Some people may not be aware that we have a winning Olympic team in our midst.
Heart of the Ozarks of Ava sent a group of residents in Mountain Grove, Missouri, on Oct. 26 to participate in the Golden Age Games.
The local care facility came away with the first-place title, along with the spirit award.
Heart of the Ozarks of Ava took first place in the Golden Age Games in Mountain Grove.
The Mountain grove YMCA was filled with activity as 15 nursing homes decorated in various themes.
Heart of the Ozarks residents chose the theme “Down on the Farm with HOTO.”
They decorated posters, made props and practiced for months to get ready for the games.
Scroll Corporation sponsored the team.
The maintenance crew at the home made a bright green tractor out of a barrel, wood and old wheels, while Mike Burris created a barn scene, complete with animals and a painted sign.
A Heart of the Ozarks resident competes in the cow-milking contest at the Golden Age Games.
Residents competing in the games were: Peggy Jenkins, Tom Hawkins, Norma Kennedy, Jean Morrisey, Beverly Metcalf, Maxine Lirley, Helen Allen, Jo Engelhardt, Bill Herrington, Veva Hann and Laura Lansdown.
Residents winning medals were: Peggy Jenkins, first place, yarn work, and third place, wheel-chair racing; Tom Hawkins, first place basketball toss, woodworking, wheelchair racing, fourth place hog calling; Beverly Metcalf, fourth place, basketball toss; Veva Hann, fourth place, handiwork; Helen Allen, first place, horseshoes; Laura Lansdown, first place overall group craft, fourth place, other handiwork.
Staff attending the games were Tonya Cutbirth, Sharon Karcher, Alesia King, Angie Wilkerson, Debra Dade, Marion Billups, Connie Burris, Mindy Stout, Carmen Munden, Marci Caudill, Tracy Slonkier, Shelly Schroeder and volunteers Darlene and Sally Sorenson and Abby and Melanie Lathrom.
Autumn Oaks of Mountain Grove was the host of the game.
Reflections is a weekly column exploring the history of Douglas County. Current topics include local festivals, school history and Douglas County residents who have a special talent. If you have an idea for an article, please call 417-683-4181 or e-mail whitney@douglascountyherald.com
