Bethany Home

Volume LXXXII October, November, December 2014 NUMBER 4

For Friends of Bethany Home Minden, NE 68959 (308) 832-1594

Loving Care With The Spiritual Touchaccordion music for his one man band, on October 17 andNovember 4. Residents really enjoy music, especially livemusic. if you know of someone who performs, please call meat 308-832-1594.

Bethany Home Bell Choir, with Karma leading, performs eachmonth and have practice on Wednesdays.

Bethany Home residents got to join in Band Day. The bandsgathered on streets close to Bethany Home with several takingtime to perform for residents. it was really a fun afternoon forthem. We hope this is an annual event for us. We really appre-ciated Todd Jensen and the efforts of all who helped set this upfor our pleasure.

The Bethany Home Busy Bakers loved getting to make pies onOctober 20. They make fresh apple, cherry and peach pies.The apples were donated by Lynn Tacha and the peachesdonated by Mildred Adam. Everyone has their own ideasabout making pies. Some do very thick crusts, while othersprefer thin crust. They loved making them and these wereserved at afternoon activities.

We have been having 35 or more involved in “Pass TheParcel”. Ice Cream cones are served. The December activityended with everyone receiving prizes. Any donated gift itemsare appreciated for this activity. We also can use any seasonalor holiday gift wrap if you would like to donate.

We were fortunate to be able to have Mel Burg from Coloradoto entertain on October 25. He always provides a wonderfulprogram of singing and life stories. Many of his songs areabout him and his family’s experiences. It’s always a pleasureto have him come to our facility.

National Chocolate Day was celebrated with several chocolatedesserts for residents to chose from. Residents got their shareof chocolate that day!

BETHANYHOME

ACTIVITIESBy: Carol Dolan

ActivitiesFall • Halloween • Veteran’s Day

Thanksgiving • Christmas • NYEParties • Birthdays • and more . . .

continued on next page

MESSENGERMESSENGER

veryone at Bethany Home enjoyed fall. Residents enjoyed the scenic bus tours, visiting all of the towns surrounding Minden. Also, enjoyed the rides to

Kearney and seeing the new business and houses being built.

Several residents attended craft class on October 1, making anassortment of Halloween door hangers. Crafts are not just forwomen - we have several male residents who attend.

“Come Sing with Us!” is always well attended. Residents lovethe musical activities. We offer 30 minute sing-alongs andhymn sing-alongs, five days a week. Live entertainments areDeb Bishop, Country Jammers and Paul Kothe.

Autumn murals were made by residents. They expressed theirartistic abilities in making these, using pictures cut from mag-azines.

The October birthday honorees were: Delores Stone turned 101years young on October 2, Laurence Strine turned 100 yearsyoung on October 5, Roberta Larsen - October 6, AliceVanNorman - October 7, Mary Ellen Miller - October 12 andCarl Swanson October 22. Tim Ito provided a piano concert.He did a great job. We hope to get him to come back and enter-tain soon.

Mary Lutekemeier gave an informational program on PhysicalTherapy in recognition of Physical Therapy Month.

Westminster Presbyterian Church women provided a party onOctober 10. They played bingo with the residents and served adelicious dessert. We really enjoyed and will see them again inJanuary 2015.

Deb Bishop performed on October 14, November 11 andDecember 16. The Country Jammers entertained on October22, November 19 and December 17. Paul Kothe provided his

What’s InsideDirectors BandFest Spotlight on Staff Memorials PartiesResident of the Quarter Upcoming Events Halloween Fun

Veterans’ Day Christmas Activities New Year’s Eve Fun

EE

On October 29, resi-dents made Halloweencookies. These wereserved at the Halloweenparty on October 31. Acostume party was heldfor residents and theirfamily and staff. Winnersof contest were: AlexShaw, Hank Adams andKarma Sinsel. Winnersall received money forprizes.

Trick or Treaters enjoyedthe party with residents inthe Healthcare DiningRoom. Trick or Treaters

got to circle the residents who allhad treats for them. This was third year for this activity and itreally works better. We thank the children and their parents forsharing their Halloween Costumes with us. Residents had agreat time!

The November birthday honoreeswere: Ena Nokes - November 6,Orin Duchek November 8, NancyWerth - November 10, ShirleyNorseen - November 11, RandallWolfe - November 21, ArlyceAlbers - November 22 and EllieneChristensen - November 30. PaulKothe entertained residents andguests with his one man band,playing his accordion. We try toget residents up to dance and alsodance with them in wheelchairs.They love the Polka and Big Bandmusic. Thanks to the birthday vol-unteers for helping with the birth-day parties.Residents enjoyed getting to help decorate for fall. We also hada fall reminisce discussion. Thanksgiving decorations weremade by residents at the Thanksgiving craft session. They enjoymaking decorations for their doors, rooms and apartments.

