Bethany Manor Saskatoon

09/16/2025

A message from Jerry Letkeman, Executive Director.

It’s September - when cozy sweaters, pumpkin-spiced everything, and brisk walks become part of daily life (and the thermostat discussions get serious) ... and we start thinking about hockey!

My thoughtful wife Ruth occasionally passes along items for me to consider for my monthly newsletters and the Facebook post. The poem below is one such item and I thought it would be suitable for September. It’s written by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, a Japanese novelist and playwright.

Don’t leave anything for later. Later, the coffee gets cold. Later, you lose interest. Later, the day turns into night. Later, people grow up. Later, people grow old. Later, life goes by. Later, you regret not doing something… when you had the chance.

So, here’s your friendly fall reminder: Step outside and feel that crisp breeze—maybe even admire the trees before they dump their leaves. Call that friend you’ve been meaning to hear a story from. Do it right now, before your coffee gets cold.

On September 30th, let’s join in a moment of quiet respect and connection on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s a journey, but let’s not veer off the trail. May God grant healing and awareness.

Life doesn’t hand out replays—but it does serve up some pretty sweet “right now” moments. So, let’s lean into them.

Enjoy September!

08/27/2025

THANK YOU to Rob & Emily & the Mean Green Ice Cream Machine who came to Bethany several times this summer to treat us to ice cream on all those hot days! Today was their last day for this year at Bethany. We look forward to seeing the Mean Green Ice Cream Machine next year 🍦🍦🍦

08/12/2025

A message from Jerry Letkeman, Executive Director

August is a month that invites us to embrace life’s transitions, celebrate abundance, and cherish the fleeting beauty of the season. August is a reminder to live fully and intentionally.

"She picked up her first paintbrush at 76… and ended up with her art on the walls of the MoMA.

My name is Anna Mary Robertson Moses — but you probably know me as Grandma Moses.

I was born in 1860, on a humble farm in New York State. As a little girl, I used to dream of painting beautiful things, but life had other plans. By the age of twelve, I was scrubbing floors in other people’s houses. By twenty-seven, I was a wife and mother.

I had ten children, though heartbreak spared me only five to raise. I spent decades cooking, washing, tending crops, and caring for my family. My world was dirt roads, hard winters, and quiet endurance.

Then, at seventy-six, I found myself widowed and my children grown and scattered. Alone at my kitchen table, my hands stiff from arthritis, I picked up a brush for the first time since childhood.
With a few coins leftover from my grocery money, I bought my first paints. I painted what I knew — snowy fields, rustic barns, wagons, Sunday picnics, the simple warmth of country life. I didn’t paint for recognition. I painted to remember, and to remind others of a world that was slipping away.

One day, a collector noticed my little paintings displayed in the corner of a local shop. He bought every one. Before long, my work was hanging in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

At eighty, I appeared in Life magazine. Between seventy-six and one hundred and one, I created over 2,000 paintings.

I always stayed a farm woman in spirit. But I learned this much: sometimes, dreams wait for us. They blossom the moment we find the courage — or the loneliness — to set them free.
It’s never too late. Not if your heart still carries a bit of color."

…from a Sunny Rosanbalm online post.

Remember, you’re never too old to learn or relearn new things. Allow August to coax you into living more intentionally and without regret.

07/31/2025

Yesterday Bethany residents stepped back in time when we visited Saskatchewan River Valley Museum in Hague. We had a great afternoon here and volunteers from the museum even treated us to homemade pie & ice cream! If you haven’t been to this top notch museum, you REALLY should go! One of the BEST pioneer museums ever!

07/14/2025

A message from Jerry Letkeman, Executive Director

On July 1, we marked Canada Day, a time to celebrate the founding of this great nation. Canada’s history is one of diversity and resilience, shaped by the many people who have come here seeking a better life. From the Indigenous peoples who cared for this land for generations, to the waves of immigrants who brought their cultures and traditions, we are part of a rich tapestry.

For many of us, the story of Mennonites and other European immigrants is deeply personal. Mennonites came to Canada in search of peace, freedom of worship, and opportunities to build a better future. Like the Hebrews in the Bible, who journeyed into exile and later returned to rebuild their homeland, our ancestors undertook incredible journeys of faith and courage. They left their homes behind, often under great duress, to seek safety and a new beginning.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mennonites and other European settlers came to the prairies with little more than faith and hope. They worked the land, built communities, and contributed to the Canada we know today. Their stories echo the experiences recorded in the Hebrew Bible of faithful people relying on God’s promises as they moved through times of trial and triumph.

