UP Home residents visit Marr Park, eat State Fair foods

Last week about 13 residents of the United Presbyterian Home in Washington traveled by the “Holden Express” and private vehicles to Marr Park where they met Megan and Randy at the Conservation Center. Several residents traveled on a hike around the pond looking at the prairie grass, turtles and wetlands.

Megan and Randy told everyone about planting and maintaining the Prairie Grass. A handful of residents stayed at the Conservation Center sitting outside bird watching and admiring the plants and butterflies. The residents all gathered inside the Conservation Center where they met several of the Conservation Center’s celebrities which included a snake and several turtles.

Everyone enjoyed learning about these creatures and how they live in their environment. Sack lunches were enjoyed as questions were asked. Thank you to Megan and Randy.

Our Back to School supply drive ended Aug. 18 with great results. Our campus always enjoys an opportunity to give back to our community. We are wishing great success to all students and faculty for the 2021-2022 school year.

On the UP Home Campus, our art studio has opportunities for people to utilize their creative side, also offering a supper beginner classes with one-to-one coaching experience with whatever subject matter and materials a person chooses. We continue to see some great projects.

We want to wish Mary Schlatter, Jim Rich, Dorothy White and Judy Venzke a happy birthday last week along with wishing Dean and Shirley Garrett a happy anniversary.

In our Brownlee/Garrett Hall last week, it was fair-themed in honor of the Iowa State Fair, which began Aug. 12. The residents had drinks and temporary tattoos on Monday. Individuals had fun choosing the tattoos they wanted, which brought lots of laughter to all involved.

Popcorn, cotton candy and State Fair trivia were also enjoyed. On Wednesday, everyone got a taste of State Fair food, which was delicious. Food included beer battered chicken legs, corn dogs, deep fried green beans, deep fried pickles, cheesy French fries, hand held apple pies and watermelon.

In the afternoon, we had funnel cake fries, which was a huge hit from all residents. They loved them! At the end of the week, residents enjoyed deep fried Oreo’s. There was a lot of reminiscing with the residents about their times attending the State Fair and how times have changed. It was definitely a fun week.

We thank the kitchen staff for making all the great snacks and a wonderful lunch.