April Activity Message 2024

Spring is once again upon us. Sunny days are ahead! This month we will be assembling a new greenhouse and starting some seedlings for our gardens. Join the Horticulture Group, look for dates on the calendar to come by, bring your GREEN THUMB and ideas to get the group started!

On April 8th there will be Total Solar Eclipse. In Kitchener a partial eclipse starts 2:03pm, with a mid-eclipse at 3:18pm and a partial eclipse ending at 4:30pm. Most Canadians have seen a visible Total Solar Eclipse since February 26, 1979. Join the discussion group in the morning to learn more about this eclipse, protecting your eyes and viewing the eclipse in the afternoon. A televised special on the eclipse will be held in the Activity Room after lunch. All residents are welcome to join!

“Calling All Pet Lovers” The Little Tracks Petting Zoo is coming with their Pocket Pets, guinea pigs, chinchillas, silkie chickens, mini ducks, dwarf hamsters, bunnies and more. Meet these furry little animals which you can hold and pet, while reminiscing about animals in your past.

Outings this month are to the Forest Glenn Plaza, New Hamburg Thrift Store, Lunch Trip to Country Boy Restaurant and a Spring Country Drive at the end of the month. Sign up in the white binder by the front desk if you like to go on any of these outings.

Presentations in April are, India with Jess, Nutrition with Raksha and Olivia and Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia with Zachary Rewi. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Suzy will be playing guitar and singing for the birthday celebration this month. Wishing all the residents born in April a wonderful birthday!

A reminder that once a month we have Paint Night with Cynthia and Bronwyn. There is also Tea and Tales every other Wednesday evening with Ruth and Kathy. If you haven’t come to these evening programs, check it out!

I would like to remind and encourage family members that they are always welcome to attend any programs, activities, entertainment and special events with their loved ones.
Happy Spring!

March Activity Message 2024

The Luck of the Irish is upon us! In celebration there are many entertainers performing Irish music this March. A St. Patrick’s Day Party will take place with music by Jack Kalenderian. Come and celebrate by wearing your best green outfit while enjoying green themed food and refreshments. On St. Patrick’s Day an Irish meal is to be served at noon.

With spring just around the corner, a reminder that on March 10th, to spring forward with turning your clocks 1 hour ahead. An hour of sleep will be lost, but the days will be getting longer! Spring will begin on Tuesday March 19th.

Presentations this month are, All About India with Jess, Understanding Alzheimer’s and other Dementia’s with Zachary Rewi, and Turtle Talk with Allisa. Allisa is going to speak about turtle populations in Waterloo and Wellington County. Learn about Ontario turtles, some threats they face, and what is done to help turtles in our area.

Trips scheduled in March are to the Fairview Mall – Walmart, The Dollar Store and Concordia Club for lunch. Please sign up in the white binder by the front desk if you are interested in going. If you need help to sign up, please ask a staff member. We are always here to help you out!

March’s birthday party has music played by Paul Schalm. A Happy Birthday to all the great residents who are born in March!

A Resident Council Meeting will take place on Friday March 8th. The Food Meeting is on Wednesday March 27th. All residents are welcome to attend, and we will do our best to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Easter is early this year. An Easter Tea will be held for all to attend. On Easter Sunday a special Easter meal will be served and Easter goodie bags will be given to everyone. Wishing all the Conestoga Lodge Residents a Happy Easter!

Have a great month!

February Activity Message 2024

Welcome February!
February is usually the shortest month of the year, however 2024 is a leap year. Leap days happen approximately every four years. The next leap year is 2028. Enjoy this extra day, February 29th, in the afternoon with entertainment by John and his daughter’s Lesley and Hayley.

This Chinese New Year is “The Year of The Dragon”. Come celebrate with a special Luna Lunch on February 9th and in the afternoon join in the New Year celebrations.

Mardi Gras is on February 13th. The Mardi Gras Social will be on March 12th. Learn the history, come for the music and Mexican appetizers.

Love is in the air! Roses are red and violets are blue, we have a party just for you! On February 14th join us in the afternoon for a Valentine’s Party, with flute music by Jan Searle and some Valentine Treats. A Valentine’s dinner will be held in the evening. Wear your brightest red or pink outfit! Happy Valentine’s Day to all our amazing residents!

A Vision Impairment Presentation will be held by Kelly Bowland this month. Kelly will be speaking on understanding eye diseases, talking about funding, and assessments. Vision impairment devices will be out for the residents to use. Everyone is welcome to attend.

