Ravi Kiran Revu, Maninder Toor, Ben Wortman, Erin Harnish, Robin Lyttle, Abigail Nelson,Karen Dixon and Andrian De la Cruz

Welcome to the fall edition of Connections!

Crisp, cool days and vibrant hues signal the beginning of autumn, a season of reflection and gratitude for many, and this is what you’ll find in this issue of Connections. Our communities rely greatly on valued volunteers, and we’ve taken the opportunity in this edition to share a special story (page 6). There isn’t anything better than spending time with friends and family over a satisfying meal and this is an experience we work hard to create every day. One pages 11-12, you’ll read about the people who contribute to our food and dining experiences. The sense of togetherness is strong in every Shannex, Parkland and Faubourg community and this often comes to life when we celebrate milestones together. Recently, residents and family at Parkland Fredericton came together to host a baby shower and it was special for everyone involved (page 16).

True gratitude acknowledges that time is precious, and every day is a gift. That’s why recognizing small meaningful moments is so important. Discover on page 10 how acts of kindness and years of giving back spark passion and joy, and on page 19, hear from our centenarians about the rich lives they’ve lived.

Our hope is that the stories in this issue inspire gratitude, and that through small connections or larger actions, you take time this season to appreciate the things that enrich your life. Enjoy!

EDITOR: KATHERINE VANBUSKIRK

Hello everyone,

I’m pleased to share the Fall issue of Connections with you. It captures a vivid account of the many events and activities that happened over the Summer. More than ever, we are seeing a strong sense of community come to life at every Shannex, Parkland and Faubourg location. Residents, families and team members are creating places that are rooted in shared values and you can feel it each time you visit, especially during the warmer months. That said, we are an organization that believes there is always a better way, and we’re grateful that residents, families and our Great People share their feedback with us openly and honestly. This Fall, we are conducting annual satisfaction surveys for residents and their families (Quality of Life survey), and team members (Great Place to Work survey).

The results of these measurements inform annual quality improvement plans both at the site level and organization wide. I hope each of you will take time to complete the surveys and stay tuned for an update on our results and workplans. Over the Summer, we released our Report to Community. This annual report describes how we are delivering on the ambitious expectations and goals we set for ourselves in our five-year strategic plan, and features some of the achievements we are particularly proud of. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to check it out at Shannex.com. The Fall season promises to be another exciting one for our organization.

Parkland Ancaster, in Ancaster, Ont. and Moody Hall in Bedford, N.S. will welcome their first residents and we’ll prepare to accept our first patient transfers to the transitional care centre in Bedford, N.S. We’ll also be sharing more information about Bloomsbury, an innovative and purposefully designed community that will inspire connection and active living with built-in services that will extend into the community. Shannex is entering one of the most transformative periods in our history and I’m proud that we’re being led on this journey by our Great People who safeguard the health and wellness of residents every day. I hope this issue inspires you to reflect on the warmth and togetherness you experience in your own community.

Ingredients

230 ml margarine 

140 ml granulated sugar 155 ml brown sugar

2 large eggs

3 tbsp pumpkin puree

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

2 cups + 4 tbsp flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp ground nutmeg

2 tsp ground cinnamon

Method

1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit
2. Cream sugars and margarine together in mixer until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides of bowl.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix on medium low. Scrape bowl once fully incorporated.
4. Slowly add dry ingredients on low speed until incorporated. Scrape down bowl several times during this step.
5. Drop cookie sized batter on parchment lined cookie sheet. Flatten batter slightly before placing in oven.
6. Bake for 14 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before covering and storing, if there’s any left!

Donna’s Gardening Journey

Parkland West Bedford

Donna’s love for gardening began long before she moved to Parkland. She has found immense pleasure in caring for her plants and considers it both a relaxing hobby and a fulfilling way to spend her time. At Parkland West Bedford, Donna has created an enchanting garden on her balcony with help from her son. Together, they have installed garden beds and curated a variety of vibrant flowers that bring new blooms and colours to her serene sanctuary.

What sets Donna apart is not just her green thumb but her generous spirit. She loves to share her gardening knowledge and the fruits of her labour with her fellow residents. Donna’s balcony garden has become a place of inspiration and connection, where neighbors gather to admire the beauty and share in the joy of gardening. Her dedication to her garden and her community is a shining example of how Parkland residents can continue to thrive and engage in the activities they are passionate about.

