The Grand River Restaurant dining room team at Parkland Ancaster, ON, brings care, positivity, and teamwork to every meal service. By embracing service excellence standards in every interaction, they create a warm, welcoming dining experience that makes residents feel valued and at home. 

Team members gathered to celebrate the opening of Adeline Hall in Bedford, N.S., and the successful welcome of 144 residents to their new home.

There is also much to recognize and celebrate across the organization. We have added nursing home capacity in Nova Scotia and have four new homes under construction in New Brunswick. Each one will provide more older adults with a safe, caring community supported by dedicated and compassionate teams. 

I’m also proud that we launched the Pathways to Success Bursary and awarded the initial recipients. By supporting Continuing Care Assistants as they pursue their Licensed Practical Nurse education, we are investing in our people and strengthening the quality of care we provide. 

We are also advancing healthy aging research and education through our academic partnerships, including the appointment of Dr. Nick Bray as the inaugural Shannex Research Chair in Aging Transitions at the University of New Brunswick and Dr. Caitlin McArthur as the Shannex Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Healthy Aging at Dalhousie University. 

These milestones support our ability to serve residents today while helping shape the future of aging, care, and service. They are also a reminder that progress is driven by people: those who deliver care and service every day, those who lead change, those who support one another, and those who bring new ideas forward. 

I hope this issue gives you a clear view of the people, partnerships, and progress that continue to strengthen our communities and move Shannex forward. 

Ingredients

• 3 kg bone-in beef short ribs 
• 30 ml kosher salt 
• 10 ml cracked black pepper 
• 60 ml canola oil 
• 2 onions, diced 
• 2 carrots, diced 
• 2 celery stalks, diced 
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed 
• 60 g tomato paste 
• 750 ml red wine 
• 1.5 L beef stock 
• 2 bay leaves 
• 4 sprigs thyme 
• 2 sprigs rosemary  

Method

1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a heavy braising pan and sear ribs on all sides until dark golden brown
3. Remove ribs and reserve.
4. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until caramelized.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes.
6. Deglaze with red wine and reduce by half.
7. Add beef stock and herbs.
8. Return ribs to the pan and bring to a simmer.
9. Cover and braise at 300°F (150°C) for 3½ to 4 hours until fork tender.
10. Remove ribs carefully and keep warm.

Rich Beef Jus

Ingredients

1. Braising liquid from ribs
2. 250 ml beef stock (if needed)
3. 15 g cold butter

Method

1. Strain the braising liquid.
2. Skim excess fat.
3. Reduce until glossy and sauce consistency.
4. Adjust seasoning.
5. Whisk in cold butter just before service.

Yield: Approximately 750 ml jus.

Root Vegetable Mash

1. Ingredients
2. 1 kg Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
3. 500 g parsnips, peeled
4. 300 g rutabaga, peeled
5. 150 g carrots, peeled
6. 125 g butter
7. 250 ml warm cream
8. Salt and white pepper to taste

Method

1. Cut all vegetables into even pieces.
2. Simmer in salted water until tender.
3. Drain thoroughly.
4. Pass through a ricer or mash until smooth.
5. Fold in butter and warm cream.
6. Season well.

Buttered Green Beans

Ingredients

1. 800 g green beans, trimmed
2. 50 g butter
3. Salt and pepper
4. Optional: 15 g shallots, finely minced

Method

1. Blanch beans in salted water until tender-crisp.
2. Shock in ice water.
3. Reheat in butter before service.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

What happens when appreciation becomes part of everyday work? At Gordon Hall, Moncton, N.B., it creates a culture where people feel valued and supported. Long before Moments, our team member recognition platform, the team found meaningful ways to celebrate one another. Today, Gordon Hall is Shannex’s most active Moments user, thanks to leaders like Health Services Manager Wunmi Tosin-Ojuri, who makes recognition a priority. “People deserve to receive their flowers while they can still smell them,” says Wunmi. 

Pride is a celebration of authenticity, belonging, and the freedom to be yourself. As we celebrated Pride, we are grateful for the diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives that make our communities stronger.

