Colfax Health and Rehab – 12-20-2017
News for the week of December 10th to the 16th:
Monday morning found the Green Leaf Crafters making cookie holders in the shape of Christmas Trees. We will use these to cover the cookies we will pass out to the visiting groups of children.
Wally Hurt entertained us in the afternoon with his collection of animated Christmas items. It was fun to watch as he started the many different items that he brought.
Tuesday morning found the East Dining Room filled with residents ready to get a little exercise. Tony led the group as their arms were swinging and legs were flying. The afternoon found us in the Square for an hour of bingo. As usual, many came away with bags full of goodies. After bingo we loaded up both vans and headed to Irvine Park to see the beautiful Christmas display. On the way home we passed through Bloomer to take in some of the beautiful decorations there.
Pastor Mary Eide of Shepard of the Hill Lutheran church in Elk Mound led us in our Wednesday morning church service. We appreciate her taking the time to come and share with us. Then it was time to turn the Square into a concert hall for our Family Holiday Event. As residents and families arrived, JC Colby was tuning up his guitar to treat us to an hour of wonderful Christmas music. We even sang along to some of our favorites. After the concert Santa and his elf made an appearance before everyone returned to their dining rooms to enjoy a beautiful dessert buffet that our dietary staff had prepared.
On Thursday morning the Colfax Kindergarten class came to sing for us. In the afternoon the High School Choir filled the Square with their rendition of many of our holiday favorites. We can always count on Mrs. Christianson and her students to put us in the holiday spirit.
Rosary and Gospel Sing a Long started our Friday. We have a very special group of volunteers who make this time possible. Loretta, Kathy and Bruce are always glad to share their time, songs and special words with us. Friday afternoon, Dime Bingo was played in the Square. Later in the afternoon the 22ers 4 H group could be heard throughout the building as they caroled up and down the halls. The caroling continued on Saturday afternoon with a group of young adults from the Colfax and Elk Mound area led by Lexi Schindler came to entertain the residents with songs of the season.
The holiday spirit continues next week with another family Christmas party along with music by Tim and Warren, and Chef Andy will show us how to make Russian Tea Cakes during his monthly baking class.
Here is this week’s recipe from the Area Nursing Home cook book published in 1996. Leona’s Caramels:
1 cup butter, 1 ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ tsp. salt, 1 cup light Karo syrup, 1 (15 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tsp. vanilla. Directions: Melt butter in a heavy 3 quart sauce pan. Add sugar and salt. Stir in Karo syrup. Mix well. Gradually add milk stirring constantly. Cook on medium high heat until firm ball stage* (245 degrees) or for about 15 minutes. Remove from head. Add vanilla and pour into well buttered 9 X 9 inch pan. Cool for 4 to 5 hours. Flip onto board and cut with sharp knife and wrap each piece in was paper.* Note: Be sure when you test in water it is really a firm ball. Submitted by Leonna Ubbelohde.
Until next week, may the memories of this special time of year keep you warm!
Barb Stobb, Activity Director