Celebrating Winter Wellness BINGO

Even though snow blows today, spring is growing near. We had our first backyard cookout (thanks Sue & Marcia!) and are looking forward to Zoo Babies and Ameristop ice cream soon. We also just celebrated the conclusion of “Winter Wellness BINGO.” Winter Wellness BINGO was created last year as winter grey days and holidays, often a trigger for painful memories, loomed ahead. Each guest and staff member was given a BINGO card with various activities to complete over the winter months. This activity gave a language and a framework for having regular conversations about practicing coping skills, building positive relationships,

New Birthday, New Bethany

Growing up in my house, birthdays were huge celebrations. At 5:30 am, my entire family (all 6 siblings and of course my parents, too) would get up, light candles and come into my room singing happy birthday. Then the celebrations would begin. My mom would prepare us our favorite breakfast. “Honey Filberts,” “sticky buns” or croissants– whatever we wanted she would make (knowing that we wouldn’t eat it because of the excitement). Then we would open gifts and do everything else that comes with a birthday. But it didn’t end there. When we got to school celebrations continued with more

Creating a Culture of Celebration

by Laura Menze, OT Creating a Culture of Celebration When I describe Lydia’s House to someone, it is vital that I mention celebrations. From birthday parties to baby blessings to back to school parties with the bounce house, we love celebrating! In our work and lives discouragements can be numerous, thus it is critical that we take a step back to be with one another, celebrate what is good, and eat desserts! As our work has expanded this past year with the opening of Virginia Coffey Place, we have sought to continue our culture of celebration in new ways and