The weather for the Return of the Luau was ideal for the residents and family members of the Long-Term Care Facility of Mineral Community Hospital.

It’s been five or six years since this shindig took place, much to the dismay of Cathy Jones, Activities Director. 

“We canceled it during the pandemic and then other roadblocks came up so I’m really thankful to have it back,” she smiled. “For me, it’s one of the most enjoyable things, I feel, that we can do for our residents every summer. I just love doing it for them!” 

Hawaiian leighs, colorful punches, grass skirts, live music, Tiki candles, and umbrellas delighted the 11 residents who live in LTC at MCH and most have family nearby that came for the festivities. Superior Meats roasted, delivered and carved the pig with side dishes from the MCH kitchen that included Mustang Sally, bacon wrapped dates, baked asparagus, frog eyed salad and others with two large, themed cakes that most took a slice to-go.

Arianna Jones is the President of Operations with Black Knight Security and Investigations. They are a private security firm based in Montana which started in Billings about 14 years ago. She has worked for Black Knight for two and a half years and has 10 employees in Missoula, where she lives. 

“We have a city contract for the homeless shelters in Missoula so a lot of people know us from that venue. I believe the homeless community is underrated and I feel for them, especially with today’s economy,” she shared. 

Arianna was in the Army for four years with Military Police, so this is an ideal fit for her, and she happens to be one of the daughters of Cathy Jones.

“I grew up here at the hospital and my mom put these on every year. My sisters and I saw how happy she was when this came around as it pulled the community together. We helped serve or whatever was needed and saw for ourselves the smiles it created.” 

Wade Herbert is the owner of Black Knight and stated that as long as Cathy Jones is employed at MCH, Black Knight will sponsor this annual Luau, which has been one of the major roadblocks finding the money to cover the costs.

“My mom has worked here for 20-plus years, and she has always enjoyed doing this for her residents. We see this as a great opportunity by donating the day to give the residents what they deserve.”

    Residents of the Long-Term Care facility of Mineral Community Hospital and their families had a wonderful time at the Luau last week that has been absent for the past few years. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    A luau at the Long-Term Care facility of Mineral Community Hospital. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)