HighlightsResidents said goodbye to 2013 in style with their New Year’s Eve Bash.

A special time was had on Valentine’s Day this year. A time to draw attention to those whom we love and the kindness we show to each other. Residents were all decked out in red during the Valentine’s Day Tea and were surprised when “Cupid” visited Grove Manor and handed out Hershey’s “hugs and kisses” to everyone.

Pancakes were flying during the Annual Pancake Toss on Shrove Tuesday, March 4th. Residents placed a pancake on a plate and had to count how many times it could be flipped in 2 minutes. If the pancake landed on the floor, the count started over again. The winner was Rose M. who flipped her pancake 186 times.

Upcoming EventsApril 17 – Volunteer AppreciationApril 30 – Raise-a-Reader May 9 – Mother’s Day TeaJune 1-6 – Senior’s WeekJune 2 – Kick off to Senior’s Week BBQJune 3 – Strawberry Tea

Outings and Past EventsApril 2 – Hearing Aid clinicMarch 17 – St. Patrick’s Day PartyMarch 12 – Mini GolfMarch 4 – Annual Pancake TossFebruary 14 – Valentine’s Day TeaFebruary 10-13 – Olympic ChallengesJanuary 22 – Morinville ChoirJanuary 22 – Line Dancing LessonsDecember 31 – New Year’s Eve PartyDecember 19 – Memorial Composite High School ChoirDecember 16 – Christmas Light Tour

HighlightsFriends Of St. Michael’s Of Edmonton Society donated some funds towards our 5th Annual Christmas Pageant that was held in the Heritage Hall. Family members and other guests were invited. Items funded included: a painted canvas of Bethlehem made by a group from Chrysalis, costumes for each character and other props.

Did you know that there were 12 Christmas trees decorated and out on display at St. Michael’s Long Term Care Centre?

On January 17th, students from Norquest College helped de-Christmasify the facility. They sorted, organized and packed away all the Christmas decorations. This same group has committed to come in 4 times a year to lend us a helping hand.

To celebrate the Winter Olympics that were held this year in Sochi, there were two Olympic events held at St. Michael’s. One was for staff and one was for the residents. The events included ethnic food such as pickled dills and beets, herring under furry coat, reindeer kotlets and Moscow’s sunrise salad.

During the Winter Olympics, residents had the opportunity to dress up in some Olympic gear and have their photo taken in our Olympic photo booth. The events were a successful and memorable way to commemorate the 2014 Winter Olympics!

In February, a group of students from St. Gerard School visited and made beautifully crafted Valentine’s Day cards for the residents. 3 of the students and their teacher came by to drop off the cards and to spend some time with the residents.

This special occasion was all documented by “Go Edmonton” - a program on Shaw TV.

This was a unique and thoughtful way of educating the students that Valentine’s Day is not only about telling others you love them, but, showing kindness to others as well.

Upcoming EventsApril 24 – Easter Celebration at St. Cecilia Junior High SchoolMay 9 – Mother’s Day CelebrationJune 13 – Father’s Day Celebration

Outings and Past Events March 19 – Verkhovyna Dance SchoolMarch 18 – Edmonton Oiler’s GameMarch 6 – Visit from St. Cecilia Junior High SchoolFebruary 19 – Winter Olympic EventFebruary 13 – Lunch at Tony RomasFebruary 7 – Yellowhead CasinoJanuary 15 – Shopping at Walmart

Highlights

In February, our residents began a button craft. Much to everyone’s surprise, this was a huge hit! Our residents were very busy creating beautiful pieces of art. This was such a popular activity, it resulted in the staff being sent into town for more supplies.

This craft activity brought many residents together where they visited, had some social interaction, shared stories or just enjoyed some quiet time while they created their art. Everyone is excited about the next craft activity - ceramic painting!

Every day our residents can participate in a vigorous exercise program, focusing on stretching, balance, strength and of course, breathing. At the end of our daily exercise program, residents do a little musical chair dance exercise just to leave on a cheery note!

Upcoming EventsApril – Easter Egg PaintingApril 19 – Easter Basket BlessingApril 25 – Birthday CelebrationsApril 30 – Volunteer AppreciationMay 9 – Mother’s Day Tea and Fashion ShowMay 30 – Birthday CelebrationsJune 3 – Harmony and Friends socialJune 6 – Bazaar and Ice Cream SaleJune 13 – Father’s Day Card PartyJune TBA – Antique Car ShowJune 27 – Birthday CelebrationsJuly 1 – Canada Day Resident BBQ

Outings and Past EventsFebruary 20 – Pub-Style Happy HourDecember 31 – New Year’s Pub-Style Happy Hour PartyDecember 20 – Celebration of resident Nick Bohaichuk’s 100th Birthday with family, friends and dignitaries.

