THERAPY & REHABILITATION

Whispering Pines

MEMORY CARE SKILLED NURSING SENIOR LIVING APARTMENTS

April 2015 Volume 81

Administrator Kim Keckritz

Oak Hill is considering a possible expan-

sion to the services offered. For some

time we have been balancing the needs of

our short term rehabilitation residents

with our long term residents. We will be

exploring the addition of 13 beds that will

be used exclusively for short term reha-

bilitation. All of these rooms will be pri-

vate rooms with their own bathrooms

and showers. There would be a separate

entrance into this part of the facility and

there would be a separate dining/living

room and a state-of-the-art therapy gym

along with an outdoor courtyard. The

area that is being considered is at the end

of Sycamore hall wrapping around to the

end of Maple hall. This project may also

include an additional sitting area for Ar-

bor Court.

(Continued on page 2)

A Letter from the Administrator

Fiesta T-shirts

Order by April 17th

at the front desk.

Sample sizes available.

Upcoming Events:

• Healthcare Scholarship applications

available starting April 1st. (pg.10)

• Coffee cake orders will start in April. Sign up posted by activity center.

April 12-14 • National Volunteer Week (pg.2)

April 13 • Cardinals Home Opener (pg.3)

April 19-25 • Administrative Professionals

Week (pg.4)

April 20-24 • Supportive Living Week (pg.12)

April 23 • Senior BINGO (pg.9)

April 27 • Kloepper Tournament (pg.6)

Save the Date (pg.17):

May 4 • Pinwheels on Parade

May 6 • Senior Jubilee

May 27 • National Senior Health & Fitness Day Event at Oak Hill

June 3 • Block Party at Oak Hill

Oak Hill Named

“Best Nursing Home 2015”

by U.S. News and World Report

And maintains a 5-Star rating

despite changes to the CMS 5-

star quality rating system. (pg. 5)

The focus of this unit would be helping

people transition back to their home after

a surgery or illness. Since the emphasis

of the unit would be different, staffing

would also be different with higher staff-

ing ratios and RN supervision and care

around the clock, 7 days a week. The

therapy gym would also be designed with

this focus of returning home.

Oak Hill obtained the services of a senior

living consultant to conduct a market

analysis to determine the need for this

service in our area and they found that

there is definitely a need for a short term

rehabilitation unit in Monroe County

where people can receive the rehab they

need close to home. The study also indi-

cated that Oak Hill is the preferred

skilled nursing facility provider in this

area.

A feasibility analysis was also completed

by an accounting firm who found that

this unit would improve the financially

stability of Oak Hill allowing us to con-

tinue to care for all of our residents in the

future when funding sources are uncer-

tain.

The next step in this process is hiring an

architect to complete a schematic design

for the project which will be used to ob-

tain realistic estimates. If the estimates

return with an amount that is approved,

we will proceed with the project.

This is an exciting time at Oak Hill and is

possible because of the outstanding care

and services the staff provide every day

and the overwhelming support from the

2

A Letter from the Administrator (Continued from page 1) community for Oak Hill. I would like to

thank you for your support for our home

and encourage you to provide feedback

or ask me questions about this project.

Kim Keckritz

Administrator

It’s not for money, it’s not for fame. It’s not for any personal gain. It’s just for love of fellowman.

It’s just to send a helping hand. It’s just to give a tithe of self.

That’s something you can’t buy with wealth. It’s no medals won with pride.

It’s for that feeling deep inside. It’s that reward down in your heart.

It’s that feeling that you’ve been a part. Of helping others far and near, That makes you be a Volunteer!

Author Unknown

Game times subject to change All game times are St. Louis time

All games broadcast on KMOX 1120 AM and the Cardinals Radio Network

Home Away

Home Opener

April 13, 2015 3:15 pm

Cardinals –vs– Brewers

To celebrate,

wear red or Cardinals attire

Staff may wear jeans if they wear

red or Cardinals attire.

