On April 10, Luther Oaks hosted two programs in remembrance of the 100 year anniversary of the Titanic sinking.

The first program was presented by The Tea Ladies of Bloomington/Normal during which residents were assigned a character who was either on the Titanic or who decided not to take the voyage.  They read from cards, and then at the end of the program, the Tea Ladies told each resident what the fate of their character was.

The stories were interesting and really brought the tragedy to life. Residents saw replicas of china from the vessel, and they learned how each social class used a different pattern of china.

One resident of Luther Oaks had a relative who was on the Titanic and helped assist the women and children onto lifeboats.

Residents participating in the second program dined on a seven-course meal consisting of: oyster rockefeller, cream of barley soup, poached salmon with caper butter sauce, 3 oz. filet with wine sauce, raspberry sorbet with champagne & mint leaf, endive salad and miniature éclairs.

Illinois Wesley University student, Sarah Struebing, played violin for residents as they dined.

The black and white Titanic movie was played afterwards in the Community Room to complete the program.

As a Christian-based organization, Lutheran Life Communities brings the celebration of Easter to each resident and family member who wishes to participate.  Luther Oaks provided many opportunities for residents to celebrate the life of Christ, give thanks for His many sacrifices, and to learn more about Easter.

Luther Oaks transported residents to their preferred place of worship on Sunday, and also hosted an amazing Easter Celebration Meal.  “Everything was perfect, really good and easy,” said residents, Mary Ann and Duane Weber.

“Everything was just delightful, the process went smoothly and there was plenty of seating for everyone,” commented resident, MargeAnn Ahnquist.

It was a lovely celebration of the most significant day for Christians.

Chef, Julie Pepple, and the Culinary Services team from Luther Oaks competed for the second year in a row at the annual Chef Competition on April 5 benefiting Bloomington’s Providing Access To Help (PATH) organization.

The last two chefs remaining in the competition went on to compete in a live cook off challenge – Julie Pepple and her team were among the remaining two. Luther Oaks placed second for the second year in a row, while Station 220 from downtown Bloomington placed first.

Luther Oaks is proud to support a wonderful cause like PATH, and excited about how participation in the competition highlights the remarkable dining experience available to the residents at Luther Oaks.  The talent and creativity of the Culinary Services team is most certainly evident.

Fifth-grade students of Pepper Ridge Elementary School came to Luther Oaks on Wednesday, March 14 to participate in a volunteer project.  Together, residents and students labeled maps for the Bloomington/Normal Chamber of Commerce while sharing their favorite local spots.

It was a fun opportunity for a diverse age group to share interests and learn from one another.

Residents of Luther Oaks recently had the opportunity to let their creativity flow during a six-week watercolor painting class with an instructor, Dale Evans, from the McLean County Arts Center.

Mr. Evans took the class through the basics each week, starting with the use of gray tones and working up to the use of color. All six students completed their final paintings on March 7.

One resident in particular, Donna Sands, has a unique connection between art and Luther Oaks.  Donna has been involved with watercolor painting for years and enjoys painting the landscape surrounding Luther Oaks from her apartment window.  Soon after she moved into Luther Oaks, she heard retired Illinois State University professor and artist, Jack Hobbs, speak – that is when she realized Jack was her former professor from the 1970s.  Now she is able to share her work and talent with an old friend.

It is a small world brought together by art. Donna and other residents are grateful to be able to be a part of the watercolor painting sessions with their neighbors at Luther Oaks.