Falls and fall-related injuries can be common in older adults and often have negative effects on independence and quality of life. In our communities, we are focused on working with residents and families to identify risk factors for falls and fall-related injuries and developing individualized plans that minimize risk and respect the wishes of residents, so they continue to have choice and independence.

Did you know that most falls are preventable? Follow these steps to help prevent slips, trips, and falls.

MOVE your body

• Build your balance, strength, and flexibility with regular physical activity
• Enhance your stability and co-ordination with activities such as walking, swimming or Tai Chi
• Increase the intensity of your physical activity over time to build stronger muscles

IMPROVE your health

• Review medications regularly with your healthcare team and discuss any side effects, such as feeling dizzy or sleepy
• Check your eyesight and hearing regularly
• Engage in social activities, maintain oral hygiene, and eat a nutritious diet to help reduce the risk of falls

REMOVE hazards

• Keep your floors clutter-free
• Use handrails and grab bars to support with transfers
• Ensure that your environment has adequate lighting
• Wear well-fitting and supportive footwear inside and outside

Parkland on the Glen

Parkland on the Glen, in Mississauga, Ont., celebrated the 78th Independence Day of India with team members and residents! Independence Day of India is a public holiday in India commemorating the nation’s independence from the United Kingdom. Team members and residents enjoyed delicious Indian sweets and shared India’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. 

Environmental Stewardship

Environmental Stewardship is a strategic direction in our five-year Strategic Plan – Leading the Way. We believe that each of us plays a role in taking care of our planet. That’s why we actively promote waste diversion. Composting is an important way to achieve our goal of a 30 percent diversion rate and supports the Canadian food waste reduction goal of 50 percent. 

 Here are some composting tips and tricks that you can try to help keep our earth green and clean: 

• Use any container and start collecting organic waste right away.
• Try keeping food scraps in the freezer between disposals to avoid smelly compost.
• Compost organics like food waste, flower arrangements, and food-soiled paper products to help protect the environment for future generations.
• Although “compostable” or “biodegradable’ plastic bin liners seem convenient, most facilities do not have the ability to break those items down. Check your local waste guidelines or try paper bags with a natural liner instead.
• Don’t forget to empty food containers and ensure contents make it to the compost. Food waste can be extremely harmful to the environment, polluting the atmosphere with methane gas when disposed of improperly and sent to the landfill.

Learn about Green initiatives at Shannex

Salisbury Helping Hands: A Powerful Example of Community Support for Seniors

Throughout the year, our Great People nominate and vote for organizations that are supporting seniors in their community. Organizations that receive the most votes receive a Great People Give donation through our Shannex Cares program. One of our recent recipients, Salisbury Helping Hands, in Salisbury, N.B. embodies the spirit of our program, which focuses on making sure elders are seen, heard, and valued.

For more than 23 years, this organization has been a vital support in its community, evolving from a Christmas initiative to a year-round provider of food and toiletries. Its collaboration with local groups like the Lions Club and Salisbury Legion ensures essential resources reach seniors and other community members. Stay tuned for more Great People Give recipients who are also making a significant difference in our community!

Community Spirit Grants

Community Spirit Grants support elder allies in the community. Twice per year, we invite organizations supporting seniors to apply for the grants. We are accepting applications until July 15 and look forward to helping more elder allies support seniors in our communities.

Learn more about Community Spirit Grants by downloading our 2023-2024 Guideline PDF

Embassy Hall

Skylar Ozkaynak is a dedicated youth volunteer at Embassy Hall, a licensed long term care community located in Quispamsis, N.B. Skylar shines as she interacts with residents, taking them to hair appointments, helping with daily activities and chatting about their lives. During her summer break from high school, Skylar volunteered at Embassy Hall every day during the week. Everyone looked forward to her arrival each day, proving what a caring and enthusiastic presence she was in the community.

As she steps into her senior year of high school, Skylar has her sights set on her future as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) though the New Brunswick Community College in Saint John, N.B.

“I love getting to know the residents, spending quality time with them and helping them,” says Skylar. “I get to have heartfelt moments with residents which makes me happy.”

If you are looking to make a difference like Skylar, visit Shannex.com/volunteering today!

