Holidays at Heart to Home!

Yes, it's that time of year again! The holiday season is upon us. Here are a few of the fun activities that are going on at Heart to Home.

Residents enjoying the outdoor views.

Allison, our winter activities intern, helps the residents decorate the Christmas tree. We're proud to say that all of the ornaments on the tree were homemade by the staff and residents of Heart to Home!

Staff and residents enjoying a game of Yahtzee. Yahtzee is a fun and popular dice game that residents and staff like to play at Heart to Home.

Accordion Pete and his beautiful chocolate lab make their monthly appearance and performance at Heart to Home. In the month of December we will have the opportunity to host a group of Christmas Carolers from a local church.

Halloween was a fun time at Heart to Home! With the help of our intern we were able to make some fun pumpkins and candy treats. We even had some trick-or-treaters stop by in the evening.

How creative?! The staff and residents carved Heart to Home's logo into a pumpkin. That takes talent.

Mendota Manor's Addition

The footings for the addition can be seen in this picture. Once the addition is completed then it will be tied into the existing home. The final addition will provide Heart to Home with one couple suite and one private suite. So far the weather has cooperated nicely and we are still on schedule to open the two new suites in early 2010.

Here is a view of the foundation and footings with the poured concrete walls. The entire addition will have in-floor heat! This will be a nice treat during the cold Minnesota winter months.

Here you can see the massive crane in the background that was used to pump the concrete to the addition. The neighbors at Mendota Manor have been incredibly gracious during the entire process. We are so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful community.

A street view of the crane that was used to pump the concrete to the addition behind Mendota Manor. Starting next week a large portion of the exterior work will be completed and we will begin working on the interior. The finishes that have been selected for the addition are first class and will blend beautifully with the existing home.

Letter Writing Project Begins at H2H!

With the help of some local high school student volunteers, Heart to Home, has created a program for our residents and staff to say 'thank you' to the brave men and woman who serve our country in the armed forces. To learn more about how you can say 'thank you' please visit http://amillionthanks.org/

Addition to Begin at Mendota Manor

Beginning the week of November 9th we will be breaking ground for the addition behind the garage at Mendota Manor. This will be a great addition to the home and will provide us with two additional private room options at Heart to Home. Please check back for updates and pictures of the progress.

Padelford Boat Outing

The staff and residents from Heart to Home recently went on a 2 hour Padelford Boat Tour (www.riverrides.com). We had a wonderful time enjoying the sights along the river and reminiscing about growing up in the Twin Cities...

Views of the fall leaves were spectacular!

One of the Padelford Boats

Views of the Mississippi River banks

Passing a nearby marina

Residents Enjoy Manicures and Pedicures!

One of the fun activities at Heart to Home are resident manicures and pedicures! We love to pamper our residents...

Therapy Dog Visits and New Landscaping!

Mendota Manor's resident garden in full bloom!

Mendota Manor's new flagpole, a dedication to a previous resident.

Mendakota Manor's new landscaping and front patio.

Mendakota Manor's new patio and barbecuing area.

Mendakota Manor's new landscaping and lawn!

"Vinny" the therapy dog comes to visit Heart to Home.

"Accordion Pete" Comes to Visit...

Peter a.k.a. "Accordion Pete" came to visit the residents and staff at Heart to Home. Peter comes to visit Heart to Home monthly and plays live music for the residents. He's wonderfully entertaining and is accompanied by his beautiful chocolate lab. The residents (and staff) love when they visit!

"Vinny" The Therapy Dog Comes to Visit

"Vinny" the therapy dog came to visit us at Mendota Manor today. The residents and staff enjoyed spending time with him and his owner. There's nothing like a friendly dog to help relieve you of the stresses in the day! In fact, studies show that human-pet interaction actually lowers heart rate and blood pressure. If you own a therapy dog and would be interested in bringing him/her to visit the residents at Heart to Home please call us at (651) 454-5250.

Heart to Home's Weekly Daycare Visit!

A local daycare comes to visit the residents of Heart to Home. During the visit residents of Heart to Home read the children books and work on art projects together.

A resident of Heart to Home visits with one of the kids from the local daycare.

Heart to Home values the importance of intergenerational programs. We encourage local school groups and daycares to come visit our residents. During the visits we offer programs and projects which help strengthen intergenerational relationships and competencies. If you're interested in learning more about how you can participate in these programs please contact Heart to Home at (651) 454-5250.

Cooking Fun at Mendakota Manor

Residents and staff of Mendakota Manor enjoying their homemade "birds nest" cookies.

A resident of Mendakota Manor works on cooking homemade "birds nest" cookies.

Cooking is one of the many fun activities that is enjoyed by residents and staff alike.

Enjoying Checkers & Cookies

Valentine's Day cookies made by the staff and residents... Yum!

Staff and residents enjoy a fun game of checkers!

Puzzle Time at Mendota Manor

Resident and staff enjoying a puzzle together...

Birthday Celebration at Heart to Home's Mendota Manor

Birthday celebration at Heart to Home's Mendota Manor!