On the 4th of July, we traditionally celebrate the anniversary of the declaration of the United States’ independence, but did you know that is not when Independence Day celebrations first began?

Even though the U.S. celebrates its independence from England on that day, the holiday itself is largely based on English traditions.

When the Declaration of Indepen-dence was signed, a staged party was planned to celebrate indepen-dence from England, though nothing official was ever done for the day to become a holiday. Because the crowds were so large, it was assumed that the colonizers were interested

in separating from the English and the holiday continued.

While the celebrations of the eigh-teenth century were essentially a political movement, today’s Inde-pendence Day celebrations are based on the actual freedom the U.S. gained from England. In the last two hundred plus years, the celebration has been about our own independence as the United States of America.

Modern day 4th of July festivities now include parades, feasts, festivals, and other large gatherings of people. Many festivals and parades are held in town parks.

Popular foods to be served on the holiday include hamburgers, hotdogs, corn on the cob, and macaroni or potato salads.

In addition to family gatherings, many people associate the 4th of July with fireworks. While fireworks are largely a Chinese tradition, they are popular with millions of Americans to help celebrate the day with brilliant colorful displays sometimes set to music.

A V A L O N | N E W S L E T T E R

2879 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg, WI 53713Office: 608-729-4894 | avalonalcommunity.com | JULY 2017

MONTHLY HEALTH TALKS with O’Connell PharmacyJULY 19 : Bladder Retention

AUGUST 16 : Nutrition

SEPTEMBER 20 : Aerobic Exercise-Safe alternatives.

All talks are at 3:00p.m.

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY

U P C O M I N G EVENTS IN JULY

JULY 01 FROM 1–3:00P.M. Euchelele Group

JULY 05 AT 3:00P.M. Coldstone Creamery Van Outing

JULY 08 FROM 11–2:00P.M. Annual Family/Community Picnic (RSVP required)

JULY 12 AT 10:00A.M. Olbrich Gardens Van outing

JULY 14 AT 3:00P.M. Happy Hour with “Patsy Cline” (Karen Wicham entertainer)

JULY 15 FROM

1:30–3:30P.M. Bingo with Oscar’s Friends

JULY 21 AT 3:00P.M. Happy Hour with “The Blue Accordian”

JULY 28 AT 1:15P.M. IN THE

MEMORY CARE GARDENS,

AND AT 3:00P.M. IN THE

MAIN DINING ROOM Happy Hour with Janet Lieb (12 string guitarist)

Avalon enjoyed the entertainment by the Monona Rhythm Band. A mix of great music with commentary humor brought cheer to all of us!

Craft Class enjoyed making distressed Star Wall/Door Hangings

Dominos has become a very popular game here at Avalon! This version is called Mexican Train! It is so fun the residents realize they have passed a couple hours.

Residents enjoyed getting our flower gardens planted out on the patios. Carol and Oscar have enjoyed taking on the joy of maintaining the flower

gardens! I must say it is wonderful to see them enjoying their “Joy, Indepen-dence, and Wellness” moments!

June Activity Highlights

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!July 05 Bruce M.July 05 Kathy J.July 08 Betty M.July 11 Linda J.July 14 Mary G.July 17 Shirley R.July 22 Bonnie L.July 30 Margaret E.

Three Ways to Drink More WaterWater does wonders for your body and your brain. Water is known to cleanse your body of harmful chemicals through your intestines and also throughout your urine tract. Without proper water intake, our bodies break down very quickly, in a matter of days. Without food, however, some people can live for a week or two.

1. ALWAYS HAVE WATER AVAILABLE. Before a trip that will be 30 minutes or longer, grab a bottle. When you watch a movie, grab a bottle. Whenever you are sitting watching TV or a movie, keep the bottle in your hand with the lid off. Take a lot of little sips until the bottle is gone. A great way of making sure you drink more water is to make sure it is easily accessible.

2. KEEP IT COLD. If you keep your water cold, you may drink more. Make sure there is always ice in your freezer, this make it very easy to have a cold glass of water anytime.

3. CHOSE WATER OVER SUGARY DRINKS. If you need flavor, drink water with lemon. The lemon adds a little spunk to the taste and the water is always nice, cold and refreshing. After a short time you may stop craving your old drink of choice and will begin to appreciate the benefits that water provides.

W E L C O M E ! We are delighted to welcome these new residents to Avalon:

Mary Ann C., Carolyn F.,

and Betty M.

JO IN US FOR OUR

Annual Family Picnic!Saturday, July 8th from 11:00A.M.–2:00P.M.

Come and join us at Avalon for a classic grill out and music provided by Bill Roberts!

Please RSVP by Monday, July 3rd at 608-274-4350

Types of FireworksEver since fireworks were invented by the Chinese, there have been a multitude of varieties created throughout the years. Below are some of the most common fireworks:

FIRECRACKERS: a fused black powder packed in a tube. When lit, it produces loud noise.

CAKE: a type of firework which produces different sound and visual effects.

WATERFALLS: suspended and held by a rope, these produce a big wall of light.

ROMAN CANDLES: a smaller version of the cake; it shoots balls of light in succession.

Safety notice: Fireworks should not be lit indoors, especially sparklers. A responsible adult should be present when handling and lighting fireworks.

O U R STA F FCHERI RIDDLE Administrator

JULIE YEARLING, RN Health Services Director

KASEY LOVICOTT Business Office Manager

JOLENE LUCAS Sales and Marketing Director

NICOLE GUICHARD Life Enrichment Coordinator

THERESA GETCHEL LEAD Resident Care Coordinator

TULIO GONZALEZ Resident Care Coordinator

NIKITA MATTHEWS Memory Care Coordinator

STEVE JACOBSON Chef/Dining

Services Director

SANFORD JONES Driver

JUSTIN WHITE Maintenance Director

2879 Fish Hatchery Road Fitchburg, WI 53713 Office: 608-729-4894

avalonalcommunity.com

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JULY – WORD SEARCH

CELEBRATECHEESECAKEFIREWORKS

FLAGFOURTH OF JULY

FREEDOMGAMES

HOT DOGSHYDRATION

INDEPENDENCE

KETCHUPMUSTARD

PICNICRELISHWATER