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Oakview Nursing Home holds 14th annual Snowflake Ball

T-R PHOTO BY CHUCK FRIEND Oak Estates tenant Bonnie Davis shares a dance with staff member Lynn Gieken during the 14th annual Snowflake Ball in Conrad.

CONRAD — A tradition that has been carried on for the past 14 years took place this week at Oakview Nursing Home in Conrad. Residents of the Oakview home and tenants of Oak Estates Assisted Living facility, staff members, families and friends attended the home’s 14th annual Snowflake Ball.

According to Jane Goodlaxson, activity director for the home, the idea for the ball was first thought of as a way of breaking up the long and sometimes dreary month of January.

“All of the December activities are through and January often gets long for the residents,” Goodlaxson said. “These are the people who back in their day loved to attend dances and so the idea for the ball was born.”

The ladies of the home and assisted living facilities spend the days leading up to the ball getting their hair and their nails done. They pick out fancy gowns and jewelry to wear — some of the clothes donated by family members, but most coming from Chicago — being donated by Linda Ashton and Pat Rueter (who began that tradition when their parents were residents of the home).

Family members and staff help the nursing home residents “dance” in their wheelchairs, and some of the tenants of Oak Estates still have the power to “cut a rug ” on their own or with help. Dick Ferneau played the organ as he has for all of the 14 years, everything from polkas to waltzes, and even an occasional hymn.

The decorating was done by assistant activity director Kelly Cas, in a snowflake theme with large snowflakes, draped cotton and white Christmas lights adding to the ambience. Staff members of the home served cookies and punch for the attendees to enjoy as they would have at a ball in their time.

“The residents and tenants really enjoy it,” Goodlaxson said. “We actually won an award for this event in 2002 from the state: The Best Practice Award. And from the turnout this year, I am sure we will keep it going.”

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