Activity Update
August brings the fullness of summer to our hearts! We thrive in the beauty of the flowers and in the bounty of the garden! The hot days of summer are passing by, making them sweeter as we savor the moments they bring!
The Watermelon Festival is in its 80th year and we will take part in those festivities. Some local law enforcement officers will join us on the front porch, chatting and eating some refreshing watermelon with our residents. On other days, we will try out some watermelon artwork and a new watermelon smoothie recipe. We plan to feature some local history, such as the Criss Cross heirloom melon variety developed by local grower Chris Christensen in 1950. As always, we will be a presence in the Watermelon Parade—some on the parade route and some watching from our shaded front porch. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of the summer!
The sultry Dog Days of Summer were long ago blamed on Sirius, the Dog Star, which vividly appears on the horizon during late summer. Rather than casting blame, we at the Montrose Health Center decided to embrace dog days. Our dog Nova will host a Puppy Party with staff members’ beloved pet dogs invited. Doggie ice cream and resident-made pumpkin peanut butter dog treats will be served to our guests. Our residents love dogs!
Even with warm temperatures, we strive to keep our minds fresh and alive with learning. A local beekeeper, Tony Keefe, will share about his bees and beehives and honey production. Our Front Porch Warrior exercise group will feature Chair Swimming, exploring the life of Channel Swimmer Florence Chadwick as we keep ourselves fit! Iowan Joy Neal Kidney’s book about her rural Iowa grandmother, Leora’s Early Years: Guthrie County Roots, is our Read Aloud book this month. The stories highlight the simple people who worked to build our wonderful state—one family at a time.
As summer ends, back-to-school preparations are on everyone’s mind. Our praying residents will hold a Back-to-School Prayer time for our local schools and their students. Going forward, we plan to take a short prayer time each week for a different classroom. The results will be in Bigger Hands than ours!
Life is full here at Montrose Health Center! Savor the moments with us!
Laura Zechin, Activity Director
Dietary Update
Hello Yall! How is it August already? August is a fun time here at MHC. It’s watermelon festival time!!! We are kicking off the start of the festival with a carnival menu for our residents and staff. We will have corn dogs, onion rings, funnel cake sticks and of course lemon shake ups! We will end festival week with a delicious watermelon salad, and I will share the recipe below. I hope you all have a wonderful month of August and stay cool and hydrated!
Brandy Jenkins
Dietary Supervisor
Viral Watermelon Salad
Dressing:
1/2 lime, juice and zest
3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt⠀
Salad:
teaspoon jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1 mini watermelon, cubed
3 Persian cucumbers, cut into half-moons
3/4 cup crumbled feta
Instructions
Dressing:
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a large bowl.
Watermelon Salad:
- In the same bowl as the mixed dressing, add the jalapeño (if using), fresh herbs, and mix well.
- Add remaining ingredients and toss together. Enjoy!
Nursing Update
Montrose Health Center Summer Highlights: Joy, Sunshine, and Community
Dear Families and Friends,
As summer continues to bring warmth and sunshine to Montrose, we’re excited to share some of the wonderful moments and activities that have filled our days with joy, laughter, and connection. At Montrose Health Center, our residents’ happiness and well-being are at the heart of everything we do—and this summer has been a special season of celebration, relaxation, and meaningful engagement.
A Puppy Party for Nova!
One of the most memorable highlights of the summer was a puppy party held in honor of our beloved facility dog, Nova. Residents, staff, and furry friends gathered to celebrate Nova’s companionship and the comfort she brings to all of us. There were treats (for both humans and pups) and lots of tail wags and smiles. Nova continues to be a source of unconditional love, and the joy she brought to this celebration was simply contagious.
Front Porch Time: Summer’s Simple Pleasures
There’s nothing quite like a peaceful afternoon spent on the front porch, and our residents have made the most of it this season. Whether it’s sipping lemonade, sharing stories, bird watching, or simply soaking up the sun, these moments of calm and connection have become daily highlights. The front porch has truly become a favorite gathering spot for residents and visitors alike—a place to relax, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of summer together.
Natural Awakening & Open Dining
We continue to embrace our natural awakening philosophy, allowing residents to rise and start their day at their own pace. Combined with our open dining times, this approach promotes independence and comfort while creating a more home-like environment. Mealtimes have become more relaxed and personalized, giving residents the opportunity to choose when they’re ready to enjoy a nutritious meal in good company.
As we look ahead to the final weeks of summer, we remain committed to providing engaging, meaningful experiences for all of our residents. From special events to everyday comforts, every moment is an opportunity to connect, care, and celebrate life at Montrose Health Center.
Thank you for your continued support and trust. We look forward to sharing more joyful updates with you soon!
