When The Village of Wentworth Heights opened in 2001, Susan was among the first team members to form the heart of the Village. As a nurse with 25 years’ worth of experience in a long-term care setting, she was an instant hire when she stepped foot in the new Village for that first interview.
And in the blink of an eye, 25 more years have passed, and Susan was among a core group of original team members on-hand to celebrate the Village’s silver anniversary on Oct. 21.
In her remarks to the gathered crowd in the Village Town Square as the celebration began, General Manager Michelle Wood made a point of recognizing the group of long-standing team members who stood alongside Susan.
“Their dedication, knowledge and commitment have helped shape the community we continue to enjoy today,” Michelle said. “They have made a difference in more lives than they probably even realize.” As she turned to the group she added: “Twenty-five years of service is an extraordinary accomplishment, and we're so grateful for everything you've contributed to our Village.”
Susan later reflected on 50 years of nursing and the life she’s enjoyed at Wentworth Heights.
“I've been really, really lucky to have fantastic coworkers,” Susan said. “I'm lucky to have a great place to work and I've always felt way more supported here than I ever did before.”
As the music began to play following a champagne toast, Susan was able to catch up with Jamie Schlegel, who recalled the late 1990s when he was touring Hamilton with his father Ron, eager to find the right location for the Village that now dominates the skyline of the Hamilton Mountain. He recalled the construction process and the hiring of the team – Susan included – and how the Village first came to life when the first residents came across the fresh threshold.
He and Susan joked that there may be a neighbourhood suite for her when she retires – “a place for recovering charge nurses,” said Jamie, and they laughed as old friends do.
In that short interaction, one could see what Assistant General Manager Sara Calder was referring to in her toast to kick off the ceremony.
“Relationships really are at the heart of how this Village works so well,” she said. “Our Residents and Team are so close and treat each other like family.”
She shared examples: A resident attending a team member’s wedding; a village-wide barbecue hosted by residents and team to support a team member in need; a maintenance team member seeking a residents’ advice.
“It is a culture and a belief, that we are all in this together,” Sara said; “that we all have the same goal in mind to be treated with respect, dignity and love.”
The celebration was a time of gratitude, and Michelle captured the sentiment beautifully. To the residents: “thank you for trusting us, for sharing your lives and stories with us, and for making this community your home,” she said.
“To our team members, thank you for showing up each day as your true authentic selves, and for the genuine care as you embrace each resident as if they are your own family.
“Today is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together, and look forward to the many memories still to be made.”
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