May 2025 | Harbour Landing Village

May was a month of celebration at Harbour Landing Village—honouring the diverse cultures that shape our community and the remarkable people who bring it to life each day. From the return of the Mosaic Expo to heartfelt tributes for our nurses, early childhood educators, and developmental services workers, the Village was alive with appreciation, pride, and connection. Across every floor and program, the atmosphere reflected a shared commitment to recognizing contributions, embracing identity, and uplifting one another through meaningful, community-driven events.

A Spicy Start to May: Taco Showdown Heats Up the Village

The month kicked off with a fiery pre-event leading up to the Mosaic Expo 2025: a Spicy Taco Eating Contest that had the whole Village buzzing. Chef Chris Miller turned up the heat with his legendary Beef Barbacoa Tacos, and ten fearless staff stepped up to take on three escalating rounds of spice. Some cried, some conquered — but all left with burning lips and plenty of bragging rights. Residents cheered from the sidelines, turning the contest into a lively shared experience. This spicy showdown was just the beginning of a month filled with energy and excitement.

A Village-Wide Celebration for Janson

Pulling off a surprise for Janson was no easy task — but this time, the Village team succeeded. Over a hundred people, including residents, staff, and childcare kids, gathered to celebrate his leadership and dedication. The afternoon featured games, laughter, and a few memorable gifts — including a life-sized cutout of Janson himself. It was a fitting tribute to someone who consistently champions his team and celebrates every milestone, culture, and success across the Village.

Heartfelt Moments and Family Bonds on Mother’s Day Weekend

Mother’s Day weekend was filled with heartfelt moments. Festivities began on Friday with a well-attended tea party featuring sweet treats, and good company. Earlier that day, the Second Floor team pampered residents with hair and makeup sessions, followed by the creation and distribution of thoughtful gift bags. Residents hand-delivered the gifts around the building, spreading smiles throughout. The Kinder Kids also contributed with handmade cards and video messages. On Sunday, Roots Kitchen & Bar hosted a delicious Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet, bringing families together for a final celebration to cap off the weekend.

Nurse Week: Honouring Our Village Care Champions

The Village honoured the heart and soul of healthcare — its nurses. Gerald, a newly joined Nurse, was recognised with a tomato plant gift in appreciation of his passion for gardening. The childcare children created heartfelt cards that were given not only to Gerald, but also to team members who had been nurses in their home countries, current front-line staff, and residents who had once been nurses. It was a meaningful moment of cross-generational appreciation and connection.

Planting Seeds of Gratitude for Our ECE Heroes

Early Childhood Educators at the Village were celebrated for their incredible impact on young lives during ECE Day. Each ECE received a pansy flower pot to symbolise the way they help children grow and flourish. A pizza lunch was shared, and children gifted personalised handmade ornaments to their teachers. Some parents also brought in doughnuts and treats, making the celebration even sweeter. It was a simple yet powerful way to acknowledge the heart, creativity, and dedication of the Village’s early learning team.

Celebrating Every Golden Spirit

The Village rolled out the red carpet for the first-ever Golden Smile Awards, a celebration of group home residents and the joy they bring to the community. The event featured dainties, a popcorn station, a nail station, and a bracelet craft table. Each resident received a personalised award recognising their unique contributions and spirit. The event concluded with a lively performance by David Lowey and was attended by seniors as well, turning it into a cross-community celebration of joy and inclusion.

Social Work Week at the Village

Harbour Landing Village recognised its incredible Developmental Services Workers (DSWs) during Social Work Week. These team members play a vital role in the group home programme, empowering individuals to live with dignity and joy. To show appreciation, a pizza party was held, along with small gifts that expressed gratitude for their continued commitment and care.

Dinos, Kids, and Laughter: A Museum Trip to Remember

Residents, children, and staff took a fun-filled trip to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, where dinosaurs, fossils, and interactive exhibits sparked curiosity and conversation. The outing offered a perfect mix of learning and laughter while strengthening the intergenerational bond that makes the Village community so special. From prehistoric creatures to prairie history, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The group returned home with smiles, stories, and a deeper connection to one another.

Garden Club Blooms: Residents Bring Spring to Life

With gloves on and smiles wide, the Garden Club brought spring to life by planting vibrant flowers in the Village’s raised beds. This year, new flower beds were added on the north side of the building, beside the fresh pathway from the parking lot to Roots. The outdoor activity gave residents a chance to connect, soak up the sun, and add beauty to the space they call home. Gardening days like this continue to nurture both plants and friendships.

Little Gardeners, Big Hearts: Spring Party with Families

Families gathered for a joyful Spring Garden Party, sharing laughter, planting, and precious moments together. Children lit up the room with a cheerful song and proudly decorated flowerpots alongside their loved ones. Mud-free but memory-packed, the afternoon bloomed with colour, creativity, and connection — a true reflection of the Village spirit.

A World of Culture in One Day: Mosaic Expo 2025

This year’s Mosaic Expo was a highlight of the month. The day started with a waffle breakfast before the entire Village transformed into an international celebration. Pavilions representing Australia, Brazil, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, and Indonesia were scattered throughout the building, each showcasing unique cultural elements. Afternoon events included a Vegemite Eating Showdown, a FIFA Village Soccer Challenge, a traditional Ghanaian performance, and a lively Latin dance show. The entire day was a vibrant tribute to global cultures and community spirit.

