Oyen Lodge News: Busy Stampede Week for residents, staff and volunteers
By Dianne Spath
Hello, everyone. It was a wonderful week with the Stampede theme. A lot of the residents participated in the stampede activities and dressed in western attire. Thanks to all the residents who took part in them and made my week a success. Many residents had watched a lot of the Calgary Stampede, and some took in the Oyen Rodeo weekend.
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Monday morning started with exercises followed by a one-on-one Scrabble game. After that, there was the Catholic Church, led by Father Rodell. In the afternoon, there was a Bingo in the “ Bingo Barn”. I called Bingo the old-style way with the little bingo cage. It was a little slower and a bit noisier, but it suited the theme. Happy Birthday to Donna MacLean on July 7th.
Tuesday morning was exercise, followed by the regular bus run downtown for shopping and then an outdoor walk. After lunch, the residents enjoyed a “Saloon Afternoon,” during which refreshments, peanuts, chips, and Cheezies were served. Country music was played to add to our afternoon. Pam Stark from FCSS and Dianne dressed up as Saloon girls to serve the refreshments and snacks. Happy Birthday to Sara Heath on July 8th.
Wednesday started with an outdoor walk, and then some of the residents enjoyed lunch at the Acadia Valley Elevator Teahouse.
Thursday morning, there were exercises, followed by an outdoor walk. ATB Financial was at the Lodge from 10:00 to 11:00 for the residents to do their banking. In the afternoon, the residents took part in some “Stampede Midway” games. Fake money was made for the residents to pay for the games that they played so they could win prizes. The residents had a great time and took lots of prizes home.
Friday morning, there was a “Horse Derby” (races). Hi Ho Silver and Poncho tied for first place. In the afternoon, there were “Cowboy Cookies” and coffee served in the “O.K. Corral”.
There was also a “Rodeo Queen and Princess” contest for the ladies that dressed up all week. The Lodge staff and the Homecare staff were the judges. Sashes were made for the winners to wear. Thanks to Karen Hayworth, who donated the prizes to the top three winners. Rodeo Queen was presented to Shirley Vanstone; Rodeo Princesses were Madeline Nichols and Sandi Jamieson. Everyone else who had dressed up in rodeo theme attire also got to pick a small prize. Thanks to all the residents who dressed up; everyone looked fantastic.
A huge thank you to my volunteers, Sandy Lockhart and Pam Stark, for helping me throughout the week. It was greatly appreciated, and the residents really enjoyed their enthusiasm. Thanks also to our secretary Amanda, who was always lending me a helping hand and dressing western all week.
Thanks to Lockhart Ranches, Randy Girletz and Tracy Hudson for some cowboy western décor for the month. It looks great.
“Boots, class, and a lil sass, that’s what cowgirls are made of.” - Candice Nicoles
“Good girls are made of sugar and spice; cowgirls are made of whiskey on ice” - Rita Cynder
Y’all have a great week and enjoy the rodeos!