Seven Oaks in Mission went big this past weekend showing their appreciation for their park volunteers. Every year they hold a Volunteer Appreciation Day. It is an annual event held to show appreciation to all of their volunteers that have helped throughout the season.

“We have so many that volunteer their time in numerous ways,” said Cathy Sutton, regional manager. “It is a small token of our thanks to them for their hard work and dedication.”
They had lots of activities planned for the day. The first activity was wacky trike races. Sutton said it was a lot of fun racing friends or neighbors.

 

They then moved on to human foosball – which is exactly what it sounds like, added Sutton.

Those two activities were the main, big, activities, but they also played water balloon toss, ladder golf games and others.

After the games, the group moved indoors for a delicious meal of chili, baked potatoes and green beans, with a topping bar for the potatoes and chili.

“All in all, it was a great day out here,” said Sutton. “Very fun filled, and lots of laughs.”

Being fairly new to the area, Sutton has had fun getting to know the park residents recently and the appreciation day was just one of the ways to get to know each other and appreciate those in the park. She came down to Texas, and Seven Oaks, for the first time when she visited with the new owner back in December of 2019.

“We are both from Florida, and very familiar with snowbirds, but was unfamiliar with Winter Texans – or even this area,” she said. “But we both love the area and are both still out here over a year later.”

While taking a hit because of COVID, the park has seen a bunch of new residents this season. And the new owner and Sutton have been able to continue activities at the park and make improvements for their residents.

“All of the roads have been repaved,” she said. “Which really made our guests happy.”

The park has a new outdoor pavilion area and a new covered area at the pool. They have also been working on “the most beautiful bird and butterfly garden,” as well, said Sutton.

“Lots of changes and more to come,” she said. “We have some big plans for the future.”

Even through the pandemic, the park has been able to host all sorts of activities. The park has regular card games, bingo, bocce ball, cornhole and lots of other fun games. They have Wednesday dinners and breakfasts twice a month. The park has seasonal/holiday activities as well. There are luaus, Italian nights, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s meals, St. Patrick’s Day, and so many other special activities.

The park also makes time to give to others. Two of their bigger giving events include making baby blankets for a NICU unit in Mexico and honoring park veterans with Quilts of Valor (quilts made by park volunteers) each year. This year’s Quilts of Valor was made extra special with a golf cart procession afterwards.

And you cannot forget about the entertainment they have throughout the season. The park has seen great entertainment provided by The Piano Man, Rusty Rierson, Rick McEwen, and Kai.

The park currently has several move-in specials. Give them a call or visit their Facebook page for more information.