Day Dream Team fulfills dreams

The Eventide at Hi-Acres Day Dream Team recently fulfilled several resident dreams.

On Sept. 14, Minnesota Twins Day was hosted by the Day Dream Team. Residents took a turn at bat along with a chance to win a door prize. Residents enjoyed snacking on popcorn, candy and pop served in snack boxes. Bison 6 Cinema donated the snack boxes for this event. Staff dressed in baseball attire for the day.

Charolette Whipple wanted to get together with some of her friends. Day Dream member Liza Danielson assisted Whipple with the invitations and together they planned the refreshments. Whipple decided on cupcakes, coffee and lemonade. On Sept. 28, friends Wilma Dally, Lillian Peckman, Arlene Lueck and Polly Lueck attended the party. They reminisced about their growing up years, their families and how things have changed

On Oct. 5, Trinity Lutheran Church in Jamestown held its annual Lutefisk and Meatball Supper, and church members delivered meals to 11 residents. Residents were served a meal of lutefisk and meatballs with all the trimmings. Marion Kurtz sang in Norwegian as they waited for their meal. Everyone enjoyed the meal and several residents planned to have leftovers the next day. The Day Dream Team purchased the meals that were served by team members Robin Gumke and Nancy Steckler

Teresa Zirbes and Billi Zupan, nurses at Eventide at Hi-Acres, were visiting with resident Emlin Hansen about an activity he would enjoy, and his eyes lit up when fishing was mentioned. Making this dream come true proved to be difficult due to summer flooding. Finally, the day came when Mike and Michelle Kessler, managers of Lakeside Marina at the Jamestown Reservoir, called Zupan, noting that day was perfect. Zupan and Day Dream member Kayla Wagner accompanied Hansen, his daughter, Jane, and her husband, Lee, on his fishing trip. Mike Kessler spent the night before considering all the “hot spots” for fishing. His efforts were successful as several fish were caught. Unfortunately, Hansen did not get a bite even with his fishing pole his daughter brought for him. But all agreed that whether or not fish were caught, the day was still a memorable one. Craig and Dawn Headland and the Kesslers donated time, gas and the pontoon.

The “Four Musketeers” is what they called themselves: Donna Tompkins, Ellen Olson, Barbara Nohrenberg and resident of Eventide at Hi-Acres, LeRae Schulz. Although each resided in Pingree, N.D., what actually brought them together were their annual trips, which usually occurred before harvest, in July. Tompkins said the majority of trips were to Medora and some years they “snuck” in a second trip. The group had not been reunited for many years, which is where the Day Dream Team of Eventide at Hi-Acres stepped in to bring this foursome together again. On Oct. 25, the four and Eventide at Hi-Acres employee Zupan gathered at Tompkins’ residence where the afternoon was spent reminiscing over ice cream cake, coffee and many other snacks. Stories shared included the group’s first trip to a lake cabin in Minnesota, which was Schulz’s first trip out of North Dakota. It soon became tradition that on every trip Schulz would buy the pizza for supper and one member would bring a card table. The reason for the table was that they quickly learned, from past trips, that the hotel’s bedside table was too small to play their favorite card game, “Nerts.” Although playing cards was one of the main entertainments on each trip, the group also enjoyed sight-seeing and taking in shows. Schulz said how glad she was to go on these trips, “otherwise I would’ve never gone anywhere.”

Fred Hofmann wanted to see his ranch one more time and on Nov. 2, with the help of the Eventide at Hi-Acres Day Dream Team and JRMC Hospice, he was able to spend a day at home with his family. Eventide at Hi-Acres administrator Doug Panchot, Sally Morehouse, CNA, and Day Dream member and JRMC Hospice volunteer Frank Redlin accompanied Hofmann to his Ranch. This was also an extra special occasion as it was the 61st wedding anniversary for Hofmann and his wife, Loverna. A request was made to Cara Prescott, owner of Don’s House of Flowers, for flowers for this day. She responded with 61 roses.

“When Eventide called Don’s and shared that they were looking for 61 roses to celebrate 61 years of marriage, I was eager to lend a hand,” she said. “I immediately called our wholesaler, North American Wholesale Florist Inc., to find out what we could do. They were able to give us a discount on a box of Ecuadorian roses — perfect for commemorating 61 years! We are very honored and excited to be a part of such a wonderful celebration.”

Fred was met by his wife and children. They enjoyed a homemade meal and Fred enjoyed relaxing in his recliner. He continues to share memories of this day with friends, family and staff.

The Day Dream project was developed to fulfill a resident’s specific request or “Day Dream,” which may have been an everyday activity prior to residing at the nursing facility. Anyone who has any questions about the Eventide at Hi-Acres Day Dream Team, or would like to submit donations or memorials, or assist in any way, contact Robin Gumke, chair, or Nancy Steckler, co-chair, at Eventide at Hi-Acres, 1300 Second Place NE, Jamestown, or call 701-252-5881.

Tags: community, health