Bethany Home Quarterly Memorial Service was heldNovember 13. Family members, residents, friends and staff are

invit-ed to attend. Pastors Baron and Nancy Cole

provide the service. A candle is lit for each deceased resident.Families are given blown glass angels in memory of their lovedone. Everyone is invited for refreshments.

The Evangelical Free church womenvisited on November 7. They provid-ed homemade pie (which was deli-cious). Angie Althouse provided aprogram of piano music. We appreci-ate them coming every November toprovide a party for the residents.

Veteran’s Day was celebrated with aparty in honor of Bethany Home vet-erans and all others whom are veter-ans. Deb Bishop entertained andeveryone enjoyed red, white and bluecookies and ice cream sundaes. Itwas also National Sundae Day.

Minden Area Home School childrenand their families came for a visit.They sang patriotic songs, in honor

of all our veterans and other songs too. They served homemadecookies to all the residents. We thank you for coming, as theresidents always enjoy seeing children.

The Fredericksburg Lutheran church ladies came back to hold aparty on November 14. Donna Davidson provided a wonderfulpiano program. The ladies served a delicious homemade pump-

kin dessert - yum! We thank you for sharingyour time with us and your money donationfor us to purchase something for the resi-dents.

Hit Us With Some Humor was the afternoonactivity on November 20. The activitydepartment read funny stories, told jokesand asked residents to tell of humorous thing

Bethany Home Activities continued from front page

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New Year’s Eve PartyDecember 31, 2014

Minden High School Amethyst Show Choir and Jazz Band performs December 10, 2014

Carrie Soucie and family entertain December 22, 2014

that happened during their lives.

The Horserace Game is another popular activity. Residents beton their horses and the winners receive candy treats. Ice creambars are always enjoyed before the races.

The Minden Preschool children visited the morning ofNovember 25. They sang songs that they have learned in schooland each child colored a Thanksgiving pictures for all the resi-dents. We thank the preschool teachers for bringing the chil-dren. The residents always look forward to seeing the children.

National Cake Daywas celebrated alongwith Thanksgiving atthe ThanksgivingGathering onNovember 24. Adelicious carrot cakeand chocolate cakewas served to all ina t t e n d a n c e .Residents sharedtheir Thanksgivingstories. TheThanksgiving pro-gram was given bythe activity depart-ment.

Bingo is popular with Assisted Living and some Healthcare res-idents. Residents play bingo on Monday mornings, someFridays and on Saturday afternoons. I am needing a volunteerfor 1 1/2 hours on Mondays, to call bingo. If you are that per-son, call me at 308-832-1594. Thank you.

We thank Carol Kuehn and Judy Gilbert for volunteering theirtime every other Monday. Glenda Blauch and Mary Bienkehave retired from bingo. We thank them for all of their years ofvolunteering. Also, thank you to Viola Spors for your years ofvolunteer work.

December started with the Memory Tree program and decorat-ing the tree with angel ornaments. The program was led by BobTank, Karma Sinsel and Nancy Cole. Followed by everyone

singing Christmas songs, with Baron Cole accompanying at thepiano.

Delicious finger foods, punch, coffee and ice tea was served.Proceeds from Memory

Tree goes to staff volunteer fund. Items are purchased for theresidents use. Many item have been purchased including loungeTV’s, cupboards for activity room, lifts and more.

December is always a busy month with decorating over 20trees, hanging garland and bows, making wreaths and lots ofactivities. Carol Dolan makes all the wreaths displayedthroughout the facility.

December birthday honorees were: Grace Jensen - December22, Helen Meyer -

December 28. There may have been only two honorees but afun time was had by all in attendance. The Bethany Home BellChoir performed their Christmas program for the residents’pleasure. Cake and ice cream were served to all in attendance.

