Residents of Good Samaritan Living Center in Franklinton had an opportunity to express their creativity and enjoy a sweet treat at the same time Wednesday.

The center had held its monthly cookie sale that day. During the sale, em-ployees can purchase oatmeal rai-sin, macadamia nut or chocolate chip cookies for a small cost, with the proceeds going into the activity fund.

Activity Director Griselda Martin said cookies are given to residents on those afternoons as well. They can eat their cookies and sip coffee while completing their afternoon activity.

The activity on those days is always something that will allow them to sit back, relax and enjoy their snack, such as watching a movie or completing a craft.

That day, residents were making Valentine’s Day-themed placemats. They also discussed the holiday and talked about the best Valentine’s gift they’ve ever received.

Martin said residents make placemats for each holiday. Those are displayed on the tables in the dining room, placed under a glass covering. After Val-entine’s Day the placemats will be replaced with Mar-di Gras ones, she said.

Residents generally have two morning activities and an afternoon activity. They help the residents stay active and give them an opportunity to do things they like to do, Martin said.

A big activity takes place each Friday, she said. This week, residents had Eskimo pies and participated in an ice relay.

Martin said the residents’ favorite activity, though, is the Out to Lunch Bunch. Once a month, they choose a restaurant to go to and then make their selections from the menu. They went to a restaurant in Amite last month and are planning a trip to a Franklinton restaurant this month.

About 20 residents typically take part, she said.

Martin said she and Becky Bickham, the center’s other activity director, have been in activities for years and enjoy planning the various events for the residents.