5913 - 49 Street, Vegreville

HighlightsMillennium Pavilion residents provided staff with many good ideas with respect to the types of activities they would like to be participating in over the winter months. As a result, a new treadmill and shuffleboard were brought into the facility for their use. An indoor walking club was also started to help keep the residents fit and active while they wait for the weather to warm up.

There are hopes that in the spring, the Millennium Pavilion residents will have polished their shuffleboard skills enough to challenge the residents of Grove Manor to a tournament.

Upcoming EventsApril – Outing to visit Vegreville Manor and Grove ManorApril 2 – Pet TherapyMay 30 – Annual Tomato Plant SaleJune 4 – Sage PresentationJuly 11 – Edmonton Queen Riverboat

Outings and Past EventsFebruary 15 – Marketing Students VisitFebruary 12 – Valentine’s Day Tea with Adult Day Support Program clientsFebruary 7 – Yellowhead Casino outing with Long Term Care residents

ST. MICHAEL’S LONG TERM CARE CENTRE

7404 - 139 Avenue, EdmontonVEGREVILLE MANOR

7408 - 139 Avenue, Edmonton

GROVE MANOR600 King Street, Spruce Grove

MILLENNIUM PAVILION SENIORS LODGE

SPRING 2014 ISSUE

News Achievements Products Programs Plans

Residents having fun exercising on the new fitness equipment

In This IssueSt. Michael’s Olympics

Long Service AwardsNativity Performance

.....and more

Winter Olympics at St. Michael’sResidents Jean Romaniuk, Anna Vorsic, Patricia Erickson and Barbara Richer with their creations

Cupid (Bill Sykes) entertained residents and handed out “kisses”

Contact St. Michael’s: Tel: 780.473.5621 Fax: 780.472.4506 Toll Free: 1.800.472.6169 Email: smeccs@smhg.ca Website/Facebook: www.smhg.ca

Ed Hladunewich, St. Michael’s Board Chair, is pleased to announce that Ms. Lorraine Bodnarek has joined the Board.

Lorraine has three children, and is a proud “Mom”, with much volunteer experience with many organizations. St. Michael’s is honoured to have Ms. Bodnarek join us as we continue to address quality care, sustainable operations, risk adverse development, and a strong, well trained staff and volunteer corps. Lorraine is currently Vice President Commercial Development, Landrex Developments and Properties; Owner/President at

LEDR Developments Ltd. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration and a B. Comm. degree. Lorraine is also an active volunteer. She is involved with KC (Knights of Columbus) hockey club in North Edmonton. She is also a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church, and a supporter of: Mustard Seed Church, World Vision, Cross Cancer Institute, Kids with Cancer, Sign of Hope Catholic Social Services, The Hope Mission, and Ducks Unlimited.

January 18, 2014 was a day to remember for 44 employees. This was a commemorative occasion because, for the first time in St. Michael’s history, we recognized employees for 30+ years of service.

Eight employees received 30 year awards, two at 20 years, five at 15 years, ten at 10 years, and seventeen at 5 years. An amazing total of 590 years of service!

190 Employees and their guests attended and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and entertainment. The Award Recipients were then piped into Heritage Hall by piper Chris. An excellent four course meal was prepared by our Chef Ken, and served by waiters. This made the evening

very special for the award recipients and all guests. Mr. Stan Fisher, President/CEO stated in his remarks “You are being publicly appreciated. Appreciation is a wonderful thing in any culture or in any environment. Appreciation makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” St. Michael’s is very proud of all employees and the work they do.

Long Service Awards

On February 14, 2014, St. Michael’s held its own Winter Olympics.

Eight teams of three employees each (for a total of 24 employees) participated in three Olympic events which included: curling, biathlon, and hockey.

Employees did not have any time to train but were very competitive and they worked hard to get to the podium. All participants had a great time with the events. President and CEO, Stan Fisher

presented the gold, silver and bronze medals to the winning teams which were: Poland, Netherlands and Russia. Employees attending the event were provided with a delicious Russian lunch. Staff are now going into training and will be getting ready for the next Olympics!

Sochi Olympics At St. Michael’s

A Light bulb Changed His Life

Resident Rose Mallard was the winner of the Pancake Toss at Grove Manor

Vegreville Manor residents get active!

Photo Diary

New St. Michael’s Board Member

Encouraging Healthy Smiles!

Dental Hygiene students work with a resident

The 2nd floor of our Long Term Care Centre was made more beautiful with the addition of graphic landscapes applied to the doors. The main doors show a Mediterranean street scene and the pod doors are the facade of a house, colour co-ordinated with the pod colours.

They are bright and colorful and add warmth to the unit as a whole. Thank you to a Long Term Care Centre resident whose generous donation made this possible.

Second Floor Scenery

Graphics on the 2nd floor pod doors beautify the facility

St. Michael’s Long Service Award Recipients

Christmas would not have been the same without our Annual Long Term Care Centre Christmas Pageant. In honour of the 5th year of this performance, we decided to make the event bigger and better. This year the event was held in the Heritage Hall.

