Belle Pendleton, recreation coordinator

A volunteer is a person who freely offers to do something. We are “very blessed” at The Landmark Center to have a “lot of them.”

More than 80 volunteers and their guests packed the dining room at The Landmark Center for our annual Group Volunteer Banquet, Thursday, April 19th. We are so thankful for each and every volunteer that shares their time with our residents.

The banquet is a small token of our appreciation to those who care by volunteering at The Landmark Center and Blue Ridge Therapy Connection. The theme this year was, “You Are My Sunshine,” because our special volunteers provide light and happiness to the resident’s lives. Certificates of appreciation and a gift were given to each volunteer. Entertainment was provided by the multi-talented group, Two Young and Two Old. A special thank you goes out to the dining team for the delicious BBQ chicken dinner, and to the housekeeping team for all their hard work. Once again, we are “so thankful” for each and every one who gives of themselves for others. (Written by: Daniel Quesenberry, ADA)

The Landmark residents welcomed local singer and musician, Ben Shirley, Friday morning, April 13. Ben is one of our newest volunteers at The Landmark Center and the residents already love his music. In the afternoon, the residents played the Jeopardy Game with Ruby Dickerson, Alpha Slate and Dorothy Koger finishing with the most points. Each winner picked a prize from the Country Store. After dinner, Roger Wells entertained the residents with beautiful Southern Gospel music.

Over the weekend, April 14 and 15, residents welcomed TWO Hands and enjoyed the Volunteers Hangman Game. National Volunteer Week began on April 15 and ended the 21st.

On Tuesday, April 17, students from the senior cosmetology class of Patrick County High School provided manicures for the residents.

Dorothy Koger, resident, kept the students and staff laughing as she shared some “words of wisdom” with the students. Residents traveled to Meadows of Dan and the surrounding area to see the famous rock churches. Everyone had a great time. Local artist, Sue Nester, provided the evening entertainment.

Residents attended the monthly Adult Coloring class at the local library on April 19. David Brandon, a volunteer, led a worship service in the afternoon.

Jim Purcell and Lynn Wolf led a sing-a-long, with the residents happily joining in as they sang songs from the distant past. In the afternoon, residents celebrated all the April birthday at the monthly party. They enjoyed chocolate cake, strawberry ice cream, and punch as they listened to “some ole time rock ‘n roll.” Birthday gifts were provided by the Landmark staff. Chords of Faith provided the evening entertainment.

Activity Assistant, Will Taylor, joined the Landmark residents over the weekend of April 21 and 22 and they were very glad he was here. On Saturday, Harvest Worship Center led Memory Care and Assisted Living residents in an hour of worship.

On April 24, residents traveled to the Bassett Historical Center to see The President’s Quilt, which was donated by the family of former resident, Irene Adams Philpott. During her lifetime she quilted many quilts, but the President’s Quilt “took the most work” and it was the quilt “she was most proud of.” Landmark residents were astonished at the detail of the quilt, which included 40 embroidered portraits of past presidents. Irene was a blessing to all of us at The Landmark Center; she greeted everyone she met with encouragement and a smile. Through this quilt Irene will remain with us, it was a blessing to see.

On April 26, residents traveled to the local library for the monthly Bingo game.

Blood pressure locations and time for May 2018:

5/4: Meadows of Dan Community Center, blood pressure and education, 11 a.m. to noon.

5/7: Lowe’s Foods in Stuart, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

5/10: Patrick County Seniors at Rotary Field in Stuart, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

5/11: Farmer’s Market in Stuart, 8 a.m. to noon.

5/19: Strawberry Festival, uptown Stuart, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5/21: Ararat Seniors at the Friendship Mission Church, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., BP & Education.

5/22: Stuart Seniors at the Step Building, 10:30 – 11:30 am, BP & Education.

5/22: Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting, The Landmark Center, noon.

The next Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting will be May 22, 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. A light lunch is provided.