Evergreen Place By Helen Martens
Hello, Empire-Advance readers!
"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, ‘Make me feel important.’ If you do, you will succeed in life." -Mary Kay Ash
That is a very good idea in this lingering pandemic. Needless to say, many express being weary of our restrictions of not being able to see family, and the long lockdown we're in. But we can help by making people feel important and encouraging them, as we meet them.
Our Evergreen Place is a very quiet place, there are days I hardly see anyone.
Let me introduce you to two of the residents who live here like others, in self isolation.
Next to me there is Anne Lodder. I was not able to get her picture but just a few comments about how she keeps occupied. She has her own car and can go out driving and do her own grocery shopping etc. Anne worked in the bakery for 30 years and started out when it was Murdock's Bakery. Then she worked as a cook at Century Pizza, many of us will have eaten her cooking. Now, in her retirement, she still enjoys baking, and she says she watches a lot of TV. I enjoy Anne's friendliness.
I want you to meet another neighbour of mine who lives a few suites down the hall from me. Rose HighEagle is the first person I got to know when we moved to Evergreen and we immediately became good friends. Rose is one of the residents who is up early taking her walks around the building. Here I caught her on camera right by my garden on this sunny June day. She loves gardening and has grown big gardens in past years. What she does when self-isolating like all of us, is doing beadwork. She is wearing a lovely beaded necklace for her keys.
With all the news, of late, about Residential Schools, I asked Rose if she had attended Residential School. No, her father would not allow young Rose to be taken away from home, so she went to ‘Day School’, as she described it.
Rose enjoys watching her favourite TV programs. She loves to bake and cook. She is friendly, a bit shy, and does not mind asking for help when she needs it. Like the rest of us residents, she misses seeing her family because of the pandemic restrictions. Her daughter Darlene of Winnipeg visits her occasionally but she misses daughter Kim and family, who live just across the border in North Dakota. When will she see them?
With Rose, we are hoping for changes very soon so we can once again get together with children and grandchildren.
Quote for the Day: "Sometimes I forget to thank people who make my life joyous in so many ways. I really appreciate you all for being an important part of my life." -The Internet, "Be postive! Be happy!"
Miniota News
Congratulations to Laura Peel daughter of Blaine and Tracy Peel, and to Nick Tremblay son of Donny and Lynn Tremblay, who were married on June 12 at St. Lazare. Nick and Laura make their home at Spy Hill, SK. Grandparents Murray and Bev Peel were guests for their granddaughter’s special day.
Get well wishes are extended to Bob McKenzie who is a patient in the Brandon Hospital.
Congratulations to Colleen Mitchell of Edmonton on her graduation with her Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies from the Athabasca University. Proud parents Bruce and Linda Mitchell were able to attend the ceremony virtually.
The 2021 School year is winding down with only a week left to go. A challenging year for students and staff. We extend best wishes in all their future endeavours to our young people from Miniota who are graduating from grade 12 at the Birtle Collegiate this year. Graduates are Austin McKenzie, Gracie Sanders, Jenna Wasteste, and Jessica Young. The graduation parade will be held on June 25th at 3 p.m. at Birtle and all are welcome to cheer on all the graduates.
Sending out greetings to all Dads for a very Happy Father’s Day this Sunday. Enjoy your special day!
A quote for our grads and others: “Today I close the door to the past, open the door to the future, take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter in my life.”
