Myrtle Johnson and Cooper, the in-house therapy dog at Masterpiece Southlands Meadow, are each other's Valentine during a celebration on Friday.--NEWS PHOTO
Creating a “Wall of Sweethearts” was just one of the ways many in local seniors’ residences celebrated this week for Valentine’s Day.
At Chinook Village Eileen Marchand gazes at the three photographs she has displayed on the wall. There is one taken on the day she married Ernest in 1947 after he was discharged from the army following service in the Second World War. Eileen looks chic in a stylish suit and hat.
“Your legs and smile attracted me to you, is what my husband told me later,” she reveals with a smile.
There is another photo of her with two of their little children.
On the other side of town Masterpiece Southlands Meadows held a Valentine’s event. Myrtle Johnson, resident, sat next to the in-house therapy dog, Cooper, her Valentine at that moment. Myrtle strokes his ears and talks softly. Cooper responds with a look of endearment.
Shirley Stevenson has a photo of her daughter with a horse on the “Wall of Sweethearts” and talks lovingly about her daughter’s accomplishments. She is grateful for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marj Hutcheson has a photo of her 90th birthday celebration with her children and grandchildren around her. They are her Valentines.
Recreation therapy staff at Chinook say the “Wall of Sweethearts” is a conversation piece, an opportunity to reminisce.
Claus Wilkinghoff at Masterpiece said any thoughts of Valentine’s Day and only one person comes to mind – his wife Diana.
At Age Care Valleyview, recreation staff were delivering special spa packages to residents on Friday afternoon. Staff wanted to pamper residents with personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner and lotion plus a treat – a Valentine’s cookie, said Debbie Jesse recreation therapist.
Heart-shaped cakes and pretty china cups and saucers added to the festivities at Masterpiece. Columns of balloons in shades of pink and red festooned the lounge.
“A celebration, that’s what we want, wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day,” said Mary Krasman with a headband featuring two sparkly heart shapes that bobbed as she moved her head.
It was about to get very exciting as residents had the option of using little toy nerf blasters to take aim at the staff or even the balloons, all in the name of fun.
For those who preferred a quiet Valentine of the canine variety, two-year-old Cooper was happy to oblige.
Cooper is one of the full-time therapy dogs whose job it is to interact with residents, bring comfort when needed and play games.
Michelle Klimosko, recreation co-ordinator at Masterpiece, says a favourite game is for a resident to use a laser light and have the dog pursue it, darting all over the place. She says even the residents who are just watching have a good laugh. When the laser is turned off the dog waits expectantly for it to start again.