Brazilian Night: A Flavourful Finale to an Epic Month

The month ended on a high note with a sold-out Brazilian Night Steakhouse. Guests enjoyed a delicious menu curated by Chef Chris and a memorable live acoustic performance by a Brazilian duo. The event brought flavour, music, and great energy to the Village’s dining experience, marking a fitting finale to a month filled with celebration.

As the calendar turns, May leaves behind a lasting imprint — one of laughter, recognition, and togetherness. Through shared meals, cross-generational experiences, and vibrant cultural showcases, Harbour Landing Village reaffirmed its identity as a place where people from all walks of life come together to be seen, valued, and celebrated. The month’s festivities didn’t just highlight milestones — they reminded us of the joy in showing up for one another, the strength of community, and the beauty of embracing every story that walks through our doors.

From festive gatherings and art-filled afternoons to meaningful spiritual reflections and intergenerational adventures, April was a beautiful reminder of what makes life at the Village so special. With each event, residents, families, staff, and community partners came together to create moments that were joyful, engaging, and full of heart. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights that made this month one to remember.

Eid Celebration and Bazaar: A Joyful Start to the Month
We began April on a festive note with a vibrant Eid Market and Celebration. The Gathering Room were filled with the sights, sounds, and scents of tradition as residents explored colourful stalls featuring handmade goods, traditional sweets, and intricate henna art. More than just an event, it was a celebration of culture, community, and togetherness. Stories were shared, laughter echoed throughout the space, and everyone walked away with warm hearts and full smiles.

Easter Services and Mass: A Season of Reflection
Throughout the month, we were honoured to have Father Louis and Karen McBride visit regularly to lead Easter services and Mass. Their presence provided a peaceful and comforting space for reflection during the holy season. For many residents, it was a meaningful way to observe their faith traditions while feeling supported and connected.

Easter Festivities: Springtime Joy for All Ages
Easter was celebrated in true Village style—fun, inclusive, and full of life. Our Easter activities included an exciting round of Bingo, hands-on egg dyeing, and seasonal crafts that brought out the creativity in everyone. Families joined in, children beamed with excitement, and the Easter Bunny made a surprise visit, handing out treats and posing for photos. It was a delightful week that reminded us how special it is to celebrate across generations.

Science Centre Outing: A Day of Discovery and Wonder
One of the most anticipated and talked-about outings in April was our intergenerational trip to the Science Centre. Residents and children teamed up to explore interactive exhibits and hands-on learning zones. Whether marvelling at the stars in the planetarium or testing out physics experiments, the sense of curiosity and wonder was contagious. It was a day of learning, laughter, and unforgettable bonding.

April Fools’ Twin Day: Matching for a Laugh
To mark April Fools’ Day, we embraced the fun with a lighthearted Twin Day. Residents, staff, and children teamed up to dress in matching outfits, from identical bear shirts to denim outfits. The Village was full of double-takes, shared chuckles, and spontaneous photoshoots. It was a fun and playful way to connect, show off some personality, and make each other smile.

Automobility Walker and Wheelchair Clinic: Supporting Wellness and Confidence
We were pleased to welcome back our friends from Automobility Medical for a much-appreciated Walker and Wheelchair Clinic. Their team conducted check-ups to ensure that mobility aids were safe and comfortable, helping residents feel confident as they move about their day. Shontell also led a gentle and engaging session of walker-friendly exercises, promoting strength, balance, and overall wellness.

PCH Painting with Helen Continues
The creative spirit was alive this April as Helen continued to share her artwork with fellow residents. This month, she led us on a mini “Art Tour” of the third and fourth floors, highlighting her own paintings and sharing the personal memories behind each piece. It was more than just an art display—it was a storytelling journey that sparked meaningful conversations, admiration, and inspiration.

Bingo Bonanza: Friendly Competition and Community Fun
It was truly a bingo-filled month! In addition to our Easter Bingo, we were thrilled to host our very first AccessTV Bingo Night. The Gathering Room came to life with the sounds of calling numbers, playful competition, and shared excitement. With snacks like chips and popcorn in hand, residents enjoyed an evening of connection and camaraderie that turned into a new favourite.

Celebrating International Dance Day: Moving Through Cultures Together
To celebrate International Dance Day, our childcare kids took a trip around the world—through music and movement! They explored rhythms from different cultures, learned new steps, and expressed themselves with pure joy. The celebration came alive with a dance party where everyone had a chance to show off their moves. Our residents lit up watching the performances and cheering the kids on—creating a beautiful intergenerational connection rooted in rhythm, culture, and fun.

Golden GOATs: Honouring Our Incredible Team
We closed out the month with style at our 2nd Annual Employee Recognition and Service Awards—an evening of appreciation, celebration, and Old Hollywood glamour. The red carpet was rolled out for our Golden GOATs (Greatest of All Time), as we honoured long-time staff, rising stars, and the everyday heroes who make Harbour Landing Village a warm, welcoming place to live and work. From heartfelt speeches to lighthearted moments and all the glitz in between, the evening was a powerful reminder of how much heart our team brings to the table. The vibes were truly immaculate—and it’s safe to say we ended April on a high note.

Looking Ahead to May: Bringing the Outdoors In
As gardens begin to bloom and spring truly sets in, we’re turning our attention to May with fresh energy. Expect more opportunities to connect with nature, new creative projects, and events that celebrate the changing season. Whether we’re planting, painting, or simply enjoying the sunshine, we’re excited for another month of growth—together.

Harbour Landing Village Marks May with Cultural Showcases, Community Spirit, and Cross-Generational Celebration