Mardi Gras

Also known as "fat Tuesday," this pre-Lenten festival is celebrated in Roman Catholic countries and communities. In a strict sense, Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday, is celebrated by the French as the last of the three days of Shrovetide and is a time of preparation immediately before Ash Wednesday and the start of the fast of Lent. Mardi Gras is thus the last opportunity for merrymaking and indulgence in food and drink. In practice, the festival is generally celebrated for one full week before Lent. Mardi Gras is marked by spectacular parades featuring floats, pageants, elaborate costumes, masked balls, and people dancing in the streets.

Mardi Gras originated as one of the series of carnival days held in all Roman Catholic countries between Twelfth Night, or Epiphany, and Ash Wednesday; these carnivals had their origin in pre-Christian spring fertility rites. The most famous modern Mardi Gras festivities are those held in New Orleans, La.; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Nice, France; and Cologne, Germany.

The first American Mardi Gras was celebrated near modern-day New Orleans on March 3, 1699. It wasn't until the mid-1800s did official parade organizations start to form with the Mystick Krewe of Comus in 1856 and the Krewe of Rex in 1872. The tradition is still carried on in New Orleans with many other krewes represented on floats in a myriad of parades. The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold (representing justice, faith and power).

Mardi Gras celebrations can start as early as January 6, on the feast of Epiphany. The festivities end at midnight on Tuesday--the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras day falls on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9. Like Ash Wednesday, the date Mardi Gras falls on depends on the date of Easter--always occurring 46 days before Easter.

And the Award Goes to...

Bright lights and red carpet lined the dining room today at Serenity Assisted Living. We celebrated the Academy Awards at lunch by filling out our ballots, donning our fanciest top hats & Woo-Hooing to winning the big prize. Esther even had her acceptance speech prepared! Pictured here is Anna Morehart and her trophy!

God Bless Adeline Hartl

Adeline Christine Hartl went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 14, 2009, in Dilworth, MN. at Serenity Assisted Living, while receiving care from their dignified and compassionate staff. She was born April 24th, 1913 on a farm in Eden Prairie, MN. She was the oldest daughter of Matt and Apollonice Marshall.

In 1919 they moved to a farm in Shakopee, MN. where Adeline attended Catholic School at St. Marks. She later moved to Minneapolis to further her education and took up nursing. She then worked in the nursing field for 15 years in the Minneapolis area.

In the year of 1953 Adeline married Irvin Hagen, Deputy Seed Commissioner of North Dakota. They were married at her home church in Shakopee. After the wedding they moved to Fargo, North Dakota. Irivn died in 1966.


Adeline then went to work as the Executive Secretary for the Queen of Peace Retreat Center in Fargo, N.D. under the direction of Father Dennis Schue.

During her years at the Queen of Peace Retreat Center, Adeline had the honor of caring for Bishop Fulton J Sheere.

In 1973 Adeline married Francis Hartl of Alice, ND. They moved to the family farm in Alice following the wedding. Adeline and Francis were soul mates and did everything together.

Francis Hartl died in 2001. Adeline moved back to Fargo in 2002 and in May of 2006 she moved into Serenity Assisted Living in Dilworth. She loved Serenity and considered Serenity Assisted Living to be her family.

With all her gifts, used for the benefits of others, she left this world a better place to live.

She survived by her children
Barbara Gunst (Lyman) Clovis California
John Richard Hagen, South Bend, Indiana
Susan Dunhoff, New Market, New Hampshire
Michael Hagen, Yirington, Nevada

And 4 brothers and sisters:

Francis Johnson, (Jean) Delano, MN
Harold Marshall, (Marie) Shakopee, MN
Elmer Marshall, (Kathryn) Shakopee, MN
Delores Wilbert, (George) Eden Prairie, MN

Along with her siblings is a brother in-law Kurt Kirkhoff (Leonard) of West Fargo.

Adleine is preceded in death by her parents and four sisters, Irene Dimler, Sally Trutnau, Charolette Vatca, and Carol Baer.


All Memorial are directed to the Serenity Assisted Living Memorial Fund at:

State Bank and Trust
Adeline Hartl Memorial
3100 13th Ave. South
Fargo, ND 58103

Happy Birthday, Carol!

Happy Birthday, Carol! Her age will be kept a secret, but you can still stop by and wish her a great big 'Happy Birthday!'

Her cake was specially made by Debbie. She has her own business called 'Cakes by Debbie' and specializes in, well...EVERYTHING!

Debbie makes wedding, birthday, showers, graduations or ANY kind of cake. Call her at 218-233-7705 to order your own cake today or see her portfolio!

Marilyn's Marvelous Meal

Marilyn McMaster and her friend, Roni, planned and served a DELICOUS meal today at lunch! On the menu was heart waffles with strawberries & whipped cream, bacon and fruit kabobs.

It was such a hit that the duo are planning another Menu for next month!

Sweetheart Supper

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Serenity hosted a Sweetheart's Supper. The ladies donned their best lipstick and dressed in their favorite color. On the menu was bruchetta & pink/purple deviled eggs for appetizers, make your own heart shaped pizza for the main course and red velvet cupcakes for dessert!

This One's for the Birds

To celebrate the national 'Great Backyard Bird Count,' our ladies at Serenity spent the afternoon making yummy treats for the birds around Serenity!

BINGO Fun!

The 6th grade class from St. Elizabeth's in Dilworth came over to play BINGO with the ladies of Serenity tonight!

Love Bugs

Today we made love bugs! They were cute little bug-gers! Pictured here is Claryce Stohle and her adorable creation.

Happy Birthday, Henrietta!

Henrietta Van Dyke celebrated her 93rd birthday today with her family! They dined on sandwiches, punch and yummy cake. Henrietta's official birthday is Tuesday this week!

Happy Birthday and best wishes to you, Henrietta!

Cookies

As an impromptu project, we decorated heart shaped sugar cookies to celebrate Valentine's Day! The cookies were HUGE and there was one for everyone. It was really fun to see what the ladies and gentlemen came up with for their designs. The cookies were decorated in the afternoon and were saved for dessert at supper.

Super Bowl Party

Today was Super Bowl Sunday and we certainly celebrated at Serenity. Being it is one of Esther Hilger's favorite times of the year, we let her do all the planning! Esther designed a delicious menu...we even had to different punch drinks to match the two football teams!

Happy Birthday, Simone!

Simone 'Billie' Rector celebrated her birthday today!
"It feels good to finally turn 21," she stated.
Her daughter brought over a beautiful cake to share with her friends at Serenity.