Across our communities, August 15 brings together residents, team members, and the community to celebrate French culture. In Moncton, N.B., Faubourg du Mascaret’s Acadian Day celebrations showcased strong traditions, including the annual Tintamarre march, lively Acadian music, and classic favourites such as poutine and crêpes râpées. Together, the community celebrated the traditions, culture, and spirit that make Acadian heritage so special. 

When the Residents’ Council identified an interest in chair yoga, Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney,N.S., sought out community expertise to help bring the program to life. Through a connection with CB Holistic Health, owner Charlotte Donovan and fitness instructor Caylie partnered with the team to develop and lead classes tailored to residents’ needs. The Chair Yoga & Stretch Sequence Program continues to be a success today, demonstrating how resident feedback and strong community partnerships can create meaningful opportunities that support health, wellness, and quality of life.

Residents at Parkland Fredericton found a meaningful way to celebrate Wellness Coach Fiona O’Connor as she prepared for the arrival of her baby boy. Their idea led to a special baby shower, where residents decorated 28 onesies in sizes ranging from 3 to 12 months. The colourful creations were displayed as party décor before becoming a heartfelt gift for Fiona to take home. The celebration reflected the relationships built with residents, whose thoughtfulness showed just how much she means to the Parkland Fredericton, N.B., community.

Parkland at the Common, Halifax, N.S., resident Chris Crace brought home a gold medal from the 2026 Special Olympics Nova Scotia Provincial Summer Games, held at St. Francis Xavier University. Competing in golf, Chris earned top honours in the longest drive competition. He was excited and humbled by the win, describing it as a proud accomplishment.

Thanks to the generosity of resident Joan Craig, nine team members at Parkland at the Gardens, Halifax, N.S., are pursuing their educational goals through the Joan Craig Bursary. What makes the bursary unique is its only requirement: a genuine desire to better one’s life and achieve personal aspirations. Recipients are advancing their studies in fields such as business administration, cybersecurity, therapeutic recreation, and geriatric healthcare. Through her investment in education, Joan is helping team members achieve their goals. Thank you, Joan, for supporting the growth and success of our Great People.

During Special Care Home Week, we celebrated the Great People who make our communities feel like home. Ashley Perry, LPN Shift Supervisor at Parkland Saint John, N.B., brings warmth and compassion to every shift. Inspired by her nanny’s example of caring for others, Ashley values the relationships she builds with residents, families, and colleagues. “This place truly holds a special place in my heart,” says Ashley. “I truly love it here.”

Supported through our Shannex Cares Program, InsightHeart Foundation in Toronto, ON, empowers individuals through community programs, accessible resources, and genuine care, helping reduce social isolation while giving participants opportunities to build new friendships, explore new interests, and connect with their community. For participant Philomene, the experience was transformative: “Through the laughter, conversations, and shared experiences, I felt connected, valued, and part of a caring community again.” Stories like Philomene’s highlight the impact community partnerships can have in creating meaningful connections and moments of joy.

Moving into a new home brings new surroundings, routines, and relationships. As part of our Welcome Survey, residents and families are invited to share feedback about their move-in experience and transition into our communities. Their responses help us understand what’s working well and identify opportunities to improve the resident and family experience. Many also take the opportunity to recognize the Great People who help residents and families settle into life in a new community

At Arborstone Enhanced Care, Halifax, N.S., helping residents and families settle into their new home is a team effort that begins well before move-in day. As General Manager Gabby Gispar-Lindson says, “It takes a village to make a move successful.” From answering questions and sharing information in advance to learning residents’ preferences and routines, team members work together to support a smooth transition.

That approach is reflected in feedback from residents and families. One family member shared, “Incredible team at Arborstone. Not a single glitch. All of the information was provided in advance by the incredible Dawn Priest. Everyone was expecting us and very organized and welcoming!” Another recognized Dawn Priest and Katie Jessome for being “fantastic… very professional, empathetic, and caring. We felt very welcome.” For Dawn, that feedback reflects the efforts of the entire team, working together to help residents and families feel at home from day one.

Innovation is powered by people, and at Shannex, Jessica Shannon, Megumi Suzuki, Chinenye Onwubiko, and Heidi Leavitt are helping shape the future of technology and care. Together, they form an all-women management team leading key technology functions in a traditionally male-dominated field. Between managing HR systems, enhancing clinical software, and leading enterprise applications and technology projects, their work helps create solutions that support team members and residents. Through collaboration and a passion for innovation, they are driving meaningful change while inspiring the next generation of women in technology.

