The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Family visits are still on hold at the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home since Blaine County's positivity rate with the coronavirus still sits at 10.2%. To stay connected, the residents celebrated when they could-including basketball tournaments and the birthday of centenarian Doris Hofeldt.

Officials at the Home will notify families when they can once again start setting up appointments for visits.

During the past month, activities at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home (SMNH) reflected the residents' looking ahead to spring and to the season's change. With many songbirds due to return to the Hi-Line this month, the residents created birdseed feeders. And with flower gardens soon to be commonplace, residents painted rocks as decorative additions to a flower bed or even to be used as paperweights.

A few SMNH residents also showed their youthful, trendy sides during an afternoon of tattooing. Bev Brown was especially impressed by the elk that Activities Manager turned tattoo artist, Michelle Snell stenciled for her, and John Haldemann was willing to show his boat and anchor to anyone he encountered. On the other hand, resident Terry Vogel was rather skeptical of the whole process. Even though he extended a limb to provide a canvas for Snell to affix a stencil, he will likely not be a repeat customer to "the parlor," she speculated.

A couple of years ago, Uhl found a company that sells the temporary tattoos for more sensitive skin, so she ordered them for "the parlor."

So that the residents who had athletic relatives playing in the district and divisional basketball tournaments could listen to the games, Jenni Pula helped them set up speakers that would enable them to hear the action. Uhl reported that Joanne Willman's face just lit up when she heard her granddaughter Hallie Neibauer making a shot.

SMNH staff and residents celebrated Doris Hofeldt's birthday in February with red balloons and with a cake decorated in purple and white to mark her centennial year. Reaching a hundred years is like breaking a sports record that has stood for decades. And although more seniors are passing this mark, it is still a remarkable life milestone worthy of commemoration.

Bev Brown models the impressive elk tattoo on her wrist.

Others celebrating February birthdays were Cheryl Barber, Helen Stephens, and Terry Vogel. Those observing birthdays in March include Chuck Belt, Helen Hornang, and Diane Zielinski.

Among the generous donations bestowed upon the Home in February, the residents wish to thank the North Chinook Boosters 4-H Club for the Valentine cards.

Ward Clerk Carla Uhl went on to report that the staff and residents are currently organizing and "conditioning" for the Red Neck Olympics. Even though the Winter Olympics, which are typically held in the wider world during February, were cancelled due to the coronavirus, SMNH will be putting a creative twist on this famed competition of skills and thrills. They invite readers to watch for highlights regarding this event at the end of March.