Family members, staff, volunteers and other guests were invited to attend and watch the residents perform. Beautiful fabrics and props were purchased and included: new crowns and robes for the wise men, fabrics to dress Mary and Joseph, wings and halos for our angels, staffs for our shepherd’s men and hay to fill our stable.

A group of Art Therapy clients from Chrysalis also contributed to the event. They designed and created a background scene of the night sky in Bethlehem on a large canvas that was hung on the stage. It was very well crafted and really made our performance come to life.

Song sheets were handed out to the audience and everyone sang: “The First Noel”, “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and “We three Kings of Orient”.

Along with the performance, guest were invited to view the many Nativity sets that were out on display. Event guests also enjoyed some light refreshments provided. The event could not have turned out any better!

Heritage Hall was filled with guests and the residents were filled with excitement and pride for being on stage and some for the first time in their lives. We certainly look forward to organizing the performance again next year!

Resident Lilly Cripps played the part of an angel

Beautiful Christmas Nativity Performance

Fantastic Winter In Day Support

To avoid the winter boredom, staff and clients in our Adult Day Support Program participated together in a variety of social and recreational activities. They enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch for clients and their families.

Then, they started the New Year by hosting a crib tournament for the residents from the Millennium Pavilion and also did some baking together. On Valentine’s Day, once again they nominated and elected their King and Queen of Hearts. They also enjoyed St. Michael’s Winter Olympic Games which were held by the Recreation Department. Clients dressed up in Canadian outfits and participated in curling, hockey, and snowboarding. What a fantastic winter they had!

Anne Fitzgerald Elementary School students visit Millennium Pavilion residents

Like what you see? Visit www.smhg.ca for more photos

Al Harrison reflects on his passion to help others

Al Harrison is a new St. Michael’s maintenance department staff member. He has had an interesting array of jobs over the years that included construction, management and safety but they never fulfilled him nor did they ever feel like “careers”. Al sought the type of work that would make him happy - like the love of a job he saw his father had. Al’s father loved his work in the military so much that when he retired, he went back to work for them as a civilian.

It wasn’t until Al joined St. Michael’s that he believes, he found his calling. One of the first tasks Al was assigned when he started working at St. Michael’s was to change a light bulb in a resident’s bathroom. This lady was a long-time St. Michael’s resident and was embarrassed and afraid to have to call a maintenance worker for help. Al recalls when he first went into her room, he was not sure who was more nervous, the resident or himself. He recalls being very cautious and didn’t want to do something wrong as he had never had a job dealing with seniors. Al started talking to this very timid lady as he worked and in a comforting way, explained everything he was doing. In no time, the bulb was replaced. But Al remembers feeling that the resident just wanted to talk and have someone

listen. She had become comfortable with Al being in her suite and started telling him of some of her past experiences and why she had been afraid to call for help. He listened to her until she seemed ok. She then asked Al for a hug, as she was finally feeling safe and comfortable. On leaving the resident’s suite, Al realized that he had finally found a job with “meaning”. He recalls thinking “I made someone’s day by changing a light bulb!” That evening Al went home and told his wife about his day and had tears in his eyes as he shared his experience with her. From that day forward, Al comes to work and can’t wait for another opportunity to see the seniors. They have brought him the happiness and calmness he never knew he could have. “I truly love my career!” he stated and to this day, the only thing Al regrets is not starting this journey sooner. Who knew that a light bulb would change a life?

St. Michael’s is fortunate to have many affiliations with educational institutions this year. This March we celebrated Oral Hygiene Month at St. Michael’s.

Six groups of Dental Hygiene students from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta came to do their practicum work at St. Michael’s Long Term Care Centre.

The students were led by their professor, Arlynn Brodie. They students practiced mouth care

and educated resident care staff on new research findings about dental care. The students also shared oral hygiene recommendations with residents and their families.

PRICE LIST

PYROHY(2 doz per bag)

Potato, Cheddar, Cottage Cheese, Onion or Cheddar Bacon

Cottage CheesePlain, and Cottage Dill

Mushroom* Pizza*

Sauerkraut(19 per bag)

Cheddar Kowbasa*Blueberry*Cherry*

CABBAGE ROLLS & OTHER ITEMS(2 doz per bag)

Rice & Onion Rice & Bacon

Rice & Ground Beef*

Mini CabbageRolls*

Mini Roaster Pan*

Nalysnyky(1 dozen)

*Not always available.

These products are available for

pick up at the St. Michael’s Long

Term Care Centre front desk. For

more information and to order

online, visit

babasown.ca

$9.20

$11.50

$11.50$11.50

$11.50

$13.00

$14.25$14.25

$14.25

$10.00

$44.50

$10.90

Stan Fisher presenting medals and gifts to St. Michael’s Olympians

L-R: Matthew, Michelle and Lorraine Bodnarek