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Wednesday, 25 March 2020 13:09

Pine Meadow Classic cancelled for 2020

The ever-expanding spread of the COVID – 20 pandemic has claimed another victim.

For 17 years the Pine Meadow Classic has been an early summer tradition at Hunter’s Creek Golf and Country Club in Cloyne, raising $15,000 - $20,000 regularly for the Pine Meadow Nursing Special Projects Fund.

Tournament organisers decided this week to cancel for 2020 and hold the next tournament on June 26, 2021.

While events in April and early May are all being canceled, it might seem early to cancel an event in late June, which is held outdoors on a golf course.

“It is sponsorship by local businesses that makes our tournament so successful,” said Lori Hitchcock, one of the tournament committee members, and with everything they are going through right now and will continue to face for the rest of the year, we did not want to start going to them asking for money, which we would have to start doing. A couple of our members are local business people, and they know that the businesses are hurting. So, we decided to cancel early for this year, and set a date for next year.”

On the brighter side, Hunter’s Creek is hoping to open in May, if the social distancing regimen is relaxed. Cynthia, the course manager, is making some changes to minimise contact with the pins and holes.

 

 

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS

On 18 June, the 41 members of the Lions Club of Land O’Lakes donated $10,000.00 to Pine Meadow Nursing Home and $500.00 to the local Scouts/Guide Club during their last General Meeting and dinner of their fiscal year (July/June). PMNH has received $145,000.00 from the Lions since 1993. Shown above is Margaret Palimaka, PMNH Administrator receiving the cheque from Outgoing Lion President Kerry Skipper.

Including the above, the Club donated $24,125.00 this fiscal year to: Mazinaw Swim Club $1,000.00; Alzheimer Society $500.00; North Addington Education Centre (NAEC) Bursary $1,000.00; NAEC ManUp Club $1,000.00; NAEC Soccer $500.00; LOLCS Xmas Hamper $500.00; Red Cross Ottawa Tornado $2,000.00; Napanee Hospital $500.00; Kingston University Hospital; $500.00; Canadian Institute for the Blind $500.00; Canadian Legion $75.00; PMNH in Memoriam $50.00; Lions Dog Guide $1,000.00, Lions Club International Foundation Canada LC|F(C) $1,500.00; and $3,000.00 in kind to LARC (mLennox and Addington Resource for Children).

In the words of incoming President Phil Barchard, this Lions Club has become the envy of many and is the best organization to belong to North of Seven. Two new members, Kathy and Gary Shortt were inducted during the evening and other applicants are awaiting the Board’s

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS
Wednesday, 26 June 2019 10:51

Pine Meadow Classic raises $20,000

The 17th annual Pine Meadow Charity Golf Tournament took place on June 22nd at Hunter's Creek Golf Course on Hwy. 506 near Cloyne. As in previous years, this year's tournament was generously sponsored by numerous businesses and community members, raising over $20,000. These funds are used for a variety of items at Pine Meadow which cannot be included in their regular budget and which enhance the lives of the residents at the nursing home.

Funds raised this year will be used to subsidize the monthly excursions planned for the residents and to purchase additional adjustable dining room tables, four new wing chairs for the activity room, heel lifts, wheelchair positioning rolls and outdoor storage sheds.

65 golfers participated in the tournament on a sunny, breezy day at Hunter's Creek Golf Course. The first raffle prize was a beautiful quilt pieced and hand quilted by Treadles Quilters and valued at $1500. The quilt was won by Michelle Burgess. The second prize was a concrete firepit donated by Tuscany Concrete and valued at $1000, which was won by E. Hughes. The two winning tickets were drawn by Gladys Berry and Lillian Greene, residents at Pine Meadow Nursing Home.

There was also a 50/50 draw with a prize of $155, won by Austin South. The blue tooth speaker, donated by Dominic Vetere of Dom's Auto Parts was won by Rick Guthrie.

The members of the first-place team at the tournament (pictured) were Karen Stacey, Marilyn Lambert, Dawn Brown, Don Fobert and Greg Wise. This team donated $150 of their winnings back to the charity. Second place was won by the team of Brad Low, Eric Cockborn, Zach Giddings and Barry Bolahood.

The men's closest to the pin was won by Chris Stapley and the women's closest to the pin was won by Sandy Miller. The men's longest drive was won by Justin Day and the women's longest drive was also won by Sandy Miller, who donated all her prize money back to the Special Needs fund.

The raffle sales brought in close to $4000 and tournament organisers are especially grateful to the many ticket sellers, who gave of their time and enthusiasm. Special thanks to Cynthia Kennedy and Patrick Bassett, the new owners of Hunter's Creek, and their excellent staff for all their hard work in support of the Pine Meadow Golf Classic.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS

It was a beautiful day Saturday in Northbrook for the 1st annual Alzheimer walk at Pine Meadows Nursing Home. And program manager Mallory Wionzek was only too happy to take credit for it.

