Leonardville Nursing Home recently celebrated their big 5-0 in stye. Administrator Sandi Hageman reported that the elders hosted coffee and muffins in the parking lot with the city-wide garage sales from 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM. The antique tractors had a parade with about 100 tractors – some of the drivers stopped and got off their tractors to visit with the elders. We had an open house from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. They had a float in the parade with 988 helium-filled balloons attached to represent past and present elders that they have cared for in 50 years, along with two vans filled with elders (they loved it). At the parade they gave out 50 cent pieces that they special-ordered from the bank. Right after the parade, they hosted a 50s-60s band that one of their elders recommended, and grilled 480 hotdogs with the trimmings for those that came to listen. At the end of the concert, they had a balloon release, which went across the street over the ball tournament and the tractor pull (called Thunder in the Ville). The balloon release was extremely moving for everyone who has had loved ones there, or currently do. It was very well received – some of the elders did not want to come in from outside – they saw a lot of friends and family and were still excited on Sunday. The staff was exhausted. Wow, what a blow out. Congratulations on 50 years of service.
