WOW! WOW! What a fabulous afternoon!
The Lodge at Bethany had their Annual 50’s SOCK HOP, and I not only was INVITED but I ATTENDED!! What a Delight!
‘Shake Rattle & Roll’ or ‘Let’s Twist Again' or maybe even ‘Rock Around The Clock Tonight,’ whatever your favorite tune, it was available.
Happy faces, intermingling, and laughter filled the room. Everyone dressed in pink satin jackets, lettered sweaters, poodle skirts, crinolines, leather jackets and black t-shirts on the guys, made it look like a scene out of ‘GREASE.’
I promptly asked, “Where did they find these GREAT costumes?" and Jerri Mathis, Staff Accountant/Director of Engagement replied, “ONLINE. Families order and purchase ahead preparing for this GREAT event.”
I must say...One had a hard time identifying, who was having the most fun: Residents? Staff? Family? Visitors? Friends?
Thanks to the Lodge Staff for ‘FUN ACTIVITIES’ like a bubble gum blowing contests, Hula Hooping, doing the Hand Jive, dancing with and without walkers and canes. An abundance of SMILING faces. TRULY ENTERTAINING! It was another fantastic day full of memories.
The refreshments were just perfect for this venue. Ice cold small bottles of Coca-Cola with peanuts, make your own Sundae: chocolate, vanilla, caramel, strawberry toppings, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, whatever your heart desires. Oh yes, I forgot the whipped cream and cherries. Well you ALL know (those that have followed me) my FAV was vanilla with caramel and a cherry on top. Ice cream, anytime is Perfection. YUMMY!!!
Back to the Good Ol’ Days!! Watching and participating with the Residents. Check out the pictures!! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
Jerri Mathis, Staff Accountant/Director of Engagement, said “We do take suggestions from our residents on places they would like to visit, shop or go eat. We are always involving them in activities they would like to see and participate in. We believe at ‘The Lodge’ that engagement is right up there with providing the best healthcare because we see that a resident is engaged and happy and feels the part of the community that they thrive in.”
Jerri Mathis has been with The Lodge for 7 years; she's a nurse but came to The Lodge for the Staff Accountant position, which she has held and LOVES. She works with Kim Brown, Bethany's Director of Activities, and helps suggest plans and coordinate the BIG activities as they like to call them: sock hop parties, luau, decade parties, and trips to Tybee.
"We even went to Savannah and did the Riverboat Cruise and the Trolley Tour," Jerri said. "Kim does the day-to-day activities: Bingo, chair exercises, games and so much more with the TLAB team staff and volunteers.They truly see the importance of these activities.The residents and families are so willing to ‘JUMP IN’ and help wherever needed. The age range at Bethany is 72 to 98."
The Bethany family welcomes volunteers and visitors to JOIN in their fun activities. “We are currently looking for sweet volunteers,” Jerri says. “Front desk, 4 hours/week! We have the BEST volunteers but we need MORE." Retired teachers? Office professionals? Flexibility and fun is the key!
TWIST and SHOUT! Enjoying your Senior Moment!
