Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 14, 1990 TAG: 9004140130
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: DELORES WALKER SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: SHAWSVILLE LENGTH: Medium
Wait, this was Thursday. Could this be "The Twilight Zone"?
Gotcha.
What really happened was a trip back in time - or, actually, ahead in time. Meadowbrook, a Shawsville nursing home, was preparing for an Easter party for the elderly residents and their guests, the children.
As time drew near for the arrival of the kids from a Head Start preschool program, anticipation was in the air.
Millie Angel, director of activities at Meadowbrook; her assistant, Agnes Hodges; and employee Jean Jennings were hiding the eggs and putting out plants and other decorations.
Back in the kitchen, the staff worked feverishly on homemade cookies, chocolate eggs and other goodies for the kids.
According to Angel and Hodges, who coordinate most of the home's activities, this was one of many events supported by the community for Meadowbrook's 120 residents.
George Smith, Meadowbrook's administrator, says the home is fortunate to have this community support. He is equally excited about the new monitoring system that will allow more mobility for residents now hindered by memory lapses, disorientation and Alzheimer's disease.
Although important, the concern of most residents was not the new monitoring system but the kids.
It was obvious from comments from Cora Mitchel, 99, who had crocheted since she was a girl. She had made all kinds of afghans, stockings, pillows, even quilts, but she, too, was more excited about the arrival of the children.
The kids arrived with teacher Lanna Rowe and her assistants, Tammy Hawks, Francis Wright, Lisa Stafford and Kim Gardner, who had spent hours rehearsing the children in the singing of Easter songs.
Resident Lucy Robinson had looked forward to it. Lucy Harvey enjoyed the singing. Margaret Einstein said the kids were her favorite. Hattie Anderson, Mabel Williams, Mabel Conners, Cynthia Reed all agreed: Kids are the best thing.
It was obvious from their smiles.
by CNB