Skip to main content

Pincher Creek’s go-to source for local news and events

Pincher Creek’s go-to source
for local news and events

More than a news website or weekly print newspaper, Shootin’ the Breeze is your community connection
More than a news website or print newspaper, Shootin’ the Breeze is your community connection
Santa with Shop Local shopping bag on on ad for Shootin' the Breeze's Shop Local for Christmas contest for Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass

Whispering Winds celebrates 10th anniversary

Whispering Winds celebrates 10th anniversary
By Jenaya Launstein
By Jenaya Launstein
Shootin’ the Breeze Community Reporter | Shootin’ the Breeze
Shootin’ the Breeze Community Reporter | Shootin’ the Breeze
May 22, 2021
May 22, 2021
Whispering Winds Village in Pincher Creek has been home to some howling good times over the past decade, and perhaps nobody has enjoyed it as much as Lenny Mace, who was the first person to move into the facility 10 years ago.
Whispering Winds Village in Pincher Creek has been home to some howling good times over the past decade, and perhaps nobody has enjoyed it as much as Lenny Mace, who was the first person to move into the facility 10 years ago.
IMAGE: Jenaya Launstein | Shootin’ the Breeze
Eileen Woolf has been the community manager at Whispering Winds Village for 9½ years and has a special place in her heart for senior citizens.
IMAGE: Jenaya Launstein | Shootin’ the Breeze
Eileen Woolf has been the community manager at Whispering Winds Village for 9½ years and has a special place in her heart for senior citizens.

The 96-year-old even remembers the exact date and time she moved in: May 1, 2011, at 12 noon. Lenny had been living in a nice condo in Calgary, but couldn’t stay there any longer due to heart troubles.

When her daughter told her a new seniors home was being built in Pincher Creek, Lenny decided to make the move south and lived with her daughter for three months while Whispering Winds was being completed.

After living in Calgary for 70 years, Pincher Creek was definitely a change of scenery. Lenny’s favourite part about living at Whispering Winds is the people she’s met.

“They’re all so friendly and good to each other,” she says. “I love it here.”

As an added bonus, Lenny’s youngest daughter’s family lives in Pincher Creek, which makes visits easier.

“She takes care of me for everything. I don’t have to worry about a thing,” Lenny says.

Favourite activities like bingo, card games and knitting all keep her busy, though she has a special place in her heart for canasta.

Lenny is always in good spirits and you’ll seldom find her without a smile on her face.

 

A smiling Lenny Mace enjoys a comfortable chair at Whispering Winds
Lenny Mace was the first person to move into the facility 10 years ago and says she has loved every minute of it. Photo by Jenaya Launstein

 

“I love her smile, she always smiles,” says Eileen Woolf, community manager at Whispering Winds.

Eileen says Lenny is the eldest resident at the home and is “doing very good.”

“Hopefully we can celebrate her 100th birthday here!”

Eileen has managed Whispering Winds for the past 9½ years, but prior to that looked after a medical clinic that mostly dealt with seniors.

“I enjoy seniors,” she says. “They’re very, very special.”

When she saw the job posting for Whispering Winds, Eileen knew it would be a great position where she could have lots of fun with the residents. The activities she has helped introduce have been a hit.

Besides the classic card games and bingo, residents have gone on field trips in the facility’s bus, though this had to be put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Cloud of smoke over the logo for Pincher Creek Vape Shop advertising the store

 

With much of the time now being spent indoors, Eileen and her team are bringing the vacation to the residents. Every month, seniors prepare to take to the skies.

Chairs are arranged to mimic seating on an airplane, staff act like flight attendants and a video is played showing scenery of their destination, as well as its history. Snacks from wherever they’re travelling to are also served.

This month’s trip will see residents “fly” to Hawaii.

Every resident who participates is given a passport, which gets stamped every time they take a flight.

For Eileen, Whispering Winds is a very special place. She enjoys having coffee with the residents and learning more about their histories.

“You learn to see what their family is,” she says. “Sometimes I go into their suite, just have a talk, and I see all the grandkids’ pictures on the wall. That’s important to me.”

As you’ve likely surmised, Eileen’s favourite part of the job is interacting with seniors. Every day she enjoys mingling with them and seeing them happy, especially during the pandemic.