February 28th is Anti Bullying Day. Bullying is a serious problem in school, work places, homes and online. The need to lift each other up and maintain acceptance and respect for everyone is important. Join us to support this day by wearing a PINK SHIRT. We believe everyone young and old has the power to change!

Lastly there will be a new change to the activity calendar going forward, starting in March. The size of the activity calendar paper will be bigger and therefore the print on the calendar will be larger to see.

Have a great month!

January Activity Message 2024

Happy New Year!
Welcome January 2024! The month of new beginnings. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and enjoyed the holiday season with their loved ones.

There are plenty of activities this month to try from trivia to bingo’s, news hour, exercises, games, crafts, discussion groups, entertainment, church services, outings, movies and more. Please look at the calendar for dates.

Pizza Luncheon is back! Pizza will be ordered and brought to the Lodge in the Activity Room to eat that day. There is a cost for the pizza lunch which will be provided when you sign up in the green binder near the front entrance.

If you enjoyed Rick Chambers last presentation, he will be coming back in again this month to do a travel presentation on South Vancouver Island.

Beat the January Blues! Do you enjoy playing darts, mini putt, Plinko, cornhole and other games. then join us on Monday January 15th for January Blues Day with friends for some hot chocolate, music, and games in the afternoon to take those Blues away.
Wear something BLUE.

Please check your calendar for the Resident and Food Meeting Dates. All residents are welcome to attend, ask questions, or bring up concerns. We will do our best to address them.

Outings this month are to Giant Tiger, The Dollar Store and to the Fireside Family Restaurant. Remember to sign up as spaces are limited. If you are unable to sign on your own, please ask any staff member as we are all here to help you!

Who LOVES HOCKEY? This month we have a Hockey Tailgate Party in the Activity Room. Wear your favorite Jersey. Join us for games, food, music, prizes and more!

January’s birthday party will have entertainment by Paul Schalm. A very Happy Birthday to all the residents born in January!

January 30th Zachary Rewi (From Home Instead) will be holding a Seminar at 2pm on Understanding Arthritis. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Wishing Everyone a wonderful month in January!

December Activity Message

Season Greetings to all the Conestoga Lodge Residents and Families!
December is here and we are excited about the Christmas and holiday programs this month. The Annual Conestoga Lodge Christmas Party will take place December 6th at 7pm for residents and families. We look forward to celebrating this special evening with everyone!

Once again we have our annual door decorating contest starting December 1st for residents, and their families to help. Prizes to be given for most festive door, most creative door and most humorous door. Have fun decorating!

If you enjoy going for an evening drive to see Christmas Lights, we will be heading to “The Gift of Lights” drive tour at Bingemans. There are two dates to do see this spectacular light tour.

Listening to Christmas music can bring lots of memories from the past into the present. We have many Christmas special performances this month. Please check the December calendar and join us.

The Conestoga Lodge Christmas Parade will take place at 10:30am on December 22nd. Santa and the Elves will be going to visit everyone in their room to bring a treat for all to eat!

Christmas is a time to get together, enjoy some holiday cheer and have fun. This month there will be a Christmas Bingo, Christmas Wreath Craft, Chocolate Candy Jar Guess, Christmas Woodworking Project, Christmas Choir, Christmas Movies all month, trips to go shopping, and a New Year’s Eve Party on December 31st. Stop by and take part in any of these activities.

Wednesday December 13th a Vision Clinic will be held from 10am to 11:30am. Residents can bring a family member to drop by that day. Details in calendar hand out.

We appreciate our Volunteers at Conestoga Lodge! An invitation has been sent out to our volunteers to attend a “Volunteer Appreciation Tea”. Please drop in that day and visit with our volunteers who come in regularly every month.

Wishing Everyone all the best this Christmas Season and into the New Year!

November Activity Message

On November 11th we remember all the Canadians and honor those who volunteered, served, fought, sacrificed, and died for our freedom. We thank and salute to all who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. We will never forget.

A presentation will be held, “Remembrance Day in Europe” by Rick Chambers at the beginning of November. Everyone is welcome to attend.

On the 11th of November we invite you to pause for the eleventh hour in a moment of silence to pay our respects, reflect and remember the fallen who brought peace and safety to our country. We shall pay respects to our residents who are veterans.

Daylight Savings Time this year is on Sunday November 5th at 2:00am. Don’t forget to set back your clocks 1 hour Saturday night! Sunrise and sunset will be about an hour earlier then the day before. There will be more light in the morning.

