THE FOYER

When you cross the threshold of the Colonel Belcher care centre into the Foyer you immediately notice that it is not just a space to pass through. Residents can often be seen resting on comfortable chairs watching the comings and goings of the centre. Some may have stopped to study the impressive Donor Wall that spans the entryway and offers a graphic representation of the many contributions of caring and responsive groups and individuals from throughout the community. Others may be reading some of the memories in the Book of Memories of those named on the bricks in the Legacy Wall of Honour.

Prominently situated in the inviting entrance stands a familiar sight from the old Colonel Belcher: a well used grand piano that has undoubtedly set many toes tapping and voices soaring over the years. Staff still recall the goose bumps they had the day a contractor, passing through the Foyer as he attended to finishing touches at the complex, spontaneously sat down and delivered an impromptu and inspired performance drawing a crowd of delighted staff and residents. Since that day, residents, staff and visitors routinely pull up the bench and entertain an always receptive crowd. It is a rare day that the old piano sits quiet.

The Foyer also plays host to a number of the centre's numerous social activities. At the Fall Fair residents competed at games of carpet bowling, horseshoes and mini golf - just to name a few. Competition was so stiff that organizers ran out of First Place prize ribbons. The contestants were soon treated to tastier rewards when fresh pie and hot cups of coffee and tea were served.

From the Foyer, you can also spot the always bustling Main Street Cafe and the General's Store Gift Shop that lend to the centre that familiar feeling of a neighbourhood community.

MILITARY LEGACY CASES

If a picture speaks a thousand words, the artifacts and mementos displayed in the Foyer's magnificent Legacy Cases speak volumes of real life tales of bravery, adventure, victory and defeat.

With countless stories to tell these fascinating treasures offer a glimpse back to a time when some of the most astonishing events in the lives of the centre's residents were unfolding –a time of immense challenges, unimaginable hardships and great victories of war. Calgary's Museum of the Regiments, Naval Museum of Alberta and Aerospace Museum routinely replenish the cases with new and tangible reminders of those times.

Recent generations who pause at the cases can only imagine the tremendous strength and enormous personal sacrifices routinely and honourably made by our Veterans. Their vivid stories will be passed down and shared among generations who continue to enjoy the freedoms entrusted to them by our quiet heroes.

TOWN HALL/ AUDITORIUM

The Town Hall is the heart of the Colonel Belcher. Towering windows shower natural light into this bright and cheerful room, giving a warm welcome to all who gather here.

A steady flow of groups large and small file in and out of this grand space on a daily basis to partake in a wide variety of activities. The centre has hosted everything from musical concerts and theatrical performances to exotic pet visits and a dog show.

On movie night the smell of popcorn fills the air as residents enjoy their favourite spaghetti western or some other time-honoured classic.
Many clubs will also gather here for a friendly game of crib, a round or two of BINGO or maybe a quick spin on the dance floor to an old time tune on the jukebox.

At the centre's inaugural Remembrance Day ceremony the room quickly filled to beyond capacity and closed circuit cameras were set up so all guests could share in the ceremonies.

Another highly popular activity that takes place in this room is the "Friends of Seniors" day. Intended as a one time event, this program that matches a pair of teens with each participating senior was so popular that it has become a regular occurrence. The teens and seniors both eagerly anticipate this social event that often takes them to many other areas of the building as well.

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