World Alzheimer’s Month

This September, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we are reminded that nearly one million Canadians are projected to live with dementia by 2030. At Harbourstone Enhanced Care, a long term care community in Cape Breton, N.S., one of the nurses has been advocating for Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness.

Courtney Richardson’s advocacy journey began during her nursing career. She found a passion and deep-rooted commitment to mental health awareness during this time. She observed the challenges faced by those living with dementia and their caregivers, and it caused her to explore safety and effective behavioural approaches in care.

Although Courtney is not personally affected by dementia, she’s witnessed the struggle of loved ones supporting those with the disease, which has underscored the urgency of community involvement. She encourages people to support the Alzheimer’s Society’s advocacy and research and to learn more about causes and care approaches for dementia.

International Recruitment

International caregivers Christopher Jayson Llana, Ma. Cecilia Sanglap and Sanne Lyn Dagapioso were welcomed with open arms upon their arrival in Canada. They are joining the Shannex team at Parkstone Enhanced Care in Nova Scotia.

These team members were given a warm welcome by Ron Garcia, International Recruitment Manager, and Wee Wana Sprague, International Settlement Coordinator.

They safely arrived after 30 hours of travel from the Philippines. Despite the long journey, they were enthusiastic about this new chapter and started the onboarding process immediately.

Welcome to Canada and to our Shannex team! We are proud to be a part of your journey.

Caritas Residence

Sister Nuala Kenny, has been awarded the inaugural KingCharles III Coronation Medal by Senator Rosemary Moodie. The ceremony took place on July 31, 2024 at Caritas Residence, where Sister Nuala was celebrated by her Sisters of Charity community, associates, and friends.

This prestigious medal, designed by the Canadian Heraldic Society and approved by the King, acknowledges Canadians who have made exceptional contributions to the nation. Congratulations, Sister Nuala!

Our annual Report to Community showcases key achievements from the past fiscal year, which was the first year of our current five-year Strategic Plan.

This report highlights our ongoing growth, improvements, and learnings, all rooted in our commitment to supporting residents in being well. We encourage you to take a moment to read about our progress and featured stories.

As we continue to move through a transformational time for our organization, we remain deliberate and strategic in our efforts to lead the way toward a bright future.

Nova Scotia

October is Continuing Care Month in Nova Scotia. This year’s theme is Compassion in Action: Enriching the lives of Nova Scotians. This month is dedicated to sharing awareness of the importance of the continuing care sector and honouring its employees. These individuals make remarkable differences in the lives of our residents and strengthen our communities. To celebrate, we are highlighting Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) from our communities who contribute to this essential work.

Rosanne Grant, CCA, Vimy Court 
Rosanne is one of our fantastic CCAs and Great People. Rosanne feels that being a CCA is a wonderful career that takes a lot of compassion, patience and understanding.

She highlights how CCAs must be flexible to adapt to each unique resident. When she enters a resident’s room and they smile and tell her what a wonderful person she is or take her hand and thank her for all she does for them, it really brings meaning to her career as a CCA.

When asked what it means to be a CCA, Rosanne replied, “For me, it means being there for someone. Being there to greet them in the morning, to help with things they cannot do. To be the person they can talk, laugh and cry with. Being there to say goodnight.”

Christy Flores, CCA Work & Learn Student

Christy knows that being a CCA is not an easy task, but it comes with rewards like hearing about a resident’s day or a special memory.

Christy loves spending time with the residents, especially those who are living long inspiring lives. She says this makes her excited for her own future and reminds her to enjoy the present.

When asked what Christy’s favourite memory to date in her CCA role is, she replied, “Every time I get the chance to take care of our palliative residents, it’s very special. It’s humbling to accompany them in their last moments.”

Cyndi Veinotte, CCA, RyanHall 

Cyndi has been a part of the Ryan Hall team since it opened in 2010. Her favourite memory to date was when she took part in the grand opening of the home and got to cut the ribbon alongside a resident. The celebration was exciting and represented the start of new beginnings for many team members and residents.

“Being a CCA means a lot to me and I find it rewarding to help residents and their families by caring for them. At the end of my shift, it feels great to be so appreciated by all of the residents,” says Cyndi. We asked Cyndi what the best part of her job is and she replied, “I love being such a big part of the residents’ lives and they have become such a large part of my own life. We have become family.”