Oak Hill Residents

5 Michael Bono

11 Marie Chaudet

14 Betty Runge

16 Emma Kaufman

19 Don Dietz

21 Sherwood Sorrell

22 Olivia Goodman

23 Vera Rippelmeyer

23 Virginia Friemuth

26 Ace Kitchen

27 Bonnie Shevlin

28 Shirley Ismail

30 Wilma Linker

Oak Hill Staff

3 Janell Johanning

6 Susan Cole

7 Kasey Howard

9 Brittany Birkner

13 Sue Rowton

13 Frances Studt

18 Hannah Stemmley

20 Danielle Poepper

22 Emily Davila

25 Tammy Huelsmann

28 Kay Floarke

29 Jodie Olmstead

Oak Hill Anniversaries Frances Studt 23 years Carolyn Schneider 20 years Helen Koch 16 years Greg Badger 9 years Jodie Olmstead 6 years Matt Cain 6 years Pam Woodward 5 years Robert Moore 4 years Jessica Young 2 years Rachel Gregson 1 year Michela Ryan 1 year Veronica Steibel 1 year

Tina Nagel - C.N.A. Brittany Reinhardt-Killy - C.N.A.

Love brought you together as husband and wife And gave each of you a best friend for life.

Happy Anniversary (Residents of Oak Hill )

April 24th Marvin & Maude Brandt

A bouquet of wishes Just for you To wish you a birthday That’s happy and bright The whole day through! Happy Birthday!

Teamwork divides the task

and multiplies the success.

Crystal Nester

Karen Monterusso

Suzanne Wilson

Annette DeBourge

Cherie Horschmann

Diana Karsten

Carol Nash

4

March 2015 Employee of the Month

Michelle has been at Oak Hill for over 2 years. She lives with her mom, uncle and younger brother, along with 3 cats and 1 dog.

Outside of work,

you might find Michelle outside on warm days, photographing nature, shopping and dying her hair. Her most memorable moment at Oak Hill was receiving this award, Employee of the Month. A most embarrassing moment happened when she was filling the floor scrubber up with water and the hose shot out the machine soaking Michelle. A couple of C.N.A.s happened to be walking by right when it happened. When asked about achievements she’s accomplished, Michelle re-plied, “Finally getting to move into a different house. An on-going achievement would be expanding my personality and always chang-ing as a person (for the better).”

Fun facts about Michelle:

Favorite Foods - Burger King Chicken Fries Person to Meet in History - Walt Disney because he was smart and creative. His movies were my childhood. Favorite TV Show - Supernatural Favorite Sport to Watch - Not into sports - Football Favorite Song/Band –A little of everything. Def Leppard is one favorite 3 Favorite Movies - The Night-mare Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland (The cartoon ver-sion) and The Aristocrats Best childhood memory - Going camping Would like to travel to - Australia because the Great Barrier Reef and the outback because it has the best view to look at the night sky.

Would use 50 millions dollars to - Help mom pay off debts, buy some new cars, travel the world and donate to wildlife founda-tions.

Continued on next page►

5

take care of them. Team player, po-lite, takes excellent care of the resi-dents, and is always willing to help. He is a true asset to Oak Hill. Suzanne Roberts (CNA) – Very friendly, great co-worker, and is great with the residents. Always has a positive attitude. Amy Parks (Dietary ) – She helps out so much. Dylan Dugan (CNA) – Exceptional help with a wonderful demeanor and attitude with my mom and through-out the halls with other residents and employees. Laura Weber (RN) – She is dedicat-ed, hardworking, and doesn’t stop from the time she clocks in until the time she clocks out.

Michelle Livingston -Employee of the Month continued

Here is what our community at Oak Hill has to say about Michelle (Taken from the nomination forms for Em-ployee of the Month): Very hard worker who is dedicated to her job. She is very polite and kind. The residents love her and I’ve never heard a complaint about her. A great worker and always pleas-ant. I love working with her and she deserves this award. One of the best housekeepers we have on Mag-nolia Terrace. She does anything asked of her. She is really good with the residents. Very kind and friendly.

Is dedicated, hardworking, and friendly. She always goes above and beyond to please the residents.

Honest, dependable, does not complain, excellent with the resi-dents, detailed in her cleaning re-sponsibilities, and goes above and beyond every day.

