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Keystone Place at Blairs Ferry
The month of August begins with a dance at Keystone Place with music provided by the Jerry Burns Country Western Band. There will be lots of outings this month! We are going to Wickiup Nature Center on the August 1, Coral Ridge Mall, the Muscatine button museum on the August 8, Belle Plaine on the August 10, Kernel’s baseball game on the August 14, the new Waterloo Casino on the August 29, and Crystal Lake Cave and the Dubuque Botanical Gardens on the August 31! There will also be outings to the theatre to see the Movie "Hair Spray" and "Ratatouille"! On the August 28, we will have “Hawaiian Day”. There will be a special Hawaiian meal, hula dancer and Hawaiian music in the evening. The Cedar Rapids Fire Department will be here on the August 24 to talk about fire safety and show their equipment and truck to the residents.
Keystone Cedars
On August 1, the month begins with a dance at Keystone Place. Music will be provided by the Jerry Burns Country Western Band. The Cedar Rapids Fire Department will be here on the August 10 to talk about fire safety and show their equipment and truck to the residents. On August 14 we are off to see the Kernel’s Baseball game. "Hawaiian Day" is August 16 with a special Hawaiian meal, hula dancer and Hawaiian cocktail party. Staff and residents are encouraged to dress up in their best Hawaiian attire! On August 29 we will be going to the new Waterloo Casino! There will be lots of fun outings, bus rides, games and music this month.
The Gardens at Keystone Woods
Care Packages to Iraq
When it was discovered that one of the residents at Keystone Woods had a personal connection with a captain of a platoon in Iraq, residents began to pack and send care packages. Overseas boxes were filled with needed items and were mailed directly to the platoon leader for distribution. There have been two such mailings to date.
The main idea was to let soldiers know that someone at home was thinking about them, and we have received correspondence from several soldiers thanking us for our efforts. Selection of items includes toiletries, socks, books, writing materials, juice boxes, candies and most importantly, Honer harmonicas and songbooks should a soldier wish to learn how to play a simple but rewarding instrument.
On August 5 Keystone residents will pack boxes for a third mailing and staff members and residents alike are contributing items. Enough money has been collected to handle the mailing fees for six new care packages.
"Night Under the Big Top"
Yes, we are having our own circus with peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jacks!
After our Clown Workshop on August 9, residents will have chosen their own clown style, costume, and act for a "Night Under the Big Top", our own circus on August 15. Various acts have already been assigned, such as the Fortune Teller, juggler, Master-of-Ceremonies, Pitch Man, food and beverage sales persons, tumblers, the Fly Fleas Acrobatic act and parade of the animals including Baby, our miniature orange dog, and Luke, the grand white Husky.
There will be feats of strength, a tightrope walk, and last, but not least, an appearance by the Bearded Lady. We may have elephant costumes, and a Flying Tiger. Also, we will have large bubbles, games of skill and refreshments, such as cream soda, cotton candy, peanuts and the like. If you can't go to a circus, have one of your own!
Helping the Homeless
As an on-going community outreach, the Garden Belles Women's Club at Keystone will be working with Pastor Gregory Dyson from the Church of the Acres in Springfield to try to improve lives of homeless persons. In the past year, the women's club has fund-raised for the needs of the homeless, and given many gifts to the Homeless shelter for Women and Children in Springfield, as well as knitting scarves and winter hats that are distributed by Pastor Greg to homeless individuals on the streets of the city. This particular event on August 17 is organizational, helping people sign up for available services, directing them to appropriate services, and providing a hot lunch. The Garden Belles Women's Club will continue to work closely with Pastor Dyson to support his ministry to the homeless of our city, and to support his work with inner city youth who meet at the "Lion's Den" for recreation, structure and meaningful contact with caring adults.
Grayson House at Keystone Woods
Happy Summer from Grayson House!
Back by popular demand, we will be making Smores in the Courtyard on August 1—a sweet treat for all those who venture outside for a fun evening!
Mystery trip to...? Last month we ended up on a country ride to Palmer, MA, to Rick's Drive-in for soft serve ice cream on the house! Find out on August 13 where this month's mystery trip will end up.
On August 18 the Lion's Club Eye Mobile, sponsored by Grayson House, will be providing free eye exams, glaucoma and blood pressure screens. This event is from 1-4:30 p.m. and open to residents, families and friends.
Come along on August 20 for a special tour of Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown, MA (the main source of water for Boston) and enjoy beautiful wildlife, scenery and a treat along the way.
On August 8 and 29 we will take a return trip to historical Forest Park for a picnic lunch and a time to feed the ducks in the refurbished ponds.
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Equal Housing Opportunity