Residents get chance to float over Kokomo in hot air balloon
This article is brought to you by Silver Birch Living of Kokomo. Silver Birch offers a full spectrum of personalized services to help older adults maintain their independence in a supportive, caring environment. For more information, visit Silver Birch of Kokomo online.
What does Silver Birch of Kokomo look like from the air? The residents found out recently, thanks to a hot air balloon. They lined up excitedly for the chance to float up, up, and away.
The trips through the air were part of the facility’s life enrichment programming, spearheaded by coordinator Nannette McVeigh. And executive director Tony Stewart was amazed by her vision and dedication.
“This is truly an incredible experience, but this is Nannette’s brainchild,” said Stewart. “When she came to me about this, I was a little hesitant. I checked with the insurance to see if we could do it, and it was okay.
“Nannette is always coming with creative ideas for our residents. And the company’s always okay with us bringing things together to energize our residents and offer a bucket list experience for them.”
The event was put on by Midwest Balloon Rides, a company that specializes in bringing a hot air balloon experience shared or private rides. As a plus, the company can specifically handle wheelchairs on the rides, which opened the door for a great many Silver Birch residents.
In fact, dozens of Silver Birch residents, their caretakers, and their families lined up for the chance to float above downtown Kokomo. The balloon was inflated in the field just south of Silver Birch along Washington Street, giving motorists an interesting view as they headed home from work.
Once the balloon was filled and ready, Stewart spoke to the crowd, which included Mayor Tyler Moore and Councilmen Jeff Plough and Ray Collins.
Stewart was quick to thank the sponsors who made the hot air balloon rides possible: Reformation Ministries, 2nd Shift Sewer and Plumbing, Cornerstone Caregiving, Buffalo Church of the Brethren, Silver Birch of Kokomo, and Councilman Tony and Dr. Dana Stewart.
And of course, he made sure to give credit to McVeigh, who stood by excitedly as the residents began loading into the basket for their rides.
“As we started putting everything together to make some dreams come true, we didn’t know if we were going to get a lot of residents, but there’s a line!” exclaimed Stewart. “They’re all going to get to take a trip. They said we could get 50 or more, and I think we got that many.”
Silver Birch Living of Kokomo is an assisted living facility located in the heart of downtown Kokomo. Opened in 2018, Silver Birch offers 24-hour staffing, regular meals, and a steady stream of wellness, social, and life enrichment activities for its residents.
For additional information, visit silverbirchliving.com.