Other nominations for Employee of the Month:

Kevin Alexander (CNA) – Always smiling, greeting others, completes tasks, and will help whomever he can. Gives quality care and pleasant to work with. Seems to enjoy his job. He is a caring and gentle per-son. The residents love having him

Complimentary snacks & refreshments

March Winners: 1st-Carol Kohlmer

2nd-Cathy Rienhold and 3rd-Ben Yancey

6

Five Star Quality Rating System

On February 12, the Centers for Medi-

care and Medicaid Services (CMS) pub-

licly announced immediate changes to the

Five Star Quality Rating System for

Nursing Homes. One-third of our nation's

skilled nursing facilities saw their Five-

Star rating affected. Nationwide, 28% of

SNFs lost one star overall and 3% lost two

stars overall. In the other direction, 2% of

SNFs gained two stars overall and 67% of

facilities saw no change whatsoever.

CMS raised standards in the Staffing do-

main. Previously, facilities receiving an

RN Staffing rating of 3 and a Total Staff-

ing rating of 3 were assigned an Overall

Staffing rating of 4 stars. Essentially, fa-

cilities that proved to be “average” in

both RN and Total Staffing were being

awarded an “above average” Overall

Staffing rating. This is no longer the case.

Now, in order to receive 4 stars for the

Overall Staffing rating, you must have an

“above average” rating for either the RN

or Total Staffing rating.

Next, CMS added two Quality Measures

in the calculation for the Quality rating:

short-stay and long-stay use of antipsy-

chotics. The agency also changed the

number of points it takes to reach the dif-

ferent star levels. Over time, SNF provid-

ers have improved in many outcomes of

quality, making it necessary to revise the

star distributions and set new cut points

for performance aligned with quality

points.

In essence, by rebasing and recognizing

that providers have improved over the

years, it's now harder to achieve the high-

est QM star ratings. Several corporations

went from portfolios with less than 5% of

facilities at 1 or 2 stars in Quality to now

having portfolios with 20% to 40% of fa-

cilities at one or two Quality stars. The

states most affected include Louisiana,

Kentucky, Mississippi and Texas, drop-

ping from 28% to 34% in their QM star

ratings, while Hawaii, Arkansas, Califor-

nia and Washington, DC only saw de-

clines of 4% to 11%.

Oak Hill is happy to report that they

were able to maintain their Five Star rat-

ing despite these changes.

Mixed-Up Arbor Day Unscramble the letters to make

words associated with Arbor Day.

1. CRADRHO ___________________

2. OOWTOONDTC _______________

3. RCUEPS ___________________

4. WIOLWL ___________________

5. INSEGLED ___________________

6. RSSCEPY ___________________

7. AESEVL ___________________

8. J P REUIN ___________________

9. NGAOAMIL __________________

10. ROANEG ___________________

11. GLN ISAP __________________

12. NTAWUL _________________

13. WDOOOGD _________________

14. FERSTO ___________________

15. OPLAPR ___________________

16. LAPME ___________________

17. OREDDWO _________________

18. HECBE ___________________

Answers on page 15

7

Therapy Tip of the Month

April is Occupational Therapy Month!

Occupational therapy is the only profes-sion that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupa-tional therapy practitioners enable peo-ple of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to par-ticipate fully in school and social situations, helping people recover-ing from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults expe-riencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy services typically include: an individualized evaluation, during

which the client/family and occupa-tional therapist determine the per-son’s goals,

customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activ-ities and reach the goals, and

an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan.

8

Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team. It is an evidence-based practice deeply rooted in science.

At Oak Hill, we are proud to include Oc-cupational Therapy in our comprehen-sive rehabilitation services. In our setting, occupational therapy assists our long term residents in maintaining the highest level of function possible, as well as assisting those with new ill-nesses or injury, overcome barriers and return to the daily activities that they need and want to continue.

Our job is to keep residents as independent

as possible and aging in place!

Oak Hill Therapy

618-939-3488 ext 1155

To the Staff of Oak Hill,

The family of Maurice Mudd would like

to express our deep appreciation and gratitude

to the entire staff for the wonderful care, re-

spect and kindness given to our father and

grandfather while he was a resident at Oak

Hill.

