“There are folks who you meet and you say, ‘Oh they are nice’ and then you move on, but Doug Drescher carries his own brighter light,” according to Leone Wagner, Activities Coordinator at Landis Adult Day Services (ADS).
Making Good Days EVEN BETTER W
hen Doug arrives early in the morning at ADS, his table fills up fast as he asks others to join him.
Doug’s warm and friendly ways are inviting. He greets others with a cheerful ‘Good morning’ and then, newspaper in hand, he is ready to complete the crossword puzzle. He frequently enlists help from others with questions, like ‘What’s a four-letter word for a Hawaiian meal?’ “Perhaps the puzzle won’t be completed,” Leone shares, “but the engagement and communication it provides is welcoming and interactive.”
Doug does not live on the campus of Landis Homes, but he loves volunteering and attending ADS. He first engaged with Landis Homes as a volunteer in Personal Care. He helped with bingo by sitting with the players and helping them locate the numbers on their bingo cards. Doug enjoyed this activity because it provided an opportunity to connect with others. Some of the Landis Adult Day Services clients got to know Doug when he joined them in weekly swimming classes.
Now he loves to sit at the table with other attendees and talk. “I’ll ask people how they are, how their weekend was, what they did the night before,” Doug shared. “I just talk to them and we have fun together. Tis is my favorite part of the day! Te environment here is beautiful and you get to meet people and play games.”
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Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2023
Doug grew up in a Mennonite household in Witmer. He has been married to his wife, Melanie, for 20 years. Tey enjoy traveling together, particularly to the mountains. Tough Doug uses a walker and his mobility is somewhat limited due to a brain tumor he overcame at the age of 24, he still loves adventuring with his wife. “We especially love Colorado,” Doug said. “It’s such a beautiful state.”
Doug previously worked at Ten Tousand Villages and has a love and appreciation for many different cultures and people from all walks of life. Tis is evident in his interactions at ADS as he spends time with other attendees and with staff. “Tey’re so nice and kind. Tey’re very sweet,” Doug said of the ADS staff. It is especially meaningful to him when he is recognized and acknowledged by name. “It means a lot to me when people know who I am,” he said.
ADS has not only helped Doug thrive, but he also helps others flourish and is an integral part of the community. Folks gravitate towards his upbeat ways.
Kindness and optimism are two words that describe Doug. “Te day is a good one when Doug is at the table,” Leone said.
CULTIVATING JOY
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