At The Paragon we believe ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING… Each day, we have dozens of reasons to give thanks. Yet we generally take these things for granted and fail to see them as precious items to be cherished. Of course, when any one of them is taken from us, even temporarily, we take notice. But, day in and day out, we rarely consider our blessings.
Why am I making such a big fuss about this? It’s simple. When you focus on gratitude and other positive emotions, you feel better and are more relaxed, more creative and more productive. You also have a positive influence on those around you.
Here, then, are a few things you can do to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” in your life:
1) Think about your blessings daily. The key is to develop a habit of focusing on things you are grateful for. Put a note on your bathroom mirror or carry a card in your wallet or purse with the message, “Count Your Blessings.” Set aside time each to reflect on how fortunate you are. This isn’t a time-consuming chore, and you’ll be amazed at the results!
2) Verbalize your gratitude. During conversations at work and at home, express your appreciation for all of the wonderful things and people in your life. We live in a country that allows you freedom of expression and the right to pursue your dreams, tell others how much you appreciate that.
3) Shift the focus away from difficulties. When problems arise and you’ve done all you can to remedy them, train your mind to bring your attention back to your blessings. This helps you to keep things in perspective-- e.g. recognizing that your health and basic necessities in life are more important than anything.
4) Lift others in need. One of the best ways to use your gifts (health, energy, attitude, etc.) is to share them with others who are having a rough time. Can you lend a helping hand to a friend, relative or other person in your community? Merely spending time with someone in need or giving a few words of encouragement can make a tremendous difference to that person, while helping you to develop a deeper sense of gratitude about how well-off you are. It costs you nothing to be grateful and appreciative, yet it has a considerable impact on the quality of your life. So, don’t waste another minute. Every day, reflect on the priceless gifts you’ve been enjoying. Openly share your gratitude with others.
And, the next time somebody asks if anything great happened to you today, you’ll have plenty to say!
Staff Appreciation
As we approach the season of giving, it is important that each resident and family member understand that The Paragon staff members and volunteers are here to make each resident’s life better and easier.
Although it is a nice gesture, we believe that it is in the best interest of all to not allow tipping of the staff or volunteers of The Paragon. They have been instructed that it is against our policy for them to accept tips for services rendered.
When a staff member or volunteer has been particularly helpful and courteous, it is appropriate for you to thank the individual and, if you wish, inform me of the exemplary nature of their service.
In lieu of gratuities, you may donate to the staff appreciation fund which benefits all employees. We know that each staff member is grateful for these gifts.
Let’s all be thankful for all of the wonderful things we enjoy, living in the greatest country on earth.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Nancy
Friday, November 12, 2010
Note From Nancy
A Note From Nancy: I want to take this time to thank those who were responsible for such a lovely 10 year anniversary open house and fun Halloween Family Night. The entertainment down to the food was great. We do like to have a good time! The response to the evening was wonderful—we love having family and friends join us for a evening of fellowship.
It feels strange to inform residents, family & friends that the next “party” that we will host is our Annual Christmas Open House. We haven't set a date—but be assured that we will let everyone know in plenty of time to get it on your calendar.
Thank you for all the support and kind words that you give us! We strive to make sure that you or your loved ones have the best place to live.
It feels strange to inform residents, family & friends that the next “party” that we will host is our Annual Christmas Open House. We haven't set a date—but be assured that we will let everyone know in plenty of time to get it on your calendar.
Thank you for all the support and kind words that you give us! We strive to make sure that you or your loved ones have the best place to live.
The Kitchen Korner
The following was requested to be placed in this edition of the Newsletter by a family member after having it for lunch at The Paragon. This dish can be served with entrée or as a dessert. I have to say—it’s wonderful!!
Sweet Potato Crisp
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup dried cranberries
*1 can (40 oz) cut sweet potatoes, drained 3 Tbsp flour
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 3 Tbsp butter
1 cup chopped apples 3 cups honey-flavored oat cluster cereal flakes
Preheat oven to 350°. Beat cream cheese, sweet potatoes, 1/4 cup bown sugar & cinnamon with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Spoon into 2-qt shallow baking dish; top with apples & cranberries.
Mix flour and 2 Tbsp brown sugar in large bowl; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cereal. Sprinkle over fruit mixture
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.
* You can substitute 2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 7 medium) peeled, cooked and coarsely mashed
Happy Thanksgiving!
Your Paragon Kitchen Staff, Shirley, Jennifer, Kristen & JoNell
Sweet Potato Crisp
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup dried cranberries
*1 can (40 oz) cut sweet potatoes, drained 3 Tbsp flour
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 3 Tbsp butter
1 cup chopped apples 3 cups honey-flavored oat cluster cereal flakes
Preheat oven to 350°. Beat cream cheese, sweet potatoes, 1/4 cup bown sugar & cinnamon with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Spoon into 2-qt shallow baking dish; top with apples & cranberries.
Mix flour and 2 Tbsp brown sugar in large bowl; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cereal. Sprinkle over fruit mixture
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.
* You can substitute 2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 7 medium) peeled, cooked and coarsely mashed
Happy Thanksgiving!
