During December and January we certainly have had a mixture of crazy, unpredictable weather. I know everyone is anxiously waiting for warm spring weather to arrive. December proved to be a very busy month for residents with lots of entertainment, great foods and visits from family and friends.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on Christmas morning to pass out the huge bag of gifts for everyone to enjoy. Christmas music playing in the background set the mood for the day. Everyone enjoyed the traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Several residents watched a Christmas movie while others participated in word puzzles and Christmas puns. Christmas bobble-heads raced while residents cheered on their favourites.
Residents enjoyed playing media games such as bean bags, tic tac toss, lawn darts, hoya cards, snakes and ladders and Bingo. Gingerbread cookies purchased from the bakery in Thamesville had residents adding their own personal touch to each cookie. Butter cream, chocolate, sprinkles, or cream cheese were some of their choices. Of course they had to sample their creations when they were all completed.
Randy Grey entertained residents at the monthly birthday party. He had the place rocking. Everyone had a great day. Birthday wishes are extended to Richard Bliskis and Alan Gooding who celebrate their special day in January. Birthday cake and refreshments were served. Residents had fun creating an Oreo Christmas tree centrepiece. They then passed out the treat with various fillings to residents who love Oreos.
Drumfit had several residents in attendance. After the program everyone enjoyed a treat from the snack cart. Craft day had residents decorating ornaments, and was a big hit with everyone. Each resident received one to decorate and keep. The Java Music Club held their regular meeting in the Activity area. Each resident chose a song they liked to sing and shared their thoughts with others about topics of their choice. Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners.
Residents thoroughly enjoyed the Magic Train Ride to the Principality of Sealand, the smallest country in the world. The video was very educational and they especially enjoyed watching the helicopter rides and boat rides to the final destination. The craft for the week had residents making a variety of cards to give to a few of the special people in their lives. They created birthday cards, cards to cheer you up, and special greeting cards. Residents appreciate their one-on-one visits.
Adam, our co-op student was recognized on his last day at the home. Everyone clapped for him telling him what a great helper he was. He finished off his day by calling the Bingo for the many players.
Residents really liked the variety of shortbreads served to everyone. Mary Lou DePelsmaeker and her helpers gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Mary Wootton played a variety of tunes from the sixties for everyone. The party chips, along with a variety of dips, were very popular with everyone. Pumpernickel bread topped off the treat. New Year’s Eve was a great celebration with horns, noisemakers and lots of special foods to eat. Residents continue to exercise on the Nu-Step cross trainers in the activity area.
Flu season is upon us once again. If you are not feeling well or are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please change your visit to another day when you are well. Face time visits are also available. Residents are looking forward to the upcoming Elegant Dinner event. They are hoping for the date preferably in early March when the flu season has slowed down. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late David Ellis, Ken Ellison and Helen Johnson. Babcock Community Care welcomes Linda White, Stella Grochocinska and Ron Garrison as their newest residents.