No. 52 First published August 2000 September –October 2009 Tollendale Tales

Publication of the tenants of Tollendale Village

A Christian Retirement Community

274 Hurst Drive, Barrie ON. L4N 0Z3 Tel. 705-722-0469 Email: info@tollendalevillage.ca

Tollendale Tales’ future uncertain

DEAR EDITOR By Rev. Don French

ear Editor” Thus begin letters we compose and send to a newspaper or magazine in the hope that they are approved and

possibly included in the next issue. Perhaps the role of editor is readily accepted but not fully appreciated or understood. Julie Christiaanse’s role as editor of Tollendale Tales is a unique example of how comprehensive this role can be. Tollendale

Tales has met with ready acceptance in our community and beyond. What follows is perhaps an inadequate description, but let’s look at some areas of her responsibility from the publication’s inception to its delivery to your home. I believe it will become evident that her capacity as editor was augmented by a total involvement in a “labour of love.” First there are the essential decisions that must be made as to needs assessment, format, readership interest and

procedure for circulation. Then comes the gathering of content, and here the editor assumes responsibility for reporting, writing, interviews, photographs, overall design and format. Having contributors submit articles on time (ouch!) can also present a challenge. Our editor appeared at many Tollendale functions and was very patient in “lining up” seniors for group pictures (not unlike the problem of “herding cats”). Julie did all this well and with patience. But the sad part of this article is that she is leaving us, and that she will be greatly missed is a major understatement. When we look for someone to blame for this a guy named Cupid comes to mind. You know, the fellow related to hearts and arrows and flowers and Love. However, our sense of loss is partially overcome by our happiness for Julie and Dan as they become husband and wife and set up their new home together. Julie through all her efforts has given Tollendale Village

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Mill Creek Care Centre “Brick work has commenced and is progressing well. As you can see, the colour matches that of the existing buildings. The roof decking work has started and that will be ongoing for the next several weeks.” (From Sid Tjeerdsma’s report, page 2)

With the editor’s departure this publication may not continue in its present form.

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substantial expression as a Christian community. She has helped us to get to know and understand each other and cultivate the best in our relationships with one another. This will be my last article under Julie’s editorship. It has been a pleasure to work with her. May God’s rich blessings be upon her and on Dan. We hope Julie will “check up” on us from time to time. We wish her Shalom. ■

Executive Director’s report, September, 2009

It is hard to realize that we are already into September. Children

have returned to school, daylight hours are decreasing and cooler temperatures will soon be upon us. Somehow, summer, for the most part, seems to have bypassed us. Yet, there is something good about the fall season because routines and programs come back into the picture. Here, at Tollendale, new season schedules for programs and activities have been circulating.

Construction work of Mill Creek Care Centre continues to attract spectators and it’s interesting to watch the building go through the various stages of transformation. We’re now at the roof stage which is essential for ensuring that winter delays are not expected in the future. With the exterior finishing brick work going up one gets a cleaner look and a better sense of how the building will blend in. Residents have had their share of inconveniences at various times, but generally have been understanding and accommodating. The base coat paving of the main roadway was the biggest welcome relief. We have now started formal planning meetings with Responsive Health, the management group for the Care Centre, to work out some specific details for the partnership between Tollendale Village and Mill Creek Care Centre. While we will be separate entities, and be managed separately, there is ample opportunity for sharing resources. These meetings have gone well and a spirit of cooperation exists.

On September 23 we will have the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) giving a presentation on its involvement in the new nursing home and how the application process for getting in there will work. This presentation will take place in the Gathering Place at 2:30 PM.

For Tollendale Village itself we have been working through a new strategic plan, undertaking an energy audit, doing a nursing services review and correcting a number of potential safety issues. There is much happening and we’ll have much to share at our next annual membership meeting, scheduled for Monday, November 23. Watch for further details which will be sent to all active members.