Your Paragon Kitchen Staff, Shirley, Jennifer, Kristen & JoNell
News From The Ice Cream Parlor
I believe that the dressing and the cranberry sauce are the best part of the meal at Thanksgiving, besides of course, all of the different desserts! Don’t you agree? The meal is always good but the best part of the holiday season is being able to spend time with your loved ones. Let’s all be thankful for even the small things that we encounter in our lifetime, especially your family. Hold it dear, family and friends are most important. I hope that each of you have a peaceful and very Happy Thanksgiving this year.
I want thank you for the positive responses that I received on the annual activities program surveys. Thank you for all the nice compliments that each of you have given me. As always, if any of us in any department can make your stay any more comfortable, please let us know. We are all here to make this as much your home as we possibly can.
We sure had an eventful month in October! I want to take this time to mention one of our largest events —we celebrated our ten year anniversary with an Open House on Thursday October 21st from 3-5 p.m. Guests enjoyed a tasteful assortment of finger foods as Tom Hamilton played the piano. Other activities included a horse & buggy ride on Wednesday October 20th., Western Day with music provided by Clif Duckworth on Friday the 22nd, First Christian Church Trick-or-treaters came on the 27th, and our annual Halloween Family night was held on Thursday the 28th.
Our upcoming events in November include—A Veterans Day Program with Sam Beeny on Monday November 8th at 1:30, making personal hygiene bags for our soldiers on the 12th, and a lunch out at a restaurant of the residents choice.
Our next Resident Town Meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday November 29th. See you there.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sherry
I want thank you for the positive responses that I received on the annual activities program surveys. Thank you for all the nice compliments that each of you have given me. As always, if any of us in any department can make your stay any more comfortable, please let us know. We are all here to make this as much your home as we possibly can.
We sure had an eventful month in October! I want to take this time to mention one of our largest events —we celebrated our ten year anniversary with an Open House on Thursday October 21st from 3-5 p.m. Guests enjoyed a tasteful assortment of finger foods as Tom Hamilton played the piano. Other activities included a horse & buggy ride on Wednesday October 20th., Western Day with music provided by Clif Duckworth on Friday the 22nd, First Christian Church Trick-or-treaters came on the 27th, and our annual Halloween Family night was held on Thursday the 28th.
Our upcoming events in November include—A Veterans Day Program with Sam Beeny on Monday November 8th at 1:30, making personal hygiene bags for our soldiers on the 12th, and a lunch out at a restaurant of the residents choice.
Our next Resident Town Meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday November 29th. See you there.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sherry
Notes from the Resident Care Coordinator
Be Prepared!
In January 2009, our community had something that none of us had ever experienced before—a devastating ice storm. I hope that each and everyone of us never have to go through that again!
Hence the reason for this article—winter is coming and we all need to be ready. That ice storm taught us some very important lessons—just like Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts we need to be prepared!
Please ask your family members to supply you with the following items:
Warm Socks
Extra Blankets
Pillows
Sweaters
Warm clothes
Every resident should have a battery operated lantern in their suite.
If you or your family member purchase a space heater for your suite, please let us know. We have to be very careful about space heaters—the only ones that can be used in the building are those that if it’s knocked over, it will automatically shut off. The others could very easily put everyone in harms way. Also remember—NO CANDLES!
With all the reports that we hear about the Flu etc. we want to take this time to reiterate how important it is to take every precaution necessary. All flu viruses spread from person to person thru
personal contact. People catch the flu by touching someone else or an object that is infected and then touching their mouths or noses before washing their hands, flu viruses can also spread by coughing and sneezing.
Practice good hygiene etiquette. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands frequently—or use an alcohol based hand sanitize, like the one that we provide on the salon’s round table. We can never be too cautious!
I know that I have written on this subject many times—but we need to be reminded daily to take these important precautions.
Until Next Month,
Ruth
In January 2009, our community had something that none of us had ever experienced before—a devastating ice storm. I hope that each and everyone of us never have to go through that again!
Hence the reason for this article—winter is coming and we all need to be ready. That ice storm taught us some very important lessons—just like Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts we need to be prepared!
Please ask your family members to supply you with the following items:
Warm Socks
Extra Blankets
Pillows
Sweaters
Warm clothes
Every resident should have a battery operated lantern in their suite.
If you or your family member purchase a space heater for your suite, please let us know. We have to be very careful about space heaters—the only ones that can be used in the building are those that if it’s knocked over, it will automatically shut off. The others could very easily put everyone in harms way. Also remember—NO CANDLES!
With all the reports that we hear about the Flu etc. we want to take this time to reiterate how important it is to take every precaution necessary. All flu viruses spread from person to person thru
personal contact. People catch the flu by touching someone else or an object that is infected and then touching their mouths or noses before washing their hands, flu viruses can also spread by coughing and sneezing.
Practice good hygiene etiquette. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands frequently—or use an alcohol based hand sanitize, like the one that we provide on the salon’s round table. We can never be too cautious!
I know that I have written on this subject many times—but we need to be reminded daily to take these important precautions.
Until Next Month,
Ruth
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