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Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs The Cottage was ready to watch the hometown Philadelphia Eagles take on the Chiefs in the biggest game of the year!

Who needs store bought flowers when you can arrange your own bouquet! The ladies enjoyed picking loose flowers and assembling their own colorful arrangement for Valentine’s Day!

Poet: Kate Summers ©2016 What does love mean on this Valentines day Love is doing more for another than for self Love is encouraging and supportive Love is patient Love is kindness for one another Love is helping and laughter too Love is appreciating all you do Love is sharing interests Love is a comfort Love is always there Love is meant to be shared Love is beauty in the eyes of the beholder Love is showing that you care. Love is you and all you do Happy Valentines Day to YOU!

Beginning on March 5 th, Pastor Dale Miller, Jr. (Pastor of the Mt. Laurel Church of God) will be offering a Non-denominational Worship Service at 3pm each Sunday in the multi-purpose room. Please join us in welcoming him to our community.

Fly Eagles Fly! The Residents practiced the Eagles fight song every morning for a week so that we could sing along and cheer the Eagles to victory during the Super Bowl. E- A- G- L- E- S! We may have lost but are already looking forward to the next season.

“Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted 6 more weeks of winter, but his ex-wife, Phyllis, who now lives in Florida says that Phil is a compulsive liar”! We are hoping for an early spring as we enjoy these delicious Groundhog Day treats prepared by our culinary team.

Fun & Messy! We had a great time decorating cookies with a Tie-Dye theme.

“Bunnies are those adorable little furry creatures that manage to make anyone smile with their cute tail, and twitchy nose. These adorable creatures are one of the best friends a human can have.” – Kidadl Team. We love when bunnies come to visit, and it certainly puts a smile on everyone’s face!

While researchers continue to search for a cure and better treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease, it’s of vital importance to learn to better support those living with dementia. In the words of educator Teepa Snow, “Until there’s a cure, there’s care.” Teepa Snow is an internationally renowned leader in dementia care who is working to change how people interact with people living with any type of brain change. Snow, a graduate of Duke University who received her MS degree from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, has over 30 years of experience in the field, including working as the OT director in a head injury facility, a clinical specialist in geriatrics for a veteran’s administration medical center, and a restorative care coordinator. She has also served as the director of education and lead trainer for the eastern North Carolina chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. With her education and experience, she has developed a dementia care philosophy that is filled with humor and the idea that being educated on the science behind the changes we see in loved ones will allow us to be more patient and understanding. Her no-nonsense teaching style integrates easy-to-understand facts about the brain and how it changes with aging with her trademark energetic and enthusiastic teaching style, which makes those in attendance at her lectures feel free to laugh and enjoy the learning process. She also offers free videos and online training courses so that family members who wish to better understand and care for their loved ones can access her wisdom. Teepa’s training organization, Positive Approach LLC, provides training in what she calls the Positive Approach®. Rather than focusing on statistics, this approach helps people learn how to interpret behavior, react in real-time in a way that puts people first, and encourages people to focus on current abilities instead of what has been lost. Some Tips from Teepa: Respond to a person’s change in cognition and abilities in a way that is not hurtful or offensive. With practice, common reactions to the person living with dementia can become thoughtful responses that improve quality of life. Recognize that the person living with dementia is doing the best they can, and that dementia can often rob a person of the impulse control we often take for granted. If things are going wrong, step back! Take a moment and let both parties collect themselves. “Dementia doesn’t rob someone of their dignity; it’s our reaction to them that does.” ~ Teepa Snow

We can find joy in the most unexpected places but living joyously is quite challenging.  This is especially true during difficult times.  When something happens that breaks the pattern of comfort and happiness in our lives, we are being put to the test.  Such trials can strengthen our faith for He said that I am training you to consider it pure Joy whenever you face trials of many kinds.  I encourage us all to stay in communication with Him through our spoken words, thoughts, and songs (although my daughters strongly discourage me with the latter).  Spend time absorbing His Word and let it speak into your heart, where it changes the way, we think and live.  In His presence, we can find fullness of Joy, perfect Peace, and unfailing Love.

In February, we started baking and painting in favor of our artistically inclined residents and boy do they love it! We have even recruited a few nay-sayers. Nothing says, “I love you” like a homemade baked good. So far, our residents have enjoyed baking carrot cupcakes, chocolate almond croissants, and banana bread. They have also made several different crafts and paintings!

Beginning this March, the Cottage will be opening a Country Store.  Throughout the month, residents will be able to win Cottage Cash during Bingo and Trivia Games.  On the last Friday of each month, the Country Store will be set up to residents to spend their cash.  Items will include: candy, toiletries, seasonal décor and more!