Today a full house of busy crafters sharing time, stories, and talents!
Looking great at 88! Happy Birthday Bobbie!
Happy Birthday Bobbie!!!! So happy you got to celebrate with your sons! Happy Birthday!
This week we enjoyed the sights of fall as we took Howie to the Libertyville Farmer’s Market! We enjoyed fresh gala and honey crisp and delicious apple cake!
Being a BFM means “ doing whatever it takes” and going the extra mile! Much gratitude to Nurse Bernice, CNA Angela, and CNA Aierelle for throwing a party tonight in Mary B’s ! Residents enjoyed pizza, KFC, fresh fruit, and ice cream cones!!!!
Happy first day of Fall!!! Time to bring out the fall projects!
We have a great week ahead! Be sure and stop by Wednesday 4:30-5:30! Meet the new director, enjoy food and music! See you then!
What a wonderful afternoon on the patio being entertained by the lovely Mary Ellen Heelan! Thank you , Transitions Hospice for treating us to this event! Our own Octoberfest!
Our residents LOVE getting mail! Keep those cards and letters coming! Helen, 97, loves getting mail!
Double Birthday wishes to Marilyn and BFM Jocelyn!! Happy Birthday!
Happy 85th Birthday Sweet Marilyn!!!! Celebrating with you was such a joy! Thanks for leading our birthday parade!
Always keep an open mind and keep learning!!! Today, Shoney, came to Bingo reluctantly. At 101, he had never played Bingo! Guess what? Guess who won and looks super happy about it!!! You go Shoney!!!
A special thank you to our MC for the night! Thank you Kris Trotter for your words and pearls of wisdom!!! Welcome Sharon!
Wonderful to have Chaplain Ann Marie join us along with our wonderful families! So good to see everyone having fun!
A big shout to Frank Rossi and his talents getting the residents, families and BFMS enjoying the night!!! Look up Frank , he plays at many Chicago area restaurants! We were delighted to have him here at Gurnee!
We are forever grateful to the outstanding training and expertise helping us continue amazing Bickford standards! A big thank you to Simone Pena and Kris Trotter!
Thank you to all our wonderful families that came out to meet the new director , Sharon Vitacco! We are delighted to have Sharon join our team!
Our new Gurnee team, Sharon, Karen, and Edi!
We are blessed with the wonderful talents of Richard daily as our top chef! Richard displays his outstanding dishes below! Thank you also to Romelu and Phillip for their help!
Thank you Marilyn for the help making the delicious fruit kabobs! What a nice treat for our daily 2:15 hydration cart!
Martin shared his amazing story! Three days after high school he and 99 men were on their way to Germany. “We were scared 18 year olds ready to fight for our country”
He very humbly said, “ I am not a hero.... there were 99 other men with me” What an honorable man!
We are so proud of our Veterans! Once a month we have Veterans Group. We found out it sure makes an hour fly!!! The camaraderie and bond between these men is amazing! Thank you for your service!
Fall art projects in our branch have us all in the fall spirit. Martha enjoyed making her “ polka dot pumpkin”.
One on ones and card games are a favorite Mary B’s activity. Tom sure enjoyed playing solitaire!
When 103 year young John was asked,”What is your birthday wish?” His answer......”to have another!”
Bless his heart!
Happy Happy Birthday Gail!!!! Gail had several delicious deliveries and beautiful flowers this morning
Halloween music and building spooky skeletons had us all enjoying a great morning in Mary B’s!
Happy Halloween! Mary and friends in Mary B’s took turns tossing rings on the cute pumpkins!
A great fine motor project for all of us making the most beautiful candy corn!
Did someone say, “Doughnuts?” Herman thanks for coming to the group today!!! You had us all laughing!!!
The Price Is Right was fun for everyone! Ken, we’re going to have to call you “Mr, Clean”! He won two hand soaps!!!
