You Know You’re Home
You know you’re home when the centerpiece on your table consists of the same beautiful flowers you can touch and smell while walking through the garden.
You know you’re home when the little herb garden you helped plant is producing dill for the salmon served at lunch and basil for the Caprese salad at supper.
You know you’re home when the sound of your grandchildren laughing is matched by the smiles of other grandparents enjoying the moment just as much.
You know you’re home when friends and family gather around the table for a simple summer meal filled with delicious food, easy conversation, and time together.
That feeling of home was on full display throughout June at Decatur House, where residents embraced the season with special celebrations, outings, creative pursuits, fitness, faith, and time spent with the people who matter most.
One of the month’s highlights was the annual Decatur House homestyle cookout. Residents welcomed family and friends to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, pasta salad, and all the favorite summertime classics while gathering on both patios to take in the beautiful weather and blooming gardens. Local musician Liam Hempstead provided the soundtrack for the afternoon with a wide variety of familiar favorites. There was even a memorable solo performance from resident Chuck D., who enthusiastically sang “Cape Cod.”
Summer also offered plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the community together. Residents enjoyed a lunch outing to the new Tomatillo’s Autentico’s Mexican Cuisine & Fiesta Lounge, where they raised a toast to one another and to the staff who made them feel so welcome. Later in the month, another favorite excursion took the group to The Fisherman’s View, where delicious seafood was paired with beautiful views of boats traveling through the Cape Cod Canal.
Of course, no summer would be complete without ice cream. Visits to Shipwrecked were just as popular as the seafood lunches, proving once again that a cool treat is always in season. The Decatur House gentlemen also enjoyed an outing together to The Local Tavern for some time to relax and socialize.
Residents also continued their visits to the Arts Alliance exhibitions, where changing displays featuring local artists provide something new to discover each month. For many, it is a wonderful way to spend the morning while appreciating the creativity found throughout the community.
Back at Decatur House, there was no shortage of opportunities to learn something new or enjoy favorite hobbies. Mary Shea and Leonie Little-Lex led acrylic and watercolor painting classes, giving residents the chance to express themselves through art. Donna Klucevsek of Feisty Lion Martial Arts and Kristen Gorrassi kept everyone moving with in-house fitness classes designed to promote health and wellness.
Spiritual life remained an important part of the month as well. Layman Mike Hayes and Minister Ruth Blais led religious services and devotions, while Father Jack from Corpus Christi Parish celebrated Mass, allowing residents to worship without leaving home.
One especially unique event brought together veterans for an afternoon of friendly competition. Owen Earl from Heroes in Transition hosted a Veterans Crokinole event with special guest Michael Procek, facilitated by Michael Oakland of Cape Cod Crokinole. The tabletop game, which shares similarities with shuffleboard and bocce, was easy to learn and provided plenty of laughs and camaraderie.
Throughout June, residents also enjoyed feature films, live musical entertainment, manicures, crafts, board games, sports-themed activities, and countless opportunities to gather with friends.
At Decatur House, every activity is another chance to connect, celebrate, and make memories. Whether enjoying a meal with family, discovering a new favorite artist, singing along to familiar songs, or simply sharing a conversation on the patio, June was filled with the moments that make a place feel like home.
