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Hill View Manor report for the fall

September has moved into October and is bursting forth with an array of colours on the trees, though many are already shedding their leaves. Soon the pumpkins and cornucopia will be adorning the entryways of our homes, announcing a new season.

September has moved into October and is bursting forth with an array of colours on the trees, though many are already shedding their leaves.

Soon the pumpkins and cornucopia will be adorning the entryways of our homes, announcing a new season. I love to take a drive through the valley in the fall to enjoy God's spectacular handiwork. 

It snowed recently and the ground was covered with an unwanted blanket of white. It did not stay long but I am afraid that it is giving us a little taste of what is to come. Let's hope the farmers can get all their crops in the bin first.

Hill View had its annual barbecue Sept. 7. The 6th was a beautiful warm day, the 8th was equally as nice. The 7th was raining, windy and cold. Needless to say we improvised by setting our food up in House 3 buffet style and it went well. Everyone filled their plate and found a place to sit and eat.

Heather and Jim, the owners of Hill View Manor, barbequed outside despite the weather. There were about 150 people in attendance, which is quite a bit less than usual, but nevertheless it was a great day. The food was excellent and the music of Keith and Garry kept our toes tapping. 

We did a 50/50 draw and the winner of the draw, Scott Blackstock, collected $530. He was pleased and our activity department will put our share to good use. Many other activities and entertainment keep our residents busy.

One of the biggest detriments to the elderly is loneliness and isolation. One advantage of living in the manor is never again being alone. There is always someone to talk to and understand what you are experiencing in the moment, and just knowing that you are safe and that someone is always there to help when needed brings great peace of mind.

Our September birthday party was blessed with the music of Susan Shepherd followed by ice cream sundaes of your choice. We honored Marguerite Fornwald who turned 90 years young on the 22nd. 

We are so sorry to announce that our dear friend and resident Rita Verbeem passed away on Sept. 11 with family at her side, one day after her 90th birthday. Rita was a wonderful lady with a smile that brightened a room and lifted our spirits. We know that she struggled with missing her husband and the grieving process you go through when leaving your home and moving into  a new home with 40 other people.

Transition is very difficult, but Rita was courageous and her strong faith in God helped her to adapt. She was very kind to all of us who cared for her and she appreciated us. Family was a priority to Rita and they were an excellent support to us. She was so excited when her children or grandchildren visited. 

Rita loved when the Caragana Ramblers came to entertain because they would bring her dear friend with them so she could visit with her. Rita's family had a wonderful come and go tea planned for her here at Hill View on Sept. 8, which of course was cancelled.

Although Rita never got to enjoy her special day with her family, I believe that on Sept. 11 she was welcomed into a much bigger gathering where she was reunited with her loved ones and shared an embrace with Jesus himself as He held her within His loving arms and told her "well done my good and faithful servant." Although we will miss Rita so much we draw comfort knowing that she is now beginning an eternal journey free of pain and sorrow. Thank you to Rita's family for allowing us the privilege of being her caregivers.

We will be carving pumpkins and putting lights in them to set outside our home. We are honoured to have some of the Bruins come and help. The residents really enjoy it and love to share this with these awesome young men.

Our activity department has been inquiring about entertainment from further away such as Regina. We have a few that are willing to travel this far and it will help if they can book another show with Creighton Lodge or the Estevan Regional Nursing Home to make the trip from Regina or Saskatoon worthwhile. We average about eight to 10 entertainers a month here and the residents love to come out and enjoy.

On Oct. 17, we had our annual United Way fundraiser with the Happy Wanderers entertaining.  Hopefully we can raise a few dollars for this worthy cause.

Well that is about all the updates we have for you at this time. We hope that we will soon see the sun and that it dries the land so our farmers can get back into the fields. Until next time be safe and may each step you take lead you to the polls to vote.