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Friday, August 3, 2012
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Party marks 10 years for Laurier Manor Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com
Cupcakes, colourful balloons, door prizes and good company. Laurier Manor residents, their families, caregivers and volunteers helped to celebrate the facility’s 10 anniversary Wednesday. Many long term tenants have fond memories of their years living at the comfortable, assisted living residence. Bob Parris has a big family – four children, 35 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. His biggest family though is probably the one he’s found since moving into Laurier Manor nine and a half years ago – shortly after it opened. Parris came from the U.S.
to Prince George in 1968. Before his retirement, he worked in inventory control for Acklands. “Wife number one gave me four children and wife number two gave me nine step children so that’s why there’s lots of grandchildren,” he says good-naturedly. The thing he recalls most about his first days at the Manor is that their menu was not what it is today. “Back then they didn’t have a full meal at lunchtime. Just snacks.” Helen Slater has been at Laurier Manor for “seven years, five months.” She worked 25 years for Nechako Beverages (yes, she’s heard all the jokes). Her move to an assisted living facility came after
a ‘freak’ accident 12 years ago which sent her to hospital, then on to rehabilitation. “I was pulling a weed in my garden and I somehow broke the bone on my backside....then my legs were gone.” She smiles, wryly, “I’ve been in this wheelchair ever since. And I never did get that weed out. It was a thistle.” Slater has two sons, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Ursula McAvany is the – relatively speaking – “new kid” on the block. She moved into the Manor three years ago. “I like it here because you have your independence – but there’s always someone to help if you need it.”
Susan Kragt, supervisor of the seniors wellness program with Northern Health was on hand Wednesday with program coordinators Sherry Maher and Justine Armstrong. The program helps seniors in Gateway Assisted Living, Laurier Manor , 1010 Alward and two buildings at Aspen. Social events and outings are a big part of the event planning they do. “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the tenants, staff, families and volunteers who all work together to create an opportunity for enhancing the quality of life for seniors through programs we offer and experiences we promote.” Recently, they returned from a trip with the seniors
Te re s a M A LLA M / Fre e Pre s s
Longtime volunteer with seniors, Yuki Hoyama shows off party treats she made for Laurier Manor’s 10th Anniversary party on Wednesday.
Teresa MA LLA M/Free Press
It was a day of fun and friendship for residents, family and staff as Laurier Manor celebrated its 10th anniversary on Wednesday.
to Barkerville. They also enjoyed a “garden party” with the David Douglas Botanical Garden Society. Volunteers are an integral part of the work they do with seniors, said Kragt. Yuki Hoyama began her work with seniors as a meals on wheels volunteer in 1971. She’s been volunteering at Laurier Manor since it opened in 2002. On Wednesday she was on hand helping out
and handing out her sweet treats, chocolates in an origami wrap. Jeanne Fujikawa is another tireless volunteer. “I never thought I’d be working with seniors,” she said. “In fact, I used to work with kids at the Y several years ago. “When my mother lived here (at the Manor) I started volunteering then and after she passed away, I just kept on doing that. “
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