As residents of the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home (SMNH) reflect back on the past month, they count several events as memorable: the Independence Day Parade, straw painting, celebrating Gorgeous Grandma Day, and remembering lost residents through National Lipstick Day.

After hearing about the idea from other facilities, SMNH Administrator Rebecca Shackelford brought the notion of holding an Independence Day Parade to her staff. From there, employees at the Home organized a red, white, and blue themed parade of classic cars, horses, strollers, wagons, pets, golf carts, lawn tractors, and family members for the Home's residents. With flags flying and with signs taped to vehicles or with posters bearing messages, friends and family members expressed their sentiments for their loved ones in a July 3 parade. This was an attempt to recreate the festivity of a large gathering while maintaining social distancing guidelines.

Later in the month, to support healthy lung function, the residents engaged in straw painting. Using a straw to blow liquid paint around on paper plates, they created interesting designs. Many decided that an old fashioned paint brush was more to their liking. Courtney Gunderson, who was previously employed by SMNH and had some free time this summer to fill in with the Activities Department, assisted residents as they brought their visions and their masterpieces to life.

Using a collection of boas, hats, scarves, gloves, and other accessories that they had assembled over the years, the Activities Department encouraged the grandmas to dress-up on July 23 in celebration of National Gorgeous Grandma Day.

Alice Solomon invented the Gorgeous Grandma concept after graduating from Wellesley College in 1984 at the age of 50. Feeling vibrant and youthful, the former model, beauty queen, newspaper columnist, and author was not too fond of being labelled a senior citizen. She felt that the term encouraged society to see her and other women of her age or older as no longer useful or relevant.

To change that image, she concocted the idea of "Gorgeous Grandma." Since "grandma" was a term often assigned to older women, regardless of whether they were actually grandmothers or not, she decided to embrace the term, adding "gorgeous" in front, to create a "notice me" impression. She then created the day to celebrate older women, to discredit ageism, and to affirm talent and ability.

In contemporary times, on July 23, we are invited to celebrate the spirit and life of all those over the age of 50 who aren't yet prepared to resign themselves to a quiet life.

Then, on July 29, in memory of Helen Egbert, a few SMNH employees decided to participate in National Lipstick Day. "All those who knew Helen know how much she loved her lipstick and her music. Because of Covid-19, a group of us decided to put a different spin on painting our faces in honor of Helen," reported Ward Clerk, Carla Uhl.

According to the researchers for National Day Calendar, lipstick has a colorful history. In 1770, British Parliament banned lipstick, calling it a devilish attempt to trick men into marriage. In some circles, lipstick was associated with witchcraft, and occasionally, lipstick contained poisonous materials.

Whether lipstick defines the wearer's attitude, channels his or her inner spirit, or adds a subtle accent or a bold statement, it sends a voiceless message. We can even seal something or punctuate it with lipstick.

In other news, Sweet Home is looking for local artists willing to donate their artwork to the facility. "We have some hallway walls in need of décor, and we are always trying to rotate or update what we do have. I know we have many talented artists in our area; possibly even people looking to donate works of art that fit the description of what we are looking for," Shackelford said.

In celebration of Gorgeous Grandma Day on July 23, Frances Ewing models her selected accessories.

"Our residents would love to see places they recognize and call 'home.' If you have a painting or picture of our beautiful landscapes, wildlife, or way of living, we would love to display them on our walls for everyone to enjoy," Heather Nesslar, Administrative Assistant, added.