T E A M A P P R E C I A T I O N W E E K
GROWING TOGETHER
First off, I want to thank everyone for another successful Team Appreciation Week
Thank you to all the DOC’s and team members who spent time organizing games, dropping off treats and planning events for our teams
As many of you may know, I spent the majority of my career before Andrews working in hospitality. Anyone who has worked in hotels knows it’s an industry where you work long hours, in close quarters with people from different departments all working toward the same goal - ensuring your guests have a positive experience
Those years were foundational for my understanding of how teams work together and why I believe so strongly in events like Team Appreciation Week
It’s important to see each other as team members, of course. But it’s even more important to see each other as people and to be able to have a laugh, enjoy a cup of coffee or share a part of your culture I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and I look forward to next year!
NEW ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A shout-out to all our IPAC Champions!
IPAC Champions are part of a new initiative aimed at enhancing infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices throughout the home
Team members at all our homes have voluntarily taken on the role They will be featured in this newsletter over the next couple of months introducing them to the wider team
This is an important role and we appreciate the team members who stepped up to take on the added responsibilities.
SUMMER SEASON
Finally, as we move into July, I encourage everyone to take time to rest and reset. It’s been a busy year and an especially busy spring. I hope you ’ re able to find some time to enjoy the beach and time with friends and family
Wishing you all a happy Canada Day and a great start to summer
Sincerely,
S T R A T F 0 R D C E L E B R A T E S
Andrews of Stratford recently celebrated 21 years in operation! Andrews of Stratford first opened in 2005 and has been an integral part of the Stratford community ever since This year, residents and team members celebrated with a special lobster lunch and live music This year is a particulary special occassion as it also falls during Andrews 40 anniversary th
Andrews of Summerside hosted their first Family BBQ since 2019 on June 26 It was a lovely afternoon of food and fun, despite the rain!
F O R M E R E D I T O R S P E A K S
Former Guardian newspaper editor Gary MacDougall spoke to residents at Andrews of Stratford in June about his most recently released book “A Newsie from the Valley: The Memoir of a P E I Paperboy” Gary shared stories of growing up in Tyne Valley, his years in the newspaper business and answered questions from residents He also autographed a few copies of his book!
Residents at all our homes celebrated Father’s Day with special meals, ice cream socials and parties. Happy belated Father’s Day to all our residents dads!
Murder They Wrote? Well, at least some of them
While no Jessica Fletcher, the Grade 6 Class at Stratford Elementary recently shared their mystery stories with the residents at Andrews of Stratford as part of a months-long joint project designed to help students publish their own books
On Friday, June 19, Andrews’ residents got to be some of the first to see the books as part of an ongoing inter-generational partnership with Stratford Elementary that sees the students visit a few times a year
“We’ve been coming over and doing a project for some time between different classes,” said Lydia MacDougall, Grade 6 teacher at Stratford Elementary “We come over and we would play games The residents would teach our students how to play Crib or different card games We also, a number of years ago, had technology buddies where some Stratford students came over and taught some residents how to use the iPad and do different things So, Sharon has really continued that connection and really made that strong and facilitated today, which was awesome ”
The project started in January as part of the Grade 6 English block. Students learned about writing a mystery story, illustrating the story and designing the book. The visit to Andrews of Stratford for the grand-unveiling was scheduled in advance to align with the end of the school year.
Lydia added that the partnership is a mutually beneficial arrangement that both the students and residents look forward to.
“For some of our students there are many who don’t have grandparents that are currently living,” she said.“For them to be able to engage with somebody of a really different age than themselves, I thin there’s a lot of important learning there.”
Beth Robinson, daughter of resident Ewan Stewart, agreed.
“It’s fabulous,” she said of the event “It’s really nice for him to be able to connect with the children”
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Beth Robinson and her father Ewan Stewart look over a book during the special Mystery Book exhange at Andrews of Stratford on June 19.
M Y S T E R Y B O O K R E V E A L
A N D R E W S O F S T R A T F O R D
Activity Director Sharon Woods-Bryenton said the goal of projects like this one is to create opportunities for the residents to engage with their community
“It’s important for seniors to feel connected to their community,” said Sharon “Projects like this one, or our poppy project or even our Christmas visits from the local elementary school, are all ways to keep that connection alive Our residents spent their lives building and investing in their communities and this is one way for us to show them that they’re still part of what makes P.E.I. such a special place to live.”
For the students, the day was a fun way to showcase their books to an audience beyond their classmates.
