The dedicated and enthusiastic recreation staff leads exercise, movies, games, yoga, musical entertainment (including sing-a-longs) and yes, bingo. Staff members also involve residents in cooking, floral design, and woodshop. And of course, there are open periods where staff will stop by in rooms just to say hello.

Activities

Denise Saurez is an "out and about" director of recreation. With her desire to know each resident, she is always on the floor talking to residents, learning about their backgrounds, their families and their interests.  

With several years of experience in recreation, she emphasizes that residents have different needs and insures that recreational programs accommodate all.  

There is something for each resident whether the resident is undergoing short term rehabilitation, is a long term resident or is a resident of Friedwald's ventilator unit - where activities are brought  right to the unit.  
 
Jessika Ramie, assistant director of recreation,  leads activities for those residents undergoing short-term rehabilitation.  As such, Jessika seeks to encourage positive attitudes as she leads activities that revolve around busy rehabilitation schedules. During her morning visits, she hands all such residents a positive thought for the day, such as "The more we do, the more we can do."  

One of the most popular activities at Friedwald Center is the outdoor barbecue held each Thursday during the summer, weather permitting. Residents especially enjoy the last barbecue of the year which is attended by family members.   Residents also enjoy helping others; witness their participation in baking pies for the Make A Wish Foundation.