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McLean County Nursing home [PHONE REDACTED] EXCELLENCE IS A CHOICE. APRIL 2014 A Few Words from the Volunteers Coordinator — Great words to think about! And, within those three different types of people are our dedicated volunteers! (Please see article inside.) “Smiles are a Universal Language!” It was my 3rd or 4th trip to Sicily and I was on liberty when I came across a grandmother and three granddaughters were sitting enjoying the afternoon. What struck me was the enduring mo- ment this little white haired Italian grand- mother was having with her three little granddaughters. They were leaning in on her, touching her as she sat their doting over their company. I held up my camera and using hand gestures I motioned for permission to snap a picture. She knew exactly what I was saying despite my lack of Italian and her lack of English. She nod- ded her head and then immediately left the porch and stepped into the house. In a few seconds she emerged with a comb and a hair brush. She began to brush the hair of these little ones as if they were going to pose for an Olan Mills portrait. I stood there smiling patiently waiting until she gave the OK to take my photo. The grandmother then turned her back to the camera to not be photographed. In bro- ken Italian I pleaded with her to please turn around and be included in the pic- ture. She said “No,” and in Italian she said, “These are my pride and joy, young sailor, you take a picture of them, not me!” The photo is at home. It is over 40 years old now and faded. But the memo- ries are as clear to me as if it happened this morning! A smile is a language that can be a passport to any person on the planet. It speaks volumes. It needs no translation. Thirteen facial muscles are needed to do it right. Who have you smiled with today? Jack Moody, Administrator ---PAGE BREAK--- International Moment of Laughter Day is Always April 14th International Moment of Laughter Day is a special day that will put a big smile on your face. The objective of this day is to get people to laugh, and to laugh more often. After all, "laughter is the best medicine.” Moment of Laughter Day is also known as National Mo- ment of Laughter Day, and plain old Moment of Laughter Day. We don't care whether you celebrate today as a local, national, or international day. What's important is that you bring about laughter (and happiness) to those you come in contact with today. To celebrate this special day, simply tell jokes or do funny things that cause people to laugh. A smile is not a good enough reaction. Successful participation in this day results in whole-hearted laughter. Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 6-12, 2014. And while we don’t need a special week to appreciate our dedicated volunteers, we will be thinking of all of you with particular fondness during that time. Then, when the weather is better in June, we will celebrate in grand style with a reception at the nursing home where staff and residents will get an op- portunity to say in person: Look for more information about the June reception in the next newsletter. ---PAGE BREAK--- The Halls Come Alive with the Sound of Music! April 1-Friendly Pickers April 2-The Dynamics April 3-Mrs. Poindexter April 5-Piano Music—Joy Stark April 7-Piano Music—Mark Vincent April 9-Sing-a-long—Harlan Fels April 11-Music—Tally Green April 12-Music —Mclean County Di- versity Project April 16-Piano Music —Lucy Hospel- horn April 17-Music —Brad Darr April 23-Singing—Evelyn Ehlers and later—Alex Talbott April 26-Singing—Trinity Lutheran Church April 30-Music —1st Baptist Church Rubber Eraser Day – April 15 Make no mistake... Rubber Eraser Day celebrates the invention of erasers. We all make mistakes. This day is designated to recognize and appreciate the value of that little plug (as manufacturers call them), that sits atop our pencils. When we make a mistake, they are the big "cover-up," of our booboo. Just imagine how messy our documents would be without erasers!! Why not just call it "Eraser Day"? There are two reasons. The first is erasers were made of rubber. Today, they are made of rubber, or vinyl. Secondly, in Great Brit- ain, they are formally called "rubbers." In the world of erasers, two men are prominent. Joseph Priestley discovered the eraser in 1770, using pieces of rubber imported from Brazil. Then in 1858, Hyman Lipman of Philadelphia, Pa., pat- ented the pencil with an eraser at the end. To err is human, an eraser is divine! Look Who’s Joined Us! March 2014 - Barbara Cameron – CNA Carl Foeller – Bldg Maintenance Mechanic Wayne Newkirk – CNA “Wherever you go, go with an open heart.” Confucius ---PAGE BREAK--- A Huge McLean County Nursing Home Thank You to Shirley Brown—Volunteer Extraordinaire! Shirley has been a 30 year plus vol- unteer as the Community Advocate to the Resident Council. We soooo appreciate all you’ve done for us, Shirley and please know you will be missed!!! Sending you a kiss!! News from the Activities Department—Donna Holtzinger April 18, Chef Josh Steele is making a return visit to the Nursing Home. He’ll share a cooking demonstration in the MPR. If you haven’t seen him before, try to catch him Friday the 18th! He’s great! Easter Eggs will be colored on April 15. Take part and create your own special designs. The first drive around town of the season will be April 2. Look for first signs of Spring! Resident Council meets the first Tuesday of every month at 3 p.m. on 300 wing. Resi- dents and family alike, please join us and contribute ideas to consider for future activi- ties. The Annual White Elephant sale will be April 25, 2014. Donations are being accepted for items to sell. Consider starting your spring cleaning and bring your unwanted items to Activities. MP3 players will be purchased for residents to enhance music appreciation from the profits of our sale. ---PAGE BREAK--- Getting to Know Us! Judy Rigsbee Peppers, Volunteers Coordinator Jo Ann Shepler, Assistant Ward Clerk, has been a staff member with McLean County Nursing Home for 15 years. In addition, she is a trained CNA. Originally from Canton, IL, Jo Ann has lived in Normal for at least 20 years, when a lot of NEW things happened for her—new town, new man, new house— to name a few! Jo Ann spends her fun time crochet- ing, walking, camping, and fishing. And, she is a cat lover!! In addition to her husband, Jo Ann’s family includes: A daughter and son-in- law, a step-son and step–daughter-in-law, an eight year old grandson and six year old granddaughter, who both live in East Peoria. Jo Ann had a hard time coming up with just one favorite food so we went with really enjoying Steak ‘n Shake (for you town folk—In sight, it must be right!) And fish, despite enjoying fishing, made the top of the least favorite food list! Thanks for sharing Jo Ann!! Birthdays for April!!!! Time to celebrate!!! Coming and Going at the Nursing Home—Since Last Time Those Who Joined Us Blanche Hauptman, Dorothy Mays Those Who Discharged Esta Wessels Those Who Passed Bob Clinton, Vivian Gorrell, (Alvin) Jack McClure Genevieve Finley 1 Larry Dall 3 Mary Wolcott 4 Becky Grove 7 Eugene Kaufman 8 Ruth Willisamson 14 Betty Thompson 18 Marjorie Mounce 19 Jean Brickey 21 Joan Castrovillo 24 Maxine Howard 25 Helen McElroy 27 Evie McFaddin 30 ---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. The Poem Place In Honor of Our Volunteers! Dedicated Hearts Dedicated hearts like yours Are not so easy to find. It takes a special person to be So generous and kind. To care so much for your fel- low man Is a quality all too rare. Yet you give of your time and talents, For all in need to share. So thank you for being a volunteer, We're privileged to work with you. We want you to know how appreciated you are, Not just today, but the whole year through. We Love Our Volunteers!!! If your birthday is in April— Sign of the Zodiac and Dates: Taurus, April 20 to May 20. Your Birth Flower: Daisy Characteristics : Artistic, like to get things done, and enjoy a good meal! Does anyone share an April 21 birthday with Queen Elizabeth? Help Celebrate Earth Day! April 22, 2014 On the last page of this newslet- ter is an Earth Day Word Search. If you take the com- pleted word search (or as much as you can com- plete!) to Ac- tivities, they will have a special treat for you!