“It’s absolutely great. People live their whole lives without seeing the cup. This is my first time and I’m thrilled!”
Garrison Green resident Ed Eisler summed up the sentiment of the residents who were excited to get an up close and personal view of the Grey Cup.
Rogers Lehew, who moved into Garrison Green with his wife Joann five years ago, was an assistant coach with the Calgary Stampeders from 1960 to 1963, and general manager from 1965 to 1973. He arranged to have the cup brought in for a few hours.
“The Grey Cup is an important symbol of the CFL,” said Rogers. “Yes, it’s part of our Canadian heritage, but I see it as a symbol of why we play the game. There’s so much pride in winning the cup.”
The Stamps have won the Grey Cup eight times. The first in 1948, then again in 1971 while Rogers was with the team. “I remember it was so hard to get there. We tried in 1968 and again in 1970, but it was third time lucky I guess with the win in 1971.”
His name is forever etched on the cup.
His son Garry recalls the cup arriving at their home that year. “Dad brought the cup home and it lived with us for about a month. All of our friends came over to see it. He was in charge of taking it around to community events and schools, so having it here at Garrison Green with Mom and Dad, even for a few hours, is special.”
Rogers was instrumental in establishing several important changes to the team that have endured to this day. “I wanted to have a horse on the field during the national anthem. The rider at the time asked if she could ride the horse down the sidelines for exercise. I had a path cleared along the east sidelines for it to run, and that evolved into the touchdown rides we see today.”
Rogers also changed the icon on the helmets to the white mustang, and he brought in the concept of the President’s Ring, which is awarded to the player who best demonstrates leadership ability, as voted on by the players.
“The Stampeders were – and still are – an important part of my life.” said Rogers. “When they won the cup in November, I was very proud of the staff and the team and the hard work they put in.”
Photos and video by Sherana Productions
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To learn more about life at United’s Garrison Green, watch this short video.
Colonel Don Ethell, who retired in 1993, is Canada’s most decorated peacekeeper, having served 14 missions. He also served as Lt. Gov. of Alberta from 2010 to 2015. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence and the Order of Military Merit and a Knight of Justice of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. In 1987, he received the Meritorious Service Cross.
The Izzy Doll was named after Master Corporal Mark Isfeld, who saw a mangled doll in the ruins of a home in Croatia. It inspired the creation of the first crocheted dolls, which his mother made. He was later killed by a landmine while on peacekeeping duty in 1994. In the 20 years since the first Izzy Doll was created some 1.3 million have been distributed, and they are regularly sent overseas as an important part of peacekeeping missions. You can read more about the Izzy Doll’s history 
When she returned to Calgary, staff and residents were treated to a standing-room-only special event that honoured Joyce’s achievements in theatre.
“Joyce has been a key figure in theatre in Calgary. She was instrumental in creating the theatre scene we have in Calgary today while also teaching at the University of Calgary. This included leading the drive to turn an old city water pumping station into today’s Pumphouse Theatre. When she retired, she turned to performing. When she turned 80 in 2009, she asked me to write a play for her – Queen Lear. That was the only time she performed in a play in the theatre named after her at Pumphouse Theatre.
Joyce remains modest about her lifetime achievements, but there is no doubt the impact she has had on Calgary theatre. Her clippings, posters and playbills speak for themselves.
At an event at Garrison Green last week, Kieran brought his gold medal to work to show to residents. After his success in Antigonish, where does he plan to go next? He has set his sights on alpine skiiing in the Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games in February. The ultimate for Kieran would be to qualify for the Special Olympics World Games.
United offers a range of suites to suit your lifestyle, from smaller studios, up to large two-bedroom suites, some up to 1,300 sq. ft.
The Fish Creek community boasts a stunning, professionally designed open-air courtyard accessed from the dining room, art gallery and fitness areas. Walking paths, a water feature, orchard, putting green, bocce court, barbeque area, and sculpture gardens are all there for the enjoyment of residents, friends and families.
“Art and creative applications are an integral part of our programming,” said Jeff Chan, creative facilitator, Fish Creek. Residents have the capacity to create and express themselves through a variety of creative outlets no matter their age. Just recently we celebrated 
