Blog

Happy Halloween 2020

October 30th, 2020

Hallway Concert With Amy and Adam

October 29th, 2020

Last week, we happily welcomed our friends Amy and Adam back to Oak Park Senior Living for a hallway concert! Residents enjoyed music from either inside their apartments or out in the hallway. Everyone had a blast listening and singing along to some of their favorite tunes. Thank you, Amy and Adam, for putting on a great show! ???

Drive-By Parade Celebrating Floyd’s Birthday & Volunteer Service

October 16th, 2020

We had a VERY special day here at Oak Park Senior Living recently with a drive-by parade honoring one of our community members, Floyd.

Not only was it his 93rd birthday, we were also celebrating his 55 years of volunteer service with the Maplewood Oakdale Lions Club. Surrounded by friends and family, Floyd watched as Lions Clubs members from all across the state drove by to honor and thank him for his generosity and hard work. KSTP even came by to cover the heartwarming story. Watch the news clip below and please join us in congratulating and wishing a very happy birthday to our friend, Floyd!

https://kstp.com/minnesota-news/lions-member-celebrating-service-birthday-during-tough-year/5882910/

Happy Labor Day Weekend 2020

September 4th, 2020

“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” – Aristotle

Outdoor Social Distancing Visits

July 31st, 2020

Outdoor social distancing visits are now available at Oak Park Senior Living! Residents and family can reserve space on our patio to safely visit with one another face-to-face.We’re so happy to be taking this step as we continue safely navigating this time in our community. You can view available times and sign up for your visit online here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044caca828a6fa7-outdoor

For those without access to email, please call our Activities Director, Sue Wichman, at (651)-275-8087.

Tenants Ted and Jean Gillen had a visit with their great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Leo. The visits may be a bit different than they used to be, but everyone has been enjoying reconnecting with loved ones! ❤️

Heartwarming Thank You Notes

July 17th, 2020

Oak Park Senior Living staff received a very kind and heartwarming thank you from a resident’s family member following a recent social distance visit:

“I wanted to thank the Oak Park staff for their willingness to arrange a brief outdoor visit for my mom and two of her granddaughters. Travel plans suddenly changed and this was their only opportunity to see her as they were passing through town.

Although I didn’t want my dear mother out in the awful heat for too long, the short time we had was extremely precious to all of us. Seeing her in person again after such a long time brought me to tears, and I know my nieces and mom felt extreme joy being able to visit and talk with each other.

So, although I thanked your staff repeatedly (especially Sue, who called to get special permission for the extra-short visit), I wanted to share again how very much we appreciated it, how much it meant to us, and how much it lifted my mom’s spirits.

I know the COVID constraints are causing a lot of stress and extra work for all of you, but we truly appreciate everything you do. Even these seemingly little things mean the world to us.” -Mary S.

Thank you for the kind words, Mary! We are so happy things worked out and your family had an amazing visit. ❤️

Oak Park Senior Living’s Residence Director, Terri Pratt, received another message of gratitude from a resident’s family member recently:

“My family and I couldn’t be happier about how you and everyone at Oak Park have been handling this crazy COVID situation. We really appreciate the updates and your efforts to keep everyone safe while also understanding their need for socialization. That’s a difficult line to walk, and I want you to know our family thinks you all are handling it well.

Our father, Richard, has loved living in your community, and we appreciate everyone who helps him on a daily basis. Thank you SO much and keep up the excellent work!” -Jeff K.

We always prioritize the safety, well-being, and happiness of our residents at Oak Park, especially during these difficult times. Thank you so much for the lovely message, Jeff!

Happy Fourth of July

July 2nd, 2020

Balcony Serenade

June 26th, 2020

Oak Park Senior Living celebrated summer with a “balcony serenade” on a beautiful, sunny afternoon recently. Musician Michael Riddle performed a 30-minute show on each side of our building. Residents came out onto their balconies to listen and boogie down with Michael and his “backup dancers” (a.k.a. Oak Park’s activity staff and Residence Director, Terri Pratt). Everyone had a great time and we’re all looking forward to another serenade soon!

Happy Father’s Day

June 19th, 2020

“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.” -Unknown

Happy 100th Birthday to Charlie H.

June 15th, 2020

Saturday, June 13 was a very special day here at Oak Park Senior Living: One of our residents, Charlie H., turned 100! To celebrate and honor this monumental occasion, Charlie’s friends and family put on a car parade just for him. He had so much fun waving as the line of cars filled with loved ones drove by.

Charlie, a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, says his secret to a long and happy life is letting go of the things you can’t change and focusing on the present and enjoying every minute. What great advice from an amazing man!

Thank you to everyone who helped organize and participated in this incredibly touching celebration. Please join us in wishing a happy 100th birthday to Charlie! ???