Snapshots of fun and laughter
Wednesday March 10, 2004 Daniel Zylstra
Everyday life is full of joy at OMNIway homes. “There's always laughter here,” says Barb LeBlanc, a resident of Streamway Villa in Cobourg. Barb enjoys the crafts and games that go on everyday at her home. She has also enjoyed the special events that have occurred during her time at Streamway. Barb and many others from the OMNIway recently had the chance to see Patch Adams, a doctor, professional clown, author, and social activist, at Showplace Peterborough.

Patch Adam's influence has gone deeper than just one show, however. OMNI recently sent 20 of its employees to a presentation by Patch Adams. April Anderson, a Health Care Aide at Burnbrae Gardens in Campbellford, is acting as a result of this presentation. April and another employee dressed up as clowns at work on Wednesday and brought some of the laughter that they had experienced to the residents of the home. Clearly getting to meet Patch Adams was a wonderful experience for many at OMNI.

All of us love meeting famous people and Grace Patterson is no exception. Grace made a wish in the wishing well at Pleasant Meadow that she would get to meet talk show host Oprah Winfrey. While the OMNI community's letter writing campaign did not draw a response as of yet, the Pleasant Meadow employees decided to bring their own versions of Oprah to Grace through a look-alike contest. As an added bonus, Grace was crowned as “Princess for a day.”

For the sports-minded Garden Terrace staff created a truly Canadian experience. “Hockey Night in Kanata” brought residents and staff together in a time of fun, laughter, exercise, and entertainment. Residents and staff were given the opportunity to participate in the event, or to observe from a warmer location. “Our goal is to celebrate the OMNIway,” says Administrator Karl Samuelson.

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Staff are not afraid to get involved in other ways as well at OMNIway homes. When Chris Jones, a resident of Pleasant Meadow Manor, challenged some of the staff to an arm wrestling competition Administrator Connie Garden, Life Enrichment Supervisor Chris Charlebois and Office Manager Sylvia Sanders took up the challenge, even though they know that they didn't have a chance. Mr. Jones beat the staff in three straight challenges; an accomplishment that gave him great joy throughout the day.

Washboard Hank brought a lot of joy to residents of Almonte Country Haven recently. The performer has been on tour and when Registered Nurse Madeline Tuttle found out that Washboard Hank was doing a gig in the area she called him to see if he would come and perform for the residents. Staff, residents and about 40 guests enjoyed the zany performance of this well-known entertainer.

Entertainment, Sports, music and good food are all part of the OMNIway. January 25 is Robbie Burns Day, and for the residents of Maplewood in Brighton an excuse for a celebration. Nutritional Care Manager Don Houston, who has Scottish heritage, put together an authentic menu and organized an elaborate event for the residents. Don found that everyone enjoyed the food so much that he ran out of some items, like haggis. “The residents really got a kick out of it,” says Mr. Houston.

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