Health, Happiness and Hilldale Gardens
By Sherry Alto
Hilldale Gardens Retirement Living, located at 309 Hilldale Road in Thunder Bay, presents………, The Newer Wave for retiree’s who definitely see no reason to slow it down! Catching on fast and in a BIG way, in Thunder Bay, is independent living that definitely promotes health and happiness as its core focus for our older yet very active citizens. A
home, a community, a neighbourhood, with amenities’ such as barber shop, hairdresser, activity programs offered by the V.O.N. and entertainment. Not to mention, 7days a week there is in house nursing services and personal support workers for the residence, including 24
hour emergency services at the push of a button. Being all inclusive, one does not have to worry even about food, as it is served in the main dining room with three delicious meals a day.
Once per week there is laundry service, if you choose and you get your items back the same day washed, dried and folded. The husbands will be relieved to know that there is a once per week housekeeping service available, if they are in the “HONEY – DO CLUB” which is also available for everyone else who is a resident.
With Karen Larsen, Marketing Manager, of this finely appointed retirement home, one will be sure to have been well informed of all the wonderful options and amenities available here, at Hilldale Gardens. With three different sizes of units to choose from, all tastefully painted in neutral tones and designed with definite efficiency for comfort in mind, one might want to put Hilldale Gardens at the top of their list when considering choosing a carefree style for independent living. Families love the care and concern that generates here for their loved ones because they can rest easier knowing that they are living life to the fullest and yet supportive staff is always there for them. Karen does stress that this is designed for independent living
and is not a long term care facility, with her hat tipped to those who provide that much needed service. With too much to mention in one article about all Hilldale has to offer, it would be most advantageous for anyone who is considering a new lease on living style for themselves or family members, to contact Karen Larsen at Hilldale Gardens Retirement Living and get with the program!
Hilldale Gardens Retirement Living, believe it or not, originally started out as a basic idea for condominium apartments and town houses and was to be situated on the same property as the Hilldale Lutheran Church complete by Kuch Stephenson Gibson Malo Architects and
Engineers, based on the preliminary design of Kal Kangus. After the construction of the Hilldale Gardens Condominiums, the townhouse concept was abandoned in favour of a new concept for a retirement living home, in 2005.
With Kuch, Stephenson, Gibson, Malo (KSGM) at the helm, for architecture, structure and interiors, the design was refined specifically for ‘independent’ retirement living, offering a homey feel and neighbours the already built condominiums on the same property.
Hilldale Gardens Retirement Living, was constructed and completed by Gateway Contractors, of Thunder Bay, Ontario and opened on schedule in the fall of 2007.
Being recognized as the first resident of Hilldale Gardens Retirement Living, is Mr. Bill (William) Pascoe, of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Mr. Pascoe, in his 88th year was gracious enough to interview for this article, and reports that he is quite happy here and does, in fact, live quite independently. He was and is, relieved to know that such a place exists because with such a large and loving family that Bill has, it is peace of mind for all knowing that he resides in such an exquisite, active, supportive and upbeat environment. And just to minimize the gap between the generations, Nintendo Wii is definitely a much demanded activity here for the residence, so if you youngers’ think that the elders’ aren’t up with the times, they will surprise you with the adrenaline rush for the challenge!
Mr. Pascoe, who lives by himself, took a tour of the building last year with his daughter and daughter-in-law, is happy to call this place “home”. Mr. Pascoe, who was born in our own St. Joseph’s Hospital, 87 years ago, and who has many nieces and nephews spread out all over the country, considers this pretty good living. Mr. Pascoe, who lived in a tent (early 1900’s), to take surveyors around in the Atikokan area for Steep Rock Iron Mines, who cooked in the mining camps, and who hauled wood with his horse Brandy, definitely feels that these past
living styles pale by LARGE comparison. Mr. Pascoe who also served in WWII, was honourably discharged from the 70th Regiment of the 8th Lite Anti-Aircraft Battery after being severely injured.
Mr. Pascoe, who is a numismatist (one who studies and professionally collects coins and paper money), is one of the co-founders of The Lake Superior Coin Club and is asked to speak on this subject at such places as the Confederation College. Mr. Pascoe enjoys the feeling of the “neighbourhood” in this retirement setting. ‘Everything under one roof’ is how he put it and ‘you don’t have to go far for anything even though I still drive’! Cozy social rooms with fireplaces and comfortable chairs, rooms for entertainment and shuffleboard, good food, private dwellings in a secure building, great neighbours and very fine facilities and staff, who could ask for more!
Just as equally happy to be residing in this fine retirement facility is the first resident couple, Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Mable Kydd, who just celebrated 65 years of marriage on October 19, 2008. Mr. and Mrs. Kydd also entertain a very busy and healthy life style and with the variety of in house services available, it leaves extra time to do the other things they enjoy.
Impressed with the services, amenities, fellowship, just generally everything about the place, Hilldale Gardens Retirement Living comes highly recommended by its own residence and their families.So stop by to ‘cut up the rug’, ‘get the scoop’ or just come in and see for yourself what Hilldale Gardens has to offer when it comes to home, health and happiness. With more than half of the units occupied, and time being of the essence, one should call and book a PERSONAL tour for the opportunity to view, on site, one of these impressive units that
might just suit your comfort, not to mention your NEW living style. Unbelievable! Happy 1st Anniversary!!