“I ordered this nice weather,” she said.

This was the third of three such walks the KFL&A Alzheimer Society has put on this year (the others were in Kingston and Napanee) which have raised more than $42,000.

The numbers for the Pine Meadow Walk may have been smaller than the other two but there was no lack of enthusiasm as evidenced by the warm-up routine led by Alzheimer program coordinator (as well as ‘coach and head balloon maker’) Mari Vepsalainen.

One unique aspect of this walk is the relationship between the Alzheimer Society and the Land O’Lakes Lions. Pam Lemke works for the Society in Northbrook and Sharbot Lake, with much of her work being done out of a basement office at the Northbrook Lions Hall.

“Pam is a (Lions) member (and) her office is in our hall,” said Lions President Kerry Skipper. “We have a bit of an informed relationship with with Alzheimers.

“They help us out financially with the upkeep on the hall and we try to reciprocate by pitching in wherever we can.”

As well as there being a strong Lions presence at the event, the club also chipped in with a cheque for $500.

“We’ve heard about all these wonderful people of Northbrook,” said fundraising coordinator Lesley Kimble. “Pam knows all these people.

“And all of the money raised in the community stays in the community.”

Pine Meadow Nursing Home served as host for the walk and IG Wealth Management as the corporate sponsor.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS

Not so long ago KFL&A Alzheimer Society only operated out of Kingston.  Wisely we were recognized as remotely located and in need of access to service within our own area. 

Magic sometimes happens.  The Land of Lakes Lions Club quickly gathered and converted an abandoned basement room in their hall into a modern functioning office for us. All accomplished voluntarily.  We can't thank you enough. Little more than a year later, we have some achievements to brag about. 

During volunteer week in April, a volunteer appreciation event was attended by folks who care. There were 42 of the 66 volunteers in attendance, Lions Club, the Forget Me Nots, the Golden Girls, the Old Pharts Club, Knitters/Crocheters, Roger Hermer representing his band of musicians and some individual people who help out.

The Cloggers entertained us with lively music and dance and a lovely lunch was set out. The program included brain exercises, a short video of the year's Alzheimers related volunteering and an emotional discussion with current caregivers of loved ones.

One feels so helpless in a situation where the caregiver desperately needs support yet it is not a realistic option.

In most cases the patient rejects unfamiliar persons and becomes agitated by the mere suggestion of a visit. The caregiver needs a break but daren't step away lest needed. The patient tends to be frightened and confused knowing that changes are happening, that control is slipping away. This is as much of a challenge to the Alzheimer Society as the disease itself.

Some progress in diagnosis has been made over the years but a cure is illusive. Treatment, medication and stimulation help minimally and only in the early stages. The volunteer groups are wonderful at providing stimulation.

Giving freely of their time to visit Pine Meadow Nursing Home and the Sharbot Lake Seniors Residence with music, dance, singing, crafts and conversation. It's uplifting to watch foot tapping, hand clapping and even singing along from patients. When guided through crafts, proud smiles of accomplishment are all the thanks needed.

At Christmas, twiddle muffs made by volunteers were distributed to elderly folks in the area. These provide idle fingers with fidget soothing shapes and textures as well as warmth. The afternoon wrapped up with a ball of yarn, a very large circle of volunteers, symbolizing a web of support, demonstrating how we are all connected and needed to keep our Community healthy. We said our good-byes to the song “ I think you’re wonderful.”

Our branch of the Alzheimer Society is capably operated by Pam Lemke, who organized and directed the volunteer groups and who hosted and planned the Volunteer Appreciation Event.

You can contact Pam and join her amazing volunteer family or for support on your journey. 1-800-266-7516 ext 701 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 08 May 2019 16:13

The Empathy Effect

In health care, as in all human interactions, people hold ideas and feelings about others that may involve judgement, demonstrate stigmas and reflect bias, which is harmful for all people. And more so for those who are most vulnerable in our society.

If you’re interested in countering bias to improve health care outcomes, then consider taking the Empathy Effect workshop. This workshop is appropriate for a wide variety of health care audiences, including medical, dental, mental health and government agencies.

It’s a 4.5 FREE training, in a fast paced, highly interactive workshop that combines opportunities for self-reflection and practical skill building, in a small group setting.

It includes refreshments, a text book, and an accreditation certificate.

It will be help at the Pine Meadow Nursing Home, 124 Lloyd Street, Northbrook, Ont.  This workshop is being provided in partnership with the Alzheimers Society, the Kingston Community Health Centre and Pine Meadow Nursing home.

May 28, 2019 starting at 11:30-4:00

For more information about this workshop, please call Pam Lemke 1-800-266-7516 ext 701.

