The residents at The Meadows know how to have fun.
Once a month, at The Meadows Assisted living in Smithers, they have a special-event day. Carol O’Coffey and Julie Kerr were ready for some nostalgia and asked Lily, the site manager, if they could have a 50s party.
The party was on! Staff wore distinguishable polka-dotted colourful dresses and many of the residents dressed up to the nines.
Back in the 1950s the style was dressy whether it was dresses, skirts or slacks. Women wore make-up. The men who were able to return after World War II were in short supply and exhausted. Single women wouldn’t leave home without making that extra effort. Rock and Roll music must have lifted spirits.
At The Meadows party, words were projected on a screen for some 50s karaoke music, but spirits also get a boost Mondays to Fridays as residents choose their favourite way to spend the day.
It may be reading, exercise, baking, games, bowling, ping pong or walking the hallways. Learning Centre students come on Wednesdays to do crafts and play board games. Residents with a green thumb may be out in the veggie and flower gardens.
The BC Transit bus comes to gather residents for a trip to Tim Hortons or Riverside Park. In winter, the bus will take them around to see the Christmas Lights on businesses and residents.
Muheim students will often come trick-or-treating in their costumes or bring Valentines and also to sing a song or two to mark special occasions. Community bands and choirs will also take an evening to come in for a visit and share their music.
Guests and volunteers are treated with appreciation and are included when the staff in the kitchen bring out refreshments.
Looking ahead, Mother’s Day in May and Father’s Day in June will each bring a special occasion for the 14 tenants, their families and guests.
For other news, The Farmer’s Market in the parking lot of the Central Park building will open for the season this coming Saturday, May 3.
If you have items of interest for this column please e-mail sonja.lester.b.c@gmail.com or call 250-847-4414.
