Last Updated on September 30, 2021

Connector Tips – Volume 6

Keeping You Engaged & Informed

NEW! Mystery Bag Bonanza: Recycling is currently on halt so we decided to do our own version of recycling for this next activity. Gather those paper bags from your meal deliveries and get those creative juices flowing. Use the bags to create any useful product i.e.: notebook, wrapping paper, puppets, art, bowls etc. You can find picture ideas on the back of this newsletter or online. Pinterest.com has some great ideas! Call to register and receive an instruction letter. Winning item will be featured in the Sunburst!
New! Window Wonderland: Bring some encouragement to staff and fellow residents as well as yourself! Decorate your window with signs of hope and joy. We’ll be looking from the outside, but please send us pictures so we can feature them in upcoming 972 shows.
Mask Making Initiative: We have almost made 1000 masks! We currently have a surplus and are slowing production for a week and will reevaluate then.
BINGO: We are up to 150 players who are having a blast. We are still taking new players!
Puzzles: We currently have almost 228 participants! We are still accepting new registrations!
Poetry Contest: Deadline to submit is May 8th. We are inspired and touched by the ones we have received so far!
Scavenger Hunt: Last day to submit is May 7th! You may still participate.

To participate in activities, call Stephanie at x601-8133 (Tues-Sat) or Mary at x601-8558 (Sun & Mon)

Computer-Related Activities

Caton Woods Virtual Visits: We ask this be kept to close friends/family due to availability. Please reach out to Denise Puckett at 410-737-8838, X601-8575 or Puckett@erickson.com
PBS Online Classes: Topics include science, reading, social studies, math, instructional strategies, and instructional technology.
Host a Zoom Get together: Conference with your activity group members or just a group of friends. It makes such a difference to “interact” with others during this time.
Moments of Zen: Watch 360 degree videos of various waterside retreats.
Explore Bucket List Attractions Online: This link leads you to a wide variety of places around the world to explore and visit via video.
“Get outside” with Virtual Tours Of Hawaiian Volcanos.
Cook with the Pros: Watch cooking demos made by celebrity chefs.
Netflix “Party Extension”: Have a remote movie night with family or friends. Click here to see how it works and how to set it up.
Watch a live stream of Koalas: Webcams of the koalas at Lone Pine Sanctuary in Australia, of course!
Harry Potter Fans: Take virtual Hogwart classes.
Learn Irish Step Dance: Take a virtual class.
Online Free Photography Courses: Nikon is offering free courses during the pandemic. 

Non-Computer Related Activities

Body Scrubs: Homemade body scrubs can be made with ½ cup sugar (brown, white, or raw), ¼ Cup Oil (coconut or olive work the best), and 10 drops of a scent of your choice from fresh fruit or essential oils. Mix all together and treat yourself to a little pampering by rubbing on your skin as an exfoliant.
Weekly Writing/Journal Topic of the Week: What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen and what about it is beautiful to you?
Stress Balls: Use a non-inflated balloon and cut the top off. Fill small zip top bag with rice or flour and seal.
Stretch the balloon around the zip top bag. Place a second balloon over the open side of the balloon and wrap around the whole ball. Take your stress out or give those hand muscles exercise by squeezing the ball. If you do not have balloons you can substitute a sock by placing the filled zip top bag in the bottom of a sock and knotting the top.
Mother’s Day: This special day is coming up. Spend a few minutes writing letters or cards to those who women in your life who are mothers or a strong figure in the life of a child you know.