December 2025 has come to an end and the New Year 2026 is here all ready! Happy New Year! We have had a very busy year in 2025. We are looking forward to the move into the new building during the early part of this year. There is so much planning and preparation going on now related to the move. Several residents viewed the video of the interior and everyone had positive comments on it. They particularly thought the large, tall windows in both the bedrooms and other areas were fantastic. The beautiful wooden entrance to the building had everyone talking. There were many other features they liked as well.
Residents had a wonderful December with all the scheduled entertainment groups and activities. Friends and family, and of course, the jolly, old guy in red, along with his helpers, dropped in for a visit. Residents sent their letters to Santa at the North Pole earlier on in December. Wanda Hazelwood and friends visited and told a Christmas story along with their musical program. The Christmas Bingo drew a large crowd with many lucky winners. Crystal Gage entertained everyone with a great variety of tunes.
The Wal-Mart outing had everyone in the Christmas spirit. Thanks to staff and volunteers for making the bus trip a fun outing for residents. The Cooking Club group whipped up a batch of Oreo cheesecake ball cookies. Johnny Borton entertained residents earlier in the day with his musical program. John Carter visited and gave Communion to residents of the Catholic faith. The Music Connections group had a fun time during their musical activity. Pizza and wing night had a great group. The feast was a huge success as there were many smiling faces. They all enjoyed the social hour. The fireplace channel on the large screen television crackling in the background is always a warm touch during the activities. Residents always enjoy the pet therapy program where Sybil and Remy visit.
Birthday greetings are extended to Austin Bauer, Florence Oake and Bessie Pinsonneault. They are celebrating their special day in January. The birthday party will be held on January 22nd with Randy Grey providing the entertainment. David Skipper visited and gave Communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Residents had their manicures and make up done for the festive activities. They watched several Christmas movies throughout the month. Christmas crafts were very popular with residents showing off their special decorating talents. Reverend Deb Dolbear-Van Bilsen held worship services for those residents wanting to attend. Wii Bowling had a small group playing one of their favourite games. Everyone had fun. Residents and staff joined in the Holiday Dress up day activity. It ran from December 22nd to December 26th. Each day was different. Monday they wore an ugly sweater, Tuesday they dressed as a reindeer, Wednesday they dressed as an Elf, Thursday they wore a Santa Claus hat, Friday they wore anything red and green. Each resident was given a Christmas gift and wished a Merry Christmas. Later in the afternoon a Christmas tea social was held.
Special thanks Barb Cowan for painting and donating all the nut-cracker soldier supplies and for attending the Santa’s workshop craft day to help residents decorate each one. Residents showed their appreciation by giving a small gift and card to her. The Christmas tea and shortbread social was set up in the dining area. The dining area was decorated in green and gold. Earlier in the morning a game of Wheel of Words was played. Everyone had a great time. One-on-one visits are always appreciated by residents. The Nu-Step cross trainers are very busy with residents exercising usually in the morning hours.
December 31st brought in the New Year with a wine and cheese party. Don and Bonnie Cook provided the entertainment for the party. There was a large variety of foods including shrimp, cheese platters, dips, garlic sausage, pepperoni, fruit trays and a delicious cheesecake pie purchased from Parks. Residents were dressed in New Year’s Eve attire, complete with noise makers and horns. The countdown began! They really had great time watching themselves in a video showing on the large television screen. The New Year photo shoot was set up with props and pictures. Residents were given the opportunity to have their photo done. Babcock Community Care welcomes Deanna Klauka and Shirley Kennedy as their newest residents. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Helen Drew, Stella Grochocinska and Ursula Redman.