As we celebrate the summer season, let us give thanks for the life we enjoy here. We are blessed with freedom, peace, and a land of incredible beauty. Let us also remember the challenges our ancestors faced to provide us with these opportunities. Their sacrifices and determination paved the way for the life we now live.

Faithful God, we thank You for the gift of this land we call home. We are grateful for the freedom and peace we enjoy, and for the many blessings You have provided. As we remember the journeys of our ancestors, may we also be inspired to walk in faith and gratitude. Bless Canada, its people, and its leaders, that this land may continue to be a place of refuge, hope, and opportunity for all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

06/11/2025

A message from Jerry Letkeman, Executive Director

As the school year winds down, some of you may recall fond memories of one-room schools on the prairies. These schools were not just places of learning—they were hubs of community life. Year-end picnics were a highlight, bringing together families to celebrate. I can remember being transported to the year-end picnic with my school mates on the back of a 3-ton grain truck! There were ball games, cold pop in tubs filled with ice, hotdogs cooked over open fires and, of course, the joy of ice cream on a warm summer day.

These picnics were more than just fun - they were a reminder of the deep bonds within our communities. They taught us the value of working and playing together, sharing, and celebrating the simple joys of life.

As we enjoy the beauty of summer, we also pause to give thanks for the farmers who work tirelessly to grow the crops that sustain us. Their work is essential, and their faith in God’s provision is inspiring.

As we move into the heart of summer, let’s take time to enjoy the simple pleasures that make this season special - warm breezes, walks in the garden, and the laughter of friends. Just as we reflect on our heritage and memories, let’s also create new ones together.

Whether you’re reminiscing about a one-room schoolhouse or savouring the beauty of a prairie sunset, remember that each day is a gift. Let’s allow June to be a month of joy, gratitude, and connection for all of us. May God bless you!

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In important situations - such as fire alarms, security concerns, or last-minute event changes - quick communication helps keep everyone safe, informed, and less inconvenienced.

To improve response and peace of mind, I’d like to send text alerts to Bethany Manor residents and/or their family contacts. These messages will be brief, time-sensitive updates only, and you can opt out at any time.

Bethany Residents: To be included, provide your cell number to the Bethany main office.

I strongly encourage residents to consider this.

05/30/2025

Chicks, Bunnies & Miniature goat oh my! We had visitors yesterday at Bethany! These furry, cuddly critters brought so much joy to residents, staff & visitors.

05/27/2025

Our gardeners have been working hard creating beautiful spaces for all residents & their guests to enjoy. THANK YOU to all the hard working volunteers and those that have donated flowers for Bethany gardens. Watch for updated photos of the gardens later on in the summer when things really bloom. Or better yet, come check out our beautiful grounds yourself!

05/07/2025

A message from Jerry Letkeman, Executive Director

Let this season be a gentle reminder: no matter our age or stage in life, God’s work in us is still unfolding. The resurrection of Christ assures us that fresh starts and second chances are always possible - in our hearts, our relationships, and our faith. So, let’s lean into this season with hearts full of gratitude and eyes wide open to the beauty around us. Just as the flowers bloom and the birds return (sometimes at 5:00 a.m. - thanks, birds!), God continues to bring renewal, purpose, and a touch of wonder into our lives.

Speaking of renewal, the work to "Invigorate our Villa" is well underway! The ceiling has been repaired and painted, the awnings are off (come see how open and bright it feels now!), and the remaining old style bathtubs have been replaced with easy-entry showers - a win for comfort and safety. We’ve also gathered quotes for updated flooring in the suites and new lighting in the corridor.

And just to keep things interesting, we’re converting one double unit into two cozy singles - this provides two lower price point options while increasing our sustainability with greater overall income. By the way, any of our current single units have sufficient square footage for a couple.

May this warm season fill you with peace, joy, and a renewed sense of hope - and maybe a little excitement for what’s blooming, both outside and within.

04/25/2025

04/17/2025

Another way our residents stay fit & healthy is by participating in these two programs. The gentle practice of Tai Chi happens every Thursday in the Fellowship Centre. Nordic Pole Walkers can be found walking in our hallways ( and hopefully outdoors soon) every Tuesday & Thursday mornings.

04/11/2025

Another way our residents stay healthy & fit is by attending “Yoga Fridays”. We have fun participating in chair yoga, stretching and challenging our flexibility & strength. Exercise classes run 3 times a week working on cardio, strength, balance and mindfulness. Residents work at their own pace & fitness level and are always welcome to drop in Mon. Wed, & Fri.at 10 am.