Let me finish my comments by using this opportunity to extend our appreciation to Julie Christiaanse, our long time editor of Tollendale Tales. She initiated this undertaking and has faithfully served both residents and members with her valuable communication circular. She has worked tirelessly to produce a newsletter that was informative and a joy to read. She helped all of us in getting to know some of our neighbours better and promoted the spirit of community. We will miss seeing her walking around with her camera and getting those candid poses. Thanks Julie. May God give you much happiness in the years to come.

Leo Smit

P.S. We are looking for a new editor or an editorial committee that would be willing to undertake the publishing of Tollendale Tales.

Mill Creek Care Centre Project Manager’s Construction Report, August 25, 2009

A few months have passed since my last report and several things have transpired over the summer. Much of the superstructure is now completed with the exception of the work above the Village

Square. This work is ongoing and more forces should be on site soon to complete that portion of the work. We can now visualize the final layout of the building. Brick work has started and is progressing well. As you can see, the colour matches that of the existing buildings. The roof decking work has started and that will be ongoing for the next several weeks. The contractor has experienced significant challenges with water leakage through the Village Square roof as two stories on top the Square are being constructed. He is making his best efforts to find the source of these leaks. Once the building structure is complete and the roof is on this will no longer be a problem.

Because of the wet summer and some labour problems our schedule has slipped a few months. However, all are working diligently to get the building watertight by October 30. Everyone realizes that this is a critical date

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and all efforts are being put into achieving this objective. We have recently tendered for several pieces of equipment including the resident beds, the tubs, and the floor and ceiling lifts. Prices are coming in relatively close to our original estimates. We continue to work closely with Responsive Health Management (RHM), which will be managing the home for us, as we interview and select various service suppliers, including, pharmacists, doctors, physio-therapists, foot care workers, equipment suppliers, oxygen suppliers and others. I am liaising closely with Tollendale staff as we negotiate various arrangements between the two organizations, including lawn maintenance, snow removal, dining services, hair salon arrangements, to name a few. The name of the organization and the facility has now officially been changed to Mill Creek Care Centre, and all legal documents have been executed. We have also arranged to develop a website for Mill Creek Care Centre. It should be up and running sometime this fall We have had our first meeting with CCAC (Community Care Access Centre) as we make plans for moving new residents into the home. On September 23, 2009, there will be an information session in the Gathering Place at which time CCAC and RHM will make presentations regarding the process of applying for the facility as well as some operational matters. Further information

regarding the time will be forthcoming. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact me or the office. I will try and make myself available as much as I can.

Once again on a personal note, Anne Hoftyzer and I and our respective families enjoyed a wonderful wedding ceremony on May 23 at Anne’s (and now our) home, followed by an

awesome 11,500 KM trip to the south-western United States (Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park, the Petrified Forest, and the Painted Desert). We had wonderful weather and were awestruck everyday by the beauty of God’s creation. Thanks to all for your many good wishes.

Sid Tjeerdsma

We welcome you

New residents gathered for an information and get-

acquainted session with the administration of Tollendale.

Pictured here are Lisa Roblin, Gerry Roblin, Nick

Caravaggio, Beryl Csumrik, Lois Goodreid, Helen

Hamilton, Norm Hamilton, and Hazel Sweet

Here at Tollendale

We remember: • May VanderKlugt (B208), who passed away on June 18, 2009 • Michael Chapla (D308) who passed away on June 30, 2009 • Amy Van Dyken (B218) who passed away on July 10, 2009 • Albert Pifher (A303) who passed away on August 22, 2009

We welcome: • Lois Goodreid (B106), from Barrie • Hazel Sweet (B116), from Ajax • Gerry & Lisa Roblin (D005), from Barrie • Frank Perry (A101), from Barrie • Beryl Csumrik (B121), from Orillia • Ernie & Ann Allard (B208), from Barrie • Rita Klimek (B218), from Barrie • Russ Hope (D011), from Barrie

