MOUNT VERNON – Groundhog Day was more than just a Feb. 2 news item on TV at the Ohio Eastern Star Home.
The residents were able to actually watch their own groundhog, Tootsie, to find out if she would see her shadow.
A cousin twice removed from the official groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, Tootsie starred in the Fifth Annual Groundhog Day Celebration at Eastern Star Home as members of the OESH Groundhog Day Club cheered.
But the crowd was spellbound once Tootsie’s handler lifted her from her den and hoisted her high in the air. All eyes were on Tootsie. Would she see her shadow?
After a moment, the spectators realized Tootsie did not see her shadow, which meant spring was right around the corner! The revelers ended the celebration with Groundhog Day-decorated cupcakes.
“It was a great celebration, and we can’t wait to watch Tootsie come out of her den again next year,” the staff said in a press release.
The Groundhog Day festivities are but one example of what makes Eastern Star Home stand out. The caring, supportive staff plans daily events to create a true home environment.
“Our Care Partners make a difference every day by creating an environment that enriches the well-being of each resident,” the release said.
Consider what happened around Valentine’s Day. During the recent “Blinded by Love” game, blindfolded residents were challenged with drawing a heart on a large poster board. The audience gathered around and had a grand time watching each other’s attempts.
Even Mardi Gras joined the list of festivities at Eastern Star Home. A parade of Life Enrichment team members and Elders celebrated by “jumping and jiving to music and refreshments.” Staff members throughout the campus wore their Mardi Gras masks and beads to complete the celebration.
