By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Aster Estates residents take to the alleys for a fun outing
biz_lgp_asterestateslogo
biz_lgp_asterestatespic
Pat Stonebraker launches her bowling ball with the help of Betty Curtin, while Clarabelle Stephenson cheers them on. Stonebraker and Stephenson are residents of Aster Estates, and Curtin is a certified nurse’s aide at the long-term-care residence.
biz_lgp_asterestatespic
Joan Rziha lets her bowling ball fly as Ciera Depenbusch looks on. Rziha is a resident of Aster Estates and Depenbusch is a certified nurse’s aide at the long-term-care residence.

When residents of Aster Estates were reminiscing recently about the fun they used to have at the bowling alley, they were sad to say they can’t relive those memories now that they are older.

“My response to them was, ‘well, I bet you can,’” recalled Pam Lewis, owner of Aster Estates, a Great Bend long-term-care residence. “After I heard their bowling stories, I contacted Walnut Bowl about the possibility of an outing.

“The staff at Walnut Bowl has been exceptional. They accommodated us in every way and all of us appreciate them.”

Since most Aster Estates residents use walkers, they depend on specialized equipment to help them launch bowling balls down the alley.

“These bowling-ball ramps work really well,” Lewis said. “We have been bowling only twice so far but it is going to become a regular part of our schedule.”

In addition to bowling a game, the residents enjoyed another activity that took them back to their younger days.

“We all had a snack of French fries and cola at Walnut Bowl,” Lewis explained. “We all felt like we were 18 again.”

Aster Estates residents and staff also enjoy attending City Band concerts downtown and picnics at Veterans Park.

Plans for the near future include a trip to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center and Barton County Historical Society. Another goal is attending Community Concerts.

Examples of in-house activities are card games, dominos and jigsaw puzzles. One resident enjoys the swimming pool in the backyard.

“This variety of activities is crucial to our residents,” Lewis said. “Joining in shared experiences is important to all of us.

“Activities exercise our brain, improve our mood and keep our body moving,” she continued. “Equally important is the camaraderie that develops and leads to a lot of fun remember-when sessions.”

For example, residents have been reading and discussing Joe Boley’s book on the history of the City Band, entitled “Have Baton Will Travel.”

“Many of our residents had family and friends that performed in the band,” Lewis noted. “And now they are reminiscing about the early days of the band and enjoying live performances in the summer.

“We will continue to participate in at-home and community activities, and are open to new ideas that enhance the lives of our residents.”

For more information about Aster Estates, 155 NW 10 Ave., contact Lewis by calling 620-617-4281.