Over the years there have been so many

staff members who have cared for Dad. While

we cannot thank everyone personally, we want

to thank all of those who have been part of

Dad’s life in the past 5 ½ years and especially

in his last week. Your exceptional care and

support to him and us will not be forgotten.

We would never hesitate to recommend

Oak Hill to anyone in need.

Once again, on behalf of our father and

grandfather, our deepest thanks to all.

Paul & Pauline

And the family of Maurice Mudd

For your kindness and sympathy

When times are hard to bear

We thank you for the comfort

That comes from those who share

The family of Theresa Weber

Thanks to everyone for their kind words,

prayers, visits to the funeral home, the

peace lily and monetary donation. I miss

my mother, but she was weak and tired.

She’s at peace now.

Deb Smith

You Are a Gift to Others

Some have a gift of helping others to see the

world as a place of possibility. . .

Some impart wisdom or comfort and care.

Some point out the path, and some take you there.

Some warm the heart with a human touch.

You have all these gifts. . . Thank you so much.

Thank you for taking such good care of our dad, Albert Schreder. You got to spend many hours with dad and wish you would have known him prior to his stay with you. He was a special person to all around him. We are so glad he was treated with that same respect and that you saw how special he was. Again, thank you. The Family of Albert “Al” Schreder

9

B I N G O

FREE FOR SENIORS

In the Community Age 60+

Magnolia Terrace Senior Apartments

623 Hamacher Street, Waterloo

April 23, 2015

1:00-3:00 P.M.

Complimentary Refreshments

50/50 Drawing Lots of Prizes

Call Stephanie to reserve your spot

618-939-3488 ext. 1459

THE GRAPEVINE News and Activities from Arbor Court

“RYTHMN ROCKERS”

On Tuesday, April 7th the ladies that line

dance will perform for us in the activity

room at 6:30 p.m. They usually only en-

tertain twice a year so I hope everyone

will be able to attend.

“HEALTHCARE SCHOLARSHIP”

Starting April 1st, individuals going to

school for any type of healthcare may

apply for the Resident Council

Healthcare Scholarship worth $500.00.

Applications will be sent to the schools in

Monroe County and will be available to

pick up at Oak Hill from the receptionist

or from one of the Activity personnel on

Arbor Court. The deadline to submit an

application is Thursday, April 30th.

“CARDINALS GAMES”

Cardinals baseball is about to begin. The

Cardinals have been busy in Florida for

their spring training and it seems like

they have been playing well. The home

opener is April 13th so make sure you

mark your calendar to wear red that day

in support of our St. Louis Cardinals.

The schedule for each month will be

posted in the Insider. April’s schedule

can be found on page 3.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY”

The monthly birthday party will be held

in the Activity Room on Friday, April

10th at 2:00 p.m. Please plan to attend

and help all those who have an April

birthday celebrate. The birthday party

will be sponsored by the Activity Depart-

ment. Pearl and Dorothy will entertain.

“MARCH GAME WINNERS”

Penny Ante-Marie Lich and Viola Wetzel Bowling-Helen Wilde-49 out of 50 and

Lillian Shea-48 out of 50.

Great Job ladies.

“SOUP & PIE SUPPER”

The soup and pie supper went great. We

had a very good steady crowd. The cold

weather and the snow did not stop people

from attending. It was a perfect night for

soup. The Resident Council made

$806.94 which will be used for the Food

Pantries & the Scholarship Fund. Thank

you to Rhonda, Litney & the dietary

staff, Julia, Judy, Rebecca, the activity

staff & volunteers for all of their help.

“GO THE EXTRA MILE” The difference between good and great is just that little extra effort.

10

“SHOW & TELL”

Some of the residents requested a

“Show & Tell” using “old stuff” they

used to have or use. If a family mem-

ber has something that belongs to a

resident and would let us use it for

our show & tell please bring the item

in and give it to someone in the activity

department. Items will be shown on Aril

29th at 2:00 p.m.

