MSUM and Concordia Students…
September means time for Back-to-School, and with it, the return of our college volunteers. Those volunteering from Minnesota State University Moorhead’s Social Gerentology class are tasked with spending 15 hours getting to know an elder in their community. This is not only a great opportunity for the younger generation to learn about the population they will eventually serve, but an opportunity for our residents to pass down stories, wisdom, and sometimes a useful skill to their partner. One of our student volunteers was from Concordia. She spent most of her time helping out with Fancy Fingers manicure group on Thursdays, and joining Riverton Suites for their weekly bus rides. We so appreciate having students choose River Pointe for their school projects. We think we have a pretty great group of people here, and have had great feedback from our volunteers about their experience here.
Tuesdays on the Town…
Providing opportunities to just get out and have fun is so important to us. We try to provide a variety of flavors and prices with the outings we choose each month, and most especially enjoy visiting places requested by residents.
In September, we visited:
- Spitfire Woodfire Grill
- The Red River Zoo and Pizza Ranch
- Nicole’s Downtown Bistro (shopping Downtown that Friday)
- A local church’s annual pork dinner
- Snap Dragon Chinese Buffet
Crafter’s Corner and Coffee Hour…
Our Bus Driver/Resident Assistant, Christine, also has an interest in crafting, so she was a natural fit when residents asked for another option for things to do on the weekend. She will be here every other Saturday for “Crafter’s Corner.” Residents are encouraged to bring projects they are working on, or just to come socialize for a while.
Our coffee shop will also be regularly stocked with goodies in the afternoon, going forward. We hope these additions provide opportunities to connect with neighbors and make new friends, for those that are less interested in more conventional, scheduled activities.
In the Community…
The Alzheimer’s Walk and Greater Moorhead Days Parade were SO much fun to be a part of. We had a great group of staff come together for the Walk at the beginning of the month, and many residents (even some family members!) join in the Parade. It was a blast!
Book Club…
Our Book Club, facilitated by Nicole over at the Moorhead Public Library, met to discuss the Western tale “El Paso.” They are currently reading, “The Book That Matters Most” and plan to meet in December. They have been having trouble finding books they all really enjoy reading, but still enjoy coming together to discuss their opinions on what they read. Let us know if you have any suggestions we can pass along!
Local History Talks…
Mark Piehl was here at the beginning of the month to discuss Recreation on the Red River, and how it has changed (and stayed the same) over time. Many residents once lived near or along the Red River. Some had it right in their backyard! So it was a very personal discussion that brought back many great memories. Mark will be back each month with a new topic.
Oktoberfest…
We had a lot of fun at Oktoberfest. Local accordion-player, Albert Mikesh, performed for over an hour, during our Cider Sampling event. Afterwards, we all sat down to a German-style meal, created by Chef Wendy. Wendy and her staff always work hard to make sure every plate comes out delicious. Our full stomachs thank them for their dedication and pride in their work.
Quilt Raffle…
A Quilt Raffle capped off our September, just in time for chilly October. Over 30 quilts were donated by Heartland Community Church, in honor of past resident, Vera. Riverton Suites got first pick of the bunch, and the rest were raffled off in a free auction for assisted living residents. It really turned into a whole afternoon, and everyone had a great time.
Upcoming in November
Music!
- Music with Jan Severson of Hawley
- Music and More’s debut performance at River Pointe
- Country Classics with Country Auggies
- Music with Jerry Jacobson
Food!
We will be hosting our annual family meal here on November 21st. Seatings available for 4:15 or 5:30, with live piano music from our friend, Alex Swanson, from 5 to 6. Please contact Lexie Bosh at 218-287-6900 as soon as possible to reserve your spots.
We will also be hosting another men’s breakfast on the 10th!
Around Town!
Shopping outings are scheduled to the $1 Store, Menards, WalMart, and the Moorhead Center Mall on Friday afternoons. (Friendly reminder that the bus runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for errands!) Restaurant outings are scheduled to Kroll’s, Tru Blu Social Club, and Blarney Stone Irish Pub.
Other Fun Stuff!
Mark Piehl will be here to discuss Saloons, and Anita Bender will be back for another wine class. Pastor Del will host a meet and greet for some of our newer residents to get to know him after bingo on the 13th. He is our main spiritual leader at River Pointe, and wants to get to know some of the newer faces. Card group will continue to meet on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday night, and Social Hour will take place after bingo on Thursdays.
Have a great idea for something fun our residents might want to try? Give our Community Life Coordinator, Anna Leeby, a call today (218-287-6900) She also oversees volunteering at River Pointe, if you are interested!
River Pointe Facebook – check out the fun!