Continuous Care Center Residents Celebrate 250th Anniversary of USA With Patriotic Picnic
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WHEELING -- The Continuous Care Center on the WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital campus held a special picnic lunch for residents in celebration of the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of the United States on Thursday.
The center's activity room was decorated in red, white and blue. Residents wore patriotic gear including hats and beaded necklaces while they dined on picnic foods prepared by the center's dietary staff.
Moundsville resident Denis Moreau provided entertainment by singing and playing guitar.
Paul Lieber, administrator of the center, said residents are offered a variety of indoor and outdoor activities throughout the year, including trips for shopping and dining.
"It's a lot of fun," he said.
The picnic menu included corn on the cob, barbecued chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, apple pie and more.
"We really try to make memories and connect them to their past," Lieber said. "We try to connect them to family and socialize with other residents. We have kids groups in. We have schools and churches come in, so we have intergenerational activities that keep them vibrant and active and connected to Wheeling and the surrounding communities."
Wendy Longwell, activities coordinator, said it is important for residents to be involved in a variety of activities.
"It's meaningful for them to just experience the celebration of the holidays," she said. "With them not being home with their families, we're a family here. So they are with friends and people on their units and close by to them. And to have entertainment come in makes it even more special to them. To be able to eat and have a cookout atmosphere makes it more homelike for them around the holidays."
Longwell said the care center is always looking for new volunteers to provide entertainment and experiences for residents.
"We're always looking for entertainment to give a different variety. They really enjoy that," she said. "Just to have community outreach. It not only brings special moments to our residents, but it brings notice to them as well."
The center provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services and is licensed for 144 beds.
For more information about volunteering, call 304-243-3800.