Amazing Place's Participants celebrate rodeo week

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a big part of what makes life in Houston so special. Here on Joanel we had all of the fun with none of the traffic. It was a wonderful week of festivities that couldn't have happened without the tremendous support from staff, volunteers, entertainers and the wonderful attitudes of all associated with Amazing Place.

Festivities began on Monday when members of the Memorial Chapter, National Charity League stopped in and helped each of us create our very own custom cowboy hats. Some were flamboyant and some reserved, but all matched their creator's personality. Once all of the hats were done the group went to work on decorations for the big party to come.

On Tuesday, cowboy historian, Pat Gavin entertained and enlightened us with his vast knowledge of the cowboy life. His program included long forgotten trail songs, introduction to the 6-string banjo and of course the good ol' campfire songs we all know and love.

On Wednesday we took a break and brought in St. Patrick's Day in a flurry of Green fun. Once at home, though, our staff sifted through their treasured family recipes and started cooking their entries in the 2010 Amazing Chili Cook-off.

Thursday morning began with a country music concert by certified music therapist, Pam Haynie. By 11:30am, it was time for our cook-off contestants to put up or shut up. An unbiased group of judges, made up of attending participants, sampled, re-sampled and finally put their thoughts on paper as to who makes the best chili this side of Westheimer. Contestants included Faith Brock, Delle Nagle, Carol Cooper, Lucy Gonzalez, Emile Unverzagt and last year's champion Dinah Brown. The contestants would have to wait for the results to be tallied because it was time to don our custom cowboy hats, put on our bad guy mustaches and party like the Old West. Once all of the cake was gone it was time to announce the winner of the chili cook-off. Birthday girl, Rubye, crowned Delle's famous "Grandma's Chili" as this year's winner After all that food we needed to burn off some calories, so Jessica got us all up and taught us how to line dance.

By Friday we had had so much fun we just sat back and enjoyed looking over all of the wonderful pictures we had taken.

"Give Me One
Dozen Roses"

Teena Reese, devoted daughter and primary caregiver to Amazing Place participant, Johnnie Knight, lights up when she shares the story of her mother’s musical talent on the piano. Johnnie’s story is also laced with a deep love of family, square dancing, camping, playing bridge, numerous civic activities, the Tanglewood Garden Club, and shopping trips with her grandchildren...the music of her soul.

Amazing Place Fall Educational Forum and Luncheon

Amazing Place is excited to announce the date for our Annual Fall Educational Forum and Luncheon. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, October 20th at The River Oaks Country Club. We are so grateful for this year’s chairs: Nancy Craig and Janet Lionberger.

New Facility Will Be Opening Soon!

Building Dedication to be held on May 6th

Construction is nearing completion on our new facility at 3735 Drexel , between Richmond and the Southwest Freeway. As a state licensed facility we must undergo two inspections by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services before we can fully occupy the building.

New Staff Members Come Aboard in Preparation for Move to New Facility

Within the next few weeks our new facility will be completed and we will undergo state licensing inspections prior to moving. In anticipation of our move and our ability to double our services to the Houston community several new staff members have joined our team.

Amazing Place Staff Completes Avila Institute of Gerontology Dementia Care Training Program

On March 22 and 23rd, the Amazing Place closed so that its staff could complete a comprehensive, 12- hour, training course which covered the basics of caring for adults with memory impairments.