You put your left food in: Employees at Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation lead residents in celebratory exercises. Sara Gregory, Salisbury Post

By Sara Gregory

Salisbury Post

Residents at Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation celebrated nursing home life Monday with a Hawaiian luau.

"It's full of life," said June Whaley, the center's activity director. "There's a lot of fun that takes place."

Pianist and music therapist Lori Jones played classic hits and beach music as residents adorned with leis sang and clapped along.

Whaley plans the center's events in honor of National Nursing Home Week. Past themes have incorporated cruise ships, camping and the beach. This year's theme — life's in full bloom — came from staff members.

Whaley said she looks for activities that will let residents know how they are appreciated.

"They look forward to this week all year," she said.

A mobile petting zoo visited Sunday. Today, residents will have a chance to grill hot dogs and marshmallows. A Spring Fling dance is planned for Thursday.

"We try to do things that they would do at home," Whaley said.

The center also tries to give back to the community. Monday, residents and community members were invited to a salad-and-baked-potato lunch bar to raise money for the Christian Fellowship Church's youth group.

That money will help the Kannapolis church send 10 teenagers to Camp Courtney in Hendersonville this summer.

"It's a good idea this goes to charity," resident Donald Carrouth said. "That's wonderful."

Some of those going this year went to the camp last summer, and Youth Minister Kelly Edwards said they are looking forward to returning.

"They really loved it," she said. "It really touched a lot of their lives."

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