Christmas at Babcock Community Care has been a very busy time for management, staff and residents. The new building project is progressing ahead as the weather permits. We are all watching and excited to have a beautiful new larger facility to help meet the long-term care needs of the community and surrounding areas.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the home more than once in December. Gary and Dorothy Douglas dressed up in their bright red outfits and arrived on December 11th. Residents who wanted their pictures taken with them as a keepsake posed beside the beautifully-decorated Christmas tree. On December 19th Ron Pierce and his family entertained residents with a Christmas musical program. Mr. and Mrs. Claus made another surprise visit. Residents once again had their pictures taken with Santa and you could feel the joy of Christmas in the air.
Wanda and friends visited and Wanda depicted the Christmas story by flannel graph while music played in the background. Crystal St. Denis and her two daughters visited and sang many old-time favourite Christmas songs. Tony Nothers played the accordion and gave a commentary on the songs he was playing. Everyone joined in singing Christmas music. Catholic Communion was given by Shelley Coad to residents of the Catholic faith. Sunday afternoon residents, visitors, staff and family members were offered beautifully-decorated cupcakes as a Christmas treat. The hot chocolate party was a huge success. Everyone really enjoyed the variety of toppings added to the drink. Short Bread cookies were served as well. Residents had a fun time during the Christmas craft session. The end results were amazing.
Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. Big Buck Bingo is always a favourite. Christmas trivia and bean bag toss were well attended. Large, homemade gingerbread cookies were purchased from Union Bakery. Residents had a great time decorating the cookies. Mary Lou DePelsmaeker gave Rosary service to residents of the Catholic faith. Snacks and refreshments were served after the service. Remy and Sybil visited during pet therapy.
Staff enjoyed their Subway luncheon provided by the Management as a special treat over the Christmas period. Staff working Christmas day also appreciated their yearly Christmas dinner with residents. The Amish youth group visited and provided a wonderful musical program. Residents always look forward to their visit. The Heartbeats exercise group gathered for a time of singing and dancing and exercising to some fast-paced music. Everyone had a great time. Birthday cake and ice cream were served for the month of December at the monthly birthday party. Birthday greetings are extended to Jimmy Every, Norman Fenn, Ann George and Wilfred Driver. The Smile foundation handed out a special card to each resident and read aloud the beautiful sentiments to each person. The caring sentiments were from teachers and their students of all ages. Residents posted the beautiful cards in their rooms afterwards.
The dining area was decorated beautifully for Christmas and each dining table was set up with battery run decorated candles of various sizes. Isabel arrived and demonstrated Christmas belly dancing during her visit. Wedding Anniversary wishes are extended to Wilfred and Donna Driver. The New Year’s party has been planned with Dan and Bonnie Cook providing the entertainment. The Bakers club have been cooking up a storm with a variety of cookies and treats for everyone. One-on-one visits are always appreciated by residents.
Everyone really had a great time watching the Port Stanley Christmas train ride virtual tour. They did a walking tour at Frankenmuth and viewed 8 other rides in Switzerland. The photo tour was great as they watched the last 4 months of photos taken during activities at Babcock Community Care. Reverend Deb Dolbear-Van Bilsen offered church services to those residents wanting to attend. Johnny Borton from Listowel travelled to entertain residents with a variety of rock and roll and Christmas music.
Music Connections with Jess had residents singing lots of Christmas music. The Men’s club gathered in the activity area, as well as the Women’s club members, and really enjoyed a treat of fresh maple syrup with pancakes. The Goldies, Larry and Cathy, entertained and brought the Christmas spirit with jokes and singing Christmas carols. Hoya Cards has a large group in attendance. Residents always enjoy the musical program provided by Randy Grey.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Ida Russell and Bertha Postman. Babcock Community Care welcomes Anita Kendall and Bessie Pinsonneault as their newest residents. We wish everyone a healthy, happy New Year in 2025!