We hope so! A sure sign of Spring is when the little pasque flower peeks through the snow. They don't last long but anyone lucky enough to live where they do knows the huge impact they have on winter-weary souls and this year we have all earned Spring more than ever before. A big 'welcome' to our pretty little friend! Enjoy some fun facts about our State's official flower before you do your own pasque hunt!
South Dakota officlally named the pasque as our State flower on March 5, 1903.
The name means Easter in French.
Supposedly, in South Dakota, it is illegal to pick any pasque on public land.
One whole year of emptiness and absence...
This has been Longfellow Center since March of 2020. It has been a quiet, lonely place. The building itself and the handful of staff occupying it are craving the sounds of laughter, the hubbub of lunch, and the activities that used to fill its open hours.
Everyone we serve has been in their respective homes filling their time with online activities and staying productive and entertained thanks to the staff's dedication and creativity.
...is about to change!
Monday, March 15 is the day Longfellow Center reopens for Day Services. It will be a day of celebration for sure! The building will light up with life and laughter. For the first time in a year friends will be face-to-face again. Special events are planned throughout the day including live music, visits from sport mascots, a photo booth, and more!
Day staff have been decorating to welcome everyone and let them know how much they have been missed.
Safety protocols will remain in place including mask-wearing of all staff and visitors as well as monitoring temperatures.
March 20th is the First Day of Spring
We are so ready for Spring! Several homes have been planting seeds in preparation for getting the plants in gardens. Many homes now have gardens as well as Longfellow Center. Thanks to a grant from the Wellmark Foundation we will have even more this summer. Gardening is a favorite Meaningful Day activity. Maintaining a garden teaches life skills and promotes healthy eating.
The Pandemic Buster
Meaningful Day activities did more than keep individuals productive during our pandemic year. They helped people learn life skills for more independent lives, they created opportunities to discover new talents, and they boosted the self-confidence of individuals. Tricia had no idea she could create her own work of art using her thumbprint. Brandon was reminded of how satisfying it is to plan and plant a garden.
Every day there are examples of how Meaningful Day truly adds meaning to life. The activities offered are only possible because of generous donors and granters. Thank you to everyone who made the year of the pandemic also the year of learning and growing for the people we serve.
If you would like to guarantee that the impact Meaningful Day has on the people we support continues, just click on the Meaningful Day logo above or on the DONATE button below. Thank you!
