RSCC ‘flies’ residents and staff to Las Vegas

Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) residents and staff dressed up in party clothes and ‘flew’ to Las Vegas for a casino party and happy hour on 25 March.

“Due to Covid-19, this was the first time in over two years that the residents from all six RSCC wings could attend a function together. They came in their numbers to enjoy the event,” says Rand Aid’s manager of recreational programmes Debbie Christen.

RSCC’s hall was transformed into a Las Vegas casino, with a black, red and gold colour scheme, and was decorated with large clusters of balloons, over-sized playing cards and big black and white dice. 

The tables were decorated with card pyramids; dice; poker chips; miniature balloons; and handbills advertising Las Vegas headliners Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones, whose songs were played during the event. 

The party menu consisted of sausage rolls, quiche, chocolate eclairs and vanilla cupcakes decorated with black and red playing card suites made from edible fondant. Residents were offered a choice of wine, sherry, Amarula Cream or non-alcoholic lemon ice-tea punch. 

RSCC’s Recreation Team opened the programme with a little dance routine, performed to Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York. Other featured songs included Elvis Presley’s Blue Suede Shoes and Dean Martin’s evergreen classic That’s Amore.

It was then time for the lucky draws and competitions. Every resident received a lucky lotto ticket and a playing card on arrival. A deck of playing cards went into a barrel and 10 cards were drawn and called, resulting in 10 lucky residents winning a prize, Debbie explains.

Next came the roulette spin, which resulted in another 12 other residents each winning a prize.  

The lucky lotto draw winners were Maureen Morrow (first prize), Herman Broschk (second prize) and Schalk Grobler (third prize).

The final event was the judging of the best-dressed competition. Selina Shiviri won best-dressed staff member, Chris Badenhorst took the prize for the most smartly-dressed gentleman, and Sarah Richards was the most glamourous lady.

Everyone had a lovely time and was happy to be able to enjoy nice food and drinks in the good company of others.

“The golden voices of the legendary singers brought back many treasured memories and everyone left ‘Las Vegas’ with a happy smile and a song in their heart,” says Debbie.

Everyone enjoyed Las Vegas! Back: Salina Mtshali, Debbie Christen, Selina Shiviri (best-dressed staff winner) and Evelyn Shilubane. Middle: Chris Badenhorst (most smartly-dressed gentleman), Sarah Richards (most glamourous lady). Front: Marlé Gräbe.

Evelyn Shilubane (back) with Zuki Nobembe and Maureen Morrow, who was the lucky lotto first prize winner.

Herman Broschk (lucky lotto second prize winner) with Evelyn Shilubane and Harold Baker.

Karen Mitchell, Hilda Mabaso and Sarah Richards, who won the prize for the most glamourous lady.

The beautiful tables.

The handbills.

Selina Shiviri (best-dressed staff prize) with Evelyn Shilubane.

RSCC’s Recreation Team, consisting of Salina Mtshali, Debbie Christen, Marlé Gräbe and Evelyn Shilubane, hosted the party.

Tinyiko Nkwinika, Evelyn Shilubane and Schalk Grobler, who was the lucky lotto third prize winner.

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JOY Dogs spread Valentine’s love and cheer at RSCC

 

Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre residents and staff fell in love with the JOY Dogs that came to visit the care centre with their owner and handler Sue Green on 17 February.

Jade, Orion and Yola (JOY) are Old English Sheepdogs. Yola (9) comes from Hungary, Orion (4) comes from Russia and Jade (1½) was born in Bronkhorstspruit.

The JOY dogs visit to RSCC was the first time they have been action after a two-year break due to Covid-19.

“Their visit was a real Valentine’s treat for our residents, warming the hearts of all who had the privilege to meet them,” says Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s manager of recreational programmes.

“The dogs seemed to enjoy the spacious Woodlands’ garden and recreation area and really lived up to their name, spreading love and JOY to all. Residents and staff alike were delighted to spend time with them, touch them, take photos with them and watch them do some tricks,” she adds.

On show were some garments made from the dogs’ hair, which is collected by Sue, spun on a spinning wheel and then knitted.

The dogs are the brand ambassadors for Dulux paint and are celebrities in their own right. Orion is also featured in current TV and social media adverts. The visit was Jade’s first time working as a JOY Dog and she thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The therapy dogs also visited and interacted with residents who live in RSCC’s dementia wing and, on their way out of the complex, were stopped and admired by residents at the coffee shop,” says Debbie.

Sue is hoping the visit will prompt the community to start booking the JOY Dogs again, after such a long Covid-19 break. They love meeting people, posing for photos and generally being admired and showing off. 

JOY Dogs is always looking for sponsors to help with the expenses of travelling to suitable venues, such as elderly care centres and schools.

For more information, visit www.joydogs.co.za, contact Sue at 082 455 8634 or email sue@joydogs.co.za.

Ada Zidel and Beth Roberts.

Bernice Jawitz and Elaine Cohen admire a blanket made of the sheep dogs’ hair.

Beth Roberts.

Delyse Burgess and Cathy Basterfield.

Ivor Cohen.

Joan Mullan.

JOY Dogs.

JOY Dogs  Jade, Yola and Orion arriving at RSCC with their owner Sue Green.

Joy Smith.

Lorraine Lowden.

Louise Newman with Jade.

Marge Trinder and Orion.

Mona Knodell.

Noel Tilney.

Olive Jew with Orion - Ellen Quinn looking on.

Paul Roediger.

Ria Milburn.