bethany home activities

Bethany Home
MESSENGER
Volume LXXXII
October, November, December 2014
For Friends of Bethany Home
Minden, NE 68959
NUMBER 4
(308) 832-1594
Loving Care With The Spiritual Touch
E
Activities
Fall • Halloween • Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving • Christmas • NYE
Parties • Birthdays • and more . . .
BETHANY
HOME
ACTIVITIES
By: Carol Dolan
veryone at Bethany Home enjoyed fall. Residents
enjoyed the scenic bus tours, visiting all of the towns
surrounding Minden. Also, enjoyed the rides to
Kearney and seeing the new business and houses being built.
Several residents attended craft class on October 1, making an
assortment of Halloween door hangers. Crafts are not just for
women - we have several male residents who attend.
“Come Sing with Us!” is always well attended. Residents love
the musical activities. We offer 30 minute sing-alongs and
hymn sing-alongs, five days a week. Live entertainments are
Deb Bishop, Country Jammers and Paul Kothe.
Autumn murals were made by residents. They expressed their
artistic abilities in making these, using pictures cut from magazines.
The October birthday honorees were: Delores Stone turned 101
years young on October 2, Laurence Strine turned 100 years
young on October 5, Roberta Larsen - October 6, Alice
VanNorman - October 7, Mary Ellen Miller - October 12 and
Carl Swanson October 22. Tim Ito provided a piano concert.
He did a great job. We hope to get him to come back and entertain soon.
Mary Lutekemeier gave an informational program on Physical
Therapy in recognition of Physical Therapy Month.
Westminster Presbyterian Church women provided a party on
October 10. They played bingo with the residents and served a
delicious dessert. We really enjoyed and will see them again in
January 2015.
Deb Bishop performed on October 14, November 11 and
December 16. The Country Jammers entertained on October
22, November 19 and December 17. Paul Kothe provided his
accordion music for his one man band, on October 17 and
November 4. Residents really enjoy music, especially live
music. if you know of someone who performs, please call me
at 308-832-1594.
Bethany Home Bell Choir, with Karma leading, performs each
month and have practice on Wednesdays.
Bethany Home residents got to join in Band Day. The bands
gathered on streets close to Bethany Home with several taking
time to perform for residents. it was really a fun afternoon for
them. We hope this is an annual event for us. We really appreciated Todd Jensen and the efforts of all who helped set this up
for our pleasure.
The Bethany Home Busy Bakers loved getting to make pies on
October 20. They make fresh apple, cherry and peach pies.
The apples were donated by Lynn Tacha and the peaches
donated by Mildred Adam. Everyone has their own ideas
about making pies. Some do very thick crusts, while others
prefer thin crust. They loved making them and these were
served at afternoon activities.
We have been having 35 or more involved in “Pass The
Parcel”. Ice Cream cones are served. The December activity
ended with everyone receiving prizes. Any donated gift items
are appreciated for this activity. We also can use any seasonal
or holiday gift wrap if you would like to donate.
We were fortunate to be able to have Mel Burg from Colorado
to entertain on October 25. He always provides a wonderful
program of singing and life stories. Many of his songs are
about him and his family’s experiences. It’s always a pleasure
to have him come to our facility.
National Chocolate Day was celebrated with several chocolate
desserts for residents to chose from. Residents got their share
of chocolate that day!
What’s Inside
continued on next page
Directors BandFest Spotlight on Staff Memorials Parties
Resident of the Quarter Upcoming Events Halloween Fun
Veterans’ Day Christmas Activities New Year’s Eve Fun
Bethany Home Activities continued from front page
On October 29, residents made Halloween
cookies. These were
served at the Halloween
party on October 31. A
costume party was held
for residents and their
family and staff. Winners
of contest were: Alex
Shaw, Hank Adams and
Karma Sinsel. Winners
all received money for
prizes.
Trick or Treaters enjoyed
the party with residents in
the Healthcare Dining
Room. Trick or Treaters
got to circle the residents who all
had treats for them. This was third year for this activity and it
really works better. We thank the children and their parents for
sharing their Halloween Costumes with us. Residents had a
great time!
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14
December 31, 20
invited to attend. Pastors Baron and Nancy Cole
provide the service. A candle is lit for each deceased resident.
Families are given blown glass angels in memory of their loved
one. Everyone is invited for refreshments.
The Evangelical Free church women
visited on November 7. They provided homemade pie (which was delicious). Angie Althouse provided a
program of piano music. We appreciate them coming every November to
provide a party for the residents.
