Elders Betty Hunt and Velma Neal, QOLD Asheley Beaty, and RN Emma Nelson, along with 37 other Signature HealthCARE Homes boarded charter buses Sunday September 30,2013 to start their vacation of a lifetime. Elders traveled to Ridgedale, MO arriving at Big Cedar Lodge, being welcomed with camera flashes and video cameras. Elder Velma Neal said, “they must think we are famous.” Each Elder received t-shirts, souvenir bags, and snacks to enjoy throughout their vacation. Each group was taken to their lodge where their room awaited them. The views from the room was breathtaking! This was just the beginning of the amazing vacation that had been planned for our special Elders.
Monday began with an awesome buffet breakfast at Golden Corral, then it was off to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park for a ride none of them will ever forget. The open air tram took them throughout the countryside offering an up close look at buffalo, elk, deer, and waterfalls. Elder Betty Hunt said, ” I’ve been a lot of places and seen a lot of things, but this is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.” The festivities continued through the night with a “chuckwagon” dinner and music by the singing cowboy and cowgirl duet around the campfire.
All aboard! Tuesday started with a ride on the Branson Scenic Railway, enjoying a ride in the 1950s railroad cars throughout the Ozark Mountains. Elders spent the afternoon doing activities of their choice then coming back together for a formal dinner and a finale line dance. Elder Betty Hunt and QOLD Asheley Beaty joined in, learning the Texas Barefoot and Copperhead Stomp.
The vacation came to an end Wednesday morning when everyone joined together for the last time, boarding the charter buses for their travel home. The 2013 Elder Vacation was a remarkable experience filled with many memories!
Pickett Care & Rehab would like to send a “Special Thank You” to BMC, B&K, Brown’s Funeral Chapel, and Cadle & Margaret Asberry for their generous donations, the DAV/DAVA, Cross Brothers Band, Amonett Twins for their participation in the HEE HAW fundraiser, everyone whom contributed to our bake sale fundraiser, Ron Erwin & Upper Cumberland Charter of Concerned Motorcyclist for the fundraiser they hosted, and everyone else that had any part in fundraising for this trip. We GREATLY appreciate each of you, your support, and contributions in helping make this 2013 Elder Vacation a huge success!