Riverside Glen residents return to camping roots

Kristian Partington

For many Canadians, the onset of summer means the onset of camping season, but as people grow older, packing up the gear and roughing it in the bush becomes a little more difficult.

By the time a person is living in long-term care, camping experiences are usually nothing but memories.

“It’s just one of those things where people will say, ‘Oh, no, I can’t do that,’ ” says Riverside Glen recreation therapist Tricia Bakelaar.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient prepares for life at Arbour Trails
Kristian Partington

Pick any one of the Schlegel Villages and you’ll find a community of people who collectively represent a massive store of wisdom and experience; people who’ve helped build nations, one community at a time.

As marketing co-ordinator Phil Aubin looks forward to the opening of the Village of Arbour Trails, this collective wisdom is an aspect of village life he says will be most exciting.

A view from environmental services
Kristian Partington

At a recent environmental services staff meeting at the Village of Glendale Crossing, one of the part-time team members posed a question to the group.

“How many times a day do we stop what we’re doing to help somebody else?” they asked.

The answer, quickly given by a few of the full-time team members, is a prime example of the way people are working towards more cross-functionality among the entire Glendale team, says environmental services director Nick Zalitach.

Beyond praise for the Java Music Club
Kristian Partington

Melynda Anderton looks forward to the Java Music Club sessions she facilitates at the Village of Sandalwood Park just as much as the residents who participate on a regular basis.

As the volunteer and social services co-ordinator at the village, Melynda was trained to be part of the group sessions where residents gather to share their experiences and help each other cope with a range of issues, such as feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression.