By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – As the residential retirement landscape continues to evolve in Cornwall, a major player turns 15 years old.
Chartwell McConnell Retirement Residence (also known as McConnell Manor) celebrated its anniversary with a party for its 185 residents and committed staff, on Friday (May 15).
“We’re demonstrating our thanks to everyone by having a barbeque and live music,” said Angela Lafleche, marketing manager for the 209-unit retirement home located at 801 Fourth Street East.
Joanne Bird has been a part of the team since day one. The registered practical nurse described her fellow staff as family.
“We all have so much fun together when we’re here,” said Bird.
Fellow day-oners: Pierre Asselin, food service manager, Dorothy Tyo, dining room server, and Brenda Brunet, receptionist, agreed the friendly staff is what sets the manor apart from others.
The other reason they stay is the residents.
“It’s like having many, many grandparents,” said Brunet.
Asselin added in jest: “What keeps me here? The lovely ladies.”
Annette Guindon, 96, has lived at McConnell Manor since it opened and considers it “home.”
Brunet boasted the manor’s steady growth since a large addition was built in 2007, which doubled its size.
“It was a big change for us,” Asselin. “We expanded the dining room, so I got to hire double the staff. It’s exciting to be part of a company that’s growing.”