This month we have a Meet and Greet with Debbie Chapman, the NDP Candidate for the upcoming Provincial by-election, the Meet and Greet will be held November 7th in the morning. Everyone is welcome to attend!

November 12 is Diwali which is celebrated among the Indian culture. Jess will be doing a presentation on this big festival and what the importance is for that day. Please join, enjoy some special treats, music, history and cultural dress.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day will be held at Conestoga Lodge on November 16th. Wear PURPLE to honor this day. In the afternoon right after lunch there will be cupcakes for sale. All proceeds will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

Bring your singing voices! Conestoga Lodge will be starting the Christmas Choir in November. There will be weekly practices to prepare for the Christmas party performance at the beginning of December.

November trips are to Giant Tiger, Lunch Bunch to Harvest Moon Restaurant, Walmart at Fairview Mall, Picard’s in St. Jacobs. See calendar for dates. Please remember to sign up in the green binder near the front entrance. Spaces are limited. If you are unable to sign on your own, please ask any staff member for assistance. We are all here to help you!

This month’s November birthday party will have entertainment by Martin Wall. Wishing all the residents born in November a very Happy Birthday!

November 29th in the afternoon is the Food Meeting with Kevin (Food Service Manager). November 17th in the afternoon is the Resident Meeting with Miranda. All are welcome to attend.

Christmas tree decorating will start at the end of November. You area always welcome to help out.

With Christmas right around the corner Miranda will be going to visit (you) residents during the month of November to ask about your favorite Christmas memory to share in December’s Activity Message.

Look for the Lindt Advent Calendar Raffle at the end of November. A free ticket for everyone to put in the raffle box at front reception. The draw will be December 1.

Lastly, A reminder, with the many activity programs in November and into the cold weather season, it is important to note, being mindful of sanitizing hands before and after coming to a program. It is crucial for keeping our home safe as possible and decreasing the chance of cancelling programs. Thank you in advance.

Wishing everyone a wonderful month!

October Activities Message 2023

The warm days of summer have come to an end, chilly weather has arrived, leaves are changing colours, days are becoming shorter, time changes back, hot beverages are served to warm the soul. Welcome to the change in the season. Fall is here.

October 3rd we will be celebrating Oktoberfest. Starting with a special Oktoberfest Lunch. In the afternoon there will be an Oktoberfest Party with music by Bill Spears. Get out your Tyrolean, Dirndl or Lederhosen to wear. Prost!

October 6th is World Smile Day. It was first celebrated in 1999, to remind people to smile more often, be kind to one another regardless of politics, religion or differing opinions . It has been said that around 17 muscles are required to smile. Take a moment to stop and smile at someone, forget your worries, bring a little happiness to yourself and others.

Thanksgiving is on Monday October 9th. A delicious Thanksgiving meal will be served at lunch. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

This month we have a presentation by Rick Chambers. He will be speaking on Bavaria – From the Alps to the Romantic Road.

Have you’ve heard of Tai Chi? Gregg will be coming in to show you how to practice these show gentle movements, two session a month. Please join and see what it’s all about.

Ice Cream Sundaes are much loved by the residents here at Conestoga Lodge, with a request to keep it going. October 13th drop by for an ice cream sundae in the Cafe.

Suzanne’s Jewelry is coming back. Held on October 17th from 11am – 2pm in the Activity Room. Take a look, Christmas is coming.

Breast Cancer Awareness Day will be held October 19th. Wear PINK to honor this day. In the afternoon there will be cupcakes for sale. All proceeds will be donated to the Cancer Foundation.

October’s outings are to the Stanley Park Mall, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, Lunch Bunch to Anna Mae’s, and a Fall Country Drive.

This month’s birthday party will be held on October 17th with entertainment by Leavin Tracks. Happy Birthday to all the residents born in October.

October 31 is the Halloween Party, with music by Derek Byrne. Come join and wear a costume if you dare!

Enjoy the fall season!

