We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Sweet Memorial Nursing Home held its annual volunteer recognition dinner last week at the Chinook care facility. About 50 volunteers attended a luncheon complete with a gift for each attendee and a drawing for flowers that were center pieces on the tables. In the photo part of the volunteers line up for lunch while others visit at their tables.
By Steve Edwards
BCJ News
For several years the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home (SMNH) has held a spring luncheon to recognize and thank the many volunteers who help at the Chinook care home. The 50+ guests attending were representative of the folks who spend time helping make life a little more pleasant for the residents at the home. Jeanne Buffington, Activities Manager at SMNH, said the turnout of volunteers for this year's luncheon was one of the best she could recall.
Buffington welcomed the volunteers and introduced Toni Farmer and Peggy Gideon, staff members who also assist with activities for residents. Buffington said they were both new to her department and "doing a great job in their new roles." Buffington and her assistants served up a lunch of chicken enchiladas, salad, fresh fruit and cake.
In her opening remarks Buffington said to the volunteers, "We love all the things you do. We couldn't keep our level of activities without the help of our volunteers." At each table setting there was a card, designed on a computer by one of the residents, and decorated by other residents. Lunch included chicken enchiladas, salad, fresh fruit and cake. Each volunteer received a portable "go coffee cup" at the conclusion of the luncheon.
Lunch guests included ministers, congregants from local churches, musicians and friends of Sweet Home. Buffington said the transition to a nursing home can be "very trying" for residents. She said, "Sometimes just a friendly face of a volunteer can make a big difference to a resident." Volunteers help with worship services, birthday parties, crafts and jigsaw puzzles and seasonal events throughout the year. Sweet Home recently inaugurated a music therapy program, a formal approach that helps residents reconnect through listening to their favorite music.
If you are interested in volunteering, you can call Sweet Memorial Nursing Home at 357-2549. Buffington said," There are all sorts of opportunities for volunteers to help at the nursing home. You don't have to be a trained musician or have any special training. An interest in helping residents have a good day is sufficient motivation."
Editors Note: Nursing Home Week is May 14-20. The Sweet Memorial Nursing Home goes all out to embrace the community and the schools in the week long celebration. Be sure to look in next weeks Blaine County Journal~News Opinion for a complete schedule of whats happening during the week
