Judy LOVES Paul Anka and always dreamed of seeing him perform in concert.  Thanks to ARCADA Theatre in St. Charles, IL, Sunny Hill, family and dedicated volunteer, Larry Lindholm, Judy's dream came true!

The dream was a complete surprise as her daughter shared that Judy was in shock.  Sunny Hill staff had scheduled an appointment to get her hair done in the morning.  Judy's daughter picked her up and they went to dinner in Geneva Illinois, then on to the show.

Judy and her daugher had amazing seats in the third row and had a great evening.  Judy enjoyed the show immensly as the smile has not left her face.

On September 14, 2017, Elmcroft of Heritage Woods helped Ursula Prince celebrate her Second Wind Dream. The morning began with an exciting police escort to Dauphin Island. (Courtesy of Renetta’s connections with the Mobile Police Department). Along to help her celebrate the dream were Renetta McMillan, Heartland Village Leader and Aegina M. Jokela, Healthy Lifestyles Director.

The ladies met with Martha Caldwell, Ursula’s good friend and were able to tour the historic Ft. Gaines where Ursula had worked for over 20 years. The staff at the fort welcomed Ursula back home with hugs and smiles and enjoyed reminiscing with her about her years of service. The group then went to the Little Red Schoolhouse where they were greeted by Dauphin Island’s Mayor- Jeff Collier and shown around the museum and new lending library.

The cherry on the top was when Ursula was able to eat at her favorite Chinese restaurant where the owners were waiting to greet her with open arms and hearts. They remembered her favorite dish and enjoyed reminiscing with her about her frequent visits to their establishment. Ursula returned to Heritage Woods with a full tummy and a smile on her face.

Added note:

(The fort for those not familiar with it was established in 1821, it is best known for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War. Exhibits include the huge anchor from the USS Hartford, Admiral David Farragut's flagship on which he gave his world-famous command, "Damn the torpedoes – full speed ahead!" The fort also has the original cannons used in the battle, five pre-Civil War brick buildings in the interior courtyard, operational blacksmith shop and kitchens, tunnel systems to the fortified corner bastions, and similar features.)

Today we celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the Second Wind Dreams organization.  We made two dreams come true today.  This morning Helen’s dream was fulfilled.  She invited all of her friends to a Bingo Marathon! She was honored as the “Bingo Queen”.  Thank you, Sue (SWD volunteer), for assisting me with this wonderful party!

This afternoon the owners of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Marietta made the afternoon special for Mary and her family.  Josh Crenshaw came to be her dance partner. Mary was born in Argentina and misses the Latin &  Spanish style of dancing.  A big dance party was held in her honor to celebrate Mary’s  zest for life. 

I want to thank Mechelle Flowers (Fred Astaire Dance Studios), Al Urezzio (our fabulous musician) and our friends at Second Wind Dreams for making this day possible!

Happy International Second Wind Dream Day

Wanda wanted to have a special lunch with her family at her favorite restaurant.  Sunset Family Restaurant is a special place for her and her family to share a lunch. 

Wanda has made  a wonderful recovery from a health concern.  During this concern her family was here and spent 24 hours a day with her.  She wanted a chance to have a special lunch with them to show her appreciation.

This was a special Dream for National Assisted Living Week.  Family is Forever!  After the lunch some special time on the front porch to rock off the lunch.  

Resident, Nella,  has been asking Elmcroft of Ontario's kitchen staff for a nice steak and eggs breakfast.  Unfortunately, steak is not one of our regular breakfast menu items. On International Second Wind Dreams Day, we served Nella her favorite breakfast. She enjoyed a 16 oz. sirloin steak cooked medium-well, eggs over medium, and buttered wheat toast. She ate her breakfast with a big smile on her face! Nella said the only thing that would make it perfect would be eating her breakfast "on a porch in Virginia overlooking a nice river sipping on some tea", but we got it as close as we could!

Thank you to Atlanta Dream basketball team for making a former high school basketball player's dream come true!

Mr. Larry Nine came to Union Pointe for short term rehabilitation.  He had never been ill and had been leading an active and productive life. One day he experienced horrible pain and went to the hospital to learn that he has a terminal, untreatable cancer.  Upon holding his initial care plan meeting, Mr. Nine was pleasant and positive.  The Social Worker asked him what the staff could do for him and he stated “I have seen commercials and I would like a good steak, potato and dessert”.  Facility staff then sought to make this happen.  The Social Worker contacted Mr. Nine’s daughter and informed her that we wanted to surprise her dad with a dinner out with her.  The day before the surprise the Social Worker went into the room to give the gift card to Mr. Nine’s daughter.  Mr. Nine was present so Social Worker asked the daughter if she could tell him what had been planned.  Daughter consented and Social Worker asked Mr. Nine if he remembered what he had told her he wanted and he stated a “good steak dinner”.  Social Worker then informed him about the surprise and he was all smiles. On 08/05/2017 Mr. Nine, his daughter and his son in law enjoyed a steak dinner at Lonestar Steakhouse in Monroe, NC from Pruitt Health Union Pointe as part of the Second Wind Dreams project.  Social Worker ask Mr. Nine’s daughter to take some pictures.  In follow up Mr. Nine’s daughter stated that Mr. Nine does not like having his picture taken so Social Worker told him that we needed to send information to Second Wind Dreams to show proof of the project and he said “the proof is in my belly”.  

Patricia who is 81 and has gone through many challenges with her health. When her mother died, of an aneurysm,  Pat and her family cleaned out their mothers home, and that is when she discovered she was the only one that has no record of being baptized. When she had her aneurysm, knowing after her mothers death that there was a 7% survival rate, she prayed she would make it through. That is when Pat decided that her desire  to be Baptized had to be answered. Since she moved to Elmcroft, Pat heard about the second wind dream program, and asked if she could have her dream come true. What a beautiful dream.

On Thursday, August 24th Jim and Rosalyn will celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary.  Jim dreams of making this a memorable day for Rosalyn.  A surprise event for Rosalyn would be the perfect way to commemorate this event.  Their love for each other is an inspiration to everyone. 

The surprise event would be on 8/24/17 at 2:00.  Mike Silver will be the musical entertainer. 

Jim is inviting the entire Elmcroft community to join them. 

Norma has been at Elmcroft for almost 5 years. She is a mother of 6. Norma was a stay at home mom. She is very active and is our Miss Elmcroft. She loves to dress up and look good everyday! So I would love to give her a spa treatment,  the whole shebang!!!

Mindy has been a huge fan of Kenny Rogers ever since she can remember.  She had been waiting for Kenny to tour in Las Vegas in hopes of seeing him in concert.  Thanks to funding support from Caesars Foundation, Mindy's dream came true.  She was completely surprised and couldn't have been more thrilled.  Mindy enjoyed this dream concert of a lifetime with her sister, Terri!

Frances lived most of her life at the beach. She cannot get there now so we are bringing the beach to her. She, her family and residents will have a Beach experience that will include having beverages while soaking their feet in water, Frances will be hydrated throughout her dream from a Lifeguard Volunteer to keep her safe, they will look for shells, and have entertainment. The beach is all she talks about and we will bring it to her!