Welcome Jaime to our Bickford Family! Jaime is our new Community Relations Director. Jaime comes to us with an 8 year experience in Senior Living. He’s excited for the new opportunity! He started with an internship and found his passion working with seniors. Welcome to Gurnee!
Fall in Illinois on a day like today had so many of us enjoying the patio and sunshine!
LaVerne joined us for a fun afternoon of Family Feud on the patio while marveling at the beautiful fall leaves!
We sure enjoy these amazing bushes planted by our landscaper. Better yet, look at our “Golden Girls”, Arlene, Ginny, and Marilyn!
Sunny and 70!!!! Let’s soak up the sun !
Thank you God for this Indian Summer!!! Taking advantage of the warm weather and getting the nails hung for our Christmas decorations! Thanks Arlene and Marilyn for your help and good eye!
Welcome Juana! Juana comes to us with 24 years of working in healthcare. Juana is excited to be part of the Gurnee team and ready to help in anyway. Juana has had many roles starting out as a CNA and today even helping out with housekeeping and maintenance. Her “ can do” and positivity is a great addition!
Marilyn, our Trivia Queen, looks forward to our packets and new challenges!
Marie was delighted to get mail today! She added new photos to her great granddaughter wall of fame!!
Welcome our “Joe of all Trades”! Joe was hired as a prep cook but has jumped in helping out with housekeeping and maintenance! Mary Bickford would be proud how he keeps everything clean and looking like home. Joe grew up in the area and loves bringing smiles to the residents. Most of all, he loves the smiles they bring to him! Welcome Joe!
Marcello was excited to receive today’s packet, refreshments and a visit!
The joys of doing today’s packet with Bev led us to her discussions about travel and reading. She especially enjoyed solving the world capitals sheet.
Marie is most thankful for her three daughters! Her placemat has a leaf for each of them!
Ginny also carries a bit of Mom in her purse! Recognize that tool? It was her mom’s used to pull up her laces everyday.
Stopping in Ginny’s room is such a delight! She is always chipper snd tells me of all the projects she’s catching up on! From filling out a new address book, writing notes to friends, playing solitaire, and more. While changing her bed today she told me the story of her beloved pillow! It was her Grandma’s then given to her Mom and now it’s her! We all need a little piece of Mom and Grandma!
The servant heart and kind soul of Marilyn and her late husband has been evident in the mail flowing in! Marilyn is delighted to hear from so many treasured friends!
Thanksgiving is one week away and I treasure hearing what everyone is thankful for!
It is a pleasure to have Laverne and her husband, Putt living here. With the amount of daily mail they receive I know how loved they are in their community! Their kindness has touched so many!
Most important the Nativity Set is up. Thank you Arlene for your help!
The stockings are hung and we look forward to a joyful December!
Thank you Ginny for your help and expertise!
The living room tree is up and looking beautiful!
Beverly was eager to get started this morning with Christmas decorating!
Decorating the Bistro is a favorite and it sure turned out nice!
What fun making Christmas ornaments with Ginny today! Aren’t they beautiful?
A little touch of Christmas everywhere! Thanks for
your help Thea!
We are SO grateful to Martin’s family for the delicious lunch! Our entire staff enjoyed sandwiches, chips and chocolates! Thank you Kern family!
Sharing the joy of the season as we look forward to you stopping by ! Can’t wait til we can have visitors!
Welcome to Bickford Gurnee! Welcome HOME! We are so blessed to have amazing residents and families!
Thank you thank you to the “Christmas Angel “ that dropped off the delicious Panera cakes and fruit rings today!
Hobbies and talents are such great treasures! So proud of the great carving talents of Ken! Today Ken was working on his spoons. Ken has made over 200 spoons!
Santa’s Elves stopped by with the most delicious and festive cookies from Marie’s daughters! Staff is most appreciative of this delicious thoughtful treat!
Thank you Irene for helping to put the ornaments and finishing touches on our tree! Yes that is the magic of Christmas!
Holiday decorations are continuing to go up !
Arlene was eager to help make a Gingerbread House something she’d never done before! She’s a natural!