Bethany Home Activities continued from page 2

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Minden Area Home School Children and their families perform November 11, 2014

Patricia Christensen, grandchildren & friend entertain

December 21, 2014

BBBBeeeetttthhhhaaaannnnyyyy HHHHoooommmmeeee’’’’ssss MMMMaaaannnnaaaaggggeeeemmmmeeeennnntttt SSSSttttaaaaffffffffBob Tank.....................................................................Administrator

Rhonda Thorell...................................................Director of Nursing

Cassie Schmidt..................................Assistant Director of Nursing

Carol Dolan..........................................................Activities Director

Barb Detlefsen............................................Social Services Director

Diana Podewitz......................................................Dietary Manager

Wilma Talbert...................................................Laundry Supervisor

Dayle Dornhoff.........................................Housekeeping Supervisor

Julie Terrel, R.N..................................Assisted Living Coordinator

Jodi Swartz...........................Business Office Mgr/Medical Records

Lynn Tacha................................................Maintenance Supervisor

BBBBeeeetttthhhhaaaannnnyyyy HHHHoooommmmeeee BBBBooooaaaarrrrdddd ooooffff DDDDiiiirrrreeeeccccttttoooorrrrssssDelvin Schmidt...................................................................President

Neil Carlson................................................................Vice President

Joann Paulsen....................................................................Secretary

Arlen Osterbuhr.................................................................Treasurer

Rose Beaumont.....................................................................Member

Marllys Carlson....................................................................Member

Jill Fritson............................................................................Member

Rusty Rhynalds....................................................................Member

Doris Thompson...................................................................Member

Residents, Maintenance Department andActivity Department decorated the largeChristmas tree in Assisted Living DiningRoom. This is the one tree that gets decoratedthe same every year. Multi colored balls andlights with crocheted popcorn and cranberrygarland. An old fashioned tree is popular withpeople taking family photos for Christmas.Residents enjoyed hot chocolate andChristmas cookies.

On December 3, residents got involved in a “fluffing party”,helping fluff the pine garland that is hung on porch railings inAssisted Living. We add bows to make it really pretty.

Each department and volunteers helped decorate a tree thisyear. Winter Peace Activity dept., Elegance - Health Care nurs-ing dept., Christmas Is Here - Office dept., Sweet Delight -

Dietary dept., Treasured Christmas - Residents and Activitydept., Pastel Glamour - Activity dept., Gilded Glow - Laundrydept., Sew Sweet - Housekeeping dept., For the Birds - Activitydept., Beautiful and Bright - Activity dept., Merry & Bright -Assisted Living nursing dept., Joyful I Celebration - StacySinsel & children, Monica Johnson & children and AmberTaylor & children. The trees were beautiful this year. Thanks tothe departments and volunteers for helping decorate.

Several decorations were made by residents at the Decembercraft session. You probably see these on several residents doorswhen you visited.

Our Annual Christmas Family Night was held on December 11.The delicious meal of ham, roast beef, loaded mash potatoes,

green beans with bacon, cinnamon applesauce salad, rolls andbutter and pie was provided by Bethany Home. Bob Tank,Dietary and Department heads helped in preparing the meal.The Byrn’s Band entertained. They added Christmas songs totheir program. We thank them for doing such a great job. Wehope they can come back soon! Several Christmas village cen-terpieces along with wrapped door prizes were won by those inattendance. Everyone had a grand night.

M i n d e nHigh SchoolA m e t h y s tShow Choirand Jazzband pro-vided a pro-gram ofdance andsongs onD e c e m b e r10. Wealways lookforward tothem com-ing by toentertain.

B e t h a n yH o m e ’ sA n n u a lC h r i s t m a sTree walkwas held on

Sunday, December 14. Severalfrom the community, family,friends and residents enjoyedseeing the trees and decor.Donna Davidson played thepiano for everyone’s enjoyment.Delicious sweet treats wereserved to everyone.

The Bethany Home Busy Bakersbaked and decorated Christmas

cookies on December 18. Of course they had to have some aftertheir job was finished.

Patricia Christensen, grandchildren and friend held a Christmasprogram of music and singing, on December 21. We thank them

Bethany Home Activities continued from page 3

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Country Jammers entertain December 17, 2014

BETHANY HOME CRAFTERS

Halloween Crafts October 1, 2014

Thanksgiving CraftsNovember 5, 2014

Christmas CraftsDecember 10, 2014

Mary Lutekemeier gave aninformative program forPhysical Therapy MonthOctober 9, 2014

for their efforts.

Carrie Soucie and her family pro-vided a Christmas program ofsinging, piano and violin, onDecember 22. We thank them forcoming and hope to have themcome more often.

Residents enjoyed theirChristmas party on December23. Lots of finger foods, punch,ice tea and coffee were servedto residents, guests and staff.Santa Claus and the “Big Elf”stopped by to wish each resi-dent a Merry Christmas.Santa’s elves (staff) helpedpass out the Christmas giftsfrom Bethany Home staffmembers. Staff members leda Christmas sing-along.Residents were very appre-ciative and said the “partywas wonderful”.

