4 • The Beacon October 17 , 2024
Reiny , a 16-year-old paint pony , visits residents at Lafayette Pointe Nursing and Rehab Center in West Lafayette
By Josie Sellers For The Beacon
It ’ s not every day a pony visits a nursing home . On Oct . 8 Cristy and Kaya Bower brought Reiny , a 16-year-old paint pony , to visit residents at Lafayette Pointe Nursing and Rehab Center in West Lafayette .
“ It ’ s fun to watch people ’ s faces and hear them talk about when they had horses ,” Kaya Bower said .
This is the fifth nursing home they have brought Reiny too .
Lindsey Zacharias with Interim Hospice heard about Reiny and thought he might bring some joy to the residents at Lafayette Pointe .
“ This is a great facility , and we thought the horse might bring some extra joy and happiness ,”
Zacharias said . Administrator Heather Jewell was happy to have them visit .
“
I had a little pony just like that when I was a kid . I liked everything about it . There was nothing I didn ’ t like about my pony . This was a nice surprise .”
Martha Marlatt
“ We love activities for our residents ,” she said . “ I love watching them smile and seeing their faces when we do different things .”
One of the many residents happy to see Reiny was Martha Marlatt .
One of the many residents happy to see Reiny was Martha Marlatt .
“ I had a little pony just like that when I was a kid ,” she said . “ I liked everything about it . There was nothing I didn ’ t like about my pony . This was a nice surprise .”
Marcia Kelley couldn ’ t wait for Reiny to come visit her husband ’ s room .
“ We had a pony just like him , but it was black and white ,” she said . “ Its name was Cricket , and the kids showed for 4-H .”
Kelley and her husband Dick have been married for 61 years , and they have five children .
“ Look at that pony ,” Dick Kelley said to his visitors . “ I spent a lot of time and money on one of those .”
Marcia Kelley was thankful for the visit .
“ We moved here three weeks ago , and I ’ m so pleased they do things like this ,” she said .
Another visitor excited to see Reiny was Betty Magness , who recently celebrated her 101st birthday with family and the staff and residents at Lafayette Pointe . They had cake , played 1923 trivia and spent quality time together .
“ I don ’ t have a secret to live this long ,” Magness said , “ just good decisions , good food and a great family . It ’ s been a long life .”
Magness used to raise horses . In honor of her birthday and their shared passion , Kaya Bower gave Magness a little horse painted to look like Reiny .
“ Her face just lit up ,” Zacharias
Josie Sellers
Josie Sellers
Marcia Kelley , right , couldn ’ t wait for Reiny to come visit her husband ’ s room . Kelley and her husband Dick have been married for 61 years , and they have five children .
Josie Sellers
On Oct . 8 Kaya Bower and her mom brought Reiny , a 16-year-old paint pony , to visit residents at Lafayette Pointe Nursing and Rehab Center in West Lafayette .
said . “ She was so excited , and that was so sweet .”
Magness passed away shortly after the visit on Thursday , Oct . 10 , 2024 .
Jewell said the staff at Lafayette Pointe enjoys being involved in the community and keeping the residents active . Several more events are planned over the next three months . From noon to 4 p . m . on Friday , Oct . 18 , a health fair will be held . The community is invited to come in for free health screenings , free goodies and the opportunity to complete advance directives . JB ’ s Smokin ’ Barbecue will be onsite that day . Another activity will be a trunk or treat on Thursday , Oct . 31 from 6-8 p . m . Wear your costumes and come have a spooky time .
Jewell said they are known for their large private rooms . If you come tour the facility during October or November , you can receive a free pie in time for Thanksgiving . Another activity in November is a food drive Nov . 1-21 . Canned vegetables , fruits , soup , oatmeal , powdered milk , clothes , stationary and bedding can be dropped off at Lafayette Pointe or Windsorwood Place in Coshocton .
In December staff plans to fill the facility with fully decorated Christmas trees donated by local businesses . The businesses will be showcased , starting Monday , Nov . 25 . Trees will be raffled off Jan . 3 . Tickets will be $ 1 for one ticket or $ 5 for six tickets . All proceeds will go toward future community events .
Lafayette Pointe is located at 620 E . Main St . in West Lafayette . For more information about the facility or to be a part of these events , call 740-545-6355 .