LAC LA BICHE - Last Saturday, members of the Lac La Biche girls U15 softball team traded bats, gloves, and helmets for bingo cards and markers in an afternoon of games and friendship at a local seniors' home.
Residents of Lacalta Lodge were surprised and overjoyed to receive a visit from the team, who took a break away from the field to visit with the residents and try their luck at bingo. Team coach Zara Lyttle believed that it is important for her players to be engaged in the community as much as possible. Mixing with the seniors is a great way for the young players to learn more about the history of the area.
“These are the people who built this community,” Lyttle said. “These meet-ups not only create a connection, but they also instill a sense of empathy within young people.”
Following introductions, everyone got down to business for several rounds of crazy card bingo, playing for nickels with great prizes such as bouquets of flowers and chocolate bars up for grabs.
And in a bid to make things slightly more interesting, winners were required to make silly animal sounds instead of calling out ‘bingo’. When the games were done, and victors crowned, the players and residents gathered for a lunch consisting of fruit, sandwiches, and donuts.
Maye Gargar, the activities coordinator for Lacalta Lodge, says frequent visits from community groups like the girls' team are vital to the well-being of residents, as they provide a window to the outside world.
“Many of our residents are not mobile, and therefore, don’t get out a great deal,” Gargar stated, explaining that events are held each month to keep residents occupied and entertained. “Shared experiences between different generations are so important, and it gives the young people of the day the opportunity to learn about the past from those who have been there.”
Many residents such as Anne Berland always look forward to these social calls and getting together for some good times.
“It’s nice to see the girls here playing with us," she told Lakeland This Week.
It was team center-filelder Taytum Coutney's first time at the seniors home, and although the rookie visit might have felt slightly out of her element, she nonetheless enjoyed herself immensely.
“It’s all about giving back to the community, which is something everyone should do,” she stated. “This has been a wonderful experience and I have learned so much.”
The girls are wrapping up their Lakeland Ball Association League play this week, and say they'll be back to LacAlta again soon.
