by Carolyn L. Brown from our Riverside Court location in Woodstock, NB.

Ok, it is clearly heading for fall in all its majesty and that has nothing to do with the weather and cooler days,  the leaves turning, jackets being worn…. nothing to do with any of that. I could be sitting here and know the time of year from the volume of telephone calls and e-mails about Winter Stays and respite rooms and folks thinking, “ ok, not doing this for another winter, we’re moving and letting someone else do the work.” I’ve shovelled enough snow and paid too many heating bills!!

We are experiencing some new excitement these last several weeks as we renovate the “big yellow house” to accommodate our Memory Care Unit.  This will be in addition to our Level 2 Special Care Wing. I understand the work is going well and our residents are respecting the construction and changes we are all operating around. We do recognize things are not quite the “norm” but appreciate everyone’s understanding through it all. For some, it has been an interesting time watching it all unfold and has provided some free entertainment. We are all excited as we especially await the newly constructed dining room on our third floor. What’s behind that wall? There’s nothing quite like suspense, is there?

I especially want to take a minute this month to give a shout-out to our Maintenance Manager, James Grant, who has, in addition to managing his staff and maintaining our home, especially one with this many people, also looked after the grounds this summer all on his own. So, here we go, thank you, James Grant, and also your diligent and hard-working staff. From cleaning to laundry to fixing what is broken, and, trust me, this would be a very modified version of what gets done, your fellow staff and residents remain grateful.

The signs of fall are around us and we know we’ll soon be snapping photos looking across the river from our back area capturing the splendour of all the colored leaves. As much as we know what comes after, we will enjoy every day that affords us such beauty through this fall season and look forward to coming together in the lounge to enjoy TV, play games and enjoy each other’s company as the snow flies outside. Happy Fall everyone!!