Space is limited, so register early with Melissa 613-336-9120 ext 239.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS

Tickets for the annual Pine Meadow Special Needs Fund raffle are now on sale at various locations. The proceeds from the raffle sales go towards monthly excursions for the residents at Pine Meadow Nursing Home in Northbrook. This year, the prizes are a beautiful quilt, funded and constructed by the Treadles Quilting Group and a concrete fire pit designed by Tuscany Concrete. Tickets are $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00 and will be sold until the date of this year's Pine Meadow Charity golf tournament on June 22nd. The draw will be held at Pine Meadow that afternoon and will be announced at the tournament at Hunter's Creek. There will only be 2,500 tickets printed so they may not be available for that long. They are available at Bishop Lake, Nowell Motors and at Pine Meadow and will be sold by volunteers at local grocery stores over the next month.

 

The Special Needs Committee also organizes the annual Pine Meadow Charity Golf Classic at Hunter's Creek golf course. It is the biggest fundraiser that they undertake. Last year, this event raised over $20,000. Tickets for the golf tournament, which include a BBQ lunch and green fees, are a reasonable $55 per person, and are available through Eleanor Nowell at Nowell Motors in Cloyne. Call 613 336 2547 for information.

 

The funds raised through the raffle and the tournament owe a great deal of their success to the support of the small business community and to families in the surrounding region. The tournament has 80 to 100 sponsors annually and new sponsors are included each year. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please call Laury Hitchcock at 613 336 2394 or Esther Demczak at 613 336 2751.

 

Over its 16-year history, the tournament has raised thousands of dollars which is all directed towards extras that are not covered in Pine Meadow's funding. The home is a community owned, not for profit enterprise, under the umbrella of Land O' Lakes Community Services. This year, the funds will be used for additional adjustable dining tables, wing chairs for the activity room, heel supports, wheelchair positioning rolls and outdoor storage sheds, as well as all of the monthly outings.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS
Wednesday, 28 February 2018 12:34

Pine Meadow 2018 Winter Olympics

The residents and staff of Pine Meadow Nursing Home had their very own Winter Olympics Competition. The teams consisted of staff and residents divided into teams of White Pines, Scotch Pines, Red Pines and Jack Pines! Over the two weeks, while cheering on Canada, they too were competing in similar games of curling, hockey as well as various other singing competitions and word scrambles.

Complete with Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the residents had fun waving their flags, representing their teams and of course accepting their medals. Each ceremony began with the singing of our National Anthem which brought those who could to their feet and the room beamed with patriotism. Extra special awards were given to those who showed most team spirit, most competitive and best out of the hack and so on.

It was a fun change of pace and great to see the team work between staff and residents!

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS
Wednesday, 01 November 2017 16:40

Pine Meadow residents take a trip to the Farm!

On the beautiful fall day of October 23rd, a bus load of residents travelled to Cloyne to visit the Land O’Lakes Petting Farm. Feeding and petting these friendly animals brought back lots of fond memories for these folks. They shared lots of laughs and stories of days gone by and seemed right in their element, getting up close and personal with these animals.

The owners of the Farm were gracious hosts, taking the time to introduce us to each of the animals and sharing stories of their rescues. Before leaving, we enjoyed a picnic lunch, making the most of this warm and sunny day!

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS

The 15th annual Pine Meadow Charity Golf Tournament took place on June 24th at Hunter's Creek Golf Course on Hwy. 506 near Cloyne.  As in previous years, this year's tournament was generously sponsored by numerous businesses and community members, raising over $17 000.  These funds are used for a variety of items at Pine Meadow which cannot be included in their regular budget and which enhance the lives of the residents at the nursing home.

Funds raised this year will be used to subsidize the monthly excursions planned for the residents and to purchase active therapy mattresses, slings for lifts, blood pressure monitors and a new half wall shelf unit in the entrance area.

This year, 69 golfers participated in the tournament on a beautiful sunny day at Hunter's Creek Golf Course.  Raffle prizes included a beautiful quilt made by Treadle Quilters and valued at $1300 which was won by Helen Yearwood and a BBQ donated by Lookout Home Hardware and valued at $1000, which was won by Allison Legeault.  There was also a 50/50 draw with a prize of $167.50, won by John South. The microwave, donated by Smitty's Appliances, was the prize for the golf ball toss contest and was won by Cole Maschke.

The members of the first place team at the tournament (pictured) were Paul Andrews, Hailey Andrews, Marty Lessard and Matt Lessard.  The second place team included Randy Andrews, Mike Sagriff, Derek Maschke and Cole Maschke who donated their winnings back to the Pine Meadow Special Needs Fund.

The men's closest to the pin was won by Nelson Gould and the women's closest to the pin was won by Karen Stacey, who donated back to the fund.  The men's longest drive was won by John South and the women's longest drive was won by Karen Tryon.  

The raffle sales brought in close to $6000.00 and we are especially grateful to the many ticket sellers, who gave of their time and enthusiasm.  Special thanks to Mike Donahue and the staff at Hunter's Creek for all their hard work in support of the Pine Meadow Golf Classic.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS
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With the participation of the Government of Canada