Bethany Home CandlelightService was held onDecember 24. PastorsBaron and Nancy Cole ledthe service and theirdaughter accompanied onpiano. Residents andguests enjoyed the hearing of God’sWord. Refreshments of assorted Christmas cookies, coffee andice tea was served.

Aseracare held a “Holiday”Remembrance on December30. A program was led byAseracare staff. Residentsand guests were given amoment to share stories, pic-tures of their loved ones.Aseracare gave each person,a angel or blown glass heartin memory of their love ones.Assorted tray of cookies,coffee and ice tea wasserved.

The New Year’s Eve party was held on December 31. Partyfavors were given to the residents, music

was played. Lots of finger food and beverages were served. Wedid the “countdown”, sang together “Auld Lange Syne” andthen the noise began! I was not there but it sounds like every-one had a good time welcoming the New Year.

Church services are held at 1:30 p.m. onSundays. Family is

invited to attend also. Anundenominational communion is given once amonth. Several churches provide communion for their mem-bers. Bible Study is held on Mondays at 3:15 p.m. with Colesand 7:00 p.m. with the Bauers. Again, call if you plan on attend-ing.

We thank everyone who has donated either time, money orgifts. They are appreciated very much.

The Activity Department and resi-dents are really enjoying our wonder-ful, newest member of the ActivityDepartment: Juanita Smith. She isfrom Assumption and has prior expe-rience in working in nursing homes.We will keep her!

The Activity Department wishes allof you a happiest of New Year!!

Bethany Home Activities continued from page 4

Mel Burg entertainsOctober 25, 2014

Donna Davidson entertains atChristmas Tree Walk December 14, 2014

BBEETTHHAANNYY HHOOMMEE RREESSIIDDEENNTTSS AANNDD TTHHEEIIRR FFAAMMIILLIIEESSEnjoying watching

MMIINNDDEENN BBAANNDD FFEESSTTOctober 18, 2014

parties at BETHANY HOME

Westminster PresbyterianChurch Party

October 10, 2014

Evangelical FreeChurch PartyNovember 7, 2014

Birthday PartiesOctober, November, December

Tim Ito performsOctober Party

October 7, 2014

Fredericksburg Lutheran Church Party

November 14, 2014

December 2, 2014

November 4, 2014

Paul Kothe entertainsNovember Party

Bethany Home Bell Choir perform at the December Party

BETHANY HOME

Annual Easter Egg HuntFriday April 3rd

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS2:00 p.m. EASTER EGG HUNT NORTH LAWN

Pre-K K - 1st Grade 2nd & 3rd Grade1 Easter Large Gift Basket for each category - Special Money Eggs2:30 p.m. REFRESHMENTS SERVED - PRIZES AWARDED

ASSISTED LIVING DINING ROOM3:00 p.m. GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE IN CHAPEL

Inclement weather - Will be held inside Facility

BETHANY HOMEBusy BakersRoberta Larsen, Corella Smith, Hank Adams, Beth Oschner,

Lois Hansen, Eleanor Deisley peeling fresh apples

October 20, 2014

Helen Meyer, Naomi Boilsen, Gloria Vannier,Arlyce Albers, LaVada Mills rolling out pie crust

October 20, 2014

Betty Koch, Barb Black,Anna Stec frosting cookies

December 18, 2014

Rowena Chase, Edna Carlson, Nancy Werth,Eleanor Deisley rolling out Christmas cookie dough

December 18, 2014

Eleanor Deisley, Nancy Werth,Glendora Peterson frosting

Halloween cupcakes October 29, 2014

It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

Stacy Sinsel & Children, Amber Taylor & children,

Monica Johnson & children helped decorate for Christmas

BETHANY HOMEInvites You To These Upcoming Events!

Refreshments served at 2:00 p.m.- Events at 2:15 p.m.ASSISTED LIVING DINING ROOM

FEBRUARYFebruary 3 Monthly Birthday Party Honoring Residents with February Birthdays.

Birthday Cake, Ice Cream & EntertainmentFebruary 10 “Deb Bishop” Entertains - Vocal - MixedFebruary 14 Valentine’s Day Party Delicious RefreshmentsFebruary 24 Bethany Home Bell Choir EntertainsFebruary 25 “The Country Jammers” Entertain

MARCHMarch 3 Monthly Birthday Party Honoring Residents with March Birthdays.

Birthday Cake, Ice Cream & EntertainmentMarch 10 “Deb Bishop” EntertainsMarch 17 St. Patrick’s Day Party Delicious RefreshmentsMarch 25 “The Country Jammers” Entertain

APRILApril 3 Bethany Home Annual Easter Egg Hunt - Good Friday Service

See this messenger for schedule of events for the dayApril 7 Monthly Birthday Party Honoring Residents with April Birthdays.