Shannex is Committed to Investing in its Great People and Communities.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Clinical Leadership Program in September 2024. This program supports our strategic priorities, specifically in areas of improving resident wellbeing and the employee experience. The program is open to Directors of Care, Health Services Managers, Client Services Managers, Community Managers and Site Managers in our Shannex Enhanced Care, Parkland, and Faubourg communities across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario.

Delivered over a 12-month period, the program consists of nine full-day in-person sessions with ongoing support and mentorship from a member of the Clinical Leadership Team.

Session topics include:

(1) Clinical Excellence, (2) Service Excellence and Resident & Family Relationships, (3) Risk Mitigation & Management, Incident Management, Legal Risk, (4) Continuous Quality Improvement, (5 & 6) People & Culture, (7) Health, Wellness & Safety, (8) Property & Support Services/Emergency Preparedness, and (9) Culinary Services and the Dining Experience.

We are excited to continue to create meaningful and fulfilling experiences for our Great People throughout all stages of their work life with us.

This summer, the Losier Hall team celebrated Nursing Home Week in New Brunswick with a team member BBQ followed by a carnival for both team members and residents. The event was enjoyed by everyone.

Shannex’s Learning and Development team supports team members in their personal and professional development with both online and in-person resources. As October is Wellness Month, we are featuring some of the self-care courses our Great People have access to, including coping with workplace change, combatting imposter syndrome, and improving overall mental health – all available in the Shannex Connects library.

Though self-care can look different for everyone, it can be as simple as going for a walk or taking some deep breaths. There are many benefits to prioritizing ourselves: improved focus, higher self-esteem, better relationships, and increased physical and mental resilience.

Self-care is important for everyone. One of our Guiding Principles is being Compassionate and that should be towards ourselves too!

The residents of Losier Hall, a long term care community in Miramichi, N.B. enjoyed a sweet summer garden party to celebrate the last few days of the summer season. Residents enjoyed a lunch complete with a sweet treat of strawberry shortcake. The event included lots of fun games and bike rides outside on a warm sunny day. The day was filled with laughter and enjoyment as residents and team members soaked in the last bit of the summer season.

The team at Bridgeview Hall, a long term care community in Miramichi, N.B., would like to thank the Whitney Willing Workers for the lovely donation of an interactive dog and a real-life baby doll to our residents.

The Whitney Willing Workers is a group of ladies who have spent many years giving back to their community. They are longtime supporters of seniors in Miramichi and previously donated funds to purchase a virtual reality (VR) headset and two interactive pets for residents.

Enjoying a tasty meal with good company is one of the great pleasures in life. That’s why, in all of our communities, we strive to provide delicious and healthy meals served with care by our Great People.

We know that food and dining preferences are unique to each person, so it’s important to seek feedback and constantly make adjustments to ensure we’re delivering exceptional service each and every day. To support this, we conduct annual surveys about all aspects of care and service (including food), we seek feedback at regular resident council meetings and we hold food tastings to help us update our menus. We also welcome feedback at any time and encourage residents to speak with us about their experience.

Read more about some of the ways we are working to improve food and dining.

Harvest Happiness

Residents in our Enhanced Care communities are having mealtime fun this season at special harvest themed meals. Complete with decorations, music and entertainment, the festivities also feature local food, delicious treats and special guests.

Menu Magic

Menus in our Enhanced Care communities change regularly to provide a variety of options for residents. We want to ensure we are creating new meals that are well-loved by residents, so in advance of menu changes, we hold taste testings to help inform the development of the new menu. Residents are served new options and a member of our culinary team is present to hear all feedback before finalizing the menu. If you’re interested in participating in a taste testing at your community, please speak with a member of the management team.

We firmly believe that residents come first and respect your choices as well as those who share your community. Learn more about our Philosophy of Service.

Yanan is a dedicated member of our culinary team and a passionate NBCC Culinary Arts Management student. Over the past two years, Yanan has brought creativity and enthusiasm to our Faubourg du Mascaret bistro, constantly embracing new challenges and learning opportunities.

We’re incredibly grateful for Yanan’s contributions and the unique perspective she brings to our team. Thank you for being a vital part of our community, Yanan!

Over the past seven years, Chef Darrell has introduced inventive buffets that unite residents and team members in a culinary adventure.

