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McLean County Nursing home [PHONE REDACTED] EXCELLENCE IS A CHOICE. DECEMBER 2013 “Thanksgiving: A History of Reflection” By Jack Moody, Interim Administrator This time of year it never escapes me to fondly recall waking up each morning in high school to my clock radio tuned to WGN Ra- dio’s morning DJ, Wally Phillips. Each Christ- mas season in the 1960’s, about this time of year, Wally Phillips would once again begin his “Neediest Children’s Christmas Fund” donation program. This was his brain child. People would write in or call and talk to his producer about how much they needed any money at all to have a small Christmas for their children. A Few Words from the Volunteers Coordinator — Peace on earth, goodwill toward men. Sometimes he placed them on the radio. They told their heartfelt story about los- ing a job, or being evicted, or illnesses that robbed all their extra money. Wal- ly always asked people who donated to please include with their gift a note about something they have always want- ed. Close to Christmas Day when he would do a drawing off radio of all the names of people who donated, he would plan special radio programs. On the ra- dio he would call Mrs. Smith from the “North Side” and talk to her on the ra- dio. Mrs. Smith had included a note that she has not talked to her aunt in France for 29 years. Wally would line up the transatlantic call and surprise Mrs. Smith that they had her “on the line,” would she like to talk to her “off the ra- dio”? I miss it. I miss hearing people on the radio tell their stories of lost loved ones, hard financial times, stories of their lives, and for me, it always added to my Christ- mas. Many people were helped directly and specifically with their need. At Christmas time, and for many years, my growing up with this idea of helping others at Christmas is a special time for me. I contact a local agency here in town. If you are able, please consider this as a project for your family. You will be amazed at how much you are blessed on the days you go shopping for others! Merry Christmas to all of you! ---PAGE BREAK--- Hanukkah (sometimes spelled Chanukkah) is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights. It starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which coincides with late November-late December on the secular calendar. In Hebrew, the word "hanukkah" means "dedication." The name reminds us that this holiday com- memorates the re-dedication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.E. In commemoration of this event Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and a candle is lit on the hanukkiyah on each of those days. One candle is lit the first night, two the second, and so on, until the final night when all the candles are lit. Each of the eight candles is lit with a “helper” candle known as the shamash. The shamash is lit first, is used to light the other candles, and then is returned to the menorah. Happy Hanukkah! In the inventible moments when life throws us a curve- ball, we tend to scatter our energy without realizing it. We worry about the past, lose sleep over the future, and search for answers...out there. Anywhere. In- stead, try to tune in. Trust that you al- ready have what you need inside yourself. That inner voice that has guided you through countless struggles in the past is always there for you. Slow down, listen, and have faith in your own inner vision. Adapted from Prevention magazine, October 2013. ---PAGE BREAK--- Adapted from Tips to Overcome Negative Thoughts: Positive Thinking Made Easy!! Smile--It really does help change your mood and relieve stress. In addi- tion, you also feel lighter because it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown. Even it you don’t feel a smile inside, give it a try! Practice Change the tone of your thoughts from negative to positive--For exam- ple, instead of thinking I am going to have a hard time adjusting to my living situation, replace that with I will face some challenges in my liv- ing situation, and will try to come up with solutions that can help me be happier. Borrowed from: sunwarrrior.com businesses are closed and the greatest pos- sible number of workers, including govern- ment employees, have the day off. Many places even close early on the day before. The decorating of homes for Christmas is very common. Most American who observe Christmas have a Christmas tree in their homes. Merry Christmas!! Christmas is a most important religious holy day for Christians, who attend special church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Because it is a reli- gious holiday, it is not an official holiday. However, since most Americans are Christian, the day is one on which most ---PAGE BREAK--- McLean County Nursing Home is always looking for caring folks to volunteer and help our residents. We can use help with BINGO, man- icures, the dining room, shopping with residents, and much, more more! If you know someone who has a few hours a week to spare/ share, please ask them to contact me: Judy Rigsbee Peppers, Volun- teers Coordinator, [PHONE REDACTED]. Thanks 1,000,000!! News from the Activities Department—Donna Holtzinger Need I say more? Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!! Please join us for any and all of these events! *12-2 Mark Vincent *12-18 - Dallas Stamberger *12-3 - Music with Brad Darr *12-19 - Music with Alex Talbott *12-3 - Friendly Pickers *12-23 - Christmas Parties *12/4 - 30 Fingers Piano Music *12-25 - Christmas Social with Shelley *12/5 - Silver Leaf 4-H Group *12-26 - Birthday Party *12-6 - Normal Public Library/Story Hour with kids from Fairview School *12-9 - Project Oz Christmas Music *12-10 - Holiday Stories with Mike Lockett *12-11 - Sing –a-long with Harlan Fels *12-12 - Marguerite Campbell’s Birthday Concert *12-13 - State Farm Chorus *12-16 - Cub Scout Troop 3991 Christmas Caroling *12-17 - Girl Scout Troup 1048 Christmas Caroling ---PAGE BREAK--- Getting to Know Us! Judy Rigsbee Peppers, Volunteers Coordinator Aside from 10 years in Califor- nia, Deacon Loren Keim has lived in Bloomington. He went to school here and IL Community College af- terward. He likes burgers and doesn’t like sushi. When he’s not busy he enjoys golf! The family dog is a mini -schnauzer who is a real ball of fire!! Loren has been married for 34 years. He and his wife have three children. Two live in Las Vegas and one in Bloomington—and there is one grandchild each in each family. Deacon Keim became a Dea- con in 2013. A Deacon is an or- dained minister of an order ranking below that of priest. He is assigned currently to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington. Coming and Going at the Nursing Home—Since Last Time Those Who Joined Us Pauline Benton, Genevieve Finley, Charles French, James Henderson, Moore, Art Riddle, Marjorie Schwarz- lose, Jean Stone Those Who Discharged Those Who Passed Melvin Alwes John Collignon 1 Marguerite Campbell 12 Jean Beeson 16 Paul Theobald 20 Irma Sands 22 James Henderson 24 Polly Benton 27 Harry Barnes 28 Lottie Brown 28 Rosamond Robbins 28 Birthdays for December!!!! Time to celebrate!!! ---PAGE BREAK--- Our Goal: To provide quality care in an atmosphere that allows both resi- dents and their families to feel at ease during residents’ stays in McLean County Nursing Home. HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Offered by Judy Rigsbee Peppers Volunteers Coordinator New Year’s Reflections by Joanna Fuchs Looking back on the months gone by, As a new year starts and an old one ends, We contemplate what brought us joy, And we think of our loved ones and our friends. Recalling all the happy times, Remembering how they enriched our lives, We reflect upon who really counts, As the fresh and bright new year ar- rives. And when I/we ponder those who do, I/we immediately think of you. Thanks for being one of the reasons I'll have a Happy New Year! If your birthday is in December — Sign of the Zodiac and Dates: Capricorn, November 22— December 21 Your Birth Flower: Narcissus Characteristics : Independent, excellent friend Does anyone share a December birthday with Santa Claus or Dick Van Dyke (12/13)? Families of Residents We need your help—now and in the future. In order to stay in touch with you, as effi- ciently as possible, will you please notify Social Services if you have an address and/or phone number change? We’re all in this together! Thank you for helping us help your family members who are residents of McLean County Nurs- ing Home!