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