The famous NYCNC lunchtime barbecues.

Everyone eats lunch--so why not enhance general morale by focusing on a group lunchtime activity that involves different disciplines, increases residents' sensory stimulation and appetites, and boosts the organization's reputation, while letting everyone enjoy the outdoors? Barbecues can offer a visual testimony to quality of life in action.

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At the New York Congregational Nursing Center (NYCNC), located in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, the weekly summer barbecue has become an all-encompassing activity that unites the Nursing Center's residents and staff in fellowship with the community, building mutually beneficial relationships. It "fans the flames" of cooperation, if you will--meeting several agendas through the success of one simple, inexpensive weekly event.

It didn't happen magically. Four years ago, the Nursing Center started an annual summer barbecue with one Weber [R] grill and a lot of enthusiasm. Putting on this event quickly became a team effort. Everyone had ideas on how to set up and run a barbecue, based mainly on personal backyard experiences. Blending ideas, we finally agreed on a diagram that established the location of the grills, the serving areas, and seating. This event is so well planned that it resulted in a policy and procedure.

These barbecues were so popular that they evolved into a weekly event at NYCNC. Each Wednesday from May to mid-September, the hub of the Nursing Center's activities program revolves around the barbecues. During these warm weather months, the patio is filled with residents, staff, families, and friends enjoying a festive lunch together. There is always music, delicious food, and great company. Special guests are invited, including elected officials, community leaders, groups from local schools, church groups, our board of directors, firefighters, police officers, business leaders, potential partners, and community organizations.

"We began this tradition in response to our residents' love of the outdoors and of the smell of grilling hot dogs," says Celia C. Zuckerman, president and chief executive officer of NYCNC. "Everyone looks forward to the barbecues. Spirits are lifted sharing in this weekly event."

As we mentioned, planning is the key ingredient to staging a successful barbecue. Rain or shine, the barbecues take place on a consistent basis. Even if there is inclement weather, residents and guests still enjoy their day, because contingency plans relocate the barbecue to the Center's multipurpose room. Two weeks before each barbecue, residents and staff choose a theme. Themes have ranged from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" to a "Hawaiian Luau." Once the theme is selected, the planning team meets to brainstorm on how to incorporate the theme to make each barbecue the best one yet in offering fun, safety, and community outreach.

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Developing a budget for the barbecue is a key planning element. Props can be simple or elaborate, depending on the budget. They can either be store-bought or made in-house by the residents during other activity programs. These props give ambience to the party and add to the festive atmosphere. They are practical, reusable, and multipurpose. Sipping a drink with a fun straw encourages hydration, and water toys keep residents cool. To protect residents from the sun, large panama hats are often used as part of the theme. Participants may also sit at a table with an umbrella, in a shaded area, or under a tent. Occasionally, residents keep the props as souvenirs. Balloons add color and vibrancy to any party, and they are always an inexpensive way to decorate.

Invitations are faxed to community leaders, neighbors, and friends asking them to join the residents for lunch. Press releases are sent to all major publications. Residents and families are all invited to attend. Residents are assisted in selecting clothing that is comfortable and light. On the day of the barbecue, the patio is organized for quick and efficient setup and breakdown. In the morning, residents, staff, and volunteers decorate the patio and the Center's multipurpose room. Then the fun begins.

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Before lunch, props are distributed to all barbecue attendees, and a buzz is heard throughout the Nursing Center. For the NYCNC's Hawaiian Luau theme, handing out leis put everyone in a tropical mood. Along with the leis, bandanas and flowers for the hair were distributed. Staff and residents performed theme-related skits and, at the luau, caregiving staff, dressed in Hawaiian garb, did an entertaining hula. As they performed, many other attendees joined in to dance, sing, and clap.

To blend all of the elements of the barbecue together, music is selected that complements the theme. Again, depending on your budget, music can be provided by anything from a live band to appropriate CDs.

Paper goods reflect the theme, as does the menu. Even those on pureed diets are accommodated. Staff from all departments volunteer to work the serving line. Food is served straight from the grill. The menu can be basic or adventurous, depending on the budget. Everyone enjoys hamburgers and hot dogs, but chicken, fish, corn, and ribs can also be added, along with condiments to spice things up.

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Why Plan Weekly Barbecues?

The barbecues encourage independence and normality while enhancing residents' quality of life. Families and friends are encouraged to attend the barbecues, and the resulting social interaction is invaluable.

"Summertime is my favorite time of the year," one resident said this year. "I look forward to grillin' and chillin,' and I love the smell of the barbecued food."

Barbecues aren't only fun for residents and families, they're also an occasion to get to know your community leaders and other special guests. Guests always comment about the superb time they've had visiting our campus for the barbecue. Important, long-lasting relationships can be forged while passing the mustard and relish.

We've come a long way since our annual bouts with the Weber. Our weekly barbecues have become a community event everyone looks forward to.

Irene Carr is Director of Special Projects, and Randa J. Guastella is Director of Public Relations and Development at New York Congregational Nursing Center. For more information, call [phone]. To comment on this article, please send e-mail to [e-mail].

A collaboration of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging and Nursing Homes/Long Term Care Management Not-for-Profit Report, appearing in every issue of Nursing Homes magazine, addresses issues of particular interest to long-term care's not-for-profit sector. It provides nonprofit aging service providers with an additional information resource. Topics have been identified in collaboration with the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Nursing Homes welcomes comments and suggestions for future coverage.