Luverne Health and Rehab celebrated National Nursing Home Week May 13-19, 2007.

The celebration was in observance of the annual week set aside to honor the nation's health care workers and America's elderly.

The week-long celebration began Monday with a tea in the main dining room of the facility.

Nancy Petrey performed special music for the occasion.

Luverne Mayor Joe Rex Sport warmed the hearts of those present by sharing personal experiences about the care his own family members received at Luverne Health and Rehab.

Mayor Sport also read a greeting from President George Bush expressing the President's appreciation to all nursing home caregivers and others committed to the well-being of our nation's elderly.

Mayor Sport concluded by reading and signing the facility's proclamation, and challenging the citizens of Luverne to visit local nursing home residents, and give recognition to the high quality of care Luverne Health and Rehab provides for the elderly.

This year's theme, &#8220Treasure Our Elders,” featured a week-long celebration

of daily events.

Monday, the staff celebrated with a &#8220Kick-off Tea” and dress-up day.

On Tuesday, the staff and residents launched balloons from the parking lot, followed by a facility-wide pizza party.

The staff dressed in bright colors for the event.

On Wednesday, the staff's attire was western wear, with a hot-dog party featuring entertainment by Becky Welch.

Thursday featured a dessert-sharing event, with all staff bringing desserts and dressing casual.

The week concluded with a bingo bash, facility-wide ice cream party, and the staff celebrated with a &#8220Hat Day.”

Facility Administrator Julie Richburg along with Activity Directors Lawanda Harrell and Ann Grier expressed their appreciation to all who participated in helping make this year's celebration a huge success.