Residents at Provision Living at St. Louis Hills, located on Chippewa in South St. Louis, continue to enjoy the energy of the hometown Cardinals World Series victory last month. While most people in the region celebrated the unexpected postseason run by the redbirds, folks at our St. Louis Hills community may have been some of the most excited about the city’s 11th championship.
During the first round of the playoffs, a core group of fans began harvesting everything red in the building, from Elmo dolls to sweaters and hats, and camping out in the main TV room before game time. As the unpredictable series of wins began to grown more and more residents began attending the games. St. Louis Hills has a strong baseball tradition, and was home to Cardinal legend Stan Musial for several years. In fact, Musial established a restaurant in the city during his playing prime.
What struck community relations coordinator, Julie Ingoldsby, was the dedication and energy the resident fans displayed throughout the playoffs.
“These folks often call it a night just around the time many of the games were starting, but not during those few weeks…we had everyone up, cheering and excited well into the evening,” said Ingoldsby.
The need to connect with civic traditions, such as the play of local sports teams, is one many residents of assisted living facilities face, and it was terrific to see dozens of folks banded together to support the Cardinals, and enjoy a renewal of city pride.
The baseball snacks included popcorn and peanuts, and Ingoldsby went out and found Cardinals shirts for residents longing to sport red attire during the games. It was a great time not only for the residents but also for Provision Living staff, who enjoyed being a part of the excitement, and learning anecdotes about previous championship experiences. One resident, Marie, who is 100 years old, told everyone of this being the third world series she’d watched the Cardinals win.
The Cardinals performance and ensuing party came on the heels of a fun summer, in which a new outdoor patio was finished at the community, providing a comfortable gathering spot with fresh landscaping and décor.
Other recent events includes a batch of residents participating in the St. Louis Alzheimer’s Walk, in which nine people ranging from 70 to 90 years of age got out and supported a cause dear to our hearts.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, and the traditional holiday dinner in the works, there is plenty to remember and be grateful for at our St. Louis Hills community this season.