We say goodbye to: • Sonya Mulder (A309), to a condo in Barrie • Jan & Jenny Kooi (A119), to a retirement home in Kingston • Katherine Allen (B121), to a retirement home in Orillia • Carol LeSarge (A101), to live with her daughter in Barrie • Phyllis Donnelly (D011), to Roberta Place Lodge

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Tollendale Village annual tenant meeting

At the annual tenant meeting, held on June 17 2009: a) The following residents were elected to take positions on the tenant committee: Audrey DeJong, Gus Duggan, Gilles Langlois and Attie van der Toorn. b) The chair of the Tollendale Tenant Committee, Sid van Dyke, reported on activities and developments of the past year. He also thanked retiring tenant committee members Albert Brouwer, Helen Matthews, Dwight Patterson and Carol Visser. c) Executive director Leo Smit reported on accomplishments and acknowledged a good working relationship with the tenant committee. A strategic plan has been developed, a 5-10 year maintenance plan has been created, a healthy partnership with the Mill Creek Care Centre is envisioned, and meetings with Responsive Health are taking place. Also, budget tightening is needed in this time of economic restraint, partnership links to support aging residents are taking place, an energy audit has been undertaken, and a property tax analysis and audit are underway. Regarding the maintenance fees Leo noted that this year’s increase of 2.5% compares to increases of the last two years of 0% and 4.5% respectively.

Working on our behalf: our representatives on the tenant

committee

2009-2010 Tenant committee members pictured here are

(back row) Harry VanderKooij, Gus Duggan, Sid Van

Dyke, Jim Pratt, Gilles Langlois, and (front row) Audrey

deJong, Jean Jarrett, Adriana Frouws. Missing are Fenny

Luymes and Attie van der Toorn.

Reports of recent Tollendale Tenant Committee meetings

2009-2010 Committee members are: Audrey DeJong, Gus Duggan, Adriana Frouws, Jean Jarrett, Gilles Langlois, Fenny Luymes, Jim Pratt, Harry VanderKooij, Attie van der Toorn, and Sid VanDyke (chair)

Meeting of June 24, 2009 Business notes

1. Responsibilities for the coming year will be as follows: Chair – Sid Van Dyke; Secretary – Adriana Frouws; Treasurer – Attie van der Toorn; Vice-all – Jim Pratt; Activities committee members – Fenny Luymes, Jean Jarrett, Audrey De Jong, Gus Duggan; Welcome committee members - Attie van der Toorn, Gilles Langlois

2. Strawberry social plans are finalized. 3. Leo Smit (executive director) visits and informs

the committee a) that work is being done to improve parking at Sonrise Place b) explains the reason why new balconies are needed in Eden Hall c) makes a suggestion in connection with funds for the library d) informs the committee that Canada Day will be celebrated

4. Auditor Dick Romp has made a suggestion regarding the treasurer having a petty cash float.

5. The welcome committee reports a visit to Norman and Helen Hamilton.

6. A note is received from Julie Christiaanse thanking the committee for the use of a new camera.

7. A note is received from Ethel Alle thanking the committee for acting on her suggestion regarding the camera.

8. Arrangements are made for July events. 9. Elaine Hardstone’s arrangements for musical

events in September, October and November are approved.

Meeting of July 15, 2009 Business notes

1. Discussions take place and reports are received about a) a suggested petty cash float b) recycling of Styrofoam c) the strawberry social (a success).

2. The treasurer reports a balance of $4,891.10. 3. The Wii system is discussed. The present

location in the Gathering Place is not ideal. Jim will discuss a suggestion with Leo.

4. The committee received a thank you card from Helen Mathews for the retiring gift.

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Meeting of August 19, 2009 Business notes

1. The treasurer’s report shows a balance of $5,027.26.

2. The barbecue will take place on October 1. 3. The welcome committee visited Hazel Sweet

(B116) and Gerry and Lisa Roblin (D005) 4. Duties for upcoming events are assigned.

