‘Two on Tuesday’ activities welcome community into Garden View
The public is welcome to “Two on Tuesday” activities at Garden View Place Assisted Living in Monona. The initiative kicked off Sept. 5, with music by Mike McAbee, and will continue Tuesdays at 2 p.m. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
A new initiative called “Two on Tuesday” welcomes the public into Garden View Place Assisted Living in Monona for weekly activities. The series kicked off Sept. 5, with music by Mike McAbee, and will continue Tuesdays at 2 p.m.
Garden View’s life enrichment coordinator, Joann Svoboda, spearheaded the idea when she learned Monona didn’t have an established senior center or meal site.
“I asked, ‘What do people do in this town?’ I wanted to invite the senior citizens group up for bingo,” she said. “The residents and staff said they get together at other people’s houses and play cards. They had meal site up until COVID, but they don’t even have that any more.”
“I said, ‘Well, we need to start something.’ And what better place to start it than here? This is probably where all their friends are anyway,” Svoboda continued.
“Two on Tuesday” will often involve bingo—a favored activity. Other games and occasional music and educational programs will be planned too. And snacks will be offered.
“There are lots of different activities we can invite people up for. It doesn’t have to be bingo. I thought we could do Wheel of Fortune. I’m pretty good at being Vanna,” Svoboda joked. “Osborne comes once a month, so maybe I could do an educational program through them. I’m sure I’ll get more ideas down the road too.”
Last week’s musical kick-off was a hit, with 16 attendees who weren’t Garden View residents. Many were family or friends of residents, but other community members came after seeing the event advertised.
“There were a lot of people who I’ve never met before,” Svoboda said. “I’m happy with the turnout and hope it progresses from here.”
Monona Chamber and Economic Development, Inc. Executive Director Ardie Kuhse, who’s helped Svoboda publicize “Two on Tuesday” and brainstorm activities, said it’s a win-win for the community and Garden View residents.
“Since Monona doesn’t have a senior center or meal site, this is a place for people to go,” she said, “and it lets residents here connect with people.”
Svoboda agreed when asked what this interaction means for older adults: “Did you see how happy they were? I saw a lot of toes tapping.”
Some residents, she said, even plan to forego their regular Tuesday card playing to socialize at Garden View.
“They want to stay here and meet with their friends,” Svoboda shared.
More community members are always welcome to join.
“There are people out there who want something to do, and there isn’t. Now there is,” she said.
Learn more about upcoming activities on the “Garden View Place” Facebook page, or call Svoboda at (563) 539-4528.