These buffets feature up to six diverse entrées, allowing Chef Darrell to experiment with new recipes based on resident feedback. Dishes like Nigerian Jollof Rice, Bosnian Krompirusa, and Brazilian Feijao Tropeiro showcase the cultural backgrounds of the Caritas staff, using authentic ingredients to keep the flavors exciting.

Beyond offering delicious food, these buffets foster community and encourage residents to explore new tastes. Chef Darrell’s approach is redefining dining at Caritas, turning each meal into a celebration of culinary diversity and discovery.

Harbourstone Enhanced Care

Harbourstone Enhanced Care in Sydney, N.S. hosted its fourth annual Pride picnic celebrating diversity and inclusion.

Many food choices were enjoyed, such as BBQ ribs, hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn and rainbow sparkling water. Residents, community members and team members enjoyed an afternoon filled with vibrant music and played lawn games to celebrate Pride Cape Breton!

Learn more about how Harbourstone is designed with open and spacious neighbourhoods for all residents who call this community home. 

Jennifer Hawes, Parkland Antigonish, N.S.

Jennifer is the welcoming face at the front desk of Parkland Antigonish. People who tour the community often notice how warm and inviting Jennifer is at the front desk and have said how special she makes them feel as they are greeted by her bright presence.

Thank you, Jennifer, for always taking the time to give a smile and warm welcome to everyone that comes through our doors. You’re always putting in the extra effort to make sure all residents, families, and guests feel special.

Maribeth Alcopra, Parkland on the Glen, Ont.

Maribeth is professional, a hard worker, tells it like it is and always keeps residents’ best interests in mind. She is not only thoughtful and caring but also always offers a solution when faced with a challenge. Maribeth has been with us for many years and is helpful when training fellow team members.

Maribeth always goes above and beyond, and we are proud to have her as one of our Great People.

Neema Johny, Parkland Clayton Park, N.S.

Neema is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Parkland Clayton Park who is consistently going above and beyond. Neema started at Parkland Clayton Park in 2020 as a Daily Living Attendant and became an LPN in 2022. She consistently provides compassionate and professional care to the residents and is always positive and supportive to her team. A critical thinker who is always calm in situations, Neema is a fantastic nurse. LPNs like Neema make Parkland Clayton Park feel like home.

Carey Sutherland, Monarch Hall, N.B.

Carey consistently exceeds standards and expectations everyday. She adapts to change with ease and is an excellent team player. Her keen observation skills shine through as she regularly identifies areas of need and bring them to the attention of other team members. Her team at Monarch Hall consider Carey a supportive and great team member and are lucky to have her!

Cedarstone Enhanced Care

On August 15th, residents at Cedarstone Enhanced Care in N.S. participated in a full day of Acadian themed events to celebrate National Acadian Day.

The day started out with an engaging mask-making program to honour la “mi-carême” – a tradition where Acadians will dress up in disguise and go from door to door asking for treats while singing and dancing.

Residents participated in a photoshoot activity to show off their masks and got to try fun Acadian-themed snacks while listening to fiddle music and dancing at our afternoon party. Everyone enjoyed participating and celebrating the Acadian culture.

Ron Garcia

International Recruitment Manager

Ron joined Shannex in 2010 as one of the first 10 internationally recruited nurses at Shannex. He began his career with us as a Registered Nurse at Cedarstone Enhanced Care, in Truro, N.S., later moving to Debert Court. Ron then became the Site Manager at Elk Court, before returning to Cedarstone as the Site Manager, and eventually advancing to a Regional Manager position.

Ron is a key figure in the Filipino community, founding the Filipino Association of Truro in 2013. He has made a significant impact by recognizing the need for a community hub and support system for newcomers, which was acknowledged at the Truro Town Hall during a flag-raising ceremony for Filipino Heritage Month in early June.

Ron emphasizes the importance of multicultural integration, “It’s amazing to find the commonalities in both the Canadian and Filipino cultures. The importance of family and support stands out in both!”

Fifteen years after starting at Shannex, Ron is now the International Recruitment Manager for the organization. He attributes his approach to work to his Filipino heritage and upbringing, “The feeling I receive from providing care and service is ingrained in the Filipino culture,” Ron said.

Parkland Fredericton

When residents learned that Quentin, one of the maintenance workers at Parkland Fredericton, would be welcoming a new bundle of joy, they requested a community baby shower!The event was a heartwarming success, with 45 residents and several team members joining together in the courtyard under the gazebo on a sunny summer day. The team chose a bee theme for the gazebo, including bright yellow and black decorations, an array of snacks and fun games, all to honour the arrival of their little “honeybee”. Quentin and his wife Emma were surprised and touched by the turnout of the party in their baby’s honour.

