Since we hired two new employees to plan and execute activities at our facilities, our calendar of stuff to do has been much fuller.
Tammy and Malorie bring different personalities, experience and expertise to the job.
But really, activities is more than a job — it’s fun. You get to plan fun stuff to do and then do it. Sure, it can be challenging sometimes. And it’s definitely a work in progress at Hilltop Grand Village. But how many jobs let you swim, play games and enjoy happy hour — all on the clock?
So what’s challenging? Finding stuff everyone wants to do. Especially when everyone has different interests.
So far, the most popular are the social times — happy hour in the pub, patio parties — when everyone can get together and visit. It’s nice to get to know everyone, to share what’s happening in their lives and make this a community.
That’s not to say we only sit around and drink lemonade and non-alcoholic margaritas. Everyone enjoys live musical entertainers when they visit. More people are interested in water aerobics. Hole-in-one golf on the patio is popular. Movies with popcorn can draw a crowd. Scrabble is, by far, the favorite board game.
There still is trial and error. We keep trying different things, because you never know when something will stick.
Take tea time. Originally, we did it as a way to get together socially. We had a couple ladies attend, but with a staff member or two, we had enough to keep it going. We added vintage hats and decorations — dresses, shoes, photos — courtesy of staff member Penny, who sets it up each week. Now, tea time is a Monday afternoon staple. We don’t plan anything else at that time. Sure, it’s aimed more at the ladies who live here, but gentlemen are welcome, too. We won’t make them wear fancy hats, either.