Homecoming Week at Western Home Communities: A Spirit-Filled Celebration
Homecoming Week at Western Home Communities brought neighbors together, sparked friendly competition, and filled our campus with music, color, and laughter. From hot wings and bingo cards to a campus-wide parade and a final concert under the September sky, the week showcased what makes WHC so special: connection, joy, and community pride.
Monday, Sept. 8 — Celebrity Hot Wings (and Hot Takes)
Erika Kramer, Senior Director of Thrivera, takes a spicy bite before answering the question.
Randy makes sure the wings are as hot as the questions.
We kicked things off at the Diamond Event Center with Celebrity Hot Wings, hosted by Randy Carlson, Director of Hospitality. Residents cheered as WHC leaders tackled progressively spicier wings—while fielding on-the-spot questions. The results? Plenty of laughs, a few heroic bites, and a very memorable start to the week.
Rodney Tomson is ready for some BINGO!
Tuesday, Sept. 9 — Bingo, Building by Building
After each Resident Community Update, the Thrivera team rolled out Bingo in every building—complete with special prizes. Cards were marked and more than a few “BINGO!” shouts echoed down the halls.
Wednesday, Sept. 10 — Parade at Your Doorstep
A look at the parade as it makes its way in front of Jorgensen Plaza
Jake Bates, Director of Thrivera Lifestyle, leads the way in parade spirit!
Dave Nation, PW, rocks an iconic military uniform for the Red, White & Blue parade theme.
The midweek highlight: a campus-wide parade winding through the Cedar Falls campus so residents could watch right from their doorsteps. Friends and family lined the route, waving flags and snapping photos as community members showed off their homecoming spirit with decorated cars, clever costumes, and big smiles.
Thursday, Sept. 11 — Concerts on Caraway Finale
“Q” keeps the groove going with Sideshow Bob
The music hits—and a conga line appears!
We closed the summer music season with the final Concerts on Caraway featuring Sideshow Bob—including our own Director of Spiritual Care, Enrique “Q” Ochoa. Guests danced, browsed a farmers’ market in the Jorgensen Plaza parking lot, and soaked up a perfect evening of live music and neighborly fun.
Friday, Sept. 12 — Two Events, Endless Laughs and Cheers
The Contestants (left to right): Sue & Rick Heth, Marcia & Ron Michaelsen, Rita & Roy Justis, and Deb & Bob Panther.
The Winners: Deb & Bob Panther
The day began at the Diamond Event Center with The Not So Newlywed Game. Four couples—three scheduled and one brave last-minute duo—competed in a playful recreation of the classic game show, revealing just how well they really know each other. Laughter? Off the charts.
That afternoon, staff laced up for a friendly football game on the lawn outside Windridge—a spirited finale that brought teammates and spectators together to cap an unforgettable week.
Jake scores before Hannah Collier, Wellness Coordinator, can stop him
Residents find the perfect spot to enjoy the game
Jake & Barb Jacobson bring out their high school letters for High School Spirit Theme Day
Spirit Themes + Raffle Winners
All week long, residents and employees dressed to the theme of the day:
Monday: High School Spirit
Tuesday: Beach Day
Wednesday: Red, White & Blue
Thursday: WHC Spirit
Friday: Favorite Team
Each themed outfit earned a raffle ticket, with prize winners drawn on Friday—a fun way to celebrate participation and creativity.
A Week to Remember
Homecoming Week 2025 was more than just a celebration — it was a reminder of the vibrant, connected, and joy-filled community that defines Western Home. Thank you to all who participated, volunteered, performed, and cheered throughout the week. You made it a celebration to remember!