Beverly enjoyed the great holiday tradition taking time to properly place everything!
Happy Friday to all and thanks for the help getting our Bistro decorated!
Marilyn enjoyed decorating and talking about the holiday traditions! Sure looks great!
Celebrating National Gingerbread House Day! Didn’t they turn out awesome!!!!
Santa’s Elves stopped by with the most delicious and festive cookies from Marie’s daughters! Staff is most appreciative of this delicious thoughtful treat!
Who doesn’t love popcorn! Arlene and her daughter treated us to a delicious variety bucket of flavors!
Staff was delighted to receive a delicious McAlister’s Lunch from Marilyn and her daughter Cindy. What a beautiful way to show their appreciation!
Lovely Christmas gifts from the Lake County Quilters Guild! Each resident received a Christmas pillowcase, a tissue holder, and a Christmas runner for their room. We so appreciate these ladies and their long hours of hard work and talents!
Holidays hugs to the John Quinn family for the generous staff and resident donations! What a beautiful way to celebrate his birthday!
A big thank you to Anna Z’s family for the wonderful holiday delivery! Much appreciated!
Protect your loved one, please reach out and contact us at 847-281-0780 for more information!
Our Bickford Family, residents and staff are blessed to have the expertise and compassionate care from our Chaplains! Chaplain AnnMarie and Chaplain Jim are true servants and amazing resource for all of us! They dropped off treats and cards for all our residents and staff!! Thank you Chaplains!
No pandemic can stop Christmas traditions! Residents stopped by one by one to decorate cookies or roll out the dough!
Delicious cookie delivery from a Christmas Angel! Susan delivered cookies to our building knowing that the pandemic has been hard. She lost her mother last year and admires the heart and spirit of BickfordSeniorLiving staff.
Staff was delighted to receive a delicious McAlister’s Lunch from Marilyn and her daughter Cindy. What a beautiful way to show their appreciation!
Who doesn’t love popcorn! Arlene and her daughter treated us to a delicious variety bucket of flavors!
Lovely Christmas gifts from the Lake County Quilters Guild! Each resident received a Christmas pillowcase, a tissue holder, and a Christmas runner for their room. We so appreciate these ladies and their long hours of hard work and talents!
Thank you Chef Romy and Chef Joe for the amazing lunch today! Residents raved about the steak and twice baked potatoes!
Happy 2021!!!! We are ready for a New Year! Special treat this morning to enjoy all time favorite doughnuts!
Irene and Thea toasted to the New Year! Love those smiles!
What fun we shared with BFM’s and good wishes!
We are so grateful to Miguel for all his hard work! Today for his creativity ! Miguel carried two suitcases in our parade for best wishes of travel in 2021 and life returning to normalcy!
Residents loved the surprise parade!
Marilyn was our big winner of the day! She won 7 games and Coverall! We were ready to go buy her a lottery ticket!
Marie was our first big winner in our Bingo Quartet! She was excited to chose a lovely package!
Great news to ring in 2021!!! Big news we are excited to share! Our residents, staff, and new move ins have the opportunity to be vaccinated! We are excited to announce our vaccination date is 1/22/21 and 21 days later, 2/12/21!
Thank you to our “Angel” neighbor that dropped off beautiful gift bags for our Bingo prizes! Residents will enjoy these!
Thank you Chef Romy and Chef Joe for the amazing lunch today! Residents raved about the steak and twice baked potatoes!
Happy 2021!!!! We are ready for a New Year! Special treat this morning to enjoy all time favorite doughnuts!
Sit back and enjoy with Beverly! She loved her pedicure and hot towels. In fact, she said it’s been a long time and we should do it every week!
Ginny loved her foot bath, lotion, hot towels, and manicure!! Ginny was delighted with her day of pampering!!
Who doesn’t love a little pampering?! Welcome to Edi and Arielle’s spa! Perfect on a cold January day!
We are all in this together as we continue to manage the effects of Covid 19 and missing our loved ones!