This was Emma’s first visit to Parkland Fredericton and she was overwhelmed by the residents’ warm words, thoughtful advice and generous gifts. She saw clearly how much the residents love Quentin! The excitement continued as everyone eagerly awaited the baby’s arrival, with predictions nearly split: 25 votes for a boy and 23 votes for a girl!

Congratulations to Quentin and Emma, we wish you, and your baby Paige Marcy Crouse, health and happiness!

Effective October 1, 2024, Shannex is pleased to launch a new Student Debt Savings Program (SDSP).

The new program is intended for employees who are eligible for the RRSP matching program through Canada Life and currently have student debt. It aims to make it easier for employees to reach their savings goals.

How does it work?

The program is simple. Eligible Shannex employees can either join the regular RRSP matching program where they contribute up to 5% of their pay to an RRSP and have it matched by Shannex, or they can opt for the SDSP program, where an employee would pay off their student debt instead of contributing a percentage of their pay into their RRSP. Employees will not see RRSP deductions come off their pay. Instead, they will see a contribution into an RRSP on their behalf from Shannex every year as a reward for paying off their student debt.

At Shannex, we are proud to promote a culture of wellbeing. This October, we will be celebrating our 10th Annual Wellness Month with our team members. This year’s theme is Great People Achieving Great Wellness.

Throughout the month, team members will be empowered to improve their overall health and wellbeing, with weekly themes including:

• Physical

• Psychological

• Social

• Community Wellbeing.

A number of resources have been added to Shannex Connects for them to access easily.

In August, the team at Parkland in the Valley, in Quispamsis, N.B., said farewell to Janet Walsh as she entered retirement after 14 years of service. A dedicated team member and valued friend, Janet joined the team at Parkland in the Valley in September 2010 as one of the founding members of the housekeeping team at Jubilee Hall.

Janet was surrounded by her team and residents who celebrated with her and expressed appreciation for her contributions over the past 14 years. Janet is a shining star at Parkland in the Valley and she lives our Guiding Principles every day.

Janet was recognized with a retirement gift of blue sapphire earrings and necklace. This gift represented many aspects of Janet. The blue of the sapphire displayed the quality of our bond, the gem represented September which was the month she started with us 14 years ago and is the official month of her retirement. The blue sapphire gem is also the birthstone of September which is Janet’s birth month.

Liz Flogeras has been a volunteer at Embassy Hall and Concorde Hall in Quispamsis, N.B. since 2016. She spends many days a week at Embassy Hall where one of her main projects has been the secret community garden nestled in the back courtyard of the home. Liz wanted to create a space for her sister who is a resident at Embassy Hall, and the other residents, where they could embrace nature.

“The garden was a collective effort between myself, team members and family members here at Embassy Hall. Residents love coming out here to enjoy the sunshine and bright beautiful flowers. I have had help from Karen Taylor, a member of the recreation team at Embassy Hall. We discussed what we wanted to see in the garden, and Karen helped get the Fundy Gardeners involved in this project,” says Liz.

The team held 50/50 draws at Embassy to raise funds for the soil and the Fundy Gardners donated their time and flowers from their own garden for two large garden beds they designed for the secret garden. Over the past four years many plants, garden ornaments and bird feeders were donated from family members, residents and friends. A true collaborative effort.

The garden this year has many large flowerpots and two raised garden beds filled to the brim with vibrant colour. Residents can be found enjoying the beautiful scenery and the birds that have made the garden their home, including a wild canary.

This small space is now transformed into a captivating and calming retreat. With a variety of flowers and vibrant colours that dance across the lush green backdrop, the garden offers a serene escape where people can come to unwind and recharge.

It was a warm, sunny day as the ladies of Parkland on the River enjoyed the view from the patio overlooking the grand Miramichi Bridge. The ladies shared how their community garden, which overlooks the river, has grown over the summer season.

Beautiful hand-painted garden boxes add a splash of artistic flair to their space and the ladies love being able to admire it from their patio. 

Joan Cameron, resident of Parkland Cape Breton, N.S.

