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Vol. 13, No. 2, Wednesday December 6, 2017 www.LamontLeader.com
PHOTO BY STAN CHOLAK
The most recognizable of all Christmas flowers, the poinsetta’s popularity continues today as evidenced at Darvonda Greenhouses in Mundare recently by this home grown talented photographer Stan Cholak who resides in Andrew.
Andrew Senior Citizens Lodge facing huge deficit Michelle Pinon Editor
The Andrew Senior Citizens Lodge continues to be a concern as it continues to operate at a deficit. Coun. Herbert Fedun, who sits as council’s representative on the Lamont County Housing Foundation, (LCHF), said the facility lost over $100,000 last year. “Things are pretty tricky,” said Fedun as they try to recruit resi-
dents, which he described as “tough”; but that LCHF is trying to put a plan together. LCHF Chief Executive Officer Harold James confirmed they continue to operate at a deficit at the Andrew Senior Citizens Lodge. “The projected deficit for this fiscal year is approximately $108,000.” James went on to say, “We are continuing to examine options in order to improve the operations and hope to have a
Marketing Plan completed by Spring 2018.” The purpose of the marketing plan, added James, “will be to create greater visibility, highlight the facility’s strength, and develop and implement some of the marketing strategies” in order to attract new residents to the lodge. The current population of residents is nine, with 15 vacant units at this time. Total staff at the facility is 12 people, which includes full-time,
part-time and casual employees. James pointed out that LCHF has not been able to attract any infrastructure funds from Alberta Housing to modernize the facility. While the lodge is operated by the LCHF, it is owned by the Government of Alberta. Back on January 9, 2017, LCHF hosted a community engagement meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss options for increasing utilization at the
facility. A total of 68 people attended the Jan. 9 meeting that was facilitated by Dr. Bonnie Dobbs and Dr. and Gary Gordon, who had been hired by LCHF to conduct a feasibility study. At the November 8 village council meeting a resident in the gallery inquired as to the status of the Heartland Primary Care Network (PCN) providing services to lodge residents as an informational meeting
had been held at the lodge last spring. Chief Administrative Officer Pat Skoreyko said they had not had time to prepare a report as several council members had attended the Alberta Urban Municipalities Convention and councillor training in recent weeks. Skoreyko said she will report back on that request at the next village council meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday, December 13 at 7:30 a.m.