Mountain Meadows Review

A Newsletter for Residents, Families and Friends

Volume 50 June/July 2010

The petunia baskets are hung.  The flower boxes are planted.  The Bar-b- cue is seeing some use.  These are all tell tale signs that Mountain Meadows is geared up and our residents and staff are ready to shake off the confinement of Spring’s drizzle and embrace the freedom that comes with the arrival of summer.  Already on the schedule is the Father’s Day luncheon, fishing at the hatchery, and the annual picnic at Rayfield’s private campground.  We are all excited to see what our Activity Director; Fern Arness has planned for us this season.

All of us at Mountain Meadows thought that we would be in a major building project at this time of the year.  Unfortunately, the loan process has taken much longer than anticipated.  I assure you, we are continuing to move forward with the building expansion and remodel.  Recently, we received notice that our loan application was approved by our lender, CWCapitol LLC of Vancouver, Wa.  This approval is a major step in obtaining financing from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”).  The loan application has been submitted to HUD for a firm mortgage commitment.  Although it may be a lengthy process, we are trying to be patient and look forward to a ground breaking ceremony sometime in the near future.

The opportunity to participate in “The Gates Great Giving Match” is coming to a close as of June 30.   Many have participated and soon Mountain Meadows will reap the benefits from those who supported us through generous donations.  The continued support of the Leavenworth community and surrounding area is so greatly appreciated.  Not only have the residents and “facility operations fund” benefited, but it is exciting to know that the future expansion of Mountain Meadows has progressed from the generous donations of our community. 

Warmer days, cool nights, blue skies and the beauty of our valley remind us that life is truly wonderful.  A joyful person wrote, “Write it on your heart . . . that EVERY day is the best day of the year.”

Warm wishes,
Nate Oglesby
Executive Director

A Note from Nurse Deb:

June has arrived and hopefully the warm weather is not far behind. One concern that I will be focused on especially during the hot weather, will be dehydration.

The human body is made up of 75% water. Most of the water is in the body cells but some water is found in between the cells. Dehydration occurs when more water leaves the body than what is consumed.   In elder adults the body water has already decreased by 10%. This means the elderly must increase the fluid intake to help maintain the body’s delicate fluid balance.

Causes of Dehydration are many, but here are a few examples: Diarrhea- the most common reason for dehydration, a significant loss of fluid occurs; Vomiting- cannot tolerate foods or fluids, losing valuable fluid without replacement; Sweat- the body naturally is cooling the body with the sweat, therefore, losing body fluid; Frequent urination- diabetics often have this symptom and excessive thirst and Fever- 1 degree of increased fever increases total body water needs by 10%.

As the DOW, I am expected to keep all residents at Mountain Meadows well and healthy. Here are some symptoms of dehydration I will be watching for, especially during the warmer weather:

1). Extremely dry mouth

2). Eyes stop making tears, sunken eyes

3). Sweating may stop, fever occurs

4).Muscle spasms or cramps

5). Heart palpitations

6). Light headedness/ low blood pressure, especially when standing

7). Irritability/ Disorientation

8). Decreased urination

If you have 2 or more of these symptoms, please contact Nate or myself immediately. Do not panic though. There are several ways to treat dehydration;

1). Drink plenty of water, especially during the heat of the day. If you drink a glass of water at each meal and a small glass between each meal this should be adequate to keep you hydrated!!

2). Drinking clear broths with lots of sodium helps the body retain fluids

3). Eat popsicles- (who doesn’t want to do that, especially if they are root beer)

Feel free to visit if you have any questions.                                                                                                            

Nurse Deb                                                                                                       

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

The annual Mountain Meadows yard sale will be held on Thursday and Friday, July 15^th and 16^th.  If you are doing spring cleaning and wish to drop off any “gently used items” for our yard sale, we will gladly accept yard sale items on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 13^th and 14^th from 8:00am to 4:00pm.  All sales are determined by a cash donation by the buyer.  The proceeds from this fundraising event will go towards purchases from a wish list amongst the employees and residents.  Call 548-4076 if you have any questions.

NASON CREEK FUNDRAISER:

It is that time again! Get those goodies baked!!  This fun event will be August 27^th (evening) and all day 28^th & 29^th.  Donations of coffee, cream and sugar are also appreciated.  Cathy will have the volunteer sign-up sheet in the business office.  Stop by or call 548-4076.

IT’S DOWN TO THE WIRE:

The opportunity to participate in “The Gates Great Giving Match” is coming to an end.  Cash donations must be received by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington no later than June 30, 2010.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your cash donation magically turn into more!  Contact Cathy in the business office

with any questions you may have or if you need a “Gates Great Giving Match” form.

WE ARE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD:

The residents will be off to see the “Wizard of Oz” on Friday, July 25^th at the Leavenworth High School.  Three of our Mountain Meadows workers will be in the cast.  Alex Darlington will be playing the “Lion”, Matt Bangsund will be an “Enthusiastic Munchkin” and Daniel Anderman will be in the “Lollipop guild” and also a “Winkie”.  Today’s trivia should be:

What is a Winkie?  His Mom tells me a Winkie is a “Palace Guard”.

HISTORY OF LEAVENWORTH:

Bobbi Ferg, local author and historian will be at Mountain Meadows on Friday, June 11^th at 10:00am.  She will be doing a presentation on the “History of Leavenworth”.  This will be a very interesting and informative event to attend.

BIRTHDAY’S:

June 2^nd-Irene Saliby                                           July 13th-Jackie Durkee

June 8th-Vara Wright                                           July 24^th-Barb Shellenbarger

June 15^th-Fern Arness                                          July 25^th-Bobby Hellligso

June 16^th-Pete Campbell                                      July 28^th-Estela Tobon

June 26^th-Muriel Tiffany