Friends of the Restorium

Enhancing the quality of life for seniors in our community. By Patty Hutchens.

The journey through life comes with various challenges along the way. For many seniors one of those challenges is when it is no longer feasible to continue to live in one’s own home. While it can be a difficult time, for many it is a time to discover new friendships, hobbies, and a support system they embrace.

For Boundary County residents, they are blessed to have the Boundary Community Restorium as an option in their later years. The Restorium, which is owned and operated by Boundary County, is a senior assisted living facility that caters to those who are not able to live entirely independently yet who do not require continuous skilled care.

Here, many find camaraderie as well as many conveniences one may not expect. There are card games, bingo games, a weekly visit for those women who want their hair washed and set as well as a beautiful outdoor patio and garden for residents to enjoy. Entertainment? There is that too. Children from various schools and groups stop by to sing, dance and interact with the residents much to everyone’s delight.

But it takes funds to keep the Restorium and its programs operating. That is where the Friends of the Restorium comes into play. Formed in 2004, Friends of the Restorium does its part to help improve and enhance the quality of lives of the residents.

There are many ways in which the group raises its funds. For a mere $5 one can become a member of Friends of the Restorium, which at the end of 2013 numbered nearly 500. Members hold monthly meetings on the third Thursday of the month at the Chic n’ Chop Restaurant.

One of the primary fundraisers for the Friends of the Restorium is their annual barbecue, which will be held on June 29th . “Last year we had over 400 attendees,” said Judy Dirks, Membership and Picnic Chair of the group.

The festivities run from 11am to 3pm at the Restorium and Friends of the Restorium provide the meat while community members and churches provide salads and pies. Prices are: family-$20, adults $7, children 4-11 $3, 0-3 free. Attendees, which include residents of the Restorium, are also treated to entertainment. There is also a raffle of gift baskets.

Since it was first established ten years ago, Friends of the Restorium has funded or collaborated on many projects that have helped to enhance the quality of life for the residents of the Restorium. Some of those projects include a new stove for the kitchen, a greenhouse, dining room table tops, drapes for the residents’ rooms, flooring, furniture for the family room, entry rugs, a grill, a generator, a walk-in tub and furnishings.

One of their ongoing projects is the Adopt a Room program. For a donation of $1500, individual community members or groups can adopt a room in honor of or in memory of a loved one with a commemorative plaque placed on the door. The money is then used to completely furnish the room from floor to ceiling.

“The community has been very generous in its support of this county-owned facility, which was established in order to provide our seniors with safe, homelike and affordable assisted living,” said Dirks.

Stop by on June 29th and enjoy a great time while supporting a wonderful cause!

Friends of the Restorium, Inc, is a 501(c) (3) organization, and all donations are tax deductible. To become a new member or to renew a membership, send your annual dues to Friends of the Restorium, Inc., PO Box 1362, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.

#local #lifecommunity