Welcome to the Summer edition of Connections!

As we all enjoy longer days and the bright sunshine, we’re excited to provide you with another reason to enjoy the season. In this edition, we’re celebrating our vibrant and diverse communities. Through the celebration of PRIDE Month, Indigenous History Month, Filipino Heritage Month, and Multiculturalism Day, we’re continuing our learning journey and further deepening our commitment to creating communities where everyone is accepted and encouraged to be the truest version of themselves.

These pages are filled with stories of great accomplishments and festivities. We recognized our team members during a month-long Great People Month and at our Excellence Awards. Some special residents marked their 100th birthday and you’ll learn how they are continuing to contribute to their communities. And you’ll also read about some amazing volunteers who contribute to making our communities warm, welcoming, and active.

Here’s to a summer filled with warm weather and beautiful sunsets. I hope you enjoy reading these special stories and many more.

EDITOR: KATHERINE VANBUSKIRK

Welcome to the summer edition of Connections.

It’s been a busy time in all of our communities over the past few months and I know our residents, families, and team members are looking forward to warmer weather and fun events in the coming weeks.

Our second annual Great People Month took place in May. Participation this year was extraordinary with celebrations for Nursing Week and Safety Week, Caught You Being Great, Safe, and Green awards throughout the month, weekly contests and prizes, an all-hands Town Hall, and finally our annual Excellence Awards and a draw for free groceries for a year. Congratulations to this year’s grand prize winner, Chiela Maun, from Gordon Hall!

Recently, I marked a personal milestone of 25 years working with Shannex. It has been my honour to serve alongside incredible colleagues and meet residents whose stories I will never forget. I now have the privilege of guiding our organization through a period of evolution as we build on a strong foundation of service and care to expand our focus toward the pursuit of lifelong wellness and creating conditions to support a long and healthy life.

The time is right to make investments in healthy aging and I’m proud that Shannex is leading the way with an investment of $3.5 million in research through Dalhousie University, Mount Saint Vincent University and the University of New Brunswick that will create living lab opportunities, access to data, and a true collaboration across the health sector to promote the best conditions for healthy aging. We look forward to keeping our partners updated on our progress and learnings throughout this exciting journey.

I hope you enjoy reading more about our work in this issue, and have a wonderful summer with family and friends.

Jason Shannon
President, Shannex

Ingredients

1 pastry shell (650g)

4 lemons

9 eggs

375g caster sugar

300ml 35% cream

Icing sugar to serve at the end.

Method

The pastry base: Preheat the oven to 325◦F.

Cut a circle of grease proof paper in the bottom of the pastry shell, fill it with dried beans and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven, take out the beans and paper and keep the pastry shell at room temperature. Lower the oven temperature to300◦F.

The lemons: Wash, grate the zest and squeeze the lemons, reserving the zest and juice together. The eggs: Break them into a bowl, add sugar and beat lightly with a wire whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

The cream: Pour the cream onto the egg mixture and mix very lightly with a wire whisk. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and then pour the filling onto the pastry case.

Cooking: Place immediately in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. If the top of the tart becomes too brown before the end of the cooking time, cover with foil.

Cool completely and enjoy.

Learning and Development

Inclusion is all about the actions and behaviours that we take to create a culture in which team members, residents, family and friends feel trusted, valued, accepted and authentic. We are committed to cultivating a workplace that reflects our diversity and the diversity of the communities in which we operate.

Our Learning and Development team has created learning tools for team members to access to gain a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion, such as Beyond Pride, DEIB Toolkits and Uncovering the Hidden Bias. Recently we held an education session to learn about cultural safety in health care for Indigenous People.

Interested in a work culture where you’re seen, heard, and celebrated? Explore career opportunities with us and become a part of our story.

Learn more about the Enhanced IEN Orientation Program

Great People are the cornerstone of who we are and everything that we do.

At Shannex, we are committed to providing our team members with opportunities to grow their careers and work with purpose every day. We are excited to announce the launch of two programs in 2024 that will provide our nurses with the opportunity to enhance their clinical and leadership knowledge and skills.