Warmly,
Jensen Riley, Director of Nursing
Activity Update
August brings the fullness of summer to our hearts! We thrive in the beauty of the flowers and in the bounty of the garden! The hot days of summer are passing by, making them sweeter as we savor the moments they bring!
The Watermelon Festival is in its 80th year and we will take part in those festivities. Some local law enforcement officers will join us on the front porch, chatting and eating some refreshing watermelon with our residents. On other days, we will try out some watermelon artwork and a new watermelon smoothie recipe. We plan to feature some local history, such as the Criss Cross heirloom melon variety developed by local grower Chris Christensen in 1950. As always, we will be a presence in the Watermelon Parade—some on the parade route and some watching from our shaded front porch. The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of the summer!
The sultry Dog Days of Summer were long ago blamed on Sirius, the Dog Star, which vividly appears on the horizon during late summer. Rather than casting blame, we at the Montrose Health Center decided to embrace dog days. Our dog Nova will host a Puppy Party with staff members’ beloved pet dogs invited. Doggie ice cream and resident-made pumpkin peanut butter dog treats will be served to our guests. Our residents love dogs!
Even with warm temperatures, we strive to keep our minds fresh and alive with learning. A local beekeeper, Tony Keefe, will share about his bees and beehives and honey production. Our Front Porch Warrior exercise group will feature Chair Swimming, exploring the life of Channel Swimmer Florence Chadwick as we keep ourselves fit! Iowan Joy Neal Kidney’s book about her rural Iowa grandmother, Leora’s Early Years: Guthrie County Roots, is our Read Aloud book this month. The stories highlight the simple people who worked to build our wonderful state—one family at a time.
As summer ends, back-to-school preparations are on everyone’s mind. Our praying residents will hold a Back-to-School Prayer time for our local schools and their students. Going forward, we plan to take a short prayer time each week for a different classroom. The results will be in Bigger Hands than ours!
Life is full here at Montrose Health Center! Savor the moments with us!
Laura Zechin, Activity Director
Dietary Update
Hello Yall! How is it August already? August is a fun time here at MHC. It’s watermelon festival time!!! We are kicking off the start of the festival with a carnival menu for our residents and staff. We will have corn dogs, onion rings, funnel cake sticks and of course lemon shake ups! We will end festival week with a delicious watermelon salad, and I will share the recipe below. I hope you all have a wonderful month of August and stay cool and hydrated!
Brandy Jenkins
Dietary Supervisor
Viral Watermelon Salad
Dressing:
1/2 lime, juice and zest
3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt⠀
Salad:
teaspoon jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1 mini watermelon, cubed
3 Persian cucumbers, cut into half-moons
3/4 cup crumbled feta
Instructions
Dressing:
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a large bowl.
Watermelon Salad:
- In the same bowl as the mixed dressing, add the jalapeño (if using), fresh herbs, and mix well.
- Add remaining ingredients and toss together. Enjoy!
Nursing Update
Montrose Health Center Summer Highlights: Joy, Sunshine, and Community
Dear Families and Friends,
As summer continues to bring warmth and sunshine to Montrose, we’re excited to share some of the wonderful moments and activities that have filled our days with joy, laughter, and connection. At Montrose Health Center, our residents’ happiness and well-being are at the heart of everything we do—and this summer has been a special season of celebration, relaxation, and meaningful engagement.
A Puppy Party for Nova!
One of the most memorable highlights of the summer was a puppy party held in honor of our beloved facility dog, Nova. Residents, staff, and furry friends gathered to celebrate Nova’s companionship and the comfort she brings to all of us. There were treats (for both humans and pups) and lots of tail wags and smiles. Nova continues to be a source of unconditional love, and the joy she brought to this celebration was simply contagious.
Front Porch Time: Summer’s Simple Pleasures
There’s nothing quite like a peaceful afternoon spent on the front porch, and our residents have made the most of it this season. Whether it’s sipping lemonade, sharing stories, bird watching, or simply soaking up the sun, these moments of calm and connection have become daily highlights. The front porch has truly become a favorite gathering spot for residents and visitors alike—a place to relax, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of summer together.
Natural Awakening & Open Dining
We continue to embrace our natural awakening philosophy, allowing residents to rise and start their day at their own pace. Combined with our open dining times, this approach promotes independence and comfort while creating a more home-like environment. Mealtimes have become more relaxed and personalized, giving residents the opportunity to choose when they’re ready to enjoy a nutritious meal in good company.
As we look ahead to the final weeks of summer, we remain committed to providing engaging, meaningful experiences for all of our residents. From special events to everyday comforts, every moment is an opportunity to connect, care, and celebrate life at Montrose Health Center.
Thank you for your continued support and trust. We look forward to sharing more joyful updates with you soon!
Warmly,
Jensen Riley, Director of Nursing