After three months of planning by the Thrive Wellness Community Committee (TWCC), on July 1st, well over 100 independent living residents came out for a field day and picnic. The purpose was to celebrate the kickoff of Ware’s Thrive Wellness initiative.
Numerous games were planned, both inside (Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, ladder toss, ring toss) and outside (croquet, shuffleboard, horseshoes, bocce, and corn hole). Rain right around starting time forced us to cancel the outdoor games except those that could be moved into the Vista Ridge auditorium and under the auditorium overhang. But it didn’t seem to matter to anyone, neither the players nor the watchers.
With the TWCC and our new and recently departed Fitness Director, Nadine Cordivano, leading the way, the day went off without a hitch. Tami, the community life director, presented Nadine with a “treasure chest” of notes written by residents expressing thanks for what she had accomplished in just the short time she was here. Nadine responded to the love she was shown with tears and gratitude.
Ron Masters, Chair of the Thrive Wellness Community Committee, was delighted with the large turnout and energy displayed on Independents Day by residents from the villas, Vista Ridge apartments and Westminster Place.
- All games were filled to capacity!
- Jerry Wascheck and Kay Skinner had a 20-minute-long battle at Giant Jenga.
- Shayne Arneson seems to be the champion of Giant Connect Four.
- Elizabeth Kirk, Bob Undercuffler, and Carolyn Gandin also loved Connect Four.
- Bob Philhower had a strong showing playing bocce.
- Bud Henry excelled at ring toss and cornhole.
- Rose Flynn, Vince Fontana, and Annette Pennington showed skill in the ladder toss.
- Joe Scott provided an indoor putting green that many enjoyed. Nothing like putting into a cup and having the ball sent back to you!
Numerous residents said they talked with people who they had not met before. This was aided by Margaret Holland, our name tag gestapo, who made sure everyone got a name tag when they arrived. Remember, many new residents moved into Ware during the pandemic, and they had not had the opportunity to meet either the longer-term residents or other new residents.
Our great staff members were all around: Tami Bennett, Janice Bennett, and Megan Wolfe led games, took pictures, welcomed, cheered, and encouraged residents. Doug Wise and Lynn Gajewski from sales also joined the fun and would have shuttled residents to outdoor games had they not been rained out. Our kitchen staff, Chef Brian Ulshafer, Kati, Luci, and team provided a great Independents’ Day lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, drinks, chips, watermelon, and ice cream novelties. Ware’s Business Office Coordinator, Sherri Spina, came out and helped Marilyn Garthwaite, Pattie Markley, and Pat Anderson serve lunch.
All in all, it was a great day for Ware and for the many residents who chose to come out and “reconnect” with each other and with people they had never met.
Please stay tuned for next month’s post for Thrive Wellness updates and share this information with your friends. Invite them to subscribe to the PSL blog. Thrive Wellness monthly blogs will post at the end of each month.
People who come to Presbyterian Senior Living come for more than just a place to live– they come to feel energized, challenged, and fulfilled; they come to THRIVE.