On June 24, 2024, we welcomed the first cohort of Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) to our Enhanced IEN Orientation Program. Over six weeks, our new team members will participate in comprehensive classroom and simulation-based experiential learning to facilitate their transition into Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) positions at Shannex. 

The program will prepare our team members to provide compassionate, honest, professional, and safe care to the aging adult population in our long-term care communities. Following completion of the program, we will continue to support team members with the development of individualized learning plans and mentor them while they work in our communities.

In September 2024, we are excited to launch our Clinical Leadership Program. Current and aspiring Clinical Leaders will have the opportunity to participate in a 12-month program within-person sessions facilitated by members of the Shannex Leadership Team. Between sessions, team members will be provided the opportunity to apply new knowledge and skills to practice, and will be paired with a member of our Clinical Leadership Team, who will provide ongoing support and mentorship throughout and beyond the program.

As we move into the summer, it’s a great time to show yourself some self-compassion. Self-compassion has three elements to it: mindfulness, kindness, and common humanity.

Mindfulness is our awareness of how we are doing. It’s important to acknowledge that.

Kindness is our response to that awareness. Think about what you tell yourself.

Humanity is remembering that it’s okay to be feeling the way we are. That shared human experience is what connects us and contributes to our sense of belonging. Self-compassion is a source of strength and resilience, it increases our motivation and enhances our relationships.

Ways to practice and develop self-compassion:

• Listen to relaxing music, take a yoga class, hang out with a friend for an evening, or get a massage
• Get a full night of sleep. This is one of the most effective strategies for reducing physiological and emotional responses to stressors
• Practice meditation
• Journal three things you are grateful for each day, or write a letter of care and kindness to yourself
• Set personal boundaries

The month of May is Great People Month at Shannex. It’s a time when we proudly recognize our exceptional team members through a series of celebrations that align with our Guiding Principles of Safety, Compassion, Honesty, and Professionalism.

In addition to weekly celebrations and prize draws, we hold an all-hands President’s Town Hall, our Excellence Awards ceremony and we award a grand prize for the month of groceries for a year. An incredible organizing committee oversaw plans for the whole month which included organizing weekly draws and prizes from more than 10,000 entries, and our Culinary Centre team baked 6,000 cookies for every team member to enjoy on National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.

Allana has been with Shannex for eight years and recently moved into the position of Director of Revenue Cycle Management where she is responsible for leading our Accounts Receivable, Billing, and Client Service functions.

Allana has played a key role in our successful growth in Ontario, leveraging her financial leadership and operational expertise. Alongside her responsibilities as the Regional Finance and Operations Manager, Ontario, she has stepped up to support the Nova Scotia Retirement Living Finance team and collaborated with others to expand our Care at Home division.

Allana says: “Working at Shannex has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Being part of a team that prioritizes exceptional service delivery and truly cares about our community’s wellbeing is inspiring. Throughout my time here, I’ve learned the importance of empathy, innovation, and collaboration. Each day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, and I am grateful to contribute to a mission that closely aligns with my values.”

Interested in joining our team? Visit our Careers page

Mother’s Day is a special time when we pay tribute to the remarkable women who fill our lives with love and unwavering support. Mothers teach us kindness, selflessness sacrifice, and above all, unconditional love.

Our Shannex and Parkland communities celebrated Mother’s Day with the many cherished mothers who live with us and continue to make the lives around them brighter.

Celtic Court

Ann Marie Wolodka, a resident of Celtic Court, N.S., loves crafting. To inspire creativity among residents, Celtic Court organized a lively bow-tie noodle art event, allowing everyone to unleash their artistic talents.

“It cheers me up, it cheers us all up and I feel proud of what I do. Sometimes I don’t think I can do it, but little things like this make me think I can do this, I can do anything. I love Celtic Court. I belong here.” – Ann Marie Wolodka

Frederick Hall

Doug McHarg, resident of Fredrick Hall, N.B., has a passion for colouring and he spends most of his spare time colouring beautiful photos which decorate the walls when you enter his community and breathe life into Fredrick Hall. His masterpieces bring team members, and fellow residents pure delight as they seethe bright colors embellish the walls of their home. For Doug, colouring has become not only a pastime but also a source of joy.

