BONNERS FERRY — Tablecloths, banners and thistle in red, white and blue filled the Community Restorium common areas as residents received a Fourth of July celebration and lunch.

Despite the rain, Restorium residents enjoyed their Fourth with a luncheon and cake to top it off.

One resident told the Bonners Ferry Herald that staff provides great themed meals for residents to enjoy the holidays. Another excited resident said they had a beautiful plate with the choice of hamburger or hot dog.

Sheila Benson, activities director, said that due to weather the festivity was brought inside, but it didn’t dampen the holiday spirit.

Events and activities for residents are paid for by donations and the support of the Friends of the Restorium.

The Friends of the Restorium is an all-volunteer nonprofit group whose mission is to enhance and support the life quality of Restorium residents with financial support and resources. Through donations these amenities make life for the Restorium residents more pleasant and focus community attention on the assisted living facility.

Donations go to holiday celebrations and gifts, entertainment, and a handicap accessible van for recreation and medical appointments and other expenses which are not funded by the Boundary County budget.

Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, fundraisers and raffles were limited, but the Walking for the Restorium fundraiser has helped immensely, Dirks said. In addition, due to state regulations, the Restorium has had to separate out the memory care unit from the other residents. Funds will be going to provide amenities to the separate units.

It takes a community to care for the community’s honored citizens in assisted living, FOR officials said. FOR has raised and donated $450,000 to $500,000 since 2003 to upgrade the facility and provide services to advance the safety, care, comfort and enjoyment of the Restorium residents.

FOR is a nonprofit organization; donations are tax deductible. Donations are always ongoing and appreciated.

Community members are invited to join FOR and make a difference. Dues are $5 per year. Send checks to the Friends of the Restorium at P.O. Box 1362, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.

Those interested can also join FOR at the group’s monthly lunch at Chic-n-Chop on the third Thursday of each month. For additional information or questions, call Jeannie Robinson, FOR president, at 208-267-6030.