The following residents celebrated their birthdays in the month of October: Gordon Doyle, Esther Giroux, Barbara Driscoll, Frances Bell, Nancy McEachren, Brenda Allen, Sandra Rivard and Helen Johnson. Randy Grey provided the entertainment at the birthday party. Everyone enjoyed cake and ice cream and refreshments.
A special presentation was given to staff member, Joanne McGahan, who has been employed within the home for 15 years, and also to Chris Gray, who has been there 35 years. They were presented with a framed plaque for their years of caring, dedication and service, along with 2 dozen beautiful roses. The staff appreciation luncheon followed and everyone was treated to a sub from the local Subway. A draw was made for a variety of prizes as well as several Tim Horton gift certificates.
The Dietary department served up a delicious dinner for Thanksgiving. Residents enjoyed the meal and a large variety of squares served at the Thanksgiving tea social. Twenty youth members from the Faith Haven Choir visited and sang several favourite hymns. Everyone enjoyed their visit. Residents are busy packing candy bags with lots of chocolate and candies for the upcoming Halloween celebration. They will be patiently waiting at the activity room entrance from 6 pm to 8pm on October 31st for the trick or treaters to arrive. They have been busy trying to decide how they would decorate the candy display table for the children. Residents and staff will be in costumes to celebrate the occasion earlier in the day before the arrival of the children in the evening. Jeremy Smith will be providing the entertainment for the party. Poke a Pumpkin is a fun game and is scheduled during the day.
Mary Wootton led everyone in a sing-song playing many of their old time favourite tunes. Hands were clapping and feet were tapping to the music. The Java music club met in the activity area and autumn weather was the theme at the meeting. Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. Congratulations!
Adam, our co-op student, has been very helpful with the activity events. Great job Adam! Big Buck Bingo is one of the most popular Bingo games played. Karaoke had a few brave souls willing to sing. Residents and staff cheered on J.D. O’Hara, Gordon Gregory, Esther Giroux and Edna Abbott as they took the microphone and sang a few of their favourite songs. They were accompanied by quite a few background singers as well. Cam Denomme visited and entertained residents with his musical program. Residents really enjoyed his music while they danced and sang along to many old time favourite tunes. Richard Bliskis joined him playing his harmonica.
“Win it in a minute” is a game played by residents where they race against time to complete their activity within the minute. Word puzzles were another challenging game and the topic was a list of feathered friends. Virtual painting had residents using either paint brushes or noodles and this kept everyone entertained for over an hour. Reverend Deb Dolbear-VanBilsen held worship services for those residents wanting to attend.
The tuck shop cart set up in the activity area is appreciated by residents as a means of purchasing items they require or want without leaving the facility. Cowgirl trivia had 2 teams of residents choosing a topic related to cowboy trivia and the Wild West. Their choices were songs, television shows, movies, hats, and cowgirl pictures. The captains were Frances Bell and Doreen Getty. Ruth Gibson knew her cowgirl trivia and had 7 correct answers.
The Nu-Step cross trainers are busy on a daily basis with residents trying to improve their fitness levels. Group exercises help to achieve their goals as well. YouTube fun had residents laughing at some of the videos. The Men’s Club had a great time playing “roll it, play it,” a dice game. Richard Bliskis was the winner. At their next meeting they requested they play indoor lawn darts or croquette.
Everyone is looking forward to pizza and wing night on October 30th. The wine and cheese party was scheduled for October 22nd. Christmas card writing is scheduled to happen on November 16th. Yes it is that time of year again and the Activity staff are planning a Scottish shortbread social and several other fun programs. Babcock Community welcomes Esther Giroux, Maria Baptista and Buffy Carroll as their newest residents.