Birthday cake, ice cream & entertainmentApril 14 “Deb Bishop” EntertainsApril 22 “The Country Jammers” Entertain

MAYMay Is Older Americans Month

May 2 Spring Tea BY INVITATION - ONLYMay 5 Monthly Birthday Party Honoring Residents with May Birthdays.

Birthday cake, ice cream & entertainmentMay 10-16 National Nursing Home Week

More information and schedule of events will be posted laterMay 12 “Deb Bishop” EntertainsMay 14 Spring Family& BBQ For RESIDENTS& Their FAMILIES, STAFF& their families. ONLYMay 27 “The Country Jammers” Entertain

Call for Paul Kothe - Big Band - Accordion Music Schedule.Many more events will be added, Please call ahead to confirm events, times and dates.

Come & Join Us for the Fun!

Christmas Family NightDecember 11, 2014

The Byrn’s Band performs

Gifts to Bethany Home Foundation Fund in Honor of Anniversaries, Birthdays, Family and Friends

Fourth Quarter, 2014

Bethany Lutheran Church, Axtell, NE Trinity Lutheran Church, Axtell, NE

John M. and Janette M. Kuehn Lester & Phyllis Burnham

Delores Ingram The Leroy Thom, Jean Thom

and T-L Foundation Inc.

RON BUNGER John & Janette Kuehn Terry Christiansen Shirley Christiansen Edwin & Sandra Kuehn Eleanor Diesley Richard & Sherryl Swartz Roberta & Helen Larsen Ann Strine & Clyde Cross

WILMA FAVINGER Shirley Norseen Bruce & Tamara Petersen

GERALD GILDERCindy Bunger

DENNIS LAMMERS George Latter Minden High School - Class of 1956

CAROL KENTONRichard & Sherryl Swartz Helen & Roberta Larsen Russ & Karen Meyer Charles & Carol Kuehn Dorothy Miller

AUGIE NELSON Terry Christiansen Shirley Christiansen Helen & Roberta Larsen Edwin & Sandra Kuehn Dorothy Miller

RON RUSSELGeorge Latter

DAHLIA SALTZGABER S.D. & Eunice Jackson

RAY SCHROEDER John & Jane Albers

SHIRLEY SWANSON Marjorie Jean Prince Laurence & lone Strine Donald & Mary L Kristensen Robert & Karen Vitera Ruth Steen Helen & Roberta Larsen Barbara Anderson Merlin & Lynette Beahm Lillian H Johnson Terry Christiansen Shirley Christiansen

LORRAINE VANDERSTOEPTerry Christiansen

DON WERNER Ruth Steen Helen & Roberta Larsen Dorothy Miller

IN MEMORY OF

Gifts from Friends of Bethany HomeFourth Quarter, 2014

VERNON & LOIS CHRISTENSENby Randall & Sheila StubbsTerry & Brenda Christensen Dean & Julie Zoerb

LAURENCE STRINE’S 100TH BIRTHDAYby Lona KuehnDoris ThompsonBarbara Anderson

Please visit our website at www.mybethanyhome.com

Veteran’s DayProgramNovember 11, 2014

Deb Bishop entertains

BETHANY HOMEHALLOWEEN 2014

Costume Contest ParticipantsCostume Contest Winners Alex Shaw,

Hank Adams, Karma Sinsel

Ethel Olson handing out candy

Carl Swanson handing out candy

Andrea Barker handing out candy

Anna Stechanding out candy

Hazel Gruber handing out candy

Viola Eckloff handing out candy

Grace Jensenwith her

grandson and family

RESIDENT OF THE QUARTERCARL SWANSON

CARL SWANSON was born in Comstock, Nebraska on October 22, 1923to Charles and Martha Swanson. He was raised on the family farm. When hewas still a teen his father died and he helped his mother with the family farmand his 4 siblings.

He is the second oldest of the children and all five are still liv-ing. They had a family reunion in the summer of 2014 and all ofthem attended.

He graduated from Dry Valley High School in 1942. In 1946 he married Shirley Shultzand they had 2 daughters, Linda Nelson and Connie Ryan.

Shirley passed away in October 2014 just short of their 68th Wedding Anniversary. Carl worked as the owner and operator of the Minden Grain Company until his retirement in 1988. Carl and Shirley spent their winters in South Padre Island, Texas for 34 years. His family is very

important to him he has 4 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Carl states that everyone atBethany Home is very kind to him.

Carl Swanson

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November 25, 2014