The Good LIFE – February 2023

Each day, the LIFE Centers of Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence support the needs and services of participants. LIFE’s managed care model helps support older adults live independently at home with the monitored care they need to thrive in their neighborhood.

In February, the LIFE Centers celebrated Valentine’s Day, birthdays and the talents of participants. LIFE Armstrong wished happy birthday to a 106 year old participant. LIFE Beaver couples tell us how they met while the staff fulfilled a special birthday request. At LIFE Butler, staff and participants played a role in Lutheran SeniorLife’s first TikTok video and couples gave us their secret to a good a marriage. A participant at LIFE Lawrence has a very special talent if you give him a piece of paper.

LIFE Beaver County

For Valentine’s Day, LIFE Beaver couples told us their stories of love. Vince Lack and Mary De La Cruz met at the Center and have been dating for 3 years. That love has now grown even stronger as they are both proud to announce they are engaged.

For Valentine’s Day, LIFE Beaver couples told us their stories of love.Mary Lou and Jack Jeffers met at a Rochester-Monaca Highschool football game in school. As time went on, the two got engaged at the Northern Lights Shopping Center and have been married since 1962. In January, they celebrated 61 years of marriage! They have raised 4 sons, and have 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Michael Beresford was best friends with Linda Thompson’s brother when they were teenagers. Thanks to both of them attending LIFE Beaver County, they became reacquainted with each other! Their advice: “Don’t be in a hurry to get married, love always does find you.”

 LIFE Beaver County also celebrated participant John’s birthday in a very special way. John had one wish; to get back to playing billiards. Thanks to the staff at LIFE Beaver, they were able to set him up with a table and he was able to rack up for a few games of 8-Ball with staff and other participants.

LIFE Butler County

TikTok In support of Heart Health Month LIFE Butler County went red. Both participants and staff posed for photos in heart shaped glasses to be part of Lutheran SeniorLife’s first TikTok. Watch the video here!

For Valentine’s Day, we asked couples who have been married 22 years to 62 years, what is the secret to a good a marriage. This is their advice:

Andrew and Joann Nelson – Married 62 Years

Their Advice – “ Work together, trust God and do things you both enjoy.”

Valentine's couples David and Albina Deriggi – Married 46 Years

Their Advice – “It was love at first sight for us. We never go to bed mad at each other.”

Mike and Melody Bloom – Married 40 Years

Their Advice – “Communication”

Walter and Carolyn Mazar – Married 22 years

Their Advice – “We both love each other unconditionally.”

Dale and Rosemary Weaver – Married 32 years

Their Advice – “Humor”

LIFE Lawrence County

LIFE Lawrence County recognized the wonderful talent of participant, George. For 30 years, George’s passion is creating a decoration called a German Star.LIFE Lawrence County recognized the wonderful talent of participant, George. For 30 years, George’s passion is creating a decoration called a German Star. Sometimes referred to as Froebel Stars, these decorations are made from paper and are often made for the Christmas season. Each paper star is made by a weaving and folding procedure to create a multi-dimensional look.

While it may not be Christmas anymore, LIFE Lawrence Recreation Therapy Manager, Lisa, had a wonderful idea. She asked George if he could make these stars for their Valentine’s Day tree.

George happily made a made a variety of red and pink stars for the tree.

LIFE Armstrong County

Hanna CloakLIFE Armstrong threw a party for the 106 birthday of participant of Hanna Cloak. One of 12 children born to Arlie and Ella Yount, Hanna still remembers riding in a horse-drawn buggy with her father at a young age. Hanna grew up near the Buttermilk Falls area of Rayburn Township, Armstrong County.

Read what Hanna says is her secret to a long life.