Residents are getting into the Christmas spirit at Immanuel Village with a visit from Old Saint Nick and his helpers. A Barbarshop Quartet helped bring Christmas Towne U.S.A. to life by singing several popular Christmas tunes. There was also plenty of good food, fun and--of course--the opportunity to tell Santa what wishes top the Christmas list this year. Residents say the event gets them into the festive mood for the holiday.
Omaha’s investment queen Cella Quinn shared her powerful story to Immanuel Village residents as part of the community’s “Meet the Neighbors” speaker series. The owner of Cella Quinn Investments, Cella overcame many obstacles on her path to career success.
Cella shared her struggle of being born with a cleft palate, making it difficult for her to speak. It caused her parents and the school to label her as unintelligent. Even her classmates taunted and humiliated her.
A high school graduate at 16, Cella left town with $44 and headed for Lincoln. That’s where her luck changed. She landed a dishwashing job and met a dentist who recommended she go to the University of Nebraska School of Dentistry to get her mouth, including the cleft palate, repaired. It took several surgeries and experts to repair Cella’s mouth and nose. During this time, she continued to go to school, working four jobs to pay for her education. Graduating with degrees in journalism and political science, Cella worked for the Associated Press (AP) and Lincoln Journal Star before moving to New York City to work for the AP. While in New York, she spotted a Merrill Lynch magazine advertisement calling for future stockbrokers. She applied, was accepted and excelled, eventually working for companies like Merrill Lynch and Smith-Barney.
Quinn finally came home to Nebraska, settling in Omaha and began her own investment business. Despite the taunts, hardships and pain she has endured, Cella holds no grudges or prejudices. Instead, she views life as a remarkable gift and an opportunity to give back.
Immanuel Village residents are “Living Life” as part of National Assisted Living Week September 12-18. Started in 1995, the week is a celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of assisted living residents across the nation. The Village kicked off the week with an indoor picnic complete with hamburgers, hotdogs and all the fixings. Residents also enjoyed a wine tasting, a ladies tea and entertainment by a Gospel choir. The amount of activities planned illustrates that you don’t have to be a rock climber or a marathon runner to live life to its fullest.
A murder mystery involving a hidden ruby, a gypsy, Sherlock Holmes and a local newspaper reporter was on the menu for residents at Immanuel Village. It was all to thank residents for their continued support of the retirement community.
Immanuel Communities rolled out the red carpet for Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, who took the stage recently at Trinity Family Life Center to share his inspirational message of overcoming obstacles, hurdles and setbacks to realize a dream of playing college football for Notre Dame. His story inspired the hit movie that bears his name and gave residents and staff the inspiration to dream dreams.
Just days prior to his biggest night of the year, Santa took time out of his busy schedule to make a surprise stop to Immanuel Village. Old Saint Nick shook hands, posed for pictures and lent an ear to hear resident Christmas wish lists. Two Barbershop Quartets also serenaded the group with popular holiday tunes. Along with great food and festive hats, the event gave everyone a reason to enjoy the season.