 

Meals on Wheels logo on ad announcing that the service is coming soon to Pincher Creek

 

Since Whispering Winds is an independent facility, Eileen’s biggest challenge comes when certain residents have to move to assisted-living facilities.

“We wish we could keep the residents longer, but when they get too high in that care department they have to move on to a care facility,” she says.

While they’re at Whispering Winds, Eileen thinks the residents’ favourite aspects of the facility are being able to have small pets, regular housekeeping and getting together to socialize over coffee or games.

With so many activities available and lots of fun to be had, Whispering Winds is sure to stay around for many more years to come.

“We care about them — we love our jobs,” says Eileen.

 

The 96-year-old even remembers the exact date and time she moved in: May 1, 2011, at 12 noon. Lenny had been living in a nice condo in Calgary, but couldn’t stay there any longer due to heart troubles.

When her daughter told her a new seniors home was being built in Pincher Creek, Lenny decided to make the move south and lived with her daughter for three months while Whispering Winds was being completed.

After living in Calgary for 70 years, Pincher Creek was definitely a change of scenery. Lenny’s favourite part about living at Whispering Winds is the people she’s met.

“They’re all so friendly and good to each other,” she says. “I love it here.”

As an added bonus, Lenny’s youngest daughter’s family lives in Pincher Creek, which makes visits easier.

“She takes care of me for everything. I don’t have to worry about a thing,” Lenny says.

Favourite activities like bingo, card games and knitting all keep her busy, though she has a special place in her heart for canasta.

Lenny is always in good spirits and you’ll seldom find her without a smile on her face.

 

A smiling Lenny Mace enjoys a comfortable chair at Whispering Winds
Lenny Mace was the first person to move into the facility 10 years ago and says she has loved every minute of it. Photo by Jenaya Launstein

 

“I love her smile, she always smiles,” says Eileen Woolf, community manager at Whispering Winds.

Eileen says Lenny is the eldest resident at the home and is “doing very good.”

“Hopefully we can celebrate her 100th birthday here!”

Eileen has managed Whispering Winds for the past 9½ years, but prior to that looked after a medical clinic that mostly dealt with seniors.

“I enjoy seniors,” she says. “They’re very, very special.”

When she saw the job posting for Whispering Winds, Eileen knew it would be a great position where she could have lots of fun with the residents. The activities she has helped introduce have been a hit.

Besides the classic card games and bingo, residents have gone on field trips in the facility’s bus, though this had to be put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Wine glasses and cheese tray set out for sip and shop party at Emerald & Ash Clothing in Crowsnest Pass.

 

With much of the time now being spent indoors, Eileen and her team are bringing the vacation to the residents. Every month, seniors prepare to take to the skies.

Chairs are arranged to mimic seating on an airplane, staff act like flight attendants and a video is played showing scenery of their destination, as well as its history. Snacks from wherever they’re travelling to are also served.

This month’s trip will see residents “fly” to Hawaii.

Every resident who participates is given a passport, which gets stamped every time they take a flight.

For Eileen, Whispering Winds is a very special place. She enjoys having coffee with the residents and learning more about their histories.

“You learn to see what their family is,” she says. “Sometimes I go into their suite, just have a talk, and I see all the grandkids’ pictures on the wall. That’s important to me.”

As you’ve likely surmised, Eileen’s favourite part of the job is interacting with seniors. Every day she enjoys mingling with them and seeing them happy, especially during the pandemic.

 

Woman, man and child take a Christmas selfie together in Ascent Dental ad

 

Since Whispering Winds is an independent facility, Eileen’s biggest challenge comes when certain residents have to move to assisted-living facilities.

“We wish we could keep the residents longer, but when they get too high in that care department they have to move on to a care facility,” she says.

While they’re at Whispering Winds, Eileen thinks the residents’ favourite aspects of the facility are being able to have small pets, regular housekeeping and getting together to socialize over coffee or games.

With so many activities available and lots of fun to be had, Whispering Winds is sure to stay around for many more years to come.

“We care about them — we love our jobs,” says Eileen.

 

Crockets Trading Company building against an orange and purple coloured sunset on ad for Crockets local Christmas gift ideas.
New menu items from Boston Pizza in Pincher Creek.
Huge, loaded burger and onion rings on Bear Grass Bistro ad.
Advertisement from Pincher Creek Women's Shelter to turn on a light during Family Violence Prevention Month.