For July's Veteran of the Month ceremony, we are proud to recognize Clayton for his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Inspired to enlist after seeing the film "Pride of the Marines". In 1955, Clayton completed boot camp at Parris Island before becoming a helicopter mechanic and crew chief. He served aboard aircraft carriers throughout the Caribbean, Western Europe, and the Mediterranean, including the Marine Peacekeeping Mission to Lebanon in 1958. While serving overseas, Clayton met the love of his life, Rena, in Athens, Greece. After leaving the Marine Corps in 1959, they returned to Connecticut, where they raised their family together. We were honored to celebrate Clayton's service with members of American Legion Post 113. Thank you, Clayton, for your dedication and service to our country. Bickford of Virginia Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care

What’s a 1950s party without great music and lots of dancing? AJ the DJ kept the hits coming all evening, and it didn’t take long for the dance floor to fill up! Our residents, families, friends, and team members enjoyed dancing, singing along, and sharing plenty of smiles together. There’s something special about music that brings back memories, lifts spirits, and brings people together. We loved seeing everyone enjoying the moment and dancing the evening away! Bickford of Virginia Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care

Our 1950s party brought out some fabulous fashion! From poodle skirts and polka dots to leather jackets, rolled-up jeans, scarves, and plenty of retro flair, our residents, families, and team members really got into the spirit of the evening. Of course, with so many great looks, we had to have a costume contest! It was so much fun seeing everyone show off their 1950s style and cheering on our contestants. The outfits made our trip back to the 1950s even more memorable, and we loved seeing so many people join in the fun! Bickford of Virginia Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care

We had an absolutely fabulous time stepping back into the 1950s! Our wonderful Montessori Engagement Coordinator, Sueanna, put together a fantastic party filled with great music, dancing, smiles, and plenty of 1950s style. A big thank you to Suncrest Hospice for sponsoring our delicious Root Beer Floats—the perfect treat for our throwback celebration! AJ the DJ kept the music going and the dance floor moving, while our residents enjoyed celebrating alongside their families and friends. From the fabulous outfits to the laughter and dancing, it was a wonderful evening spent making memories together! Bickford of Virginia Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care

Recently, residents enjoyed made-to-order ham and cheese omelets in our Bread Basket Dining Room. Freshly prepared breakfasts like these make mornings extra special and are a delicious way to start the day! Bickford of Virginia Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care

Every year, our Mary B's residents look forward to celebrating 7-Eleven Day with a special outing to enjoy free Slurpees! This annual tradition is about much more than a sweet treat. Residents not only make the trip together, but they also thoughtfully bring Slurpees back for their friends at home. This is Montessori in action—supporting purposeful roles, fostering independence, encouraging community connections, and creating opportunities for residents to care for one another. Simple traditions like these provide meaningful experiences and remind us that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Bickford of Virginia Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care

Residents at Bickford of Virginia Beach recently enjoyed a fun "Word Within a Word" activity! These word games are more than just entertaining—they help keep minds active by encouraging memory recall, problem-solving, concentration, and language skills. Activities like these are a wonderful way to promote cognitive wellness while also bringing residents together for friendly conversation and a sense of accomplishment. Learning and laughter go hand in hand at Bickford! Bickford of Virginia Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care

A few weeks ago, our Mary B’s residents went out for lunch at Dairy Queen. Close by and familiar, and who doesn’t love a sweet treat after lunch, too! Bickford of Virginia Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care

Creativity was on full display at Bickford of Virginia Beach as residents spent time decorating picture frames with crushed shells. This fun, hands-on activity allowed everyone to express their artistic side while creating beautiful keepsakes to display and enjoy. Simple craft activities like these provide opportunities for engagement, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment. The finished frames turned out beautifully, and residents enjoyed every step of the process. Bickford of Virginia Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care

Sometimes the simplest ideas create the most beautiful results. Our residents in Mary B's Symphony recently explored a new painting technique by placing drops of paint on a canvas, sealing it inside a gallon-sized bag, and using their fingers to gently spread the colors. Once the canvas was removed from the bag, it revealed a beautiful blended effect with a soft, textured finish. This creative approach made painting accessible, encouraged sensory exploration, and gave each resident the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece while enjoying the process as much as the finished artwork. Bickford of Virginia Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care