Just a reminder that the small TV on the

cart in the activity room can be used by

any resident or resident’s family that

would like to watch either a VCR movie

or a DVD. It can be taken into a resi-

dent’s room or it can be watched in the

activity room. At this time it is not set up

to get regular TV stations.

“RIDES”

The weather is starting to be nicer so we

will start taking rides and going out for

lunch throughout the month. If anyone

has suggestions or ideas of places where

they may like to go for a ride, lunch or

any other places, please let someone

from activity department know.

Easter Sunday the activities will be held as usual: Baptist Sunday School followed by Catholic Church in the morning and music in the afternoon.

11

THE GRAPEVINE (Continued)

“COMING EVENTS”

01-School for lunch-11:15

02-Doug & Jim-2:00

03-Good Friday

05-Music-Doug-2:00

06-Steve Turnbow-2:00

07-Rythmn Rockers-6:30

09-Lynn Wellmann-2:00

10-Birthday Party-2:00

12-Music-2:00

13-Bowling-2:00

15-Resident Council-2:00

15-SHOW Bingo-3:15

16-Lucy-2:00

19-Rich Cullen-2:00

20-St. John Bingo-2:00

22-Joe Powell-10:00

24-Cocktail Party-2:00

16-Doug & Jim-2:00

27-Community Sing-2:00

28-Deutschmeisters-6:30

29-Show & Tell-2:00

30-Button Box-2:00

Pine Trees know when it is Easter

Two weeks before Easter if you

look at the tops of the Pine trees,

you will see the yellow shoots.

As the days get closer

to Easter Sunday

you will see that

most of the Pine

trees will have

small yellow

crosses on all of

the tallest shoots.

February Sit and Be Fit attendance win-

ners were Maude, Margaret, Emma, and

Chris. Jack and Chester were second place

award winners with only one absence.

March Recap

Our St. Patrick's Day game winners are…

IRISH SLANG:

Judy and Stella

GRABBIN’ GOLD:

Emma held 48 gold pieces

MR. POTATO HEAD RACE:

Judy, Bonnie, Emma,

Helen K., and Ronnie Ann

ST. PATRICK’S BINGO

Bonnie, Chris, Emma, Marvin, Lucille

GAME WINNERS

Washers

* Judy was our big winner with a score

of 39 points. She also threw two

twelves in one game!

* Wilma had a high score of 36.

* Maude had a high score of 34.

Trivia

Catherine-21 Ronnie Ann-21 Wilma-20

A special thanks to Margaret, Marie and

Lucille for getting their hands dirty to help

plant the seeds for our beautiful spring

centerpieces.

Verma Malter

A Look Ahead…

Tai Chi

Let’s try something new. Join us on Satur-

day, April 11th for a Tai Chi demonstration

given by instructor Gary Brandt. Gary

will talk about the benefits of Tai Chi in-

cluding body awareness and stress relief.

You may watch and breathe along and/or

participate in the movements. Allow your-

self this hour of wellness.

Pinochle anyone? We’re playing Pinochle

two evenings in April- the second and

fourth Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Come out

and have a good time with friends.

We’re headed to the Butterfly House in

Chesterfield on April 30th where there are

60 species of butterflies and 150 tropical

plants!! Admission is $5 and we will stop

for lunch as well.

Supportive Living Week is April 20-24th.

Wake up Monday to a special omelet

breakfast cooked and served by the staff.

That afternoon we will have a funny photo

shoot. Enjoy special bingos throughout

the week with an ice cream social to finish

off the week on Friday after bingo. Fami-

ly night with Elvis is Wednesday evening.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to Johnnie Ital who wel-

comed a great granddaughter into her

family on February 19th. Her name is Ava

Kate Hughes. 12

Once upon a time…let’s say 30 years ago…an owl found its way into the shed belonging to Maude Brandt. She and her son t r u d g e d o u t through the rain in order to take its picture. “I sure do like owls,” she proclaimed. Those words led to her forty owl collection from porcelain to pillow perched in a cabinet in her room next to that picture that started it all. Maude was born here in Monroe County in 1929. Her mother died when she was only six and after fin-ishing eighth grade, she decided to move in with her sister on a farm in New Hanover next to Zoar Church. Circumstances stopped her from at-tending high school which was not uncommon in those days, but years later, at age forty, Maude worked to earn her GED. Toying with the idea of becom-ing a CNA, she took a CPR class and found herself amongst several school bus driver applicants includ-ing her friends Marie Miller and Bet-ty Reichert. She was asked to apply also. Her first thought was to say no. She couldn’t drive a bus. But Marvin posed the simple question, “Why not?” and with the added per-suasion of Marie and Betty, Maude