The November birthday honorees
were: Ena Nokes - November 6,
Orin Duchek November 8, Nancy
Werth - November 10, Shirley
Norseen - November 11, Randall
Wolfe - November 21, Arlyce
Veteran’s Day was celebrated with a
Albers - November 22 and Elliene
party in honor of Bethany Home vetChristensen - November 30. Paul
erans and all others whom are veterKothe entertained residents and
ans. Deb Bishop entertained and
guests with his one man band,
everyone enjoyed red, white and blue
playing his accordion. We try to
cookies and ice cream sundaes. It
get residents up to dance and also
was also National Sundae Day.
dance with them in wheelchairs.
They love the Polka and Big Band
Carrie Soucie and family entertain
Minden Area Home School children
music. Thanks to the birthday volDecember 22, 2014
and their families came for a visit.
unteers for helping with the birthThey sang patriotic songs, in honor
day parties.
of
all
our
veterans
and
other
songs too. They served homemade
Residents enjoyed getting to help decorate for fall. We also had
cookies
to
all
the
residents.
We thank you for coming, as the
a fall reminisce discussion. Thanksgiving decorations were
residents
always
enjoy
seeing
children.
made by residents at the Thanksgiving craft session. They enjoy
making decorations for their doors, rooms and apartments.
The Fredericksburg Lutheran church ladies came back to hold a
party on November 14. Donna Davidson provided a wonderful
Bethany Home Quarterly Memorial Service was held
piano program. The ladies served a delicious homemade pumpNovember 13. Family members, residents, friends and staff are
kin dessert - yum! We thank you for sharing
your time with us and your money donation
for us to purchase something for the residents.
Minden High School Amethyst Show Choir and Jazz Band performs
December 10, 2014
Hit Us With Some Humor was the afternoon
activity on November 20. The activity
department read funny stories, told jokes
and asked residents to tell of humorous thing
continued on page 3
Bethany Home Activities continued from page 2
that happened during their lives.
The Horserace Game is another popular activity. Residents bet
on their horses and the winners receive candy treats. Ice cream
bars are always enjoyed before the races.
The Minden Preschool children visited the morning of
November 25. They sang songs that they have learned in school
and each child colored a Thanksgiving pictures for all the residents. We thank the preschool teachers for bringing the children. The residents always look forward to seeing the children.
Patricia Christensen,
grandchildren & friend entertain
December 21, 2014
National Cake Day
was celebrated along
with Thanksgiving at
the Thanksgiving
Gathering
on
November 24. A
delicious carrot cake
and chocolate cake
was served to all in
attendance.
Residents
shared
their Thanksgiving
stories.
The
Thanksgiving program was given by
the activity department.
Bingo is popular with Assisted Living and some Healthcare residents. Residents play bingo on Monday mornings, some
Fridays and on Saturday afternoons. I am needing a volunteer
for 1 1/2 hours on Mondays, to call bingo. If you are that person, call me at 308-832-1594. Thank you.
We thank Carol Kuehn and Judy Gilbert for volunteering their
time every other Monday. Glenda Blauch and Mary Bienke
have retired from bingo. We thank them for all of their years of
volunteering. Also, thank you to Viola Spors for your years of
volunteer work.
December started with the Memory Tree program and decorating the tree with angel ornaments. The program was led by Bob
Tank, Karma Sinsel and Nancy Cole. Followed by everyone
Bethany Home’s Management Staf f
Bob Tank.....................................................................Administrator
Rhonda Thorell...................................................Director of Nursing
Cassie Schmidt..................................Assistant Director of Nursing
Carol Dolan..........................................................Activities Director
Barb Detlefsen............................................Social Services Director
Diana Podewitz......................................................Dietary Manager
Wilma Talbert...................................................Laundry Supervisor
Dayle Dornhoff.........................................Housekeeping Supervisor
Julie Terrel, R.N..................................Assisted Living Coordinator
Jodi Swartz...........................Business Office Mgr/Medical Records
Lynn Tacha................................................Maintenance Supervisor
B e t h an y Ho me B oa r d of Dir e c t o r s
Delvin Schmidt...................................................................President
Neil Carlson................................................................Vice President
Joann Paulsen....................................................................Secretary
Arlen Osterbuhr.................................................................Treasurer
Rose Beaumont.....................................................................Member
Marllys Carlson....................................................................Member
Jill Fritson............................................................................Member
Rusty Rhynalds....................................................................Member
Doris Thompson...................................................................Member
singing Christmas songs, with Baron Cole accompanying at the
piano.