“It helps to pass the time. I love to colour and I’m glad I get to see my artwork around Frederick Hall. It makes me feel appreciated.” – Doug McHarg

Great People Give Donations

Rick Gallant, Salisbury Helping Hands volunteer; Colleen Gagnon, Health Services Manager, Monarch Hall; Jennifer Woodhouse, Recreation Director, Monarch Hall; and Laurie Stewart, President, Salisbury Helping Hands Inc. Inspired by our Great People our Shannex Cares community program helps create visible and meaningful opportunities for elders to be seen, heard and valued for their wisdom and talents. Four times per year, we ask our Great People to nominate and vote for organizations or groups that are doing great work supporting seniors and making a difference in the community. One organization in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario each received a Great People Give donation of $1,000. Here are the latest recipients of our Great People Give donations:

• Nova Scotia: Colchester East Hants Hospice Society
• New Brunswick: Salisbury Helping Hands Inc
• Ontario: Ajax Seniors Club

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

Bridgeview Hall

In celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day, Shannex communities embraced the beauty of diversity with open arms and open minds. Bridgeview Hall in Miramichi took part in the spirit of cultural exchange as residents and team members came together for a multicultural buffet.

With plates filled with flavours from around the world, attendees savored not only the delicious cuisine but also the opportunity to learn about different cultures firsthand. From the Philippines to West Africa, and even a taste of Acadian culture.

This gathering was more than just a meal. It was a celebration of unity in diversity. Through sharing stories, traditions, and cuisines, Shannex communities reaffirmed their commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every culture appreciated.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our Careers Page

Each day, our Great People continue to create meaningful and exceptional resident experiences and a positive, fulfilling work environment where team members are seen, heard, and celebrated.

Our pursuit of excellence continues to be inspired by our values and team members who are compassionate, honest, professional and safe in all they do.

We come together each year to celebrate those who have been instrumental in forming our communities because our words, actions, and contributions have a significant and enduring influence on each other and the people we serve.

The 2024 Excellence Awards recipients are a shining example of why Shannex and its Great People are Leading the Way to Better Living.

Here are this year’s Excellence Awards recipients:

Congratulations to this year’s Excellence Awards winners. Your commitment to making our communities a great place to live, work and visit is remarkable.

Want to become one of our Great People? Learn more about rewarding careers at Shannex.

Kiknu

During National Indigenous History Month, Shannex proudly highlighted the exceptional contributions of Terrance Bernard, Indigenous Nurse and Site Manager at Kiknu.

Terrance integrates First Nations cultures, traditions, and experiences into daily operations, ensuring residents feel culturally supported. Growing up in the Eskasoni First Nation Community, Terrance’s dedication to cultural integration in healthcare is evident. His leadership at Kiknu fosters an environment of inclusivity and empowerment, inspiring the next generation of Indigenous nurses and continuing care assistants, and honouring the rich heritage of our Indigenous communities.

Read Terrance’s journey in Meet Kiknu’s Site Manager, Terrance Bernard

This May, we introduced two new optional benefits for Canada Life Group Benefits members, along with new investment options for participants in the Canada Life RRSP Program.

These options provide flexibility for team members to personalize benefits to best support themselves and their families.

Freedom to Choose – Portable Benefits

Shannex team members who are participating in the Canada Life Group Benefits plan can now apply for Optional Life, Optional AD&D and Optional Critical Illness insurance. This provides team members will the financial benefit of group insurance rates and the assurance that the policy can be retained up to age 85 regardless of their employment status. Freedom to Choose also includes options for spousal and dependent insurance.

Critical Illness is a new type of insurance not previously offered in the group plan. Critical Illness insurance provides a one-time tax-free payment if you become ill with one of the conditions covered by the policy. This type of insurance can offset medical costs or a reduction of income, ensuring that you can focus on your health. Critical Illness coverage goes up to age 65.