September Activities Message 2023

September brings in the last days of summer and the first days of fall. This month there are lots of activities and trips to do at Conestoga Lodge while the weather starts to change. Get together with friends in the home and come join us!
September’s outings are to the Paris Fair, Port Dover, Walmart Super Centre, Lunch Bunch to Metro, a trip to the City Café Bakery and a Country Drive.
September 28th “Hands to Clay” will be held. Please sign up if interested as spaces are limited to 12 spots.
Woodworking this month will be a Fall project. Thanks to Neal for all his help with these woodworking creations.
This month’s birthday party will be held on September 21 with entertainment by the Lost in the Fog Boys.
Kitchener 2023 Garden Recognition – Recently Conestoga Lodge has been recognized as part of the Kitchener in Bloom Program. You will see a lawn sign in the front garden to recognize all the time and energy that has been done which the city has seen, Each year the city recognizes those who help make the community a greener, more vibrant place to live. This program helps raise awareness to the public about the gardens that do bring to the city a sustainable place to live.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Carnival Fun Night on August 24th. It was a wonderful evening with family and friends! The summer Raffle Basket winner was Valerie Elkeer (Sheila Moore’s daughter). The winner of the Candy Jar Guess was Darryl Esch (Grace Esch’s son). Thanks to all the staff and volunteers who made this Carnival a fantastic night.

Have a great month!

August Activities 2023

Welcome to August, the dog days of summer!
This month keep the date in your calendar open for Thursday August 24th as Conestoga Lodge is hosting a Carnival Fun Night from 6pm to 8pm for all residents, families and friends. Join us in the summer evening for a BBQ, Entertainment, Games and More!

Feeling hot, come out to the Patio on a Friday afternoon for a different treat each week. We will be making milkshakes, strawberry daiquiris and ice cream floats to keep cool.

Speaking of hot. A reminder that August can be another month of some extreme hot weather and with that we would like everyone to remember to drink plenty of cool liquids, stay cool in airconditioned areas, keep windows and drapes closed during peak times of the day, reduce sun exposure between 11am to 4pm. Always report to the nurse if you are feeling unwell. Staff will implement protocols in extreme hot weather, along with giving out water and cool treats for all residents.

This month the residents choice for outings is to St. Jacobs Market to shop and have a bite to eat, a Country Drive, a trip to the Mission Thrift Store, shopping at Giant Tiger, lunch at Swiss Chalet and a picnic in Stratford.. Please remember to sign up in the green binder as spaces as limited.

On August 22nd a birthday party will be held to celebrate everyone’s birthday in August with entertainment by Derek Byrne. Wishing all the residents who were born in August a very Happy Birthday!

August 23rd is a Food Meeting with Kevin (Food Service Manager) in the afternoon. All residents are welcome to attend.

Entertainment this month is Country Music with R&S, Paul Schalm, Derek Byrne, Gerry O’Robko and Lost in the Fog Boys.

A few activities to try out this month if you haven’t been before are Bocce Ball, Crafts, Games Evening, Tea and Tales, Paint Night, Wordle, Giant Crosswords, Floral Art, Jewelry Creations, Carpet Darts, Bingo’s, and if you haven’t attended exercise classes, it never to late to join. Everyone is always welcome to attend all activities!

July Activities Message 2023

This July we have some fun activities. Starting with woodworking, making a wooden Canadian Flag to place in a window or decorate in a room. Anyone for ice cream? With the hot July weather, we will be making homemade ice cream and tasting this cool treat the next day. Keep your spoons ready! Don’t forget painting and crafts. Painting Evening with Cynthia and Sheryl, along with a summer craft for everyone who loves crafting. Ann will have the game Pictionary one afternoon. Ann will also be doing Story Circle, The Curse of the Civil War.

HOT HOT HOT – July can bring in some extreme hot weather and with that we would like everyone to remember to drink plenty of cool fluids, stay cool in air conditioned areas, keep windows and drapes closed during peak times of the day, reduce sun exposure between 11am to 4pm. Always report to the nurse if you are feeling unwell. Staff will implement protocols in extreme hot weather, along with giving out water and cool treats to all residents.

July outings this month are, lunch trip to Concordia, Walmart at the Fairview Mall, and a lunch trip to Schmidtsville Restaurant and Gift Shop. Please remember to sign up. spaces are limited.

Birthday Party Celebrations in July are with the entertainer Paul Schalm. Wishing everyone born in July a very Happy Birthday!

Musical Entertainment this month is with John Pebble, Paul Schalm and Cynthia Steele.

A Meet and Greet with Aislinn Calncy from the Green Party will be visiting the beginning of July. A Provincial By-Election is coming. Please join for this discussion.

Milton Ontario Author James Allen will be visiting to speak about his books, a three-book trilogy. Starting with, From Promise to Peril. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Strawberry Social in June. We had lots of fun with Bill Spears and trying all the different homemade treats (made by Kevin, Food Service Manager) with our families and friends.

Enjoy the summer weather everyone!