Oyen Lodge News: Resident Winter Wonderland Christmas Party was very special
By Dianne Spath
Hello, everyone. Sorry, I missed the news last week - it is getting to be that busy time of the year. December 2-6th, we had some nice temperatures with the weather. Christmas season is approaching fast, so everyone can start decorating and shopping. The maintenance men have been busy putting up outdoor Christmas lights, and they look very festive.
Residents at the Oyen Lodge have been busy enjoying all of the seasonal activities, including their annual Christmas Party. Click for larger images
Monday, December 2nd, started with exercises, followed by Phase Ten card games. In the afternoon was bingo.
Tuesday morning was the regular bus run downtown for shopping. Also, there were exercises, followed by scrabble games with my one-on-one resident. Tuesday afternoon was ice cream parlour followed by piano with Taylor Neilson.
Wednesday morning was crossword games, and Wednesday afternoon was shuffleboard. Wednesday, December 4th, is National Santa’s Lists Day, so hopefully, everyone got their requests in for their Christmas presents from good old Saint Nick.
Thursday was spent finishing decorating, and ATB Financial was at the Lodge from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday afternoon was card bingo.
On Friday, December 6th, there weren’t any activities as my volunteers and I were setting up the resident Christmas party. The party started at 5 p.m., with a happy hour, the selling of raffle tickets, and a visit. Turkey supper was prepared for 6 p.m. Lyla Rutherford sang Grace before we enjoyed our meal which was prepared by the Lodge kitchen staff. Thanks to the kitchen staff for doing a great job and to all the residents’ guests who came and brought a salad or a dessert to complete the meal. It was greatly appreciated. The tables and the dining room were decorated in blue, white and silver décor to set the scene for a winter wonderland look. I want to give a huge thank you to my volunteers, Shyann and Sandy Lockhart, for helping me set up the party, running the bar, and running raffle ticket sales. Also, thanks to our secretary Erin Van Koughnett for helping and always being there to lend a hand when needed. The lucky winner of the 50/50 was Norma Shoemaker. Gary Jorgenson and Doug Jones won the Christmas raffle baskets. Congrats to all. Thanks to all those who purchased tickets, proceeds go towards entertainment for the Oyen Lodge.
Some door prizes were drawn. I would also like to thank everyone who donated: Brad and Sandy Lockhart Ranches, Home Hardware, TGP Foods, Avon, “If the Shoe Fits” Company, Alberta Clothing, Personal Touch Clothing, Oyen Liquor Mart, Sandra Woytkiw, and Dianne Spath.
Following the door prizes, Ralph, Marvel and Gary Jorgenson and residents played music and sang Christmas Carols. December 6th is National St. Nicholas Day, so Santa decided to show up knowing all the residents have been very good this year with a present for all the residents. Thanks to all the residents, guests, staff and volunteers for attending the Resident Winter Wonderland Christmas party and making it very special.
Fun was had by all. December 9-13th the weather started to get a bit chillier with some much-needed snow. Monday morning started with exercises followed by crib games. In the afternoon was bingo. Tuesday morning was the regular bus run downtown and exercises. Scrabble games were played with me one-on-one (I actually won again, which doesn’t happen very often, lol). Tuesday was National Lager Day, so we had a pub afternoon to celebrate the National Day. Taylor Neilson was at the Lodge to play piano, and in the evening, Don Bamber had Karaoke.
Wednesday morning was Church with Bill Kolkman followed by card games. In the afternoon there were shuffleboard games.
Thursday morning ATB Financial was at the Lodge so that the residents could do their banking one last time before Christmas. Thursday morning were shuffleboard games and there were no activities in the afternoon, Dianne was away in the afternoon.
Friday morning, there were exercises followed by horse races. Friday afternoon was a visit to the Auxiliary for an afternoon coffee and a visit with those residents before Christmas. Friday evening was music by the Jorgenson’s.
The Oyen Lodge would like to extend its deepest sympathies to Val Logan and Miles Logan’s family on the passing of Miles Logan. Val and Miles lived at the Oyen Lodge for many years before Miles moved to the Auxiliary. Thinking of you all.
Thank you to Lorraine Kuhn from Acadia Valley for the beautiful Christmas candy tray. Have a great week, everyone. Stay warm and stay safe.