by Wendy Slater-Wall

took the job. She happily served Wa-terloo School district for 16 years. Maude and Marvin have been married for 65 years. When asked how they met, she shrugged and said, “I’ve just always known him from church.” They have three sons—Alan, Gary, and Glen as well as six grand-children and three great grandchil-dren. One of her favorite memories is spending six weeks in Alaska where Glen and his wife Damaris were stationed in the Air Force. She helped take care of her three grand-children while Damaris went away on temporary duty. When she re-turned, all six of them drove through Canada in an RV to return Maude home. Maude enjoys crocheting, flow-er arrangement and reading. She dabbed in poetry as well. She is a lover of all kinds of music but has a special taste for Cajun. She is also an expert teddy bear maker. When her brother passed away, she had the marvelous idea of using one of his shirts to make teddy bears for his children to cherish. People ad-mired them and began asking for them. She has made over 150 teddy bears. Maude is one of our most active residents-fun loving and up for any-thing.

13

Alzheimer’s Association “In the Moment”

Support group

The next Alzheimer’s support group meet-

ing will be held on Thursday, April 30th, in

the classroom at Oak Hill from 7 to 9 pm.

The DVD, “Complaints of A Dutiful Daugh-

ter,” will be shown. Literature will be avail-

able and refreshments will be served. We

hope to see you there!

Upcoming Whispering Pines Events

Friday, April 3 2:30 pm

John Chiecsek-guitar

Thursday, April 9 Afternoon

Scenic Ride/ice cream

Thursday, April 16

Pearl Hirsch-accordian

Saturday, April 18 2 pm

Lynn Wellman-keyboard

Thursday, April 23- Afternoon

Scenic Ride/ice cream

McDonald’s Day on the Pines

Residents on WP enjoyed McDonald’s

cheeseburgers and chocolate shakes on

Thursday, March 19. The food must

have been quite tasty as there were no

leftovers to be found! It was a great treat

for our residents to enjoy. We remi-

nisced about when years ago we had to

drive all the way to South County to get

a McDonald’s cheeseburger, fries and a

shake!

Music and Memory™ Wish List Items

Our Music and Memory folks have been

hard at work making individualized

playlists on iPods for our residents. They

have thousands of songs uploaded, but

we are missing some popular artists. If

you have any CD’s of these musicians

that you could loan us, we would be

greatly appreciative. Please leave them

with the receptionist or give to Julia on

Whispering Pines. If you would like

them returned, please put your name

and phone number on the cd’s.

Perry Como

Liberace

Johnny Mathis

Rosemary Clooney

Buddy Holly

Chuck Berry

The Beatles

Frankie Valli

Garth Brooks

Tom Jones

Any Broadway musical or movie

soundtracks.

New or used iPods 14

Whispering Pines News Continued

Whispering Pines Wish List Items

Activity staff have made a wish list of

items that they would like to use with the

residents. If you have any of these items

to donate, please bring them to Julia at

Whispering Pines.

Ladies’ fancy hats

Men’s hats

Old costume jewelry

Jewelry boxes

Mardi gras beads

Sunglasses for men and women

Old compacts

Old perfume bottles

Hankies (men and women)

Old change purses

Ladies’ scarves

Tape measure

Pocket watch

Golf balls

Smoking pipe/empty tobacco can

Carpenter’s pencil

Kitchen towels

Flour sifter

Baby clothes

Life would be infinitely happier if we could

only be born at the age of eighty and gradu-

ally approach eighteen.

- Mark Twain

Earth Day The words listed below can be found vertically, horizontally, diagonally, forward, and backward.

