis, parrots, a handmade Tiki Bar using real bamboo, and an Island Scene Sunset. Refreshments included tropical punch, fruit, and coconut cake. It’s never too late to realize your dreams.

The next scheduled Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting will be held on September 25, beginning at noon, at The Landmark Center. This program is sponsored by Southern Area Agency on Aging, The Landmark Center, and Blue Ridge Therapy Connection. For more information, call (276) 694-3050. Free blood pressure screening provided. A light lunch will be provided.

October blood pressure times and locations:

• 10/01: Lowe’s Foods in Stuart, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• 10/11: Patrick County Seniors at Rotary Field, 10:30-11 a.m.
• 10/15: Ararat Seniors at the Ararat Friendship Church, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• 10/16: STEP Seniors, STEP in Stuart, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• 10/23: Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting at The Landmark Center, noon -1 p.m.

Until next time, see you at Landmark.