Delicious finger foods, punch, coffee and ice tea was served.
Proceeds from Memory
Tree goes to staff volunteer fund. Items are purchased for the
residents use. Many item have been purchased including lounge
TV’s, cupboards for activity room, lifts and more.
December is always a busy month with decorating over 20
trees, hanging garland and bows, making wreaths and lots of
activities. Carol Dolan makes all the wreaths displayed
throughout the facility.
December birthday honorees were: Grace Jensen - December
22, Helen Meyer -
Minden Area Home School Children
and their families perform November 11, 2014
December 28. There may have been only two honorees but a
fun time was had by all in attendance. The Bethany Home Bell
Choir performed their Christmas program for the residents’
pleasure. Cake and ice cream were served to all in attendance.
continued on page 4
Bethany Home Activities continued from page 3
Residents, Maintenance Department and
Activity Department decorated the large
Christmas tree in Assisted Living Dining
Room. This is the one tree that gets decorated
the same every year. Multi colored balls and
lights with crocheted popcorn and cranberry
garland. An old fashioned tree is popular with
people taking family photos for Christmas.
Residents enjoyed hot chocolate and
Christmas cookies.
On December 3, residents got involved in a “fluffing party”,
helping fluff the pine garland that is hung on porch railings in
Assisted Living. We add bows to make it really pretty.
Each department and volunteers helped decorate a tree this
year. Winter Peace Activity dept., Elegance - Health Care nursing dept., Christmas Is Here - Office dept., Sweet Delight -
Country Jammers entertain
December 17, 2014
green beans with bacon, cinnamon applesauce salad, rolls and
butter and pie was provided by Bethany Home. Bob Tank,
Dietary and Department heads helped in preparing the meal.
The Byrn’s Band entertained. They added Christmas songs to
their program. We thank them for doing such a great job. We
hope they can come back soon! Several Christmas village centerpieces along with wrapped door prizes were won by those in
attendance. Everyone had a grand night.
BETHANY HOME CRAFTERS
Halloween Crafts
October 1, 2014
Thanksgiving Crafts
November 5, 2014
Crafts
Christmas
0, 2014
1
r
e
b
m
Dece
Dietary dept., Treasured Christmas - Residents and Activity
dept., Pastel Glamour - Activity dept., Gilded Glow - Laundry
dept., Sew Sweet - Housekeeping dept., For the Birds - Activity
dept., Beautiful and Bright - Activity dept., Merry & Bright Assisted Living nursing dept., Joyful I Celebration - Stacy
Sinsel & children, Monica Johnson & children and Amber
Taylor & children. The trees were beautiful this year. Thanks to
the departments and volunteers for helping decorate.
Several decorations were made by residents at the December
craft session. You probably see these on several residents doors
when you visited.
Our Annual Christmas Family Night was held on December 11.
The delicious meal of ham, roast beef, loaded mash potatoes,
Minden
High School
Amethyst
Show Choir
and
Jazz
band provided a program
of
dance and
songs
on
December
10.
We
always look
forward to
them coming by to
entertain.
Bethany
Home’s
A n n u a l
Christmas
Tree walk
was held on
Sunday, December 14. Several
from the community, family,
friends and residents enjoyed
seeing the trees and decor.
Donna Davidson played the
piano for everyone’s enjoyment.
Mary Lute
Delicious
sweet treats were
ke
informati meier gave an
served
to
everyone.
ve progra
m
P
hysical T
for
herap
October 9 y Month
, 2014
The Bethany Home Busy Bakers
baked and decorated Christmas
cookies on December 18. Of course they had to have some after
their job was finished.
Patricia Christensen, grandchildren and friend held a Christmas
program of music and singing, on December 21. We thank them
continued on page 5
Bethany Home Activities continued from page 4
for their efforts.
Carrie Soucie and her family provided a Christmas program of
singing, piano and violin, on
December 22. We thank them for
coming and hope to have them
come more often.
BETHANY H
OME
Residents
enjoyed
their
Christmas party on December
23. Lots of finger foods, punch,
ice tea and coffee were served
to residents, guests and staff.
Santa Claus and the “Big Elf”
stopped by to wish each resident a Merry Christmas.
Santa’s elves (staff) helped
pass out the Christmas gifts
from Bethany Home staff
members. Staff members led
a Christmas sing-along.
Residents were very appreciative and said the “party
was wonderful”.
