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Baked Haddock with Mango Chutney Flipbook PDF
This fall enjoy another delicious recipe courtesy of Director of Culinary Services Dana Schiefer and the Shannex Culinar
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Editor’s Note Heather Hanson I love the fall. It feels like the beginning of something new. I think as adults we’re still programmed to want to ‘return to school’ every September. To be honest, I’m relieved to get serious again after the warm lazy hazy days of summer and, as a list-maker, I go about organizing all of the projects that I should complete before the ‘snow flies’. It’s our time to bring in the harvest, preserve and build up the stores; however literally or figuratively you go about doing this. In a couple of weeks we’ll celebrate and give thanks for what we have received and any other good fortunes we have experienced over the past year. It can be joyous and humbling as the fall is also a time when a tremendous amount of charitable work takes place; people pulling together to attend to the needs of the community. In this issue you will read specifically about the United Way campaign for Halifax but there are many United Way campaigns that Shannex is involved with throughout the Maritimes. The United Way supports many important programs and organizations that are necessary for communities to thrive. They have identified barriers to strong communities and are now working with many stakeholders to remove them. If you aren’t familiar, I encourage you to visit www.unitedway.ca to learn more. Enter your postal code to learn more about the United Way specifically working in your home community. Happy Thanksgiving and we look forward to providing you with the next issue of Connections in December.
Connections is a quarterly newsletter for Shannex employees, clients, volunteers, families and friends. It is developed by Shannex Communications. We welcome your feedback. Send comments to: Heather Hanson, Director of Communications and Community Affairs 48 Lovett Lake Court Halifax, NS B3S 1B8 [email protected]
On the Cover: Launce Burdock and General Manager, Renée DonovanGray at the Parkland at the Lakes Great Gatsby themed Garden Party. Story on page 11.
Culinary Corner This fall enjoy another delicious recipe courtesy of Director of Culinary Services Dana Schiefer and the Shannex Culinary Team.
Baked Haddock with Mango Chutney (makes 6 servings) Ingredients 6 Fresh Haddock Fillets (approx.8 oz each) 2 Large apples, peeled, cored & chopped 1 Large mango, peeled & chopped 1/2 Green pepper diced 1/4 cup White vinegar 1/2 Red pepper diced 2 tbsp Minced ginger root 1/2 Spanish onion diced 1 tbsp Lemon juice 1/2 cup Sugar 2 tsp Curry powder 1/4 cup Raisins 1/2 tsp each Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Salt Directions 1. Mango chutney: Add apples, mango, peppers, sugar, onions, raisins, vinegar and ginger in a large sauce pan. 2. Simmer uncovered until fruit is tender and mixture has thickened (about 20 minutes). Add lemon juice and spices and simmer for 5 more minutes. Set aside. 3. Season haddock with salt and pepper and drizzle with a touch of olive oil and bake in 350F oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Page 1 | Shannex Connections
Parkland at the Lakes
President’s Message Welcome to the fall 2013 issue of Connections. Once again, you will find plenty of evidence in this issue of a busy and enjoyable summer. For a season with only eight weeks of sunny and warm weather, we sure know how to make the most of it. I enjoyed spending time with many of you this summer as I made my way throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for various celebrations and events. As part of our strategic plan, our commitment over the next five years is to maintain our current operations while growing in a responsible manner. On page 9 you can read about our expansion in New Brunswick which is in direct response to a successful bid to build and operate 72 specialized care beds offering memory care to residents. We felt that in addition to these new beds there was opportunity to expand the Fredericton campus to include additional retirement living options and also to begin construction of a brand new campus in Saint John. It was a great couple of days in August celebrating these new projects, which will take approximately two years to complete. I look forward to keeping you informed of the progress. As was mentioned in the July issue of Connections, Shannex is celebrating its 25th anniversary. I am very pleased about a special initiative we are launching to mark this milestone. To celebrate our 25th anniversary, Shannex will award twentyfive $1,000 scholarships to employees as well as the children and grandchildren of Shannex employees between the ages of 17-25 years for post-secondary studies. The detailed criteria and application process for the one-time bursary
will open late November and we’re looking forward to a strong response. Finally, I would like mention that once again Shannex will be launching a United Way campaign in many of our locations and I hope that you will consider getting involved. Their work is important to the development of our respective communities and in particular improving the lives of seniors. The United Way is well aligned with our vision at Shannex of Leading the Way to Better Living and I am hopeful for another successful fall campaign. Thank you for your continued contributions in making our homes vibrant and caring communities. Please enjoy a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. Sincerely,
Jason Shannon President & COO
Shannex Connections | Page 2
two-and-a-half months left,” says Neethu. “I had no hope and I knew I had to go back home. I decided to ask my manager about processing my LMO. She said she’d look into it, which I thought meant it wasn’t going to happen. About two days later she called me and said that the paperwork was done and had been sent to the Government of Canada. I was shocked. I couldn’t be more thankful to her – I was crying on the phone.” The process for becoming a permanent resident is often a lengthy one. Just the LMO process can take one to two months to go through. Much to Neethu’s surprise, hers was done in just two weeks, allowing her to take the next steps toward becoming a permanent resident. The remainder of the process was a little more time consuming, but with the help and support of her friends at home and at Shannex, Neethu and her husband Shibu John officially became permanent Canadian residents in April 2013. “I feel so relaxed now – like I have freedom. Permanent residents have a voice in Canada. They have a stand.” Neethu is especially happy to be working in a field that is close to her heart.