Mark your calendars to join us for a Zoom Support Group sponsored by Heartland Hospice. We are so grateful for teaming up with them to help with emotional support snd caregiving ideas! Call (847) 272-7338 and register today!
Our big winner of the day was “Lady Luck” Marie!!
5 games and the grand prize!
Our residents look forward to BINGO Mondays and Wednesdays! Prizes are always changing. Here’s today!
Our RNC, Karen, keeps our residents physical and mental health number one as she vaccinates so our families can be reunited!
Family is number 1 in our book and Jamie, our CRD, echoes our residents in his wish to see family again soon!
Two days and counting!!!!!!! Our BFM’S are getting ready for the BIG day and telling us why they are ready for the vaccine!!!!!!
Edi is ready for the future but ALWAYS keeping in our hearts the precious residents we lost.
We would also like to let everyone know as we get ready for our vaccination day, we are also celebrating 50 days being COVID Free in our branch!
Only two days til vaccination day, and we are excited! Stay tuned for more of our reasons why we choose to vaccinate!
Exercise begins daily at 10:30. We currently have four programs we offer for a fun variety of of exercises . Gail, Bobbie, and Arlene never miss a class!
Always making us smile and laugh, Putt told us snow storms were a time for other drivers to stay away from him!
He also said snowstorms were for cuddling and it brought him 2 fine young sons!
LaVerne said her favorite thing about snow is it gives her a chance to wear her favorite sweaters!
Judy was excited to see the pretty snow but said her favorite thing is it goes away eventually!
Happy Snow Day! When asked what Arlene loves about snow, she told us,”It’s so fresh, clean and nice! I should know I’ve shoveled plenty of it!”
Thanks Gurnee Police for hosting a great event!
We are blessed to live in a Village that takes good care of our citizens. Yesterday I received a call from the Gurnee Police Department checking in on our residents so they can be included in this great project!
Arlene’s laughter and happiness seeing such a great delivery was priceless!
Marcello was grateful and appreciative of this great surprise! What kind people he said!
Ginny and her grateful heart were so appreciative!
Doesn’t this just make you smile? Virginia proudly taking her balloon back to her room!
Sharing beautiful smiles we saw from our Adopt A Grandparent program from our friend at Be Our Guest Balloons! Bobbie is beaming!
We are grateful to be able to say it has been 63 days COVID free at Bickford of Gurnee!
“Mr. Lucky” today! Marcello won three games of Bingo! Then I called a cover all game and he won a cozy blanket! Great prize! today Winter is 1/2 over!
The love and compassion of Nursing shines thru with our RNC Karen as she spends time with John painting! Even at 103 he’s ready to paint!
Artistic Anna, our Concierge, loves spending time with our residents! They enjoy her company and creativity!
Ceramics was something new for Marilyn but she enjoyed it!
Thanks to Ceramics for You, here in Gurnee, they bring the ceramics to us! Ginny is always eager to paint!
Arlene enjoys ceramics because it’s very relaxing!
Caring for our residents and keeping them safe BFM Nikki and Stylist Lara vaccinate.
In memory of Sweet Rachel and after recovering himself, Bobbie vaccinates!
Thanks Anna for all your phone calls and help today!
Right in stride, Ruth and Irene vaccinate!
Marie and Thea are thankful to have been Covid free and are ready to vaccinate!
Chaplain Jim offered prayers of comfort as he and Chef Romi vaccinate!
Crafting Thursday! Residents enjoyed spring painting flowers from our local Ceramics for You.
Getting mail is so for for our residents. Especially when it’s an adorable photo of your great granddaughter! Congratulations Marilyn!
Ginny and Gail enjoy the stained glass art project.
The ladies made great choices for the men or ladies. Marcello was enchanted with the beautiful horses.
Beverly and Arlene are delighted with the blanket they chose.
Wednesday we celebrated Random Acts of Kindness. LaVerne and Putt are living examples of kindness. Thanks to their church, Grace Lutheran Church of Libertyville, each resident received a lovely lap blanket made by the ladies at the church.