RESIDENTS
AND THE
IR FAMIL
IES
Enjoying wa
tching
MINDEN B
AND FES
T
O
ctober 18,
2014
Bethany Home Candlelight
Service was held on
December 24. Pastors
Baron and Nancy Cole led
the service and their
daughter accompanied on
piano. Residents and
guests enjoyed the hearing of God’s
Word. Refreshments of assorted Christmas cookies, coffee and
ice tea was served.
Donna Davidson entertains at
Christmas Tree Walk
December 14, 2014
Church services are held at 1:30 p.m. on
Sundays. Family is
Aseracare held a “Holiday”
Remembrance on December
30. A program was led by
Aseracare staff. Residents
and guests were given a
moment to share stories, pictures of their loved ones.
Aseracare gave each person,
a angel or blown glass heart
in memory of their love ones.
Assorted tray of cookies,
coffee and ice tea was
served.
The New Year’s Eve party was held on December 31. Party
favors were given to the residents, music
was played. Lots of finger food and beverages were served. We
did the “countdown”, sang together “Auld Lange Syne” and
then the noise began! I was not there but it sounds like everyone had a good time welcoming the New Year.
invited to attend also. An
undenominational communion is given once a
month. Several churches provide communion for their members. Bible Study is held on Mondays at 3:15 p.m. with Coles
and 7:00 p.m. with the Bauers. Again, call if you plan on attending.
We thank everyone who has donated either time, money or
gifts. They are appreciated very much.
The Activity Department and residents are really enjoying our wonderful, newest member of the Activity
Department: Juanita Smith. She is
from Assumption and has prior experience in working in nursing homes.
We will keep her!
The Activity Department wishes all
of you a happiest of New Year!!
Mel Burg entertains
October 25, 2014
parties at BETHANY HOME
Westminster Presbyterian
Church Party
October 10, 2014
Evangelical Free
Church Party
November 7, 2014
Fredericksburg Lutheran
Church Party
November 14, 2014
Birthday Parties
October, November, December
October 7, 2014
4, 2014
November
Paul Kothe entertains
November Party
Bethany Home Bell Choir perform
at the December Party
Tim Ito performs
October Party
December
2, 2014
Busy Bakers
BETHANY HOME
ams, Beth Oschner,
rella Smith, Hank Ad
Roberta Larsen, Co
fresh apples
or Deisley peeling
Lois Hansen, Elean
October 20, 2014
Eleanor Deisley, Nancy Werth,
Glendora Peterson frosting
Halloween cupcakes
October 29, 2014
Helen Meyer, Naomi Boilsen, Gloria Vannier,
Arlyce Albers, LaVada Mills rolling out pie crust
October 20, 2014
Rowena Chase, Edna Carlson, Nancy Werth,
Eleanor Deisley rolling out Christmas cookie dough
December 18, 2014
Betty Koch, Barb Black,
Anna Stec frosting cookies
December 18, 2014
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
BETHANY HOME
SCHEDULE
OF
Friday April 3rd
EVENTS
2:00 p.m. EASTER EGG HUNT
Pre-K
NORTH LAWN
K - 1st Grade
2nd & 3rd Grade
1 Easter Large Gift Basket for each category - Special Money Eggs
2:30 p.m. REFRESHMENTS SERVED - PRIZES AWARDED
ASSISTED LIVING DINING ROOM
3:00 p.m. GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE IN CHAPEL
Inclement weather - Will be held inside Facility
It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas
Stacy Sinsel & Children,
Amber Taylor & children,
Monica Johnson & children
helped decorate for Christmas
Invites You To These Upcoming Events!
BETHANY HOME
Refreshments served at 2:00 p.m.- Events at 2:15 p.m.
ASSISTED LIVING DINING ROOM
February 3
FEBRUARY
Monthly Birthday Party Honoring Residents with February Birthdays.
Birthday Cake, Ice Cream & Entertainment
February 14
Valentine’s Day Party Delicious Refreshments
February 10
February 24
February 25
“Deb Bishop” Entertains - Vocal - Mixed
Bethany Home Bell Choir Entertains
“The Country Jammers” Entertain
MARCH
March 3
Monthly Birthday Party Honoring Residents with March Birthdays.
Birthday Cake, Ice Cream & Entertainment
March 17
St. Patrick’s Day Party Delicious Refreshments
March 10
“Deb Bishop” Entertains
March 25
“The Country Jammers” Entertain
APRIL
April 3
Bethany Home Annual Easter Egg Hunt - Good Friday Service
See this messenger for schedule of events for the day
April 7
Monthly Birthday Party Honoring Residents with April Birthdays.
