A Program of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County The Oaks Adult Highlights 734.662.4001 May 2015 STAFF: WHAT HAPPENED IN APRIL? Lisa Gdaniec, LLMSW, Site Manger Leslie Hartman, Activity Coordinator, Dexter Judy Kopa, Program Assistant Karen Balanecki, Activity Coordinator Melissa Roth, LLMSW, Program Assistant Intern: Jessica Essie Skinner, Program Assistant Senior Aides: Michael, Nancy & Sarah The Oaks Ann Arbor 1-Martha · 12-Judy · 24-Carolyn 25-Marcia · 28-Dorothy W. The Oaks Dexter 21-Austin OPENINGS AVAILABLE! The Oaks Dexter, located at Peace Lutheran Church, currently has openings. If you know of a caregiver who is in need of respite or someone who would benefit from increased socialization, please call: Lisa Gdaniec, Site Manger, at 734.662.4001 Opportunities for drop-in respite are available Do you know of a church or business that would be interested in sharing The Oaks brochures with their clientele? Please let Lisa know! • Participants celebrated Easter by coloring eggs and an Easter egg hunt, as well as holiday related crafts and crosswords. • Participants celebrated the 45th anniversary of Earth Day by playing Earth Day word games. • The Tuesday/Thursday Guys and Gals group followed a nautical theme with a discussion of the Titanic and building miniature ships. • The Oaks Dexter enjoyed “Backwards Day” by wearing their clothes backwards and saying words backwards. What fun they had. • The Oaks Dexter hosted a participant and staff “Twinkie Run” on Thursday, April 30. After a walk around the parking lot and pond, they enjoyed eating a Twinkie and received a medal for their participation. WHAT IS HAPPENING IN MAY? • The Oaks will be CLOSED on Monday, May 25 in honor of Memorial Day. • Participants will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with games and the making of miniature Sombreros. • The Guys and Gals Group will celebrate Mother’s Day by remembering famous TV Moms. They will also learn about the Indy 500 and build race cars. • As the weather continues to improve, participants will enjoy the beauty of spring by taking walks outdoors. Please write the participant’s name on the inside of their jacket to avoid mix-ups. The Oaks staff will write the participants’ first name on any unlabeled coats. • The Oaks Dexter will be hosting a potluck picnic on Tuesday, May 26 at 12 pm. Pig Pickin’ Cupcakes THAN K Y U freepik.com The Oaks participants and staff would like to THANK the following people for their generous donations: image: Dalton, Brittany. Pig Pickin Cupcakes. Digital image. asouthernkindoflovin.blogspot.com/2013/03/pig-pickin-cupcakes.html. 9 Mar. 2013. Web. • Scott and Bruce: coffee & creamer As promised, here is the delicious cupcake recipe participant Tom and staff member Leslie made in celebration of Isha’s birthday. • Dorothy H.: hard boiled eggs for coloring Cupcakes: 1 box yellow cake mix 11 oz can of mandarin oranges in juice 4 eggs ½ cup vegetable oil Frosting: 9 oz tub whip topping, thawed 8 oz can crushed pineapple in juice 3.4 oz box of instant vanilla pudding mix Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, mandarin oranges and their juice, eggs and oil in mixing bowl. Beat for 2 minutes, then pour the batter into cupcake pans with liners. Put in preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool. For the frosting, mix whipped topping, pineapple and juice, and vanilla pudding mix in bowl with hand mixer on low. Frost the top of each cupcake and enjoy. Makes 24 cupcakes. Recipe from about.com. • Mike’s sister: cupcakes • Tom’s niece (and her employer): games Workshop Series If you were unable to attend the FREE caregiver workshops held at The Oaks Dexter in April and would like a copy of the information and free video related to caring for a loved one with dementia, please contact: Lisa Gdaniec, Site Manger, at 734.662.4001