Lavern’s day started with all the BFM’s bringing her coffee and singing happy birthday to her. Now it’s wrapping up with a birthday party! Happy Birthday Lavern!
Morning crafting and coloring made a great start to our day!
Keep those smiles coming Marcello and Marilyn! You sure look great!
Judy and Beverly look beautiful! Nice hair styles!
Great news! Our beautician is back and Ginny and Virginia couldn’t be happier!!! Looking good ladies!
Welcome to our home! We’re getting ready for St Patrick’s Day fun and celebrating!
Thanks ladies for your contributions to the Bistro! Fun and festive!
After helping to deliver the projects, Marilyn enjoyed making one too!
Bobbie and Marilyn came early to card club so they gave art a chance too!
Beverly and Gail couldn’t have enjoyed it more! Fun times together creating!
After lunch we began an afternoon of fun creating sweet leprechaun centerpieces! Arlene was a natural!
Lavern’s day started with all the BFM’s bringing her coffee and singing happy birthday to her. Now it’s wrapping up with a birthday party! Happy Birthday Lavern!
Marilyn exceeded her chocolate quota and won a great door sign thanks to Heartland Hospice for the fun sign!
Today was “Chocolate Bingo”! Marie was a lucky winner!
Congratulations Ginny!!!! Ginny celebrated her 85th birthday last week and her daughter requested cards sent! The goal was met!! She received 85 birthday cards!!!!! Ginny you are so loved!
Hip Hip Hooray! Stop by and see our front today!!!!Our Bickford branch just won the Regional Outdoor Decorating contest!!!! Big shout out to AMC Landscaping for your help! Go team!!
This is shocking!! Falls are happening this often Wow!
Bickford is hosting a virtual event about fall prevention. Please join us on March 31. The link for sign up is below.
http://bit.ly/FallBTH
I can’t wait to show you what the inside looks like! We are open for in person tours now and we couldn’t be more excited about this. Please call Jamie
at 815-474-5847 TODAY to schedule your personal tour.
Exercise is part of our daily programming. Great participation today! Having so much fun it doesn’t seem like exercise!
Happy 93rd Birthday Anna!!!!! Anna was delighted with her birthday party today! She loved the balloon and flowers! Thank you to her daughter for the beautiful and delicious birthday cake! She thanked everyone for coming to her party!
Happy March 13th birthday to our Anna and Therapist Christine!
Gail was our first winner today at Bingo! Super job Gail!
Wonderful Wednesday for Bobbie! He was a big Bingo winner after his haircut today!
Salon day is one of our favorites! Look at Gail’s new “do”! Doesn’t she look great! Plus she got her nails done today! Thanks Lara!
For Marcello, Friday afternoon was a great day to enjoy a ride and cherished times with his children!
Ken and Gail enjoyed meeting Alex and playing along!
Irene was delighted to clap along with all the singing! She has great rhythm!
Great way to enjoy an Elvis song, playing along with the tambourine girls, Marilyn and Ginny!
William was happy to enjoy his first entertainer and played right along with tambourine as did Judy!
Bobbie has known Alex for four years and he is always excited to play the drums! Bobbie you are so talented there!
LaVerne has made a commitment to walk the building once after lunch and once after dinner. Pretty awesome for someone who will be 100 years young in 1,011 days!
Lots of fun, laughter, and good competition with our morning balloon volleyball!
Spring has sprung! A nice day to get our tulips in the garden. Thanks Marilyn!
Proud of our BFMs working together as a team for our residents! Miguel filled in for Edi, while in training, to do the exercise. Thanks Miguel!
Arts and crafts is a fun time for all. Bev and Arlene enjoyed the string art crosses we are making for Easter.
Book club afternoon is a big hit! We gather, share coffee, treats and a good read! We just finished Gracie by George Burns. Highly recommended! Marcello and William were first to arrive!