Neethu Sebastian From Kerala to Canada
Sitting on a warm, sunny terrace at Parkland Clayton Park’s Drummond Hall, Neethu Sebastian and her daughter Edwina Ann Shibu enjoy a beautiful summer day in Halifax. Neethu is a Daily Living Assistant at Drummond, and has been since she began a co-op term there in February 2011. Neethu’s journey to Drummond wasn’t a typical one. An international student studying in Vancouver to become a Registered Nurse (RN), she joined Shannex with only twoand-a-half months left on her work permit, after which she would no longer be able to work in Canada. Neethu hails from the Kerala Province in India, and the process for becoming a permanent resident was a daunting one for the woman who had witnessed many friends come and go, unable to stay due to lack of a supporter in the country to help them apply for a Labour Market Opinion (LMO), which is a document that proves a foreign worker is required to fill a position. “When I began working at Drummond I needed a number of exams to become an RN that I couldn’t take with only Page 3 | Shannex Connections
“My mother always wanted to be an RN, but with seven women in her family, her father couldn’t afford her education. Now I’m living my mother’s dream. I love it,” she explains. “My favourite thing about my job is talking with clients and caring for them. They’re like my grandparents. At the end of the day you walk out the door feeling satisfaction.” Neethu’s role is very hands-on, caring for the various needs of clients in Parkland Clayton Park’s Enriched Care residence, as well as the occasional shift in some of the other buildings on campus. “My job is all about meeting the clients’ needs; I love doing it. The clients were very supportive when I was trying to become a permanent resident and I am happy to support them now.” Now that Neethu and her family are permanent residents, she’s pleased to see some success coming for others who are in the same position she had been in. “I was the first person from my province in India hired by Shannex. I tell my friends and family how nice a place it is to work. I like Shannex and would love to see its branches coming up everywhere, all over Canada,” says Neethu. She adds, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of my managers and co-workers for the support they have given to me. My whole family is so thankful to everybody for their help and support.”
Celebrating a Milestone Parkland at the Lakes
Life is full of exciting milestones, like your first day of school, your first job or owning your first home. Parkland at the Lakes client Marguerite Whebby knows firsthand about milestones as she celebrated her 100th birthday on July 31, 2013. Marguerite enjoyed her special day surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with fellow clients and friends from Jamieson Hall. The party included music provided by pianist Mervyn George, as well as a beautiful cake, gifts and balloons galore. Marguerite moved into Jamieson Hall when it opened in December 2009 and has been an active member of the community there ever since. To an observer, it would seem that Marguerite has discovered the fountain of youth. Young and energetic at 100, she is always up for a manicure as part of recreation’s “Fancy Fingers” program, and participates in exercise programs. When asked about her secret for staying so young, she just laughs. I suppose we’re all entitled to our little secrets. Congratulations on your 100th birthday, Marguerite. Thank you for letting us share this special day with you.
What’s Your Dream?
2013 United Way Halifax Campaign Begins
In October Shannex kicks off its annual United Way fundraising campaign. The United Way of Halifax supports 55 organizations in the region that focus on reducing poverty, promoting healthy lifestyles, building strong social networks and fostering safe and thriving neighbourhoods, and Shannex has long been a supporter. Last year’s United Way of Halifax campaign was a great success for Shannex and all of its sites, bringing in a total $35,000 in donations throughout the organization, with more than $11,000 coming in from just one nursing home (Arborstone Enhanced Care). This year Shannex plans to do it all again, setting their target at $35,000, and challenging all members of the Shannex community to beat their own record. “We couldn’t be happier with the outcome after last year’s campaign,” says Jason Shannon, President and COO. “The United Way does incredibly valuable work, helping deserving organizations that impact all corners of our community. Being able to support them with such an engaged and enthusiastic team really makes the whole campaign a joy for us.” As the fall campaign begins in HRM, there are many ways for members of the Shannex community to give. In addition to participating in fundraisers that take place throughout the year, many will choose to donate a small amount from each paycheck through Shannex’s payroll deduction program. Employees can donate as little as one dollar per pay and still make a tremendous impact on the campaign. The theme of the United Way fall campaign for 2013 is “What is your dream for Halifax Region?” which invites people to consider their dream for the city and how to make it a reality. Shannex’s dream and vision is leading the way to better living in our community for people of all ages and abilities. This year Shannex sites in Halifax will participate in the United Way Day of Caring, as well as many unique fundraisers held on each campus to raise money for this important cause. For more information about the United Way Fall Campaign visit www.unitedwayhalifax.ca or to get involved as a United Way Ambassador at Shannex please contact Heidi Muise at [email protected]. Shannex Connections | Page 4
Care and Construction Update In 2011, we introduced you to the Care and Construction project, which is “Assessing Differences in Nursing Home Models of Care on Resident Quality of Life.” Since then, the project has been going full speed ahead, with researchers engaging clients, families and staff members in nursing homes throughout Nova Scotia. Shannex has been an active Parkstone Enhanced Care participant in the Care and Construction project since the beginning, with representatives on the team and research taking place in our own enhanced care facilities. This is a very important and timely subject. With an aging population, quality of life for clients in nursing homes becomes an even greater priority, and this study is helpful in discovering trends and determining what key factors improve lifestyles for people who make use of these services.
