Airdrie independent living seniors’ community, the Hamlets at Cedarwood Station, hosted a talent night to showcase its residents’ creative endeavours last Thursday evening.
Cedarwood Station general manager Bianca Bedford said the event was 100 per cent resident organized and showed off the dynamic atmosphere present within the 87-suite independent seniors’ living facility near downtown.
“Sometimes there is sort of a stigma attached with seniors’ living,” she said. “People sometimes might think that it is a sleepy environment.
“Really, what this (kind of show) highlights is these folks have so many incredible stories. They have developed so many incredible talents and skills over the years. So, yes, our vision isn’t what it once used to be, our hearing isn’t what it used to be, but we are still talented individuals and we want to share those talents with our community, family and friends.”
The talent show featured a piano sing-along, skits, poetry recitals, and even a couple of dance numbers.
“It is that reminder we still have lots to share and lots to offer, and it fosters that independent environment we strive to create (at Cedarwood Station),” Bedford explained. “And it is so much fun! We have a lot of fun here and laughter.”
After the talent show concluded, the residents were treated to a “show-and-tell” event to cap off the night. This event included painting demonstrations, woodworking presentations, quilting and other arts and crafts displays, all hosted by the residents themselves.
“We have so many folks that are so creative,” said Bedford. “We have woodworkers, quilters, singers and poets. We have a really creative bunch, so we talk about how we can create an environment that really fosters this creativity.”
