Variety is the spice of life for manor residents

- Riverview Manor residents Margaret Fraser, Mary Henneberry and Louise Herman learn the finer points of landscape painting from local artist Lorraine Vatcher at their final painting class on March 26.

Riverview Manor residents, Margaret Fraser, Lena MacPhee, Mary Henneberry and Dora Lea finish off a quilt during the Thursday morning quilting class at the manor.





By Charlotte MacAulay

“I’ve made lots of quilts in my lifetime. Nothing fancy, but they served the purpose,” said Mary Henneberry, resident of Riverview Manor.
These days Ms Henneberry and some other residents spend Thursday mornings making quilts with the help of Heather Kemp and Jeannie Clow.
Ms Kemp has been volunteering at the manor since her mother, Margaret Fraser, became a resident last year.
“It’s rewarding to be able to do my bit. And they always make us laugh,” said Ms Kemp.
The residents aren’t sure yet where the quilts will go but they do want them to go to any home that could use them Ms Henneberry said.
Another activity residents at the manor enjoy delving into is painting.
Little Sands artist, Lorainne Thatcher, was funded by Learning Elders Art Program (LEAP), a program sponsored by the Department of Tourism and Culture which partners Island senoirs with local artists.
Activities assistant Darlene Dunn said 15 residents participated in the art program. An art exhibit including the residents work and work of local seniors participating in the Home care day program was held on March 30 at the manor.
A seaside landscape was just one of the many paintings Margaret Fraser completed during the 10 week program.
“I find it relaxing. You just have to listen. She (Ms Vatcher) doesn’t tell us what to do, she advises,” said Ms Fraser.
Ms Dunn said aside from the quilting and painting the residents have day trips, play cards, hold bingo and are always up for some good entertainment.
“We are always looking for volunteers to entertain or share their talents,” she said.