Accreditation 2013 Update
Beginning on December 9th, Shannex’s New Brunswick nursing homes will participate in the accreditation survey process. As we near the end of this journey, we become even more focused on ensuring our homes in New Brunswick have the support and materials they need to be successful.
“I believe that this is an important crossroads in the delivery of essential long term care services in our province,” says Janice Keefe, Principal Investigator and Director of the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging at Mount Saint Vincent University. “Our research will support decisions about care practices and need for education in nursing homes, and more broadly will inform decisions related to the expansion and enhancement of the long term sector in Nova Scotia.”
Following accreditation in Nova Scotia we have a better understanding of the process undertaken by the Accreditation Canada survey team, including what they will be looking for and how best to present our services to them. The teams in New Brunswick have been preparing for more than a year, and are confident going into their own accreditation process.
Now that all of the information has been collected through a series of surveys, interviews, case studies and focus groups, the team is busy analyzing data. Throughout the fall there will be a number of announcements and events to share the results from the study, including presentations at the Canadian Association on Gerontology in October, workshops with sector representatives in November and presentations throughout the province for study participants in November and December.
In addition to the work going on in New Brunswick, Shannex’s Nova Scotia homes are working to implement the recommendations put forth by the Accreditation Canada team so as to gain Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, a review that will take place in November.
Although results from the study will be released later this fall, Janice was happy to share a few of the interesting trends they’ve discovered through this process:
With a firm goal of achieving the highest level of accreditation available, we continue to work hard at all levels to ensure the upcoming accreditation processes in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are successful.
“Residents appreciated the opportunity to participate in the study, and the study provided a valuable opportunity for students who administered the survey to learn how each perspective views quality of life differently,” says Janice. “One general area of interest was that residents, staff and families perceive a high quality of life in Nova Scotia nursing homes. There is a lot of negativity in the media, and this may be warranted in some isolated situations, but the participants in our survey were generally positive.” For more information about Care and Construction, please visit their website at www.careandconstruction.ca, or to learn more about the presentations at the Canadian Association on Gerontology, visit http://secure.e-registernow. com/cgi-bin/mkpayment.cgi?state=1588. Page 5 | Shannex Connections
Thanks to the teams in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia for their continued hard work. We look forward to seeing the outcomes in November and December.
Student Bursaries
Great People Striving For Great Things Shannex is proud to mark its 25th anniversary by offering twenty-five $1,000 bursaries to students for the 2013-14 academic year. Employees as well as the children and grandchildren between the ages of 17-25 years who meet the criteria are welcome to apply for a one-time bursary beginning late November. This is just one way we want to demonstrate our commitment to being an employer of choice by helping your family.
MEET YOU THERE
NEWS • TRAINING • MESSAGING • KRONOS
Criteria for the Bursary along with the application forms will be uploaded to Gazebo by November 30th.
Ryan Hall Client Perseveres to Create Art Painting has become more than a hobby for Gary, it is a passion. Since moving to Ryan Hall in 2012, he has expanded his knowledge and has improved in his painting ability. This year, he decided to submit his paintings at the South Shore Exhibition and won a number of prizes, including two first prize ribbons, one second prize ribbon and two third prize ribbons. He also sold one of his paintings at the exhibition.
Gary Nauss worked as a truck driver until a stroke left him paralyzed on his right side and challenged his speech at age 50. Not knowing what his future held, Gary was looking everywhere for something to inspire him. When he stumbled upon a television program about beginner artists, he knew he’d found it. Deciding to challenge himself, Gary picked up a paintbrush and began making art. This was no easy task for him, as the stroke had left his right hand paralyzed. Learning to paint with his left hand was a struggle, but one he determinedly fought his way through.
Ryan Hall is proud of Gary, and couldn’t wait to show off his talent to all who were interested. In September his work was featured at the home’s first Art Show, supported by Little Mobile Gallery for Seniors, which is a portable art gallery established by volunteers in rural Nova Scotia. Their goal is to bring visual art to those who are not always able to visit galleries or participate in shows, as well as provide a platform for artists to sell their work. Gary’s art was a highlight of the Ryan Hall Art Show, and all of the staff and volunteers were thrilled to see his work receive such a warm reception. Congrats to Gary on all of his accomplishments.
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Protecting Yourself with the Influenza Vaccine Fall has arrived; children have returned to school, leaves are changing colour, cooler weather is upon us and, inevitably, the flu season is approaching. Protecting yourself against influenza is always important, but it is even more-so if you are in close proximity to individuals with a high risk of influenza-related complications, such as those in health care environments. When you are in this situation, it becomes especially important for you to protect yourself and others around you. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Nova Scotia Public Health it is recommended that everyone be vaccinated, but it is strongly recommended for people in the following groups: · Pregnant women; · People over 65 years of age; · People of any age who are residents of long-term and other chronic care facilities; · Adults and children with chronic health conditions; · Children and adolescents (age 6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis patients); · Adults and children with any condition that can compromise respiratory function or that can increase the risk of aspiration; · Children between 6 months and 5 years of age; · Aboriginal people; · People with a body mass index greater than 40; · People who live with or care for someone in one of the above groups; · Health Care Workers and Health Care Worker students; · First responders such as paramedics, fire fighters and police; · First Nations Communities; · People living in a home where a newborn is expected during the regular influenza season (usually November to April). The vaccine helps your body develop antibodies to protect against the flu, lowering your chances of contracting the virus. In efforts to keep all members of our community safe, happy and healthy this season, we strongly encourage all employees, clients and visitors at Shannex to ensure their hands are clean and sanitized, and to get the flu shot if you feel it is a good choice for you. We thank you for your cooperation.
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Staying Well: Whether you choose to get the flu vaccine or not, we can all do a few extra things to help stay well this season. Consider the following tips from PHAC as you go through your day-to-day activities: • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available; • Keep your hands away from your face; • Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand. If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands; • Keep common surface areas clean and disinfected (e.g. doorknobs, light switches, telephones); • Eat healthy foods and stay physically active to keep your immune system strong; • If you get sick, stay home from school and work until you are feeling better and able to fully participate in regular activities. For more information about how to protect yourself from illness this season, visit the PHAC website at http://www. phac-aspc.gc.ca/influenza/.
Teen Apprentice Program
Picnic in the Park
Planning for your career can be a complicated process. There are so many options, and so many avenues to achieving your goals. For individuals in trades, this often includes apprenticeship to gain on-the-job experience as they complete their studies.
Summertime in Fredericton is beautiful, and what better way to spend it than an afternoon in the park? This is how Leisure Coordinator Nora Hinchey sees it, as she leads the Picnic in the Park recreation program at Parkland Fredericton during the summer months.
New Brunswick
For teens in New Brunswick, there is another option available to help them on their way. The New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program (NBTAP) pairs eager high-schoolers with professionals in the field to help them learn about their area of interest and gain practical experience. The program is a joint partnership between Irving Oil and Jacobs Industrial, and brings together industry professionals, educators, the government and communities to provide students with valuable experience in their trade of interest. The program qualifies as both a high school credit as well as valuable apprenticeship hours that can decrease the amount of time spent as an apprentice in post-secondary. “I think NBTAP is a wonderful program for the province of New Brunswick,” says John Campbell, General Manager of Parkland in the Valley (PIV). “When I was approached about participating I wasn’t sure if it would be right for us, but after a couple of meetings with Irving, I was convinced that it was something that we had to get on board with.” As part of NBTAP, John and Executive Chef Matt Briks welcomed Ashley Creamer to the PIV culinary team. Ashley spent her summer before grade 11 apprenticing with Matt, and participating in all of the daily tasks performed by the culinary team, including preparing and cooking meals, baking delicious desserts, and learning the ropes of a professional kitchen.
Parkland Fredericton
“I always try to think of fun events to get clients out during our short, beautiful summers, and I ask for their input on what they would like to do. This was an event we did last year that everyone absolutely loved, so this year we expanded to include all three parks in the surrounding area, one per month,” explains Nora. The sunshine and fresh air were just part of what made the picnics in the park enjoyable for Nora and the clients. They were also pampered just a little bit by the Parkland Fredericton culinary team, enjoying a classic picnic lunch of sandwiches and fresh baked cookies.
“I loved working with the culinary team. They are very funny, loud, and we tease each other a lot. I want to come back to PIV next summer to apprentice again. I would like to pursue this as a career,” says Ashley. John adds, “It was a wonderful experience for us at PIV. Ashley fit right in with the culinary team and was a real contributor to our kitchen. You could see as the summer went on that her confidence increased and she was increasing her skill development. We are scheduled to have Ashley for two more summers, and I suspect that we will pursue another culinary apprentice after she graduates from high school and NBTAP.” With such a rich experience under her belt, Ashley is now one step closer to a culinary career than many students are when they begin post-secondary studies. The leg up provided by NBTAP is something that can’t be overstated. With hands-on experience in a professional work environment, the students are better prepared for what the world has to offer when they graduate. “I feel much better prepared for my future now,” says Ashley. “The program helped me understand adult life more, realize what I want to do and realize that I can actually do it. It’s a head start. I would suggest it to anyone.” Catherine Callaghan and Midge Meade
Shannex Connections | Page 8
L-R; Darrell Dixon (Construction Manager, Shannex), Councillor David Kelly, Fredericton-Silverwood MLA Brian Macdonald, Joseph Shannon (Chair and CEO, Shannex ), Jason Shannon (President and COO, Shannex), Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside, Pam Bowen (General Manager, Parkland Fredericton) and Ellen Stoddard (Vice-President, Retirement Living, Shannex)
Late August was an exciting time for Shannex New Brunswick with two official sod turning events to mark two major developments.
Breaking Ground in
New Brunswick
In Fredericton, on August 28th under sunny skies, Joe Shannon and Jason Shannon gathered with clients, staff and invited guests to mark the beginning of the expansion of the Parkland Fredericton campus. Located at 35 Patience Lane, the campus expansion includes a 50-unit Lifestyle Residence and two licensed 18-bed Specialized Care Bed homes. Approximately 30 guests enjoyed hearing greetings from Brian MacDonald, on behalf of the province, and from Mayor Woodside who spoke about the early days of working with Shannex and seeing the campus develop to fulfill a need in the City of Fredericton. After the speeches, special guests and Shannex representatives got to work with shovels in hand and kindly posed for a few photos. The very next day Joe and Jason were joined by Premier David Alward and Minister Madeline Dubé to mark the beginning of construction of Shannex’s newest Parkland Retirement Living campus, Parkland Saint John. It was a blustery day but the rain held off for the event which almost 80 people attended. Guests heard from Minister Dubé and Premier Alward about the province’s commitment to seniors and the collaborative effort taking place throughout the province to create a future that honours and promotes a vibrant senior population. The new Parkland Saint John campus, located at 700 Millidge Avenue, will include a health and wellness pavilion, a 68-unit Retirement Living building, a 60-bed licensed Special Care home and two licensed 18-bed Specialized Care Bed homes.
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In total, 72 Specialized Care Beds were awarded to Shannex by the Province last November, in the Fredericton and Saint John regions as part of the Province’s 2011-16 nursing home renovation and replacement plan. These beds will provide enhanced services to seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia which is a new service line offered by the province on the continuum of care. “Strong investment in quality care to seniors is an important part of our government’s plan to rebuild New Brunswick and create jobs in our communities,” said Premier David Alward. “Once completed, these homes will enable seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia to obtain the care and support they need close to home, family and friends.” Parkland Saint John along with an expansion of the Parkland Fredericton campus represents a $50 million investment in
New Brunswick by Shannex resulting in 200 new jobs for the region. Shannex currently employs 540 New Brunswickers. “New Brunswick has been a welcoming province for Shannex and our Parkland Retirement Living services,” says Jason Shannon, President and CEO of Shannex Incorporated. “This expansion creates economic activity in the province and is an example of the trusted partnerships we have developed in the region, but most importantly it will enrich in the services available to seniors in the area.” Parkland Saint John will be the fourth Shannex campus in the Province. Along with Parkland Fredericton, there is a campus located in Riverview and in Quispamsis. Each campus is constructed to the most progressive design standards where clients feel at home and receive the best service and care.
L-R; Murray & Doreen McCavour, Jason Shannon (President and COO, Shannex), Minister Madeline Dubé, Minister Hugh Flemming, Joseph Shannon (Chair and CEO, Shannex), Jim Lockley, Pat Honeyman, Germaine Blackier and Premier David Alward
L-R; John Campbell (General Manager, Parkland in the Valley) and Ellen Stoddard (VP, Retirement Living, Shannex)
L-R; Councillor John MacKenzie, Councillor Susan Fullerton, Minister Madeline Dubé, Jason Shannon (President and COO, Shannex), Premier David Alward, Minister Hugh Flemming, Joseph Shannon (Chair and CEO, Shannex), Minister Trevor Holder, Ellen Stoddard (VP, Retirement Living, Shannex), John Campbell (General Manager, Parkland in the Valley), Minister Dorothy Shephard, Darrell Dixon (Construction Manager, Shannex) and MLA Glen Tait
Shannex Connections | Page 10
(L-R); Helen Searles, Gretta Wilneff and Doris Hutt Renée
GATSBY & GLAM Parkland at the Lakes
Glitz, glamour and glitter were all around at the second annual Garden Party hosted by Parkland at the Lakes on September 6th. Themed after “The Great Gatsby”, the entire campus was transformed into a 1920’s style to-do, complete with sparkling dresses, feathered head scarves and suits so dapper one could hardly believe they hadn’t been transported back to the Age of Excess. “The Garden Party was so much fun. All of the staff and clients got into it and really made it a great experience,” says Renée Donovan-Gray, General Manager of Parkland at the Lakes. Renée herself donned a sequins-covered dress
(L-R);Renée Donovan-Gray, Cathy Johnson, Shannon Morris-Hatton, Brenda Bishop, Lisa Spinney and Amy Strong
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and feathered headband for the event, leading a team of similarly styled staff members who offered refreshments to the guests and clients as they enjoyed the music. “The folks from Seaside FM came by to play music for us from the 20’s and 30’s. They really helped set the mood, and the clients loved listening to some of their old favourites. It was great to see them having such a good time,” says Renée. During the event clients and guests enjoyed not just the music, but competition as well. At any given time folks could be seen challenging their friends to a game of golf, croquet or bocce ball. For the rest, simply sitting around the gazebo, sipping sparkling drinks and dining on delicious delicacies was good enough for them on a gorgeous September afternoon. The Great Gatsby Garden Party was great fun for all, providing endless entertainment, and leaving everyone excited for next year’s event. We can’t wait to find out what their next theme will be!
Haroldine Marcus and Gladys Mauger
Meet the IT Team Theresa Strickland
Hole-in-One Suzanne Larkin, Staffing and Scheduling Coordinator for Parkland Fredericton celebrated an impressive achievement this summer; a holein-one on the 16th hole at the Mactaquac Golf Club. By itself this is quite an accomplishment, but the story is even more interesting – and a little bizarre – when you learn a little bit more about it. You see, this is Suzanne’s third hole-in-one at Mactaquac’s 16th hole. Apparently 16 is her lucky number.
In the last few issues of Connections we have been introducing you to a different member of the IT team, the folks who save us from our techno woes each and every day. This issue we meet Theresa Strickland, ICT Specialist based out of the Shannex corporate office. Theresa has been working with Shannex for 10 years, after transferring from sister company ABMIS. She has a diploma in the field from PLC Learning, as well as additional certification from Microsoft. Theresa says her favourite part of working at Shannex is learning new techniques and being able to apply them when troubleshooting problems or integrating new systems into the organization. In her spare time Theresa is an avid runner. She is currently training for “Goofy’s Race and a Half”, a marathon taking place at Walt Disney World in January, 2014. The Goofy Race is even longer than a traditional marathon, as it totals a marathon-and-a-half in distance; that’s 39.3 miles of running over the course of two days! Although Theresa has run marathons before, including the Bluenose, she is in full-on training mode to prepare for this mammoth race, running upwards of 11 miles each weekend.
“I was just happy I didn’t have to putt I was having a bad putting round,” says Suzanne of her hole-in-one. Suzanne is an avid golfer, playing an average 4-5 times during the week in the summer, heading out at the crack of dawn to get 18 holes in before work. She even works all weekends and evening shifts so she can accommodate her golfing schedule – something we’re sure her colleagues don’t mind! As for her golfing habits? Well, Suzanne isn’t too competitive, although she was happy about the 81 she scored on the day of her hole-in one. She also enjoys playing with guests of the club and meeting new people whenever she can. “I actually once played with the Premier of Nova Scotia, but I didn’t know it was him until the 10th hole!” she says with a laugh. Now that Suzanne has mastered the 16th, she’s set her sights on a few of the other holes on the course. She says number eight is next on her list.
IT TIP OF THE DAY According to Theresa, the best way to solve simple problems with your software is to check the “help” file, which is available in most common programs, like Microsoft Word or Excel. She says that many problems have an easy fix that we can do ourselves, just by looking up the manufacturer-provided solution. Something to try next time you have a software complication. Shannex Connections | Page 12
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Question of the Quarter Do you want to be a part of the next issue of Connections? Get involved by answering our new “Question of the Quarter”, where we pose a question, and you submit an answer that could be featured in the next issue.
The first question: What’s your fondest childhood fall memory and why?
Send your responses of approximately 150 words or less to us at [email protected] or mail to Shannex Connections, 48 Lovett Lake Court, Halifax, NS, B3S 1B8. Some of the funniest, most entertaining and interesting answers will appear in the December issue of Connections.
Celebrating Continuing Care Month emotional wellbeing in addition to helping them meet their physical needs,” explains Chris LaBreche, Vice President, Operations – Enhanced Care. Clients in Shannex nursing homes have wide-ranging needs, and the employees and volunteers in all of our enhanced care sites do wonderful work to make them feel comfortable, safe and happy in their homes. Continuing Care Month allowed each Shannex home to recognize their workers for their continued dedication. Throughout the organization events were held to celebrate continuing care workers, including Mexican Fiesta themed events at Glasgow Hall and Bissett Court, and a corn boil and recognition of years of service at Arborstone. September was Continuing Care Month in Nova Scotia, which provided an opportunity to recognize the important work done by continuing care workers in our community. Continuing care workers fill a vast array of positions. Within long term care they are nurses, CCAs, dietary workers, social workers, support service workers and more. Within the community their work includes such things as in-home personal care, rehabilitation centres and health centres. Volunteers are also responsible for such important community-based programs as Meals on Wheels and Adult Day. “The goal of continuing care is to promote health and wellness for all. This means taking care of a person’s Page 13 | Shannex Connections
“We’re fortunate to have so many employees and volunteers who are passionate about continuing care. The clients who choose to make their homes with us benefit from the years of experience and personal dedication of our team, which is second to none. We’re happy to take this opportunity to thank them for all of their hard work,” says Chris. We would like to commend all of the continuing care workers who are part of the team at Shannex, as well as those in the general community who work so hard for those they serve. Your contributions to the sector, to Shannex and to the individuals you serve are very much appreciated.
Spotlight Meet Jodi Chesser Jodi Chesser is a receptionist with Parkland Riverview, New Brunswick. According to General Manager Carole Morey, Jodi is a real team player who is always up for helping clients and fellow employees with whatever they may need. Recently, Jodi’s softball team won a tournament that makes them eligible for nationals next year in Hamilton, Ontario. We asked her to tell us a little bit more about herself – here’s what she had to say.
What is your favorite thing about working at Shannex? The clients make this job so enjoyable it doesn’t seem like work to me. They make me smile and tell me the most amazing stories about their lives. It always makes me think how lucky we are in this generation.
When did you start playing softball? How long have you been playing competitively? I started playing softball at 16 years old and I stopped playing to raise my family. I now have three children and decided it was time for me to get back into the sport. I love the competition of it. In softball you have to work with others as a team. I play on a ladies team and a co–ed team. I have the best time. It’s just plain fun!
What personal or professional goals are you still hoping to achieve? I have a healthy family, a great job and great co-workers. I suppose my big dream would be for my children to be able to go to school and get an education to do whatever they desire. You couldn’t ask for anything more!
What would your co-workers be surprised to learn about you?
Strawberry Ceilidh Parkland Clayton Park
On Tuesday, July 23rd Parkland Clayton Park hosted the 12th Annual Strawberry Ceilidh, and the rain wasn’t enough to keep the festivities from going off in style. Moving everybody inside made sure that all of the clients and guests were able to enjoy two great bands and, of course, all of the strawberry confections they could eat. Playing the event were local band Emerald Tide and entertainer Brian Martell. They performed for a full house with great folk and light rock tunes that helped keep the energy up and spirits high on a rainy afternoon. Inside the bustling halls of Parkland Clayton Park you would hardly believe that the move indoors had been a last minute adjustment. “We love to host the Strawberry Ceilidh outside on a beautiful summer day, but we live in Nova Scotia – we have to be prepared for weather!” says Amanda Brown, Recreation Coordinator for Parkland Clayton Park. “We’re lucky to have a team that can just roll with it and keep everything running smoothly even when we get rained out.” The Parkland team was certainly busy, running from place to place to keep everyone comfortable. The culinary team was abuzz with activity as they raced back and forth between venues with trays full of strawberry smoothies and delicious pastries. The guests enjoyed the great food and atmosphere as they sat back and socialized with the other folks gathered for this popular annual event. Congrats on another successful Strawberry Ceilidh, Parkland Clayton Park. We look forward to doing it all again next year. Keep an eye on the Shannex website for more great events coming up at Parkland Clayton Park, or visit Parkland for one of their monthly information sessions. Contact Lifestyle Consultant Sharron Martell at (902) 404-4042 for more details.
In my life before Shannex, I went to hairdressing school.
If you could have one wish what would it be? My middle child was diagnosed with autism at the age of 18 months. When he was diagnosed, we had so many appointments with speech language pathologists and brain doctors… you name it, we were there. My son is in grade 8 now and he doesn’t need a teacher’s aide or anything. We had two people come in everyday for his preschool years and they were amazing and taught him so much. I’ve had many ups and downs with this awful disease and I would like see a cure. Shannex Connections | Page 14
Fire Safety Spotlight Parkland in the Valley
Fire safety is a priority for all of us at Shannex, with Fire Safety Plans in place and regular drills and education promoted at each campus to prepare for emergencies. A great example of this is Parkland in the Valley (PIV), in Quispamsis, New Brunswick. Parkland in the Valley has a strong relationship with their local fire department, and this presents various opportunities for education, information sharing and fire safety exercises. One such opportunity presented itself earlier this year when Deputy Fire Chief, Alex Taylor, contacted Kevin Good, Plant, Building and Safety Manager, to determine if they could perform some education and training for the local fire department at PIV. Kevin regularly engages the local fire department by inviting them to perform tours, familiarize themselves with emergency shut off locations and to provide fire safety education, and he felt this would be a great opportunity for them to become even more familiar with the campus. The training involved a variety of exercises to test the firefighters in different challenging scenarios, including ladder truck training. Given that PIV is the tallest building in the area, it became the logical choice for this portion of the department’s training exercises. The fire department visited PIV four different times to complete exercises, with four different crews to ensure all of their employees were trained. Throughout this process, different scenarios related to placement of the fire truck and ladder extensions were completed to ensure the fire fighters could reach all areas of the facility. Since the fire department’s exercises at PIV have concluded, the feedback on the continued focus on fire safety has been very positive from staff, clients and families. Many find it reassuring that the fire fighters who would respond in an actual emergency are so familiar with their home. It’s great that PIV has such a good relationship with their local fire department, further ensuring the safety of everyone on campus through preparedness and a good understanding of the campus layout on the part of fire fighters. We look forward to hearing more about how PIV and the fire department work together in the future to ensure the safety of everyone who calls their campus home.
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U-First! Training
in Shannex Homes The journey to better care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is a constantly evolving one, with new ideas and innovations taking place all the time. One very interesting opportunity has been the U-First! program, developed by The Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario to enhance training and education for those who provide care to this important group. In 2011, Shannex worked with educators to incorporate U-First! into the training catalogue available to enhanced care staff. According to Marian Casey, Director of Clinical Services, U-First! provides a valuable basis for the level of individualized care that Shannex offers to clients. “We decided to bring in U-First! training because it is a comprehensive, collaborative and logical approach to care and service planning. It emphasizes that all behaviour has meaning and is in response to an unmet need. Everyone, including family members and visitors, are encouraged to contribute and be a part of the team,” explains Marian. The U-First! initiative was adopted to provide enhanced care staff with a better understanding of how dementia affects each client and how best to offer individualized service delivery. Since it was brought in, Shannex homes have made a concerted effort to provide training to all staff members who come into contact individuals who have these unique needs, so as to serve them better. “We are very pleased to have the majority of staff completing U-First! training. We continue to work towards incorporating U-First! principles into daily practices to promote clients living their best life and supporting staff to stay safe,” says Marian. To learn how you can contribute and help make a difference in a loved one’s life, ask a staff member for the U-First! pamphlet, or visit www.u-first.ca for more information on tools and principles.
Contractor Safety at Shannex
At various times throughout the year your facility may have contractors on site performing any number of different tasks, including landscaping, equipment maintenance and repair, renovations and more. Contractors help us to maintain the health and safety of the building and grounds and to provide the highest level of service for our clients.
Prior to work being performed, security procedures are established for contractors to ensure that the security of the premises is maintained. Contractors working within the facility follow sign in procedures and have an established contact person who checks in on the contractors at various times throughout the day.
In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Shannex Health and Safety Program, Contractors must work diligently and ensure the safety of all bystanders while performing their job. Before a contractor can begin any work at a Shannex facility they must meet with an authorized Shannex representative and discuss the worksite, the scope of the project and any potential hazards. A pre-job hazard assessment is completed noting any potential safety concerns involved in the work and all applicable insurance and safety documentation must be provided.
Safety procedures are initiated prior to work beginning. As the contractor completes their designated tasks, they inform the Shannex contact of the progression of the work and advise if any concerns are noted. If any systems are disrupted or issues identified in the course of the work, additional safety measures are implemented. Occupants are kept apprised of any situations which may affect them.
As a component of the Shannex Health and Safety Program, Shannex maintains a Worksite Safety and Contractors Handbook, which is reviewed and signed by the contractor as an understanding of our health and safety expectations when working at a Shannex site. This comprehensive handbook includes discussions on working in our various environments, fire safety procedures, general workplace safety requirements, Lock out Tag out requirements etc. The document clearly outlines our expectations for following all applicable Health and Safety Acts, Regulations and Standards.
Upon completion, the work is inspected to ensure all systems are operating normally and the environment is safe. All relevant documentation including inspections and sign off documents are maintained by the Shannex designate for any future reference. At Shannex everyone plays a role in maintaining a safe environment. We appreciate the efforts our contractors make in helping us to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone.
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Summer in Snapshots Age is Just a Number
Army Cadet Band
For her second year in a row, Ryan Hall client Mary Decker enjoyed a ride on the South Shore Exhibition Ferris Wheel with volunteer Connie Smith. Mary turned 101 in April. She said, “You’re never too old to try new things!”
On July 24th the Army Cadet Band visited Parkland Fredericton to perform on campus. Approximately 130 clients, families and friends came out to see them play. A number of clients who are war veterans were very moved by the performance.
Valley Garden
Big Bike Ride This summer the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s annual Big Bike Ride departed from Orchard Court. The event includes teams of 29 riding a massive bike through town to show their support for this important cause.
This summer Parkland in the Valley’s Concorde Hall boasted a beautiful garden, brought about by the combined green thumbs of a few staff members and clients. Pictured below are Leisure Services Coordinator Karen Taylor and client Betty Hughes, showing off some of their finest flowers.
CCA Graduation On Friday, September 13th, Shannex celebrated 10 more graduates of the Continuing Care Assistant program at the Centre for Excellence. Families, friends and members of the Shannex community were in attendance to wish the graduates well and support them as they begin the next stage in their career. The event was hosted in the Garden Pavilion at Parkland Clayton Park, with Cameron Hall generously inviting graduates into their lovely foyer for photos, to avoid being rained out on a blustery September morning. During the ceremony the graduates were addressed by Valedictorian Kimberly Roy, who was voted for by the class. In addition, three students were awarded for outstanding achievements, including Morgan Zilkowsky (Academic Achievement Award), Kimberly Roy (Bedside Nursing Award) and Patrick Adderson (Centre for Excellence Award). The graduates are all now excitedly beginning their careers at Shannex. Congratulations to the class of 2013! Page 17 | Shannex Connections
Back row (L-R): Jessica Newcombe, Kimberly Roy, Jessica Losier, Cindy Brown. Middle row (L-R): Morgan Zilkowsky, Kaitlin Waugh, Alex Harris, Amanda Sullivan, Maggie Hobson. Front row: Patrick Adderson
Jazz and Blues at Parkland in the Valley General Manager for Parkland in the Valley. “We estimate about 300 people attended throughout the afternoon. This included a mix of clients, staff, families and visitors from the local area.” After three years of hosting a concert for the KV Jazz and Blues Fest, John and the team at Parkland in the Valley couldn’t be happier with how the event went off. Guests were entertained by musicians Jennifer Power and Theresa Patterson, who created a fun atmosphere and got the audience up and moving.
Volunteer Tony Brooke dances with client Helen Withrow
On Friday, August 30th, Parkland in the Valley once again hosted a day of great music, food and fun as part of the KV Jazz and Blues Festival. As a sponsor of the popular annual festival, Parkland has been hosting this event for the past several years. “The event was excellent. The overall atmosphere was very festive for the entire afternoon,” says John Campbell,
“The performers were very good. Jennifer Power played here last year and she is very interactive with the crowd. Theresa Patterson was new to us but is well known in the community,” says John. “There was lots of impromptu dancing in the crowd, especially our clients.” The food was a big hit again this year. Seafood chowder, hotdogs, popcorn and this year ice cream sundaes were added to the menu, which were popular with everyone. A 50/50 draw with proceeds supporting the local United Way campaign was also held.
Annual Reviews At Parkstone the presentation took the form of a classic soap opera. “Parkstone Days of Our Lives: A Year in Review” featured videos of the year’s highlights, including several ‘commercial breaks’ and ‘acts’. In the end a very impressed audience of clients, family and staff members were left with a comprehensive overview of what Parkstone had been up to for the past year, and maybe a few chuckles as well.
Food Services Manager Jan Boran presents to guests at Arborstone
Each year Shannex nursing homes conduct an annual review to showcase many of the exciting and innovative things they’ve been working on. The reviews are fun, interesting, and a great way to show off the talent of each team.
Over at Arborstone each department was able to feature their personal successes over the past year, presenting to a large group of clients, staff and guests. As one of Shannex’s largest homes, the operations for Arborstone are complex and rely on many moving parts to make each day a success. During the showcase managers from each department took the time to explain many of the major initiatives they’d implemented over the year. Wonderful work is being done in Shannex’s nursing homes, and the annual reviews are a creative demonstration of everything they accomplish.
Two recent annual reviews were done by Parkstone and Arborstone, both located in Halifax.
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