Valentine’s Day was very busy for residents and staff. The Elegant dinner was scheduled for the same day and residents were pampered with nail care, hair styling, make up and hand massages. Everyone put on their best attire for the dinner. Hors d’oeuvres were served along with sparkling wine.
The dining area was decorated with an array of colours to resemble a special dining experience. Residents were served the menu they had chosen at an earlier Food Committee meeting. Roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and all the trimmings. It was delicious. Residents enjoyed the entertainment provided by Dan Davidson.
The crowning of the King and Queen of Hearts was an exciting time. Staff and residents had voted previously on who they thought should receive the honour. J.D. O’Hara was crowned King of Hearts and Ruby Klassen was the Queen. Residents and staff received valentines addressed to them. Residents had been busy earlier filling up chocolate treat bags for everyone.
Karaoke night was a big hit with seven residents taking their turns at the microphone showing off their singing talents. Alexander supervised residents in Drumfit. Everyone had such a great time. Residents had a challenging time playing the game Family Feud. The Bell Ringer team won by a huge lead, with the O’Hara team trying their best to catch up. Big Buck Bingo is always fun. Everyone is happy when they win the loonies.
A large group of residents gathered for a game of Euchre, Connect 4, and checkers. Communion was served by Ted Quenneville and David Skipper to residents of the Catholic faith. Frances Bell read to a small group of residents at the Book Club meeting. Residents are kept busy with games like table hockey, Snakes and Ladders, Trivia time, Hoya cards, Viking Chess, Duck races, Hula Hoop rings and word puzzles.
Tim Horton’s doughnuts and refreshments were served in the afternoon break for all who were interested. The Nu-Step cross trainers are very busy early in the morning with residents using them to keep fit. The Keurig coffee drinkers always enjoy a cup of coffee of their choice from the huge variety of coffee pods. One-on- one visits with residents in their room are always uplifting to everyone.
Mary Wootton played several country and rock and roll tunes for everyone to enjoy. Quilt weaving was a new activity time went by fast for residents. They completed a 12 by 12 grid of fabric from recycled strips that residents had previously cut. Each one made a memory quilt for the foot of their bed complete with a treasured photo.
The Food Committee held their regular meeting and there was a lot of discussion on the upcoming scheduled activities and what foods they preferred. Another pizza and wing night was requested in March. For St. Patrick’s day a request for a party serving root beer was also made.
Everyone really commented on how they like the new table hockey game and said they could play for hours. A request for lasagna was made along with carrots and butter tarts.
The Residents’ Council meeting followed and everyone gave positive feedback. Mary Wootton held worship services for those residents wanting to attend. Bingo was held three times during the week with the following lucky winners: J.D. O’Hara, Marg Therrien, Doreen Getty, Doris Laurie, John Marshall, Hee Bong Bak, Geoff Ewing, Edna Abbott, Brenda Allen, Richard Bliskis, Wilfred Driver, Don Earhart, Phyliss Munro, Rudy Klassen, Norm Fenn, David Ellis and Gordon Gregory.
Activity staff became very creative when they decided to use an IV stand to accommodate a magnetic dart board. Each resident had 3 turns and they had so much fun. After the game they indulged in a variety of meats, pickles, olives and assorted crackers. Winners of the dart games were Doris Laurie, Don Earhart and J.D. O’Hara.
The coffee and chat social had residents reminiscing about the good old days. Hot chocolate and coffee was served. Superbowl fans gathered around the television to watch the game while staff served a variety of Superbowl dips and nachos.
February birthdays were celebrated with birthday cake and ice cream. Birthday wishes go to Don Earhart, Bill Hanenburg and Geoff Ewing. Birthday wishes to Doreen Getty who celebrates her birthday in March. Remember to wear your green for the upcoming St. Patrick’s day party.
The new Mobii Magic Motion activated projector recently purchased is such a hit with residents. It has approximately 300 apps and things happen when the residents move inside the picture field. One example is berries will be squished with their movement until a milkshake appears. It encourages movement and laughter for everyone and is great exercise. Pictures and sounds of islands, aquariums, chickens, clouds and so much more are happening right there in the room. Large groups, a table of four, or just and individual can interact with this system.
Babcock Community Care welcomes Alan Gooding as their newest resident. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Magdalena Coone and Marian Herr.