When residents Donna Elliott and Charles Beaver said, “I do,” the team at Maplestone Enhanced Care, Halifax, N.S., came together to make their special day a reality. After 26 years together, the couple celebrated their love surrounded by family, friends, and their Maplestone community. Through the years, they have shared many chapters of life and today enjoy spending time together watching television, listening to classic country music, and sharing meals.

Led by the recreation team, months of planning went into creating a meaningful celebration. Team members helped organize every detail, from decorations to the reception, while thoughtful touches throughout the day made the occasion even more memorable, including a team member’s daughter serving as the flower girl.

The support extended far beyond regular duties. Team members lent a wedding dress, volunteered their time, and even returned on their days off to take part in the festivities. Their dedication helped ensure Donna and Charles could celebrate this important milestone with the people who matter most.
The wedding reflected the strong sense of community that makes Maplestone feel like home, with residents, families, and team members coming together to create memories the couple will cherish for years to come.

For new residents Carol Levy, Anne Marie McAleenan, and Garnett Wheadon, friendship has been key to feeling at home at Adeline Hall, Halifax, N.S. Whether gathering around the lunch table, sharing daily conversations, or simply knowing familiar faces are nearby, these connections bring comfort and belonging. Carol says her friends feel like the family she never had, while Garnett’s experience shows that people from different backgrounds can build meaningful bonds. Together, they’ve discovered that friendship is one of the best parts of starting a new chapter.

Great Moments We’re Grateful For:

Friendships that turn communities into home.

Every day, Chelsea McMillen helps team members feel seen, valued, and appreciated. Specialist based at Home Office in Halifax, N.S., she makes it a priority to connect with team members across the organization. Over the past year, Chelsea has played a key role in the rollout of Moments, our team member recognition platform. Since launching in November 2025, Moments has inspired more than 18,000 recognitions, helping foster a culture of appreciation across Shannex. While Great People Month highlights recognition, Chelsea’s work continues year-round. From supporting recognition programs and planning the Shannex Excellence Awards to partnering with teams across the organization, she is always looking for ways to celebrate the people who make a difference every day.

Creative Expressions

Residents at Parkland at the Gardens, Halifax, N.S., enjoyed a memorable day trip to Luckett Vineyards, where they savoured delicious food and wine.

Cheers to Retirement

Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro, N.S., celebrated the retirements of Denise Smith and Betty Farrell, honouring 25 and 24 years of dedicated service. Best wishes for your retirement!

Pedal Party

Thomas Hall, Fredericton, N.B., and Nursing Home Without Walls brought residents together for a Petal Party, combining sensory engagement with a keepsake.

An Un-fur-gettable Day

Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro, N.S., welcomed a petting zoo visit featuring a mini horse, donkey, sheep, and other furry friends.

A True Bookworm

A book signing was held for Moody Hall, Halifax, N.S., resident Harry Robertson to celebrate the release of Doctor Dopamine, co-authored with Jon Tattrie.

Moments of Pride

Residents and team members at Parkland Truro, N.S., filled the halls with Pride, waving colourful flags and celebrating together.

Brewing Creativity

Creativity was brewing at Parkland West Bedford, N.S., as residents crafted beautiful coffee cup flower arrangements.

Proudly Me

Parkstone Enhanced Care in Halifax, N.S., expressed their Pride by creating colourful collages that celebrate what makes them feel safe, valued, loved, and unique.

A Cherished Resident

Long-time resident Larry Watt is known for his sense of humour, love of family, and passion for sailing. Larry’s friendly nature and positive spirit have made him a valued member of the N.B. community.

Making Every Ride Count

Share the Wind brought excitement, laughter, and smiles to residents at Blomidon Court in Greenwich, N.S., through unforgettable motorcycle sidecar rides.

Let the Games Begin!

Residents put their skills to the test during the Monarch Hall, Riverview, N.B., Summer Olympic Games, competing in five fun-filled challenges.

Cruising into Parkland

The KV Cruisers treated residents, families, and the Parkland Saint John, N.B., community to an evening of nostalgia, showcasing a collection of vintage cars.