Sustainable Target Date funds with Canada Life

We are proud to provide our Shannex team members the option of directing their RRSP investments toward companies that promote environmental sustainability. Investing in companies that demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance practices ensures team members can have a positive influence towards a more sustainable world.

Sustainable target date funds are no different than standard target date funds. The funds are managed by Canada Life using the expected retirement date based on your age. Performance data on the funds is included in the fund summary.

We are always looking for ways to enhance our benefit programs. If you have an idea or a question, please reach out to our team at: GreatRewards@shannex.com

June is Pride Month and marks the start of Pride season in many of our East Coast communities. It is a time to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and come together to champion love, diversity, and equality. More than just a celebration, Pride is a call to action for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights worldwide.

Ryan Hall, in Bridgewater, N.S. shows its pride with their Pride flag which stands for their united support and allyship. Our learning journey is supported by our Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, a group actively engaged in directing our next steps towards cultivating a more inclusive workplace culture. If you’d like to become part of this group, contact jmizzi@shannex.com.

In Truro, Shannex team members proudly raised the Philippine Flag high above the Truro Town Hall marking Filipino Heritage Month with unity and celebration.

The mayors of Truro and Colchester joined the group for the celebration that was organized by the Filipino Association of Truro.

Gina Smiley, Admin Assistant, Orchard Court, N.S.

Gina Smiley embodies what a team player is. Always available to answer team members’ requests, she goes above and beyond in her role. On some days, Gina is also an unofficial “social worker”, connecting residents, team members, volunteers, and family members. We are so glad to have Gina on our team at Orchard Court

Virginia Lohnes, SSA, Ryan Hall, N.S.

Virginia started her career at Ryan Hall in May 2020. Since then, she has been involved in the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHS) and takes pride in working safely. At the beginning of her shift, she always ensures that locks are functioning on her cart. One day, when she noticed it was not, she proceeded to remove the cart from the floor and placed a work order requisition. Thank you, Virginia, for being a great team member and for taking steps to keep everyone safe.

Samantha Dunbar, CCA, Pavillon Richard, N.B.

Samantha is an affectionate and thoughtful Continuing Care Assistant. From her compassion towards our residents to working safely and having a great positive personality, she makes for an excellent team member at Pavillon Richard

Shawna Beaupré, Recreation Coordinator / Coordonnatrice aux loisirs, Pavillon Landry, N.B.

As a recreation coordinator at Pavillon Landy, Shawna is always thinking of how to brighten the residents’ day. She has a kind soul, an infectious smile and is incredibly wonderful and caring to our residents. We are so proud to have you on our team Shawna!

En tant que coordinatrice des loisirs au Pavillon Landy, Shawna pense toujours à la façon d’égayer la journée des personnes résidentes. Elle a une âme bienveillante, un sourire contagieux et elle est incroyablement merveilleuse etattentionnée envers nos personnes résidentes. Nous sommes très fiers de t’avoirdans notre équipe, Shawna !

Caritas Residence, N.S., celebrated its LPNs and RNs during Nursing Week. The nurses gathered for lunch with Sister Dr. Nuala Kenny, a resident and former physician, who expressed gratitude for their dedication.

Shannex nurses are pivotal in healthcare innovation, shaping the future of care. They mentor future professionals, advocate for residents, and share their expertise daily. Thank you for the meaningful impact you make in our Shannex communities.

Our close-knit care team welcomes licensed nurses, unlicensed caregivers, clinical leaders, wellness coaches and more. Learn more on healthcare and clinical careers.

Shannex is leading the way to a healthier future for aging adults with total donations of $3.5 million to three universities in Atlantic Canada. Three Research Chairs will be established along with living lab opportunities, access to data, and a true collaboration across the health sector to establish the best conditions for healthy aging.