Joan, who celebrated her 100th birthday on May 7, 2024 spent her childhood in Charlottetown, P.E.I. as part of a bustling household with 11 siblings. In her teens, she began her career at Conden’s Woolen Mill, then embarked on a new chapter in Cape Breton, where she raised her own family of four children.

Reflecting on reaching the remarkable milestone of 100 years old, Joan said, “I feel the same as I did when I was 16 years old!” Let’s give Joan a grand birthday shout-out as she celebrates with a crisp 100-dollar bill!

Catherine Callaghan, resident of DePaul Hall, N.S.

Catherine Callaghan turned 100 years old on July 5, 2024. She celebrated this milestone birthday with her son, Patrick, and her many friends residing at DePaul Hall and Caritas Residence.

This special occasion included a musical performance by family friend, Suzanne Balcom. A wonderful time was had by all!

Our commitment to creating intergenerational connections is growing stronger! 

We are excited to share that we recently partnered with the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick to open a new childcare centre located on our Parkland in the Valley community in Quispamsis, N.B. Offering 68 spaces for infants and pre-school children, the centre includes children of some of our team members at Parkland in the Valley. The bright welcoming space is designed to inspire young minds as they learn, grow and play.

 A variety of meaningful intergenerational activities are already taking place, and we are seeing the benefits of this important partnership. 

Residents from Royal Court and Canterbury Hall at Parkland Riverview enjoyed a delightful walker wash, an event hosted by the Town of Riverview Junior Leaders. The Junior Leaders took great care washing and shining the residents’ walkers. The outdoor patio space was also transformed with decorations turning the space into a life-like wash station!

As the young team diligently worked, residents enjoyed treats and the fun of blowing bubbles on a warm sunny day. The event was a hit, bringing smiles and a sense of community to all who attended. Bella Spence the resident photographed wrote a poem to share the excitement of the walker wash.

Arborstone Enhanced Care, a long term care community in Halifax, N.S., hosted an event called “Camp David” in memory of a cherished former resident who was a vibrant part of the community. David had a deep love for summer camp and a passion for music. He would frequently play the piano and participated in all music-related programs. He also loved spending time outdoors, often sunbathing on the back deck of Arborstone, which is now dedicated in his name.

To honour his memory, Arborstone hosted a week of camp-themed activities that truly embodied his spirit, allowing residents and team members to celebrate David’s life. The week featured camp songs led by volunteer Chris Oakly and music therapist Zoe Hogue, a lively carnival, rock painting, a joyful happy hour on the back deck and a campfire including s’mores to bring the week to a warm and heartfelt close.

Participants experienced a week of joy, laughter, and meaningful connections between our residents and team members. It was an unforgettable experience, and we’re excited to announce that “Camp David” will become an annual tradition in honour of David’s memory. His legacy is woven into the fabric of the community, and its impact is deeply felt by everyone at Arborstone.

Caledon Cruisers

At Parkland on Eglinton West, a local car group called the Caledon Cruisers visited residents for a morning of car viewing. The community’s oldest resident, Audrey Hines, enjoyed the event and was photographed with a 1917 Ford. 

Can you hear the wedding bells ringing?

Parkland Ajax hosted the wedding of Julia Wild and Phil Grenfell surrounded with friends and family members. They were joined by residents Jim and Gail Wild. 

Dancing at Thomas Hall

Rocky and Vickie Knight dancing the day away at Thomas Hall. 

Heading out to sea!

Resident Ken Copland and caregiver Sophie Serrano heading out on a boat cruise with the Parkland on Eglinton West community. 

Frederick Hall BBQ

The team at Frederick Hall enjoyed a fun and food filled BBQ! 

Home Office CHESNC

Home office team members attended the Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society National Conference to learn about new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) standards and carbon neutrality. 

Greener Village

The residents at Parkland Fredericton chose Greener Village, a group focused on addressing hunger, to receive $500 from their resident fund. This money was raised through activities such as draws, yard sales and gift baskets. 

Lifestyle Consultants Conference

The Parkland Lifestyle Consultants gathered at Home Office in September for the Lifestyle Consultant Conference. 

Golf Tournament

The Miramichi Garden Club crafted 159 delicate bouquets, made with teacups donated by the Miramichi community.

Grandparents Day

Parkland at the Gardens residents Blois Hennigar and Elise Doane enjoying some ice cream to celebrate Grandparents’ Day on September 8.