Dave, the Activities and Community Engagement (ACE) Facilitator, plays a key role in making each celebration memorable for our ‘family members’ (those who live with us). With his creative planning and knack for spotting quirky national and international days, he turns these occasions into fun and engaging activities that bring everyone together.

“I like to find out what’s special about each day,” Dave explains. “The more unusual, the better, which is a great way to spark a chuckle or start a conversation with our family members and staff.”

Some of the quirky and fun national holidays celebrated at the home include National Owl Awareness Day, National Bow Tie Day, National Mole Day, National Doughnut Day, and National Chocolate Day.

One such occasion, Framland celebrated National Bobblehead Day—a day that lent itself perfectly to an art and craft activity. With the support of other staff, each family member was guided through the steps of making their own bobblehead figure. “Egg cartons, crafty fluffy balls, googly eyes, paper and pens were all set out to create their very own object.” says the ACE facilitator.

The results were filled with smiles. "Margaret, Brenda, Paul, and Mitzie were very amused by what they made,” Dave reflects.

But the laughter didn’t stop there. Family member Barbara who regularly anticipates celebrating such quirky calendar days, shared, "It was so fun. Joan made us all laugh by initially placing her eggcup on her nose.”

“There’s always something fun to celebrate if you look hard enough,” she says.