Dear Editor:

Today I was thinking about all the outpouring of love, time and attention that I have had the opportunity to witness since I took the D.O.N. position in January 2012. I have always felt that people generally have good in them, but since I have started at Eventide, my feelings have been confirmed. I wanted to write a short note to share with the rest of the world, the goodness that I have witnessed.A while back, while at church and while at the Senior Center, I announced that Eventide would be happy to accept volunteers to come do easy or special tasks for those individuals that are unable to do for themselves. This was to include: reading to them, writing letters for them, taking them outside when sunny, playing games with them, or even helping to make new curtains for some of the rooms, etc. Well, I give the Lord the credit, for in no time there were individuals asking to be helpers. There have been volunteers to go get cards for residents to send to their loved ones, volunteers that come to play bingo weekly, volunteers that brought their children up to visit (the residents especially love this), some that brought their animals to visit (this is allowed as long as they don't bite) and a special group of women that have pooled together to construct new curtains for the rooms in need. There was even beautiful material donated for the curtains. The Boy Scout Troop 55 made an attempt to come but had to reschedule. We look forward to seeing them soon. We also recently had a bake sale to help raise money to refurnish one of the dining areas and construct a nice sitting area. The sale went well as planned but, the money was still a bit short for trying to purchase a couch. The Lord came through for us again and blessed us with a giving individual who donated a beautiful sectional couch for our room. We also have special individuals that come weekly to preach and sing, and a music group that comes to play and sing. The residents just love this and some even get up and dance. I was blessed with being able to snap a picture of one of the young ladies whom is soon to be 100 years old and was on the floor enjoying herself dancing the two-step. What a sight.I just wanted to put out a special "Thank You" to all of you that have reached out to let these loving, senior individuals know that they matter and they are not forgotten.In return, Eventide has been trying to give back to the community some of the kindness that we have been shown. We have been reaching out to the Senior Center and once a month giving a teaching on some form of health matter. To date, we have taught on Heart Attack and Stroke. Our dietary department has provided special treats for some of their events. We have also been providing a free blood pressure clinic one day a month. Please feel free to take advantage of this opportunity if you need your blood pressure checked. It would also be a great time to visit with some of the seniors there at the Center. The next clinic will be May 24th at 11:15. Occasionally, we have to change the times but will try to let the Center know if that happens.Thank you again for all that you have done and are doing for our loved ones here at Eventide. Please feel free to come anytime to join in on the activities, bring new ideas, volunteer or just visit. We would love to have you.Sincerely,Kim Wilson, RN, DONDear Editor: