Decorations highlight holidays

At this facility, two large and two small bulletin boards are decorated for each season or holiday. The other day, the activity director was putting Memorial Day decorations on the bulletin board closest to the dining room. After she finished putting up the red, white and blue background, then adding stars and flags, I asked, "What? No Cinco De Mayo?" Another resident and I explained to her that it was a festive celebration of Mexico's Independence Day.

The activity director gave us a blank look; we just smiled. Most residents look for any opportunity to celebrate by having a party. Both of us realized that no one would think of decorating for another country's holiday. But if she had, the board would be ablaze with different colors.

After they were decorated, the large bulletin boards looked American festive. I know from prior years, however, that although they will be changed a bit in a month or so, the same color scheme will remain until at least after July 4, or maybe until after Labor Day.

I understand Activities has to work on a budget and make the best use of its decorations. But I wonder whether residents are ever asked for their input on the themes and decorations. Maybe residents who attend activities regularly are asked, but my opinion has never been sought.

I enjoy seeing what the activity director comes up with. I like colorful decorations on the boards and appreciate frequent changes. Some people may think the bulletin boards are a little "elementary school," but they are seasonal reminders of upcoming holidays. Visitors also notice the bulletin boards because they show how the staff want to make the facility more colorful for the residents.

At certain times of the year, candid snapshots of residents at activity events are posted on the bulletin boards. Then, we all make a beeline to take a look. It is fun to see what residents or staff members were doing when their pictures were taken.

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