A familiar holiday song proclaims, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” But suppose the lyric were changed to “sound a lot like Christmas”? What would that mean to you? What sounds do you associate with the holiday season? Is it ... Read more
FIRST JOBS
Remember scooping ice cream, delivering newspapers, bagging groceries, collecting movie tickets, manning the elevator, or pumping gas? Many in your group can wax nostalgic about their first jobs. Summertime elicits memories of early work ... Read more
WINTER COMFORTS – January Activity Ideas
The song says it best: “Baby, it’s cold outside.” While you may not enjoy tromping through the snow and ice or dealing with the frigid temperatures outdoors, you can still enjoy some of the comforts of winter indoors. Hot cocoa, a stack of ... Read more
FUNNY DAYS
Watch out! April is National Humor Month, and you might just hear peals of laughter, a fit of the giggles, or a few begrudging snickers – maybe even a “Gotcha!” on April Fools Day. It’s time to load up on the fun! Your group might enjoy ... Read more
WINTER, BE GONE!
If snow is still blanketing your landscape, take heart. Slowly, but surely, winter is beginning to relax its grip. Signs of spring are beginning to emerge – the days are getting longer, frozen ponds are melting, tree sap is running, the ... Read more
CHOCOLATE LOVE – February Activity Ideas
Just when you’ve finished off the last morsel of Christmas fudge, out come the Valentine truffles – rich, decadent, mouth-watering chocolates. The sweet taste of chocolate appeals to both kids and adults, making it a popular gift for many ... Read more
MIND YOUR MANNERS – January Activity Ideas
If you grew up saying “please,” “thank you,” “yes, ma’am,” “no, sir,” and “excuse me,” chances are that someone in your family was a stickler for good manners! Grandma may have taught you basic manners that have stood the test of time, but ... Read more
AUTUMN LEAVES
Autumn has arrived, and the trees are ready to put on their annual show. From maple to ash, oak, beech, poplar, birch, and hickory – the landscape is about to become draped in vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange. “Leaf peepers” will hit ... Read more
ROAD TRIP MEMORIES
All across America, parents are hearing a familiar refrain: “Are we there yet?” The summer vacation season is in full swing, and many families are heading off for a road trip in the family car. Whether it’s a short day excursion, an ... Read more
COLOR RED – February Activity Ideas
Attention-grabbing and eye-popping - that’s the way some people would describe the color red. The bold hue conjures up strong feelings such as passion, courage, and anger. Red is often called the color of love. You’re likely to see a lot of ... Read more
NEW YORK – A TRIP TO THE BIG APPLE – January Activity Ideas
It’s December 31, and the countdown to midnight has begun. A very large crowd has gathered in Times Square to watch the lowering of the crystal ball. Shouts erupt and confetti fills the air. Welcome to New Year’s Eve in New York City! The ... Read more
THANKSGIVING MEMORIES
Family, football, parades, and lots of turkey and pumpkin pie have become synonymous with Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday in November every year. Thanksgiving Day is special for many senior adults who savor memories of family gatherings ... Read more
ATTIC TREASURES
Did you ever go hunting for family treasures from bygone days? Grandma’s attic is a great place to search. You might find an old wooden trunk full of relics from the past – a lace wedding gown, an old Christmas stocking, embroidered ... Read more
APPLE PICKING TIME
They come in shades of red, green, and yellow. They’re used in pies, crisps, cobblers, and dumplings. Eating one a day keeps the doctor away – or so the old saying goes. Apples are a favorite fall fruit. Just the mention of the word ... Read more
OLD-TIME RADIO
In the days before television, there was radio. Many of today’s generation of older adults grew up in an era in which the radio was the main source of entertainment and news. Listening to the radio was a nightly ritual for many families. ... Read more
SUMMER SUN AND FUN
Bright sunshine, clear blue skies, and an occasional white puffy cloud are the ingredients for a perfect summer day. A new season officially starts on June 21, and most people are eager to enjoy the warm, sunny days ahead. Summertime is ... Read more
RAINDROPS AND RAINBOWS
Have you ever marveled at the sight of a rainbow in the sky? When you see the splash of colors, what do they remind you of? Though rare, rainbows are a beautiful sight in nature. People of all ages seem to be fascinated with them. Poets and ... Read more
LAUGHFEST
Do you like to hear the sound of hearty laughter? It's hard not to chuckle along with others who are enjoying a good belly laugh. April is National Humor Month. You can provide the older adults in your group with plenty of opportunities for ... Read more
WINTER WARMTH – January Activity Ideas
Old Man Winter has officially arrived. In many parts of the country, the winter landscape is full of snow, ice, and sleet. (Remember that "big" snow from your childhood?) Many people are thinking about ways to stay warm and toasty during ... Read more
SUMMER GOOD-BYES
Kids seem to relish summer as a time to explore, read, play, or just daydream. What comes to mind when you recall summers as a carefree youngster? Some of summer's simple pleasures (through kids' eyes) are highlighted below. Share them with ... Read more
