BELLE PENDLETON
Recreation Coordinator

The residents of the Landmark Memory Care neighborhood are staying busy and having a blast thus far in September. They welcomed Judy and Ralph on September 5 for music and singing. They celebrated Labor Day and Dr. Phil’s birthday.

The cooking club created delicious personal pizzas on September 5, and on the 7th they ate coffee ice cream. Bus trips have included lunch in Martinsville on September 6 and lunch while on a ride about on September 13.

September is Southern Gospel month and residents began it enjoying music by Mike Hall as he entertained them with beautiful Southern Gospel songs. Saturday, September 2, residents had fun playing a Wood Brothers Racing Team Hangman game. Sunday afternoon, residents and guests were served mixed berry cobbler and ice cream.

The monthly Operation Homefront meeting was held on September 5 at The Landmark Center. Those in attendance created eagles to display in the rooms. If you served in the Armed Forces of the United States you are invited to attend these meetings to connect, recognize, and support our local heroes. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Landmark living room. For more information, contact Susan Foster at (276) 694-4416. The program is sponsored by Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care. Refreshments are provided.

Each Wednesday afternoon, volunteer Helen Cowley joins the residents for the Cooking Club. On September 6 we made Chocolate Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries; they were delicious! On the menu for September 13 was Double Chocolate Pudding Cookies. The only one way I know to make chocolate better is to add the word, “double.”

Landmark residents enjoyed breakfast at a local restaurant on September 7. Later, newcomers were welcomed to The Landmark Center with a social in the game room. Evening entertainment was provided by Two Young Two Old.Friday, September 8, residents and guests celebrated the 85th birth anniversary of singer Patsy Cline. After dinner, residents relaxed to beautiful music by Roger Wells.

Saturday afternoon, residents welcomed members of Harvest Worship Center for a time of music, scripture, and prayer.

National Assisted Living Week was Sunday, September 10 through Saturday, September 16. The theme this year is “Family is Forever.” September 10, members from Jack’s Creek Primitive Baptist Church led the residents in a sing-along and then shared uplifting scripture with those in attendance.  Later, grandparents were honored with a party celebrating Grandparent’s Day.

A 9-11 memorial service was held on Monday afternoon in the Landmark living room. Residents and guests watched a short video and then shared their personal memories of that day. Resident Cora Grace Foley shared this story: her first cousin was working at the Pentagon on that day and had just left his desk and went to another part of the building when the plane crashed at the spot where he had just been working. Thank you to everyone for sharing your special memories.

Special activities were scheduled for National Assisted Living Week as we remembered a TV family, The Waltons. Tuesday morning, September 12, residents played The Waltons Jeopardy Game. For lunch residents traveled to a local restaurant which has been passed down to family members.

In the afternoon, residents welcomed Beth Ford, historical services assistant from Reynolds Homestead, led the monthly Art Fusion Discussion Group. Beth shared family memories with the residents using glass keepsakes which belonged to her grandmother and grandfather. She also introduced sea glass which had been made into a necklace. As usual, the residents loved seeing all the items she shared with them.  After dinner, the Mountain View Singers shared the Lord with residents and guests through prayer and music.

Residents shared pictures from their past with us for a Guess Who Contest on September 13. Residents and staff are having a lot of fun trying to guess who is in the pictures. Members from the Patrick Springs Church of God of Prophesy joined the residents for a time of worship after dinner.

September 14, residents shopped locally on the bus trip. Later, local community artists joined the residents and they created a collage of pictures which represented their Landmark family. In the afternoon, Collinsville Country performed for the residents. Before dinner, trivia about The Waltons was shared with the residents.

The next Alzheimer’s Support Group will be meeting September 26  at noon at The Landmark Center. For more information, contact The Landmark Center (276) 694-3050, extension 4501. This program is sponsored by Southern Area Agency on Aging. A light lunch will be provided.

The community is invited to join us at The Landmark Center September 2 at 10 a.m. for Financial Planning for Senior Living with John Abadie. Lunch will be included. For more information, call (276) 694-3050, extension 4501.Join the Landmark residents for the next Rook Tournament on October 5 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the Landmark dining room. Prizes will be awarded to the winners and refreshments will be served. For more information contact Daniel at (276) 694-3050, extension 4514.

October blood pressure locations and times: October 2, Lowes Foods in Stuart, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; October 9, Ararat Seniors at Ararat Fellowship Church, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; October 10, Step Seniors at Step in Stuart, 10:30 to 11 a.m.; October 12, Patrick County Seniors at Stuart Rotary, 10:30 to 11 a.m.; October 13, Meadows of Dan Seniors at the Meadows of Dan Community Center, 11 am to noon.

Until next time, see you at Landmark.