OYEN LODGE REPORT: Catching up on the news over summer holidays

By Dianne Spath

Hello, everyone. Hope everyone enjoyed the rest of July. August is here, and it is going way too fast already.

July 21-25th - Monday morning started with exercises, followed by a one-on-one Scrabble game. There was Catholic Church with Father Rodell, and in the afternoon there was bingo. Bingo was sponsored by the head cook, Wanda Sweet.

Tuesday morning, there were exercises, the regular bus run downtown for shopping and then an outdoor walk. Then the residents enjoyed a pub afternoon in the gazebo.

Wednesday morning was Church with Brad. The residents then enjoyed a trip to the Small World Café in Youngstown for lunch, followed by a tour of the Blood Indian campground in Bigstone. They also stopped for ice cream at the Big Stone convenience store. Thanks to our volunteer, Sandy Lockhart, who drove the Handi bus for us that day.

Thursday morning started with exercises, followed by a one-on-one baking with a resident. In the afternoon, there was the regular monthly birthday bash in which spice cake and ice cream, along with coffee and tea, were served.

Friday morning was horse races, and it was a tie on the winning races that day between horse #5-Silver and horse #6-Topsy. The residents enjoyed an outdoor walk before lunch, and in the afternoon, there was card bingo, which was sponsored by the head cook, Wanda Sweet.

July 26 was “National Day of the Cowboy,” which was a fitting day for our monthly theme.

July 28-Aug. 1st.

Dianne was away on Monday, so there were no activities.

Tuesday morning started with exercises, followed by an outdoor walk. In the afternoon, there was an ice cream parlour.

Wednesday morning, there was the regular bus run downtown for shopping, crossword games, and then an outdoor walk. In the afternoon there were shuffleboard games.

Thursday started with exercises, followed by a Phase Ten card game. In the afternoon, there was a retirement tea in honour of Wanda Sweet, the head cook. Lemon and chocolate cupcakes were served along with coffee and tea, and some socializing and reminiscing.  Wanda has been employed at the Oyen Lodge for 23 years, and she will be missed. The staff and residents want to wish Wanda all the best in her retirement

Friday morning began with horse races, and the #5 horse, Silver, was the top winner that day. Then, the residents enjoyed an outdoor walk. In the afternoon, there was bingo.

Saturday was “National Sunflower Day”, and they look beautiful this year with all the moisture we have been getting.

Aug. 4-8th.

Monday was the Civic Holiday, so there were no activities that day. Tuesday started with exercises, and the regular bus run downtown for shopping. Father Rodell led Catholic Church service, and then the residents enjoyed an outdoor walk. After lunch, there was a pub afternoon, in which refreshments and snacks were served, and the residents got to enjoy our new gazebo furniture.

Wednesday started with exercises, followed by crossword games, and in the afternoon, there were shuffleboard games.

Thursday, Dianne was away, so there were no morning activities. In the afternoon, there was a Phase Ten card game. Happy Birthday to Doreen Rude on August 7.

Friday morning, there were exercises, then the residents enjoyed a turkey dinner at the farmer’s market along with some shopping at the vendors. In the afternoon, there was card bingo.

The Oyen Lodge Residents and Staff would like to extend their deepest sympathies to Hugh Allen’s family for the loss of Hugh. He will be sadly missed at the Lodge.

August’s theme is “Harvest Month” at the Lodge. There is a variety of toy tractors, combines, bailers, and grain décor, along with some wall décor. Alberta Open Farm Days are August 16 & 17. This is an opportunity to support your rural neighbours and the province’s farms, ranches and agricultural businesses. Meet the farmers, shop at local retailers and experience the best Alberta agriculture has to offer. We bring Albertans together through educational and experiential agricultural-based initiatives to learn about where your food comes from. 

Aug. 11-15th.

Monday started with exercises, followed by a one-on-one Scrabble game. In the afternoon, there was bingo. Happy Birthday to Maureen Rude on August 11.

Tuesday started with exercises, followed by the regular bus run downtown for shopping. There was Catholic Church led by Father Rodell and then the residents went for an outdoor walk. In the afternoon, there was an ice cream parlour.

Wednesday started with crossword games, followed by an outdoor walk. In the afternoon, there were shuffleboard games. Thursday started with exercises, followed by a one-on-one baking activity. ATB Financial was at the Lodge from 10:00-11:00 for the residents to do their banking. Thursday afternoon was card games. Friday morning started with horse races, and #6 horse Topsy was the top winner that day. The residents enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Farmer’s Market prepared by Lori Toth. In the afternoon, there was bingo. 

The Oyen Lodge residents and staff would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to Sheila Davidson and her family for the loss of Jim. Jim lived at the Lodge before he moved to the Auxiliary. Thinking of you all.

A huge thank you to Lori Toth for the wonderful dinner at the Farmer’s Market on August 15. The meal pertained to the Alberta Open Farm Days. The proceeds will go to the Oyen Lodge Recreation Fund for entertainment. On behalf of the residents and the Activity Coordinator, it is greatly appreciated. Great job, Lori. 

The Oyen Lodge residents and staff would like to extend their sincere sympathy to the Henry Kroker families for the loss of Helen. Henry and Helen lived at the Lodge before moving to the Auxiliary. Our hearts are with you all at this sad time.

The Oyen Lodge will be having a garage sale on Friday, August 22, from 10:00- 5:00, and Saturday, August 23rd, from 10:00-4:00. The proceeds from the garage sale will go to entertainment. Come over to the Lodge and check out some good deals and maybe purchase a little baking. Hope to see you all there. Have a great week, everyone.