“I feel really lucky to do this,” said Amber Sung, Grade 6 student “It’s not something every school does and it’s a lot of fun”
Lucas Miller was also grateful for the chance to show off his book
“It was a good opportunity,” he said “You get to see all the people You get to show them your book You get to show them your experiences, your project You get to show them your rough drafts, your pictures, your illustrations.”
A N I M A L V I S I T S & N A T U R E T R I P S
Residents enjoyed a visit from the folks from Travel to You Zoo recently. They had a great time snuggling with rabbits, ducks, meeting snakes and petting goats It was great fun
We also took a trip to the Mill Creek Nature Park in Riverview recently It’s always a great time when we can spend a few hours outdoors in nature!
G O N E F I S H I N ’
Residents at all our homes enjoyed our special fishing game.
Activity director Amanda made fish out of pool noodles and pipe cleaners Residents then had to “fish” using a special rod Everyone had a blast trying to see who could get the most fish into the bucket
The game seems simple, but it’s great for problem solving, motor function and being social!
Jack Turner
Andrews of Charlottetown
Jack was born in Charlottetown in 1933.
His father worked as a custodian at Prince Street Elementary.
Jack was an avid athlete and competed in a number of sports throughout his life
After graduating high school, Jack worked as a spot welder in Ontario for a number of years After returning to P.E.I. he primarily worked as a salesperson and in physical education.
He was married to Betty Worth for 60 years The couple had two children, both boys
His favourite meal is a classic Christmas dinner of turkey or chicken with mashed potatoes, carrots, cranberry sauce and dressing.
His favourite genre of movie is what he describes as “feel-good” A film he enjoyed recently is “Dear John”
While not a big reader, he does enjoy sports books
Jack considers his greatest accomplishment his family.
“I think my marriage and my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It’s really something.”
John Semone
ProTem Memory Care
John was born in Chamcook, N.B. in 1948.
He was married to Joanne Semone for 53 years The couple had four children
John owned and operated Prestige Dry Cleaners in Riverview for 39 years
His favourite meal is “whatever you cook.”
While he’s not a big movie guy he does enjoy watching sports, especially golf. In addition to watching sports he also played golf, hockey and bowled “I like competition,” he said
He was an avid hunter in his younger years and loves the outdoors.
He considers his life’s greatest accomplishment that he’s “still alive.” He added “I get more fun out of helping people than anything I don’t care what I do If someone needs help I help them ”
I P A C C H A M P I O N S
IPAC Champions are part of a new initiative aimed at enhancing infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices throughout the home. Champions receive additional IPAC education and training and lead by example in their respective homes. They participate in IPAC meetings, education sessions, and training as required, and serve as resources, role models, and advocates for infection prevention best practices
IPAC Champions can provide information, support, and informal coaching to team members on IPAC practices, including hand hygiene, appropriate PPE use, routine practices, and other infection prevention measures They help promote awareness and reinforce best practices within the home.
Lilia Calipusan
ProTem Memory Care
Becky Lupish
Andrews of Charlottetown
Lilia accepted the role of IPAC Champion because of her desire to help spread awareness about the importance of infection prevention
Her experience working as a nurse in the Philippines, as well as having a father currently living with thyroid cancer, gave her a unique insight into the world of communicable disease and the value of masking and handwashing.
Lilia is eager to take that experience, along with her work experience at Andrews, and apply it to the role of IPAC Champion for ProTem Memory Care
Prior to moving to Canada, Lilia was a nurse in the Philippines for five years. Since immigrating, she worked as a PSW for 11 years and then has worked as an LPN for the past four years
Becky accepted the role of IPAC Champion having seen first-hand how valuable infection prevention and control practices are in limiting or avoiding outbreaks.
Becky worked as a nurse during both the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the SARS outbreak in Ontario in 2003
“The infection things that you learn as you go, it’s invaluable,” she said.
Becky has been an LPN for 26 years She spent the first five years of her career in Ontario before moving to P E I where she started working at Andrews of Stratford. She remained at Andrews of Stratford for 20 years, transferring to Andrews of Charlottetown in 2025
Are You Feeling Stressed or Overwhelmed?
Take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program through Lifeworks. This program is available 24/7 online or over the phone and services to help you with work, family, health, money, and life The following is information on how you can access the program:
Toll-free support line: 1-877-207-8833
TTY: 1-877-371-9978
Through their website login lifeworks com
Username: murphy
Password: eap
Community Cash 50/50
DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE BENEFITS
Paid vacation time starting at 4% per year (Approximately 2 weeks)
Health and dental coverage, of which we cover 50% of the costs
A pension plan where we match your contributions of up to 4% of your salary annually
A fitness subsidy of up to $250 annually
Discounts with local companies, including pharmacies, home heating oil providers and restaurants