Central Alberta seniors are lending their hands to help recreate some of the areas historic gardens in a new program at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. In exchange, the village waives its prohibition against modern vehicles to provide special free tours of the site by van.
"Because our site is so big, it can be difficult for some elderly people to walk around, and many arent able to climb up on the wagons to take advantage of our wagon rides, either," says Mary Ann Ryan, a senior interpreter who heads up the new program.
This spring, Ryan sent letters to 71 seniors centres, lodges and associations in the area asking if they would like to plant seeds in exchange for a special free admission program. Availability was limited so the earliest responses were selected.
Village staff dropped seeds off early this spring and picked up the seedlings in late May for transplanting. In July and August, the senior gardeners will be treated to free tours of the site by van.
"The interpreters will bring artifacts right onto the van for them," Ryan says. "After the tour, well provide cinnamon buns and coffee. Lawrence [Skubleny; another interpreter] will play the accordion and well sing and have a good time."
Participants include the Lamont Health Care Centre, Willingdon Senior Citizens Association, Rivercrest Lodge Nursing Home, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge, Lamont, Jubilee Lodge Nursing Home, Edmonton, St. Michaels extended Care Centre, Edmonton, and Sherwood Park Nursing Home.
"They were really happy to do this," says Ryan. "They thought it was just great to get the community involved."
The program fit right into the gardening program at the Lamont Health Care Centre, whose residents planted marigolds for the heritage gardens, says Wendy Horricks, a recreation therapist at the centre.
"Almost all of our people were farmers, so they are used to working with the soil and growing vegetables and flowers. Gardening is one of those activities theyre familiar with and the majority quite like it."
For information contact Mary Ann Ryan, senior interpreter, , ext. 182.
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