Allen Memorial Garden dedicated at Trillium Court 25th anniversary celebration

Albert and Dorothy Allen called Trillium Court Seniors' Community, Kincardine, their home for more than 16 years.

And Thursday afternoon, as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the facility, the Allen Memorial Garden was dedicated in their memory.

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie welcomed everyone to the dedication and noted that the Allens did many things together to keep active in the community. Lawn bowling and the Saturday night pipe band parades were favourites. They were also very proud of their children, Rick Allen, Kathy McGarry, and Dave Allen; and their grandsons.

Eadie said Albert, a former OPP officer in Hearst and then Pickering Township, cared about all the residents of Trillium Court. "He loved to spend time chatting and having coffee, and was always on the look-out for odd jobs he could do to help. He loved children, especially his grandsons."

Dorothy nursed for 40 years, loved the Toronto Blue Jays, and had a great collection of Swarovski crystal and earrings. She had earrings to match any outfit! "Her favourite flowers were Bleeding Hearts," said Eadie, "and some are planted in this garden in her honour.

"This garden has been revitalized for all residents. It is such a pleasant view while enjoying the beautiful summer afternoon on the patio. I understand that a lot of the current residents contributed ideas of what to plant in certain locations. Some even volunteered to weed. One part of the garden is being naturalized to attract butterflies and bees.

"Now, we dedicate this garden in memory of Albert and Dorothy Allen. We also dedicate this garden to the memory of all the residents who have called Trillium Court home. May this Allen Memorial Garden be a special place for all to enjoy now and long into the future!"

Eadie also congratulated Trillium Court and its parent company, Revera Retirement Living, on this 25th anniversary celebration.

"Many of us who are present today have special memories of visiting loved ones here over the years," she said. "For me, personally, I remember coming to visit my uncle, Roy Geddes, a Kincardine resident for many years. My aunt and uncle, Norma and Cecil Humphrey, also lived here for awhile. They were especially grateful that they both were able to move in together when my aunt's health needs required extra attention.

"On behalf of the Municipality of Kincardine and its council, I congratulate Revera and the staff of Trillium Court for providing excellent care for many of our seniors over the past 25 years. A facility like Trillium Court provides a vital service not only to our municipality but to the surrounding municipalities as well."

Trillium Court opened on July 16, 1990, said executive director Terri Schuler. She welcomed everyone to the 25th anniversary celebration, and with John Beaney, vice-president of operations for Revera, presented 25-year service awards to employees Debra Kraft, Brenda Jolley and Rick L'estrange; Diane Bath and Georgette Durrant were absent.

The remaining dignitaries included Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.

Lobb said it's important to know that as we age, we can grow old well and with dignity, thanks to facilities such as Trillium Court. "You have great residents and great staff here," he said. "Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the people of Trillium Court."

Thompson added her congratulations as well.

Beaney offered his thanks to Schuler and her staff for organizing a great 25th anniversary celebration. "I thank the wonderful residents here for being such great examples of Scottish heritage, and the dedicated staff for making Trillium Court such a special place."

The future of Trillium Court can be summed up in a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote, said Beaney: 'Don't go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

Everyone was invited to enjoy a sampling of delicious appetizers and wines; the entertainment provided by Tom Lambert, Steve Hasbury and Karen Weber; participate in the gift basket draw; and take tours of the residence.

In addition, the Pop-Up Gallery is now open, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Apartment 184. Ten per cent of all proceeds will go to the Alzheimer Society.