The Courtyard Committee was hard at work yesterday, taking full advantage of the record breaking warm weather by implementing Montessori practices. Two members of the committee, Gail and JoMarie, volunteered to plant various seeds, including spaghetti squash, dill, basil, beefsteak tomato, plus a few others. Thirty six small opportunities for growth in our lovely courtyard and everyone is excited- and anticipating sprouting within a few days. When the residents come together and demonstrate patience, cooperation, and support, only good things can follow!

**Montessori Café: Art Therapy** Well folks, I’ve gotta tell ya, yesterday’s Art Therapy Montessori Cafe was something special. Our residents came ready to create, laugh, and lift each other up, and boy did they deliver. You could practically feel the good vibes floating around the room like a summer breeze. Everyone was chatting, swapping stories, encouraging one another, and just enjoying being together in a relaxing, low pressure environment. The colors on those sheets were bright, but the smiles those faces were even brighter. A huge thank‑you to Home Instead Merrillville for hooking us up with the art supplies and jumping in to help our residents bring their masterpieces to life. Y’all made the day smoother than sweet tea on a hot afternoon, and we appreciate you more than you know! Here’s to more moments filled with creativity, community, and all the love our little home can hold. This is what Montessori Memory Care should look like!

Please note: Our Dementia Support Group will not meet this evening. We look forward to gathering again next month for meaningful conversation, shared experiences, and connection within our caregiver community. Thank you for your understanding, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back soon.

Hello! We have 5 more days to vote Bickford of Crown Point as Best in the Region for Assisted Living and Memory Care!

The residents in Mary B’s enjoyed this project. This was a several step process that is still not complete but worth posting mid-point. Ron, Monique, Anna, and JoMarie took special care in creating these Easter color themed vases that used basic items - tissue and glue, with a gentle hand in application, which all had. The Montessori Inspired process came shining through, and each resident was proud of the outcome so far! More to come on this project…

Bickford of Crown Point was graced with another visit from the musical family trio of Vern-N-Vern. This is a very talented family of three generations who formed in 2013 to entertain various groups throughout Illinois and Northwest Indiana. It’s easy to see from the photos how impressed the residents were with the band as each member had multiple capabilities ranging from playing the accordion to outstanding banjo skills. They played many favorites, and even included some never-before heard catchy tunes for their audience. They definitely raised everyone’s spirit and left us eager for more! They’ll be back in September and we will be there to embrace their vast musical talents!

Some of the ladies in Mary B’s brought their creativity to the table (literally) to brighten up the dining area for their friends. Using the Montessori approach, they were provided with a pile of decorative Easter items, and applied their artistic spirit to design centerpieces for each table. They all turned out bunny-utiful, and the ladies were pleased with their results! The only problem was that they were arguing about which table should get the carrot centerpiece - I guess it was the favorite!

Y’all, I am so excited about this! If you’re looking for something fun, creative, and downright uplifting, come on out to our Montessori Café on Thursday, March 26th at 2:30 PM right here at Bickford of Crown Point! We’re bringing the community together for an afternoon of painting, crafts, good conversation, and tasty snacks. And the best part? It’s open to the public! So bring your friends, bring your family, or just bring yourself; everybody’s welcome. If you want to save your spot, reach out to Joshua at 219‑388‑6160 or email joshua.warren@bickfordseniorliving.com to RSVP. Can’t wait to see y’all there, it’s gonna be a good time!

{ Know the Difference. Stay on the Higher Path } Colds, flu, COVID 19, and GI illness can look similar—but for older adults, the differences matter. ~ COVID 19: Often includes fever, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, or loss of taste/smell ~ Flu: Sudden onset of fever, fatigue, cough, body aches, and headaches ~ Common Cold: Gradual symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and mild cough ~ GI Illness: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fatigue At Bickford of Crown Point, we follow the Higher Path—a proactive approach focused on early recognition, prevention, and daily connection—so small symptoms don’t become big problems. Because aging well means staying ahead, not catching up. #BickfordSeniorLivingandMontessoriMemoryCare #HigherPath

Recognition from friends on a milestone birthday is always a special treat. Pat, who turned 90 on this St. Patrick’s Day, truly appreciated all the attention, and especially how everyone sang the “Happy Birthday” song in perfect unison to her! She admitted that later she planned on celebrating, perhaps with a green beer, or maybe even a Guinness? Save one for me, Pat!