
Penticton - News
Penticton’s park gem gets a gift of love
Pictured: (Left) GM of Athens Creek Donna McBeth and (Right) Donna Schellenberg
Last May Points West Living Athens Creek (Penticton) resident Donna Schellenberg wrote a letter to the editor of the local paper, the Western News, expressing how much she and other residents love the neighbouring Lion's Park and the Athens Creek which runs through it.
In the letter, which was published in the paper, Donna explained that since she moved to Athens Creek Lodge, she has always wanted to thank the Lions Club and the City for their care of the little Lions Community Park. Part of Donna’s letter reads:
“I am fortunate to have many window views of all the green shades and now prolific dandelion yellows, which will soon be puffballs. The children’s park is always delightful when small children come to climb, slide and swing. Many of the residents use the pathway for daily outings and use the benches to visit with friends.
The long journey of the ‘Alzheimer’s Wife’
Coles Books in Penticton hosted a book signing for author Barbara Jensen
When Athen's Creek resident Barbara Jensen’s husband of nearly fifty years was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, her whole life changed. In the years that followed, her role changed from mutual partner to primary caregiver.
In her book, Alzheimer’s Wife: The Journey from Endurance to Resilience, readers follow Barbara’s journey of loss and suffering as she watched a man who had been a large part of her, life slowly fade into a shell of what he once was.
So many others who have had a loved one transformed by Alzheimer’s, will recognize how it feels to when a vibrant and loving relationship is stretched to the breaking point from the deteriorating effects of the disease, whether Alzheimer’s or dementia of another kind.
Athens Creek Annual Crafts Fair
Blankets, sweaters, headbands, hats and baby booties and an assortment of hand-made towels and dishcloths. Everything you need and all crafted beautifully with the expert skill of Athens Creek Penticton residents.
Ruth Dunlop made signs to advertise the annual craft fair that closed out the month of January. She, along with Marlene Phillips, made the goods for the craft fair. It is an event that gives the residents the opportunity to sell the products they have made themselves.
Traditions of Christmas at Athens Creek
On the Buses
One evening in December some 26 residents of Points West Living Athens Creek along with care partner Ellie Bertrand and her daughter Kate, went on a bus tour of Penticton to view the greater community’s Christmas lights.
The Cook’s Birthday Surprise
Birthday boy Alex Kuzemchuck cooking with his new necklace
December was the month of Alex Kuzemchuck’s 50th birthday, the Food Services Supervisor at Points West Living Athen’s Creek.
In Memory of a Brother
On Remembrance Day the residents at Points West Living Athens Creek Penticton remembered all the young men who have fought and died and all those who survived. The following is a poem by resident Audrey Ross whose brother Jackie was a bomber pilot in World War II and was killed.
Pumpkins come to life
Liz Annesley brings a pumpkin head to life
The Halloween celebrations got off to a good start at Points West Living Athens Creek (Penticton) with pumpkin carving that brought out the creativity of residents.
His Days of Vines and Roses
Angie and Bernie and a Rose
Bernie Strohmann moved to Points West Living’s Athens Creek Penticton in 2013, along with his companion Angie. With his horticulture background, Bernie naturally stepped into the role of Athen’s Gardener. He started by taking care of the flowers on the main patio and the Athen’s rose patch—a two-tiered garden bed.
Over the years Bernie included other residents in the gardening of the main balconies, but has been constant in his loving care of the rose bushes.
Beautiful and plentiful, you can find Bernie’s roses in the lobby, on the dining tables or best of all, in the hands of the Employee Care Partners. It is a wonderful way for Bernie to continue to participate in the meaningful activity he loves while giving care to others.
Eden Principle#4 We thrive when we have purpose and the opportunity to give, as well as receive. This is the antidote to helplessness.
High Tea for Queen Elizabeth
Resident Gail Kemp at High Tea
When the residents of Points West Living's Athen’s Creek in Penticton learned of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, resident Carol Rowely, suggested that they throw a High Tea in the Queen’s honour.
Home Grown Flowers
Flowers help to create a human habitat in our community and for many years Points West Living Athens Creek has decorated its dining room tables with fresh flowers.