Rain Alters Plans for Two Popular Events

With record-breaking rainfall, plans for St. John’s Family Fun Day and VNA Hospice’s Butterfly Release were altered at the last minute the weekend of Sept. 8.

Skyler Bartley, director of recreation for St. John Community stated, “Because of the weather we had to move our Family Fun Day indoors to Wittenberg Café and Cobblestone, but everyone seemed to have a great time regardless.”

Family Fun Day occurs every September at St. John and is a time for residents, families and staff to enjoy each other’s company while participating in many fun activities and enjoying great food.

This year guests were treated to a balloon artist, face painting, games, a DJ and some tasty snacks.

The only scheduled items that needed to be canceled were the farm animals from Marburger farm and the dunk tank.

Despite the weather, there was a very good turnout.

On the other hand, plans were completely changed for VNA Hospice’s Celebration of Life and Butterfly Release when parking at the venue became prohibited, the food vendor and musicians canceled, and the tent collapsed from the weight of the rain.

The event could not be rescheduled due to the fact the butterflies were ready to be released.

Many staff and volunteers made phone calls to all those scheduled to attend and manned three locations where they could pick up their butterflies and have their own personal release ceremonies.

Those who chose not to pick up their butterflies gave the staff permission to release them in their loved one’s honor at the butterfly garden at VNA’s Inpatient Hospice Unit in Butler.

Suzanne Grove, director of VNA Hospice and Palliative Care stated, “Although it was disappointing to not be able to have the customary memorial service and butterfly release, it was very nice to know so many were still able to have their own release to remember their loved ones.”

Although both events were altered, teamwork within both groups helped make the day special for everyone involved.