Herbal Vinegar
submitted by Tammy Koert of Above and Beyond on August 30, 2001

Size: any number

Equipment:
wine bottles with corks
vinegar (lots)
any herbs, lemon peels, orange peels, berries,
funnels
ribbon

Objective: To provide social interactions and some physical activity (cutting pieces). Clients will also have something to keep (if allowed) or give to friends and family as gifts.

Description: If possible get participants to cut herbs, orange peels, lemon peels, garlic into small pieces. Should put about 5-7 pieces of each, but let them choice what they want in it.Put all the pieces into the bottle and use the funnel to pour vinegar into wine bottle. With some participants you may need to pre-pour the amount of vinegar into a measuring cup to prevent spills. cork the wine bottle and tie a little tag on the bottle that says Herbal Vinegar, Place in sunlight for 6 weeks and add one tablespoon of vegetable oil and one tablespoon of Herbal Vinegar to make salad dressing. Add ribbon for look

Cracker Art
by Dianne Jessen of Beverly Healthcare on Monday, January 27, 2003

Size: 6 to 20

Equipment: Wet wipes (or wet cloths)for cleaning hands. Small disposable plates, napkins, plastic knives (or cheese spreaders for safety), boxes of assorted shape crackers (I found one with butterfly shapes that many wanted to decorate), assorted soft cheeses for spreading, colorful vegetables or fruits cut, sliced or broken apart (black olive slices, carrot strips, raisins, apple slices, cherry slices, pieces of broccoli, etc.)

Objective: Creativity, hand-eye coordination, fun, healthy snack, self-esteem for using own imagination. Residents not only enjoy seeing one another's creations, they also get to enjoy eating their own special art work.

Description: Set out a plate, spreader and assorted shape crackers for each participant. Have small bowls of assorted cheeses and vegetable pieces within reach of each group of 2 or 3 people. Have a few examples of decorated crackers available to get everyone's imagination started, or demonstrate with your own creativity on a few crackers. Explain that their creations will be judged for their originality, but when all are finished, announce that everyone did such a great job that they are all winners and now can enjoy eating their own prizes!