Feature Article October 23, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomePine Meadow NH celebrates 10th Anniversary
Flinton
It was a time for reminiscence and reflection when about 60 people
gathered at the Recreation Hall on Saturday, October 18, to celebrate
Pine Meadow Nursing Homes 10th Anniversary of existence.
A parade of speakers to the podium verbally escorted the audience
though the 10 years, from inception to where the facility is today.
In welcoming the gathering, current Management Board Chairperson Ernest Lapchinksi spoke of the vision and planning that made Pine Meadow a reality, and he finished his comments by opining that PMNH is the kindest, warmest nursing home in eastern Ontario.
Marg Axford, a past long-serving Board member and Chair, alluded that the creation of Pine Meadow was at times a struggle, but in retrospect, it was a glorious struggle. She compared the venture to that of The Little Engine That Could, and thanked Isobel Stewart and Nancy Cannon for their foresight of a nursing home for this area. Ms Axford also singled out Marg Humphrey and Vera Abbott, who were in on Pine Meadow at the very beginning, and who stuck to the fulfilment of dreams and plans despite growing pains.
In bringing congratulations on behalf of the Federal Government, HFL&A Liberal MP Larry McCormick spoke of the importance of long-term health care. It is the result of vision that Pine Meadow is here 10 years later, said McCormick. Our seniors built this great country and we owe them a lot.
HFL&A County Warden and current Addington Highlands Reeve Henry Hogg noted that the County was a partnering factor in the creation of the nursing home, and mentioned the benefits of allowing residents to live close by family and friends. Also of importance, the Reeve stated, were the jobs and economic opportunities afforded the area by Pine Meadows existence.
North Frontenac Councillor Bud Clayton, that municipalitys representative to the Board, said he was proud that Pine Meadow is here, and insofar as support for the home, his answer was a resounding yes.
Shirley Sedore and Joyce Parks, who are no strangers to community activism, took the audience on a walk down memory lane, speaking of the hundreds of volunteers and the thousands of their donated hours that went into getting Pine Meadow off the ground. They were the Rock, said Mrs. Sedore, a past Chair of LOLCS. Mrs. Sedore recounted that there were many big ticket items provided through volunteers, speaking of such areas as architectural plans, funding and staffing issues. When there were no assets or firm plans in hand, some of the people and agencies who proved invaluable to the organizational committee were architect Harry Delyea, the District Health Council, the Executive Director of the Ontario Nursing Association, and the Land O Lakes Lions Club. John and Elaine Bolton were also given accolades for their door-to-door fundraising campaign.
We had no idea how big a job Pine Meadow really was, Mrs. Sedore reiterated. Thanks to the many volunteers who did the work that needed to be done. They accomplished it through desire and determination.
The evening was capped by entertainment from North Addington Education Centres Vocal Ensemble, and guests were then treated to a delicious roast beef dinner. Happy Birthday, Pine Meadow!
