By Brenda Zimmerman

On any given day there are five to six sign-up sheets on the Trinity Oaks Health and Rehab Life Enrichment office door. Interested residents sign up to participate in off-campus programs. It may be a movie matinee, lunch downtown, lunch OUT of town, a few days at the beach, a mystery trip or an evening at the theater. Every few days on Klumac Road the wheels on the bus go ’round and ’round.

Every outing has some common denominators such as gathering an appropriate group of staff to go, making sure the finances of each individual are taken care of, getting proper receipts when needed, recruiting volunteers to ensure that anyone with specific needs has someone with them, monitoring the seating arrangement so that all individuals can be fully supported as needed but remain as independent as possible, making sure everyone is dressed for the event and the weather, and making sure vehicles are serviced and have a full tank. The biggest common denominator is excitement!

Although out of town dining and beach weekends are greatly enjoyed, residents never tire of getting out and about in Salisbury. When you see that big Trinity Oaks bus parked somewhere, it is a bit like watching folks climb out of a small car … you wonder how many people are packed on there! Out come the people, wheelchairs, walkers. Sometimes a bus doesn’t hold everyone; there may also be a van and a few family members’ cars.

There is a regular circuit of local eateries that are enjoyed: Ryan’s, Blue Bay, China Buffet, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, Bangkok Downtown and IHOP to name a few. Our most recent lunch on the town was with the folks at the new location for Sweet Meadow Café. Heather and her staff provided a special meal and waited on everyone hand and foot.  The casual meal was enjoyed by 13 residents, family members, staff and volunteers.

Residents enjoyed a stroll up one side of Main Street and back down the other, window shopping, reminiscing about things in the Salisbury Square display. Residents stopped to visit with street artist Joseph Heilig and look at his drawings. The warm breezy morning was perfect for a stroll before lunch. A few of the group took time to “Tickle the Ivories” that we passed along the way.

A recent outing and the one that prompted taking a look at outings in general was an evening at the Meroney Theater. Thanks to the generosity of Reid Leonard and Piedmont Players, residents enjoyed “One Man Two Guvnors.” Several special populations groups create an audience for the final dress rehearsal at PPT’s shows each season. This generous gift from the community seems to be unique to Salisbury. There have been situations where these theater outings were an individual’s first taste of live theater. That just goes to show, no one is too old to experience something new!

Residents enjoy being out and about in the community that has been a part of their lives. Walking into an entertainment venue, a shop or a restaurant, residents are recognized by former neighbors, church members, garden club members, or friends of their family. Hugs and handshakes and introductions start. Plans for the summer include seeing the Intimidator’s play, trips to get ice cream, and going to favorite local restaurants.

What makes the local outings so exciting and such a success is a community that greets the group with open arms: store clerks are patient; wait staff take time to explain menus and offer suggestions; other patrons at the locations hold doors, pick up dropped jackets and smile. Salisbury welcomes the entire group with courtesy and kindness.

This is to say thank you to everyone who makes outings a big event for Trinity Oaks Health and Rehab. The love and excitement generated for these outings is fueled by the fact that when she sees us coming, Salisbury never fails in the hospitality department.

A very special thank you to ALL the staff and volunteers who make outings possible and the administrative staff that supports all efforts to blend the campus experience with the community at large.

Brenda Zimmerman is director of Life Enrichment at Trinity Oaks Health and Rehab.