Early Ferns Arrive at Market

Published: 20 February 2019

New ferns 2019

While the weather remains cool in southwest Georgia, Perry Wellness Center director Stuart Perry is eagerly preparing for spring. Greenhouses are being filled with healthy green ferns for the market. Approximately 175 assorted ferns arrived in the first delivery.

“Some staff and others have warned me of the possibility of cooler nights,” Stuart notes. “I am aware of this, but we have warmed our greenhouses for this early display.” Circulating heat fans keep the atmosphere comfortable for the delicate plants.

Rudy’s Happy Patch Market is filling with the color of new plant life, including plants propagated on campus. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and get a preview of spring.

“We invite customers to come and take a look," Stuart says with a broad smile.

Reflections on Valentine's Week

Published: 18 February 2019

Valentine wreath It may be a new week at Perry Wellness Center, but everyone is still recovering from a long and fun-filled Valentine’s Week.

Lots of decorations, of refreshments, and Valentine’s wishes were the order of the week. Before the week even began, staff members were preparing decorations and menus. The entry doors to the center donned brightly decorated wreaths of red and white netting, made by a former staff member. Sarah Teal and Tara Melo (above) carefully hung and positioned the welcoming wreath.

“We try to set the pace of welcome and friendship for all who visit and all who are in our program, “explained Stuart Perry. Holidays and other special days provide the perfect opportunity to display seasonal greetings.

Other festive decorations included flowers and balloons, in a sea of red and white.

As for refreshments, the Valentine’s lunch was a highlight of the week. The delicious spaghetti lunch ended with a tasty and timely dessert – Valentine cupcakes. While Stuart, along with many other staff members and peers, tries to stick to a low carbohydrate diet, exceptions must be made!

“Just because I am on a no-sweet diet, we still must take care of our peer family,” Stuart noted. “I insist on offering a special dessert on these occasions. Many of the peers do not normally eat sweets – but few remained after the meal.”

Here, cafeteria staff manager Hannah Hunter serves peer leader Rhonda Hubbard a special cupcake for Valentine’s Day.

A Day for Caring

Published: 15 February 2019

Valentines Day 2019 Yesterday was a time of celebration at Perry Wellness Center, as staff and peers paid tribute to friends and loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Fresh flowers were delivered, and gifts of cookies and candy were exchanged.

Despite the excitement of this special day, much of the normal routine also continued. Nutritional meals were served, discussions were held, and medical needs were attended to as well.

As staff nurse Charlene Hayes, R.N., explained, “We know that today is Valentine’s Day, but the body has daily needs. We schedule needed medications for our peer population, for example, and I deliver them with water while on campus. I make sure that they take and swallow the medication.”

PWC founder and CEO Stuart Perry added, “As we work to help with stress and mental recovery with our peer populations, we must be sure to meet their medical needs as well.” With a smile of pride, he added, “Charlene Hayes has been with us for many years and really does a good job.”

In the photo above, Charlene Hayes administers routine medication to a program peer.

Brightening the Path

Published: 13 February 2019

Flower painting

Bright colorful signs, structures, and landscaping are notable elements of the cheery Perry Wellness Center campus. As late winter repairs and maintenance continue, even faded concrete footpaths are getting renewed attention.

Several years ago, Jeff Williams created a cheerful sunflower design for the path that led to Rudy’s Happy Patch Market. Over time, the design has faded with so much foot traffic. Now the mural is gaining new life. After tracking down the original paint mix, staff member Stephen Thompson is now carefully refurbishing Jeff’s design on the path that leads from the parking lot to the market. Additional staff members and volunteer peers are working together to restore the five-year-old design.

“We have always said that when people leave Rudy’s Happy Patch Market, they leave with a smile,” explains Stuart Perry. “I feel that the multi=color sunflower is a positive welcome to customers.”

Original artist Jeff Williams is pleased to see this activity as well, saying, “I do appreciate this attention to help renew the look of our corner marketplace. It does make you feel better when you see that we care.”

Brain Exercise Improves Critical Thinking

Published: 11 February 2019

The concept of “critical thinking” is one that has taken the classroom and the workplace by storm. It is defined as a person’s ability to objectively analyze information and come to a reasoned conclusion or judgement. Many of the elements of the critical thinking process can be taught in order to improve one’s decision making. They include such skills as information seeking, analysis, and logical reasoning, among others.

On a recent early Monday morning discussion group at Perry Wellness Center, certified peer specialist Scott Giles introduced the concept of critical thinking to a group of 22 peers. Using audiovisuals to vividly punctuate his points, he challenged the group to examined the process of thinking both creatively and logically. For example, Scott flashed incomplete syllables on an overhead screen and asked peers to call out the completed words or phrases. Participation was enthusiastic, as peers called out their predications.

After the group, Scott noted that such a lively group makes people actually think more. “The brain is like a muscle,” he explained. “The more you use it, the stronger it becomes.” Research has shown that exercising the brain through word play improves verbal skills and even delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

In the photo above, Scott Giles, CPS, leads Monday morning discussion group.

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Perry Wellness Center | 302 E. Furlow St., Americus, GA 31709 map | 229-924-2430 |

Early Ferns Arrive at Market

Reflections on Valentine's Week

A Day for Caring

Brightening the Path

Brain Exercise Improves Critical Thinking

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