AIR CLEAN COMMUNITY CONSERVATION EARTH ECOSYSTEM ENERGY ENVIRONMENT FUEL HABITAT LANDFILLS LITTER

NATURE OCEAN OXYGEN OZONE PEOPLE PLANTS POLLUTION PRESERVE RECYCLE REUSE WATER WORLD

Answers to Mixed-Up Arbor Day Pg.7

1. orchard 2. cottonwood 3. spruce 4. willow 5. seedling

6. cypress 7. leaves 8. juniper 9. magnolia 10. orange 11. sapling

12. walnut 13. dogwood 14. forest

15. poplar 16. maple 17. redwood 18. beech

15

Easter Story Cookies Ingredients:

Bible

1 c whole pecans

1 tsp. vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch of salt

1 c granulated sugar

1 qt. or gal. Size zipper bag

wooden spoon

Tape

Instructions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place pecans in ziploc bag and let kids beat them with the wood-

en spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was

arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-

3. Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers

twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They

clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again,

saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Add teaspoon of vinegar into

the mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross

He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30...Later,

knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture

would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vine-

gar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a

stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had

received the drink,Jesus said,"It is finished." With that, he bowed

his head and gave up his spirit.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus

gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11. The thief

comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they

may have life, and have it to the full. "I am the good shepherd.

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and

brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty

tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sins.

Read Luke 23:27 A large number of people followed Him, in-

cluding women who mourned and wailed for Him.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup of sug-

ar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died

because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.

Read Psalm 34:8--Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is

the man who takes refuge in Him~and John 3:16--"For God so

loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever

believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff

peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the pu-

rity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by

Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18--"Come now, let us reason together," says

the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as

white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like

wool." And John 3:1-3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees

named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He

came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teach-

er who has come from God, for no one could perform the miracu-

lous signs you are doing if God were not with him." In reply Je-

sus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of

God unless he is born again."

Fold in broken nuts.

Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Drop mixture by spoonfuls

onto waxed paper.

Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus'

body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60 As evening approached,

there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had

himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for

Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph

took the body, wrapped it in clean linen cloth, and placed it in his

own new tomb that he had cut out of rock. He rolled a big stone

in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

Place the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the

oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven

door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-

66 "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as se-

cure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure

by putting a seal on the stone and posting a guard.

GO TO BED. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies

in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the

tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 "I tell you the truth, you will

weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, buy

your grief will turn to joy." And John 16:22 "So with you~ Now

is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice,

and no one will take away your joy."

On Easter morning, open the oven and remove the cookies. Take

a bite. Notice~the cookies are hollow!

On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb

open and empty.

Read Matthew 28:1-9 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day

of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at

the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the

Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back

the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his

clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him

that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the

women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for

Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He

said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and

tell His disciples: "He has risen from the dead and is going ahead

of you into Galilee. There you will see Him. Now I have told

you." So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled

with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them,

"Greetings," He said. They came to Him, clasped his feet and

worshipped Him.

Source: "Simple Pleasures" A collection of favorite recipes, Chris-

tian Ministries.

Save the Date for

National Senior Health

and Fitness Day

May 27, 2015 2:00 - 4:00 P.M.

Oak Hill is focused on wellness so it just makes sense to get on board with this nationally recog-nized day. We are planning an event for the residents and com-munity to take part in that will be focused on, you guessed it, health and fitness! More infor-mation to come. Silver Belles and a Beau will be performing between 2 & 4 P.M.

Pinwheels on Parade

May 4th - 1:30 P.M.

Pinwheels will be adorning the fountain lawn

in recognition of Older American’s Month. At

this kickoff event, everyone in attendance will

get to add a pinwheel to the lawn after a proc-

lamation by one of the county commissioners

and remarks from Oak Hill Administrator,

Kim Keckritz. In the past years we’ve had a

balloon release but have decided to be more

environmentally friendly. Following the short

outdoor ceremony, refreshments will be served

in the Magnolia Terrace dining room where

attendees will have a chance to make their

own pinwheel. Enjoy the sounds of musical

entertainer, Lynn Wellman from 1:45-2:45P.M.