News

Peace River celebrates a fantastic decade

November 7th, 2023

Balloons, streamers, flowers and a whole lot of smiling people were on hand to celebrate Points West Living Peace River’s 10th anniversary on October 23, 2023.

“It was an event to remember!” exclaimed Cathy Mika, Recreation Coordinator. “Residents said that it was a great event and loved all the involvement from the employee care partners and community.”

To celebrate this achievement, residents and employee care partners gathered with family members, members of the community and more.

“We have always strived to follow Eden Principle #2, which states, ‘A caring, inclusive and vibrant community enables all of us, regardless of age or ability, to experience well-being,’” said Mika. At the anniversary, attendees “took the opportunity to celebrate the many ways residents experience well-being.”

One fun aspect was a dance performed by employee care partners. “Employee care partners love the residents they serve and enjoy finding creative ways to make residents smile,” Mika said. Residents thought it was great, with Alex S. stating, “I loved the dance you guys did.”

Also, Mika said, “We cannot forget the singing performance from Ava, daughter of one of our residents, Jennifer Haggett.”

Residents who have lived in the community for eight or more years were recognized, which “reminded our residents that they are an important part of our community and that each and every one of them is valued and loved,” Mika said. The residents are:

• Teresa MacNeil (one of the community’s first residents in 2013)
• Annette Andrews
• Lucas Batty
• Marjorie Fessler
• Dennis Hackworth
• Jenifer Haggett
• Dale Smith.

Long-term employees were also recognized. “Everyone plays an important part in our community and it would not be the same without them,” Mika said. The employees are:

10 years of service:

• Sheila Cunningham
• Michelle Fernandes
• Meldoy Managtag
• Cathy Mika
• Cleofe Villaflor
• Emma Villaluna

5 to 9 years of service:

• Benilda Abreza
• Ludy Borile
• Raquel Gallano
• Erwin Matitu
• Honeylyn Matitu
• Marissa Rendon
• Jocylyn Sharma.

Guest speakers also took the stage, including:

• Linda Revell, Chief Executive Officer, Connecting Care
• Marlene Morin, Chief Operating Officer, Connecting Care
• Dan Willams, Member of the Legislative Assembly
• Layne Gardner, President, Peace River & District Chamber of Commerce
• Father Nel, Our Lady of Peace.

Finally, the community thanked its many business partners, such as Tim Hortons, Dairy Queen, Fast Gas, Matt’s Pizza, Kita North, Mugs & Dough, Quality Hotel & Conference Center Sawridge and Mika Mechanical.

In 2013, when PWL Peace River opened, a news release from Alberta Health Services included these words: “‘We are very excited about this new building and to be a part of the Peace River community,’ says Rob Haberman, part owner of Points West Living. ‘We are always working towards maximizing the quality of life, choices and options for Albertans.’”

For a decade now, PWL Peace River has been living up to that standard!

See more photos here.