Summer 2025 at St. Louis Center has been filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable experiences. From sizzling barbecues to parades, performances, and furry friends, residents have enjoyed a season packed with joy and community spirit.
BBQ With Friends
The International Order of Alhambra dedicates itself to the preservation of Catholic historical sites and helps provide for people with disabilities. The local group from Our Lady of Fatima church is called the St. Louis Guanella Caravan. This
generous group started the summer season off right by hosting their annual barbecue at St. Louis Center on May 15th. St. Louis Center residents excitedly attended and enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers cooked on the grill by volunteers, which were paired with classic barbecue/picnic sides. To the residents’ delight, Cliff Farr brought his Kona Ice truck and offered the residents an icy sweet treat to help them cool off on the hot summer day. The residents are always grateful for the delicious food and authentic friendship Alhambra provides.
Peter Pan With a Twist: Residents Rewrite a Classic
Thanks to Open Spot Theatre, St. Louis Center residents were able to go “Up, up, and away!” during their theatrical performance of Peter Pan this summer.
For several weeks leading up to the performance, the residents of St. Louis Center, guided by the instructors of Open Spot Theatre, meticulously planned and rehearsed their lines to tell a story their audience would never forget. They decided to ‘rewrite’ the story of Peter Pan, putting their own comedic spin on the classic story. They developed marketing materials, planned the script, designed the set, and prepared the costumes. On May 19th, everything fell into place as the residents waited anxiously for the curtain to be drawn. Family, friends, and community members filled the audience, all anticipating the performance. After the show, the players met and greeted adoring fans in the lobby, sharing refreshments and fellowship.
A Wild Day at the Zoo
Several St. Louis Center residents, along with their direct care staff, had the opportunity to visit the (name) Zoo on Thursday, June 12th. For many residents, this was a special experience, as they don’t often get to see a wide variety of animals outside of the therapy dog who faithfully visits each week. The trip was filled with excitement and joy as residents delighted in exploring the zoo and seeing some of their favorite animals up close.
ER Vehicles Day at Dexter Library
For many people, emergency vehicles can feel intimidating, especially when their lights are flashing and they’re racing down the street to save the day. But several of St. Louis Center’s residents had the chance to experience these vehicles up close in a calm, stationary setting, thanks to the Dexter Library. This unique opportunity allowed them to climb aboard, explore the equipment, and gain a new perspective on the important role Emergency Response Vehicles play in keeping communities safe.
Fourth of July Festivities
The Fourth of July was full of fun and festivities for St. Louis Center residents, who celebrated with both their own parade on campus and by joining the community parade in Grass Lake. On June 30th, residents proudly marched around the recreational track just outside the main building, waving American flags and showing off their red, white, and blue decorations. Some even kept the beat on “drums” made from large exercise balls used for cardio drumming, adding an extra burst of energy to the celebration. Then, on July 4th, a group of residents attended Grass Lake’s parade, where they cheered from the curb, collected candy, and came prepared with bags for all the sweet treats they knew would be coming their way.
Lasting Memories and Furry Friends at Saline 4-H fair
This summer, a group of St. Louis Center residents had the opportunity to attend the Saline 4-H Fair. The residents were overjoyed as they were greeted by a wide variety of creatures, both large and small, ranging from chickens to horses. As they wandered around, the residents enjoyed taking in the sights, sounds, and even the occasional farmyard smell. They especially enjoyed visiting with the goats, who were more than eager to receive some pats. The chance to connect with the animals up close made the day extra special, turning a simple outing into a memory filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of furry friends.
Read the entire issue of St. Louis Spirit here!
