This Week @ Our PLACE

Sharing the Fun with You!

Providing our participants with engaging activities each day is one of the most important things we do. Our participants love the many activities planned each day by Amanda Yanni, our Activities Manager, and it shows in their smiles. At the end of each week, Amanda posts the top things our participants did throughout the week on this page. We hope you enjoy reading her weekly update as much as we do!

For a snapshot of all the upcoming activities this month at Our PLACE, you can view our Calendar of Activities here, and also read the Inside Our PLACE! newsletter. And you can read an enlightening spotlight profile of one of our participants.

The Top Things at Our PLACE This Week – from Amanda

"We've danced before, haven't we? I knew I recognized your shakes!" — David (Our PLACE)

If you ask David, he’ll tell you: it’s not about the steps you remember, it’s about the "shakes" you share! This week at Our PLACE, we embraced every wiggle, giggle, and groove. From the smooth crooning of Passing Through to the infectious cheers of a true bunco, our days were filled with the kind of music that doesn't need a score. We didn’t just fill the hours; we filled the room with laughter, proving that while memories might be a bit slippery, joy is a language we all speak fluently. Here’s a look at the moments of joy that made our hearts (and our hats) grow a little bigger this week.

The Top Things This Week:

Music therapy is always a highlight, but this week felt extra harmonic. Ingrid brought in the gentle, crystalline sounds of the dulcimer, captivating the room instantly. Our participants didn't just listen; they became part of the performance by tapping along with rhythm sticks, keeping the beat and filling the air with a wonderful, percussive energy.
A massive thank you to the Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department for stopping by! Our participants loved meeting the brave men who serve our community. Getting an up-close look at the gear and hearing stories from the crew sparked wonderful conversations and a lot of "back in my day" memories.
We are thrilled to officially welcome our new pet therapist Pip to the family! There is a unique magic in the way a wagging tail or a soft nuzzle can open up a heart. The calming presence of our new four-legged friend has already brought so many smiles (and maybe a few extra treats) to our daily routine.
In honor of the racing season, our "Derby Ladies" took center stage! We spent the afternoon crafting some truly spectacular, over-the-top hats. We wrapped up the week with a festive Derby Party that would make Churchill Downs jealous!

Whether we’re keeping the beat or sharing a dance, we’re so grateful to spend these joyful moments "shaking" things up together. Until next week...

Amanda Yanni

▼▼ Some pictures taken this week at Our PLACE ▼▼