R esident was born the day the Titanic hit an iceberg O


n April 14, while media fanfare marked the 100th anniversary of


the Titanic’s 1912 crash, Good Samar- itan Society – Osceola was marking another monumental hundred event: resident Alta Wieseman’s birthday. “People tell me I was born the same


day as the Titanic crash,” Alta says. “But I never really paid much atten- tion to it.” While Alta has never received any


recognition for being born the same day as an historical event, she still


feels that this year’s birthday is quite fortunate. “I am lucky that I know I am


turning 100!” she says. Another claim to fame that Alta can boast about is that after 10 decades of life she has very few wrinkles. “I put cold cream on my face every night and I continue to do so,” she says.


Her secret to a long life is simple:


“Live an ordinary life and take things as they come.” 


Resident Alta Wieseman


W eeklong celebration honors residents, staff T


he Good Samaritan Society – Osceola is celebrating National


Nursing Home Week, May 13-19, with the theme: “Celebrating the Journey.” National Nursing Home Week is set aside each year to honor resi- dents of long-term care centers, their families and those who work in long-term care. The American Health Care Association established the week in 1967. The Good Samaritan Society – Osceola is making plans to mark the special week, including a visit from The Magical Paradise Exotic


Farm animals and hosting a carnival for first-grade students. At the annual staff and resident cookout, staff members will be recognized for their years of service. The week will close with a Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday, May 19. Visitors are welcome to join the festivities. “We are proud to be part of this special week,” says Administrator Anne Cox.“And we give thanks for the lives of those we touch each day through the care and services we provide.” 


C enter cherishes the gift of volunteers T


he Good Samaritan Society – Osceola joined organizations


across the country in celebrating National Volunteer Week in April. Volunteer Week is set aside each


year to recognize volunteers for their contributions. A supper was held at Murph’s restaurant for all volunteers, and special recognition was given to Volunteers of the Year Marlene Sterup and Joyce Bartak. Marlene and Joyce have helped organize Friday Catholic worship services at the center for seven years. “If they cannot be present, they line


The Compassion Life Times


up another volunteer to take their place,” says Activities Director Mary Nelson. “It is always great to see their smiling faces at the center spreading God’s love in word and deed.” Last year, volunteers at Good


Samaritan Society – Osceola shared an estimated 763 hours of volunteer work. Volunteers are needed to assist with Sunday worship services, bingo, filling bird feeders, gardening, manicures and to just simply spend time with residents. “Our volunteers are incredibly


important in helping us carry out our 5 0


mission of sharing God’s love as we provide services to our residents and clients,” Administrator Anne Cox says. The center is part of The Evan-


gelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, a not-for-profit organization that owns and operates rehabilitation and skilled care centers and senior living communities in 24 states. The Good Samaritan Society’s mission is to share God’s love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need, believing that “In Christ’s Love, Everyone Is Someone.” 


January 2008 May 2012


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