Residents of Tatagwa View Nursing Home enjoyed their afternoon watermelon social outside for the first time yesterday.

“These sunshades are recently purchased by the Resident Voice, and that would be our resident council here at Tatagwa view nursing home,” said Recreation Director Valerie Finney. “These sunshades were part of a request for a Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant.”

There were about 35 people at the first outdoor social event.

"We're really going to enjoy our summer activities, because now we finally have some substantial shade," said Finney. "We're planning to have parties, carnivals, socials, hot dog days, corn on the cob days, we're also planning on using these tents off-site if needed, at community functions.”

Some of the residents were happy to give feedback during the social:

"I like them very much, i like the colour of them and everything," said Mary Barnes.

"I like these tents and I'm happy for the activity ladies to do that for us," said Colleen Mantei.

"I think they're lovely. I think it'll be really good for us to sit outside, and keep sun off of our heads. It'll be really nice," said Myrtle Dickinson.

The two 13'x13' sun shade tens will not remain set up continuously, due to regularly heavy winds and rains.