Dalhousie University: A $2 million investment to establish the Shannex Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Healthy Aging, Shannex Research Lab in AI and Healthy Aging

University of New Brunswick: A $1 million investment to establish the Shannex Research Chair in Aging Transitions, the Shannex Aging Lab, Shannex Long Term Care Summer Institute and Care of the Older Adult Certificate and Scholarships

Mount Saint Vincent University: A $500,000 investment for the Shannex Research Chair in Workforce Wellbeing, supporting Innovation through Faculty of Applied Human Nutrition and funding opportunities for learners

Yolande Johnson habite au Pavillon Gallant depuis quelques temps. Elle adore passer du temps sur son patio et se sent bien et en sécurité chez-elle. En plusd’avoir rencontré de nouveaux amis au Faubourg du Mascaret, Yolande aime bien prendre soin de sa santé en participant aux sessions de yoga, d’aérobie et d’exercices qui sont oertes par le Pivot santé pour aînés – un partenariat formidable entre le Faubourg du Mascaret et le Centre d’études du vieillissement de l’Université de Moncton

Gordon Hall and Ocean Hall

Earlier this year, Paulette Diotte, a teacher at Bernice MacNaughton High School in Moncton, N.B. decided to take her French Immersion Language Arts, grade 10 students on an intergenerational journey. Her project was called “My Story” and had students visit residents of Gordon Hall and Ocean Hall, two bilingual nursing homes in Moncton, N.B., where they were matched with residents who speak French.

After socializing with residents, the students drafted biographies in French for each participant. After reviewing the grammar in their work, the students prepared final copies of the biographies which were printed in colour and laminated. During a second visit, the biographies were presented to the residents during social time.

This project provided an opportunity for experiential and authentic language learning in a meaningful and impactful way.

Intergenerational Day | Parkland Saint John

Debora Silva, Recruitment Specialist, brought a touch of family warmth to Intergenerational Day on June 1 at Parkland Saint John, N.B. by inviting her daughter Mariana to work.

Mariana captivated everyone with her presentation on Brazil, showcasing its vibrant culture through its food, sports, and history. Mariana also leaped into action to give a live demonstration of Capoeira, a traditional dance performed to Brazilian music. Residents were delighted to learn about the Brazilian culture.

We’re proud to inspire green initiatives at Shannex.

Cator is an avid gardener who is very organized. He knows when it’s time to plant, get plants, water the gardens, and keep them clean. Thank you Cator for contributing to our beautiful gardens at Regent Hall, Parkland Fredericton.

World Art Day

Ryan Hall Residents honing in on their creativity, crafting stunning stained-glass artwork, each with their unique floral pattern. Shannex enhanced care communities prioritize holistic wellness, including artistic expression through events like World Art Day.

Royal Tea

High tea at Parkland Riverview Royal Court. The residents dressed up and some even wore fancy hats! The tea was served in China cups, and they had delicious sandwiches and sweets.

Time for Tea!

Residents from Parkland on the Glen enjoyed a delightful High Tea Party with a total of 90 participants.

National Mimosa Day

Raise a glass to Parkland at the Lakes’ residents, celebrating National Mimosa Day on May 15 with fresh Mimosas.

Enjoying the Weather

Northumberland Hall residents soaked up the sun on their stroll in the park.

Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny was ‘caught in the act’ at Parkland Truro. Residents enjoyed an Easter egg hunt after an afternoon of music.

Summer Breeze

Betty Ross, chauffeur from Parkland Truro, and resident Elsie Robertson from Fergus Hall enjoying the warm weather.

Miramichi Bouquets

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

Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse hit parts of Canada and Parkland Saint John was ready for it! Residents and team members wore their eclipse glasses and got to experience this historical event!

Neighborhood Fun

Cedarstone Enhanced Care resident Vera Boyd enjoying a scenic bike ride around the neighborhood with team member Elsbeth Carpenter (CTRS), Recreation Therapist.

Burger Bash!

Burger Week at Parkland was a hit! We dove into Halifax Burger Bash — a city-wide event supporting Feed NS. Local chefs crafted burgers for this special occasion.

Anniversary Celebrations

Happy 14th Anniversary to Parkland on the Glen! We celebrated 14 years of providing exceptional care and creating a vibrant community for our residents.