Ladies from the Catholic Women's League put on a party for residents at Maplewood.
OMNI homes celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Everybody is Irish at Woodland Villa
Tuesday March 18, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
Residents at Woodland Villa danced and drank .5 green beers Monday afternoon as one of many OMNI homes celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Wearing hats with the slogan “Everybody is Irish” the day is a favourite for residents at the Long Sault long-term care home, says life enrichment aide Bonnie Lauzon.

Lauzon says staff members were kept busy throughout the afternoon doling out green beer and serving a special Irish cake. The event was a full house and featured music from Bob Meghanheart, who played Irish tunes for residents and staff.

A resident at Woodland Villa enjoys St. Patrick’s Day.

“We were dancing and singing and kicking up her heels,” says Lauzon on the occasion.

The Catholic Women’s League put on a St. Patrick’s Day party at Maplewood, singing songs, dancing and playing games with the residents.

Chris Charlebois, life enrichment co-ordinator at the Brighton long-term care home, says one of the women from the league volunteers at the home often and brought personalized gifts for every resident.

The Brighton long-term care home also kept the day authentic by serving Irish meals throughout the day. A breakfast of Irish eggs and soda bread was followed by egg drop soup and Irish pudding and dinner was a traditional corned beef meal.

Irish fare was also on the menu at Almonte Country Haven who served a special lunch of corned beef, cabbage and boiled potatoes for their residents.

Brittaney Lee, nutritional care manager at the Almonte long-term care home, said most of the residents and staff were dressed in green for the day’s events which featured a special
St. Patty’s Day bingo.

The home also took their residents out for the evening, attending the local Legion for an Irish dinner and live entertainment.

All three homes say the events brought out larger than usual crowds and the day remains a favourite for residents.

What other activities are popular among residents?  Share your stories, contact the newsroom at (800) 294-0051.

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 or e-mail camille(at)axiomnews.ca.