A Father's Day celebration was held at Wheatland Lodge long-term care facility in Leask June 14. The common area was decorated with a fishing theme. Blue balloons representing fish and blue streamers adorned the ceiling while the tables were decorated with rose bowls and live fish, packages of goldfish crackers and gummy worms, and candy-coated marshmallows. Even the light lunch food items focused on the fish theme.
The audience, of whom many were residents, were either wheeled into the common area by staff or were highly capable of making their own way to their seats with a cane or walker. They settled in for an afternoon of reminiscing.
Live musical entertainment kept the audience members' toes tapping and many were singing with the performers to the popular tunes of Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash.
As the rain fell and the wind blew outdoors, the audience remained focused as Skye Sterling of Rosthern and Barbara Dee of Blaine Lake performed with passionate enthusiasm. Some watched, moving their fingers to the tunes, while others listened with a grin and smiling eyes as the music and lyrics triggered emotional memories. Music appears to be great therapy for the brain and soul and it is amazing to witness how responsive some residents are once the music begins.
Skye presented the women in the audience with pink carnations while he sang the popular A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation song, followed by Let Me Call You Sweetheart when he handed out pink long-stemmed roses.
The afternoon concluded with each performer visiting with the residents followed by a light lunch.
