ESTEVAN — Summer is coming to an end soon, yet we feel like it should just be getting started. We aren't ready for the leaves to fall and the wind to blow, so for now we will continue to enjoy the last of the summer days that are left.
July 1 marked our 13th anniversary since the RMs took ownership of the lodge. We celebrated this joyous event by hosting a barbecue on June 29, with over 200 people attending. The Can't Hardly Play Boys entertained us and a good time was held by all.
We were entertained this summer by the musical talent of The Olsons and Laurie Fornwald. On Aug. 24, Audrey and Rachel Andrist will perform a concert for us in our main lounge.
We are always looking for people who like to entertain. If you are interested in singing, playing an instrument, juggling or even just playing cards, please come on over to the lodge and we would love to meet you.
Joy Beahm comes each Monday to give manicures. Norma Blackburn, Kathy McKelkie and John McKelkie come every other Monday to serve our cocktails and snacks during our happy hour. Bev Holinaty and Irene Dyer have kept the balls rolling in the Bingo machine, which we host on Wednesday nights. Angelle Avery also came a few times this summer to volunteer and get to know the residents.
The library has continued its outreach program for us and the Souris Valley Museum welcomed us to its annual seniors' tea on Aug. 16.
Thank you to Jocelyn Dougherty at the Orpheum Theatre for opening the doors to us on a Wednesday afternoon in July so we could see Champions. What a great movie.
Thank you to the new owner of the ice cream truck, Kevin Mortenson, and his crew for coming twice this summer to ensure we got to experience the delicious ice cream they are serving up. City Coun. Rebecca Foord sponsored our first event and joined us for a treat. Thank you, we appreciate the support.
If you saw our trishaw bike out in the Pleasantdale neighbourhood, then you saw the biggest smiles of the entire summer. Our residents have been enjoying the sights, the new houses they didn't know had been built and the different flower gardens in all the yards.
Wade Wrubleski and Greg Choma have been the two bike volunteers so far, but we have a list of a few more so there is still time to get them out there in the coming month. The bike program has been such a success, we can't thank Sask. Lotteries and the United Way Estevan enough for helping make it a reality.
Thank you to the St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church for coming the second Monday of each month for mass and on Sundays for the rosary and communion. We also want to thank Trinity Lutheran Church and St. Giles' Anglican Church for the monthly services they provide to the residents. It isn't always easy for us to get to church; we are blessed that the volunteers in the churches come to us.
We hope everyone had a great summer and was able to travel, visit family or friends, and fill your hearts with lots of great memories that will see you through until we can do it all again next year. Now it is time for school to start, routines to begin and for the leaves to fall.
