Holy Spirit hosts carnival for residents

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
July 21, 2005

The Holy Spirit Retirement Home in Sioux City held an outdoor carnival for the residents on July 13.

"It appeared that the staff had as much fun as the residents and the more fun the staff had, the more fun the residents had," said Mary Hildman, activity director at Holy Spirit. "This was truly a good quality of life event for the residents."

Carnival music and a decorative Aloha theme created the scene for the day. According to Hildman, residents commented that they could not take their eyes off the dunk tank watching the administrator, Patrick Tomscha, being dunked 22 times.

The carnival lasted an hour and a half and 76 of the residents were able to participate in the event. The residents were accompanied by staff or family members to help them play the games.

"It offered a new environment outside the facility," said Hildman. "The carnival music and Aloha scene enticed them to get personally involved in the games. It was good exercise and it didn't feel like work."

The day started with a prayer by resident, Nellie List, followed by singing from the Indian sisters, Sister Rose, Sister Anseena and Sister Laila, in their native Malayalam language. Hildman noted that music makes it easier for the body to exercise.

Neck and bracelet leis, and hibiscus flowers, were presented to each resident. Games with prizes for the residents included squirt the ducks, ring toss, bowling, shuffle board, horse shoe, bean bag toss and fishing.

The Holy Spirit Clown, Ditzy, was on scene with her friends, giving out balloons. She made balloon flowers and animals for the residents.

"The air was filled with fun, laughter and the wonderful continuous bubbles, as the residents challenged themselves in a variety of games," said Hildman.

This event was a united effort involving resident and staff families as volunteers to run the games and help prepare for the carnival as well as a joint effort between the activity department and restorative care to organize the day's events.

"Some residents reminisced about family carnivals from their younger years," said Hildman. "Having family members involved was an important factor to capture the spirit of their carnival memories. There was a great deal of enthusiasm to make this first time event become an annual event for us. The residents loved the teenage volunteers and everything about the day. They ranked the sisters singing as a favorite feature."

Other departments were also involved to give resident support and provide items for the activity. The service club and volunteers donated the prizes and decorations.

"I wish to thank everyone for their support," said Hildman. "The team work of staff and volunteers, involving fun for everyone made this event a great success."

If other youth groups or individuals would like to volunteer and catch the spirit at Holy Spirit contact Hildman at (712) 252-2726.