Just Friends - and a Quilt

Just Friends is an adult day services program in Columbus.  I'm on the Board and am pleased to be associated with this program, even in a small way.  With the completion of Mill Race Center, a new community center for active adults, Just Friends moved into one wing of Mill Race Center.  This move came after a temporary stay of only 22 years at the First Lutheran Church!  The Church has been a wonderful supporter of the Just Friends program since its inception, letting us use their space, their kitchen, their pots, their pans and their dishes.  See where this is going???

So, with the move to a new facility, we decided to hold a Kitchen and Bath Shower to welcome the program to their new home.  Although Thursday was a rainy, dreary day, we had lots of laughter and fun with the shower, with over 50 people stopping in to see the new digs.  Take a look at the fun we had!

Look at the wonderful space the nurses now have in their office.  There's also a quite room for participants about the same size, very comfortably outfitted with recliners.  Okay, so this isn't showing much fun yet - but it's exciting to have this new space! 

People starting to arrive, being greeted by Marilyn Clerc, Executive Director of Just Friends.  Marilyn's in the white blouse.  You can see the hat rack in the foyer - a really charming accent piece that is part of Just Friends' logo. 

Judy, standing, talking with a group waiting for a break in the buffet line.

Two quilters (left) are holding a quilt they and a group of their friends made for Just Friends.  Liz introduces them as staff members stand by to accept the gift.

Their idea is for each participant to embellish a square so that it becomes a true memory quilt.  The colors in the quilt complement the pain color nicely - a happy coincidence.

Vickie (left) assisted in opening the presents.  She's handing Marilyn a box of kitchen towels and potholders that will come in very handy as food is prepared.

Don got in on the action, too, and opened his fair share of presents.

Waunita reacts with excitement as a gift is opened.  The wonderful thing about Waunita is that she was excited about EVERY present that was received - all useful and necessary items for the program's operation.

Linda made the table decorations - just lovely.  You can see the expanse of space available for activities.  Just beyond the lockers on the left is the serving counter with the kitchen behind it.  To the right is an expanse of windows that let in lots of light.  At the far back of the room is the administrative office.  

A good time was had by all.  The food was delicious - especially the sausage rolls and desserts.  Donors were generous and ensured that Just Friends has the equipment needed to continue providing a safe, secure environment where social, emotional, physical and intellectual activities are provided to our loved ones who need this day care to remain in their home setting.

Cheers!
Margaret