2 0 2 4 H I L L T O P O L Y M P I C S & S U M M E R P I C N I C

Friends, Family, Fun & Flamingos

July 26, 2024

Laughter filled the air as employees, Residents and their family members flapped their feathers in the Chicken Dance-Off, the crescendo event in our 2024 Hilltop Olympics & Summer Picnic on July 26. For the very young and the not-so-young, sunshine and smiles were the order of a special day that included a picnic lunch, a patriotic opening ceremony, and a hilarious display of athleticism and antics.

The fun got underway as our ceremonial Olympic parade, led by Resident Ambassador Norma Gordon and Employee Ambassador Marlene Baker, circled the upper parking lot to raucous applause from adoring fans. American flags added a touch of patriotism, while Olympic-themed centerpieces handmade by Joanne Osborn set the scene for picnic-goers. An energetic team from John Marshall Catering got everyone fed in record time so that the games could begin.

Newcomer Melissa Copeland, resident care aide, impressed in her first Hilltop Olympics, showing off speed and style as she raced away with medals in all four events, including the Flamingo Frenzy. She completed the quirky obstacle course in just 35 seconds to take bronze, all while wearing a flamingo pool float. Little Stevie Oberst (30 seconds), granddaughter of resident Betty Oberst, and Sister Kevin Berdis (31 seconds) were slightly fleeter of foot, claiming the gold and silver medals.

Maintenance guru Aundrae “The Giant” O’Rourke failed to defend his 2023 title in the wheelchair race, instead passing the gold medal onto young protege Jacob Goetz, grandson of resident Charles Goetz, in the men’s division. Jeff Funk, brother of resident Dana Funk, took gold, and an enthusiastic Tim McClain, son of resident Maryann McClain, brought up the rear. As for the ladies, Copeland was unbeatable, with Jurassic Jen Krepps (silver) and Tornado Tammy Towers (bronze) racing respectably.

All contestants in the Water Balloon Toss were equally unimpressive this year, as just six tosses by young Jacob and his mom, Bridget, were enough to grab the gold. Logging just five splashless tosses, Sizzlin’ Cindy McCullough and Ironclad Irene Oesterle edged out O’Rourke and Copeland to take silver. It was a disappointing showing for an event in which 19 tosses earned the gold in 2022. We’ll call it a rebuilding year.

“We had such a great time,” says Diane Oberst, Betty's daughter. “The whole family was very happy, especially Mamma!” While the Awesome Obersts grandchildren proved outstanding competitors, Diane herself seems to have lost a step since her days with the 1973 Mount Assisi Academy championship basketball team. She got off to a great start in the Flamingo Frenzy, but landed on the injured list after a stumble in the beach ball baseball obstacle. An ice pack and a frozen adult beverage that evening soothed her scraped knee and bruised ego.

No matter their age or mobility, everyone was an Olympian in the Chicken Dance-Off. As all participants clucked along to the wedding reception favorite, the Mother Hen of Mt. Assisi Place — none other than Marlene Baker — invited the best 12 dancers to a second round in the Hen House. Although it was nearly impossible to choose, Copeland (bronze), Sister Anece Salay (silver) and Betty Oberst (gold) ruled the barnyard. In addition to a keepsake trophy, Betty earned a honking rubber chicken for her efforts. She has promised not to use it in place of her call bell.

The biggest prize of the day, however, was joy. Therefore, we were all champions.

Keep scrolling below for videos, Olympics results and fun photos!

2024 Hilltop Olympics & Summer Picnic Photo Gallery

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