Birthday cake, ice cream & entertainment
April 14
“Deb Bishop” Entertains
April 22
“The Country Jammers” Entertain
MAY
May Is Older Americans Month
May 2
Spring Tea BY INVITATION - ONLY
May 5
Monthly Birthday Party Honoring Residents with May Birthdays.
Birthday cake, ice cream & entertainment
May 12
“Deb Bishop” Entertains
May 10-16
May 14
May 27
National Nursing Home Week
More information and schedule of events will be posted later
Spring Family& BBQ For RESIDENTS& Their FAMILIES, STAFF& their families. ONLY
“The Country Jammers” Entertain
Call for Paul Kothe - Big Band - Accordion Music Schedule.
Come & Join Us for the Fun!
Many more events will be added, Please call ahead to confirm events, times and dates.
Christmas Family Night
December 11, 2014
The Byrn’s Band performs
Gifts from Friends of Bethany Home
Fourth Quarter, 2014
Bethany Lutheran Church, Axtell, NE
Trinity Lutheran Church, Axtell, NE
John M. and Janette M. Kuehn
Lester & Phyllis Burnham
Delores Ingram
The Leroy Thom, Jean Thom
and T-L Foundation Inc.
Gifts to Bethany Home Foundation Fund in Honor of Anniversaries,
Birthdays, Family and Friends
Fourth Quarter, 2014
VERNON & LOIS CHRISTENSEN
by Randall & Sheila Stubbs
Terry & Brenda Christensen
Dean & Julie Zoerb
IN MEMORY OF
LAURENCE STRINE’S 100TH BIRTHDAY
by Lona Kuehn
Doris Thompson
Barbara Anderson
RON BUNGER
John & Janette Kuehn
Terry Christiansen
Shirley Christiansen
Edwin & Sandra Kuehn
Eleanor Diesley
Richard & Sherryl Swartz
Roberta & Helen Larsen
Ann Strine & Clyde Cross
CAROL KENTON
Richard & Sherryl Swartz
Helen & Roberta Larsen
Russ & Karen Meyer
Charles & Carol Kuehn
Dorothy Miller
GERALD GILDER
Cindy Bunger
RON RUSSEL
George Latter
WILMA FAVINGER
Shirley Norseen
Bruce & Tamara Petersen
DENNIS LAMMERS
George Latter
Minden High School - Class of 1956
AUGIE NELSON
Terry Christiansen
Shirley Christiansen
Helen & Roberta Larsen
Edwin & Sandra Kuehn
Dorothy Miller
DAHLIA SALTZGABER
S.D. & Eunice Jackson
RAY SCHROEDER
John & Jane Albers
SHIRLEY SWANSON
Marjorie Jean Prince
Laurence & lone Strine
Donald & Mary L Kristensen
Robert & Karen Vitera
Ruth Steen
Helen & Roberta Larsen
Barbara Anderson
Merlin & Lynette Beahm
Lillian H Johnson
Terry Christiansen
Shirley Christiansen
LORRAINE VANDERSTOEP
Terry Christiansen
DON WERNER
Ruth Steen
Helen & Roberta Larsen
Dorothy Miller
Veteran’s Day
Program
November 11, 2014
Deb Bishop entertains
Please visit our website at www.mybethanyhome.com
BETHANY HOME
HALLOWEEN 2014
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Hank Adam
Costume Contest Participants
Ethel Olson
handing out candy
Hazel Gruber
handing out candy
Grace Jensen
with her
grandson
and family
Andrea Ba
rker
handing o
ut candy
Carl Swanson
handing out candy
Anna Stec
handing out candy
Viola Eckloff
handing out cand
y
RESIDENT OF THE QUARTER
CARL SWANSON
CARL SWANSON was born in Comstock, Nebraska on October 22, 1923
to Charles and Martha Swanson. He was raised on the family farm. When he
was still a teen his father died and he helped his mother with the family farm
and his 4 siblings.
He is the second oldest of the children and all five are still living. They had a family reunion in the summer of 2014 and all of
them attended.
Carl Swanson
He graduated from Dry Valley High School in 1942. In 1946 he married Shirley Shultz
and they had 2 daughters, Linda Nelson and Connie Ryan.
Shirley passed away in October 2014 just short of their 68th Wedding Anniversary.
Carl worked as the owner and operator of the Minden Grain Company until his retirement in 1988.
Carl and Shirley spent their winters in South Padre Island, Texas for 34 years. His family is very
important to him he has 4 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Carl states that everyone at
Bethany Home is very kind to him.
Minden Public School
Preschool visits
November 25, 2014