West Lake Terrace residents had the opportunity to enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride.
West Lake residents treated to winter fun
Friday February 22, 2008 -- Deron Hamel
Residents at West Lake Terrace in Picton are being treated to a winter carnival this week and so far everyone is having a blast, says life enrichment co-ordinator (LEC) Julie Clarkson, who organized the event.

Clarkson got the idea from talking to Karen Coulter, LEC at Village Green in Selby, who had held a similar event a few weeks ago.

This, notes Clarkson, is an example of how staff members at OMNI’s 17 long-term care homes work together to provide all residents with not only the best care, but also meaningful activities.

The winter festival has so far included a horse-drawn wagon and a winter barbecue, both of which were held Feb. 20. Upcoming events include a snow taffy day and a bingo.

Clarkson adds that events like these fit in well with OMNI’s values — particularly “fun and laughter” and “creativity.” These values were apparent at the wagon ride and barbecue.

“We had a riot. We were laughing our heads off on the wagon ride . . . and we were pretty creative to come up with the idea,” jokes Clarkson

The wagon ride had the value-added benefit of getting residents out into the community, which they found enjoyable, she adds. The wagon ride also fulfilled emotional needs.

“It brought back memories from when residents were younger,” says Clarkson. “We were all cold but (the residents) thought it was worth it.”

Bill Rutherford said he and his fellow residents had a good time at the day’s festivities — especially the wagon ride — and is looking forward to the next few days’ activities.

“It was fun, but it was very cold,” he chuckles, adding it was his first time on a wagon ride. “It was very enjoyable.”

Rutherford adds that the wagon ride offered a unique view of Picton.

“I didn’t realize it was such a big area,” he says.