Hi there! It seems January has gone out like a lion, as it really was cold. However, we had been lucky as the rest of the month was more temperate.
During the month I think most of us in Tower II had been staying in and attending the activities here, namely cards, shuffleboard, bingo and the movie every Sunday evening. It has been very slippery around the city.
Jan. 13, we had Barb Dedi, who works with Sask. Housing, come and speak to us on a number of topics. One of particular interest was the ability to get along with one another no matter our nationality, creed or colour. A video exemplified this by showing bullying against First Nations people in particular. This should not be permitted against any nationality. Hopefully we can make a great effort to get along with everyone.
Jan. 22, Ada Pasutto celebrated her 85th birthday with a come and go tea here in the lounge on the 10th floor. Her three daughters welcomed all of Ada's friends for a visit, some delicious food and a beautifully decorated birthday cake. It was enjoyable and a happy birthday, again, Ada.
We celebrated our January and February birthday party Jan. 17. Congratulations and best wishes went to our celebrants: January - Alice Bernier, Ada Pasutto, Shelly Bacheldor and Stella Goll; February - Orville Fehr, Ida Fehr, Ida Baker, Harry Smith and Raymond Corbeil.
After a game of kaiser bingo we all enjoyed delicious cake, ice cream and strawberries.
Speaking of delicious food, we had Second to None cater to us Jan. 28 when barbecued chicken and all the trimmings were served. We always enjoy their tasty food. Afterwards, we were wonderfully entertained by John Archer and Dale Updyke singing a variety of gospel and western songs.
Ann Ewanchuk had a sad beginning to January. Her sister-in-law, Rose Nykiforuk of Edmonton, passed away Jan. 5. Rose and Walter were the first owners of the Whitkow Hotel. It was built by her dad, Nick Ewanchuk, in 1948. Ann's son Roman and wife Liz took Ann to attend the funeral in Edmonton Jan. 11. She was able to visit with niece, Adelaine Green from Kelowna, B.C., and her brother, Dale Ewanchuk, from Rimbey, Alta.
Anne attended Ukrainian Christmas Eve supper at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church with her guest Ranji James where she caroled with the choir. Ann also made a Ukrainian Christmas supper at Tower II in the eighth floor lounge with 15 people present.
Anne's sister-in-law, Lena Koliniak, had a bad fall and ended up in BUH. It was nice that Ann could visit her several times.
A memorial service was held for Ray Kindrachuk at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. His wife, Helen, grew up as neighbours with Ann. As Helen and Ray were from Lloydminster, it was nice to see so many former friends and neighbours from there.
With other senior ladies from Tower II, many attended the week of prayer for Christian unity. Ann attended at two churches.
Our sympathy goes out to Liz Hilsendayer whose son's father-in-law, Herold Freeman, passed away recently. Herold was living at Battlefords District Care Centre.
Get well wishes to Anna Roberts, who is in the hospital. We hope you will be better soon, Anna, because we miss you here.
Take care everyone, see you next month.
