Nothing says party like the end of construction, and the opening of a new venue.

The construction of an adjoining and communal share space between two retirement community buildings concluded in 2022. This allowed integration of residents, at many periods of life, to bond over a meal in the new bar/grille restaurant, attend speaking, musical, and campus events in the new community room, attend religious services in the new chapel, as well as participate in a game of golf on the game simulator.

I enjoyed designing this event, it benefits so many people in the community now and in the future. Plus, the event team of dining and life enrichment, really made this event a huge success by providing
a dining and reception experience that far surpassed expectations.

Life Enrichment at a retirement community during Covid. For a creative mind, it was an interesting and exciting challenge to figure out safe ways to engage residents. However, when everyone had their Covid shot we planned a large party. And why not have a luau in April…from beautiful floral arrangements, a pinapple ice sculpture, and delectable pork roast that set the mood for the event, to breathtaking textures and linens that made you feel like donning your linens and dancing the hula. BTW: we had a Hawaiian-born hula dancer on site as well as a steel drum player. We ate and danced our way through Covid in style.

Following a long Covid year, we were given the clear to have a small formal Women’s Tea party—without masks! This was the first time, I was really able to showcase my talents.

Sue McLain, owner of Yesterday's Lady, a vintage fashion museum/store in Beatrice, presented her ‘Century of Fashion’ collection, sponsored by Nebraska Humanities. Her beautiful collection was a hit with our group of retirees. They listened and enjoyed desserts on freshly pressed linens and china.

The first summer after Covid was still a little uncertain regarding group activities. An outdoor screen and, thankfully, also great weather were available for the occasion. The decor came together nicely down to photobooth, popcorn, refreshment table, and snackbar.

Introducing the residents to a lost art of calligraphy and letterpress was easy for Ashland-based business Postscript. Ms. Laura was a wonderful instructor and the residents loved the experience and shopping her boutique afterwards.

Mr. Spencer Long was part of a storied tradition of Nebraska Cornhusker walk-ons that went on to play professionally.

This was an amazing event for the residents to experience and he signed autographs at the meet ‘n’ greet!

The construction of an adjoining and communal share space between two retirement community buildings began in 2020.

A celebration was planned with a campus beam signing, to gain resident interest, involvement, and pride in the new construction, as well as cookies and refreshements.

This building would allow integration of residents, at many periods of life, to bond over a meal in the new bar/grille restaurant, attend speaking, musical, and campus events in the new community room, attend religious services in the new chapel, as well as participate in a game of golf on the game simulator.

The beam was installed in the new chapel.

For Father’s Day, the Omaha Volkswagen Club graciously agreed to visit our residents with a car show on campus. The group was a hit with the residents and they appreciated the efforts as we were in the mist of Covid at this time.

The cruise around campus and the weather really brought this event home!

Covid was a challenge, especially when it came to mealtime. For months, meals were taken to apartments and interaction was minimal. Once everyone had received their vaccines, we decided to have a grand re-opening of the dining rooms. It just happened to be Valentine’s weekend. xo