We thank you

The Tollendale Treasures and Gift shop represents a

valuable aspect of village life. Pictured here are volunteer

staff Janny Mudde and Muriel Culshaw, and, centre,

Erna Gillies, a faithful supporter of the store.

Treasures and Gift Shop news Summer is nearly over. Pieter and I will be away from mid-September until the beginning of October. Muriel will be there for you Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. Although we will be closed at all other times the cards will be available along with the little blue pigs. We had a big turnover in the last few months, mainly because of furniture sold on consignment. We had a sale on wool donated to us from a wool shop. We still have a lot of cottons and wool. Also an art show and sale was held. We will have a silent auction from September 3-10. Along with our regular monthly income we received the following: from the wool sale $300.00, from the art show $250.00, from the book sale $240.00, and from the linen and wool sale $520.00. We thank you all for participating and donating. We couldn’t do it without you, and we enjoy seeing you.

Store staff Janny and Muriel

Birthdays September 01 Galipeau Alice September 02 Lavin Jim September 02 Lucas Garry September 08 Boelryk Lonnie September 08 Thompson George September 12 Komdeur Karl September 12 Massimiliano Josephine September 12 Schouten Diana September 13 Palmer Frances September 14 Boelryk Josh September 14 Strootman Elizabeth September 15 Bos Cor September 15 Sweet Hazel September 15 VanStrien Gertie September 19 DeBoer Rennie September 20 Kloosterman Edna September 20 Mout Elaine September 23 Brouwer Jane September 26 VanGennip Paul September 29 Mohlmann Ed September 30 Botham Gretta September 30 Rupke Hilda

October 01 Verkaik Johanna October 02 Roblin Gerry October 03 Chopp Karla October 05 French Edith October 05 Hazenberg Frances October 05 Trebelco Helen October 06 Blom Hendrika October 16 Higgs Joan October 06 Kloosterman Arnie October 06 Tawton Gordon October 07 Kroesen Johanna October 07 VanStempvoort Myra October 07 Ruddick Mary October 14 Brown Helen October 14 Menary Ron October 15 Jackson Dorothy October 16 McDeivitte Dennis October 17 Scott Norman October 19 Vandergoot Grace October 20 Blom Albertus October 20 Charters Pauline October 20 Telford Peggy October 23 Alle Ethel October 23 Ashkanase Munro October 23 Tanner Reta October 23 Winter Arnold October 24 Hovius Ninka October 24 Straub Anna October 27 Bowman Paul October 27 Lyon Mortimer October 27 Verkaik Anthony October 27 Wright Thelma October 29 Bogers Dorothy October 29 Cassidy Irene

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October 29 Foster Joan October 30 Gehrels Jack October 31 Campbell Marjorie October 31 Hamilton Ruth If you would like to see your name on the birthday

list, or if you detect an error, please get in touch with Tena Kamstra (725-9298).

Verna Trombley took up painting upon retirement

Verna Trombley, the painter By Julie Christiaanse

n the painting world, Verna Trombley (B207) could be called a late bloomer. A valued member of the Barrie Art Club, with her neatly coiffed hairdo she

doesn’t fit the stereotype of a painter with long, flowing locks. Although Verna has lived in Bethany Gables since 2006, most Tollendalers probably had not heard of her artistic ability until a short time ago when Leo Smit selected several of her water colours for display in the newly decorated Eden Hall meeting room. Verna never had time to paint. “I wanted to do it, but I was always working,” she says. She was raising four children and for many years with her husband managed a business in Bell Ewart consisting of a general store, a post office, a service station a restaurant and a sporting goods store. Verna recalls long, eighteen-hour days, and not surprisingly, painting had to wait. When, after retirement, life seemed a little boring they bought “Frank’s Framing” in Allandale. To get up to date on the business they took a woodworking and framing course at Georgian College. Handling artwork daily, Verna says she thought, “If they (the artists) can do it, we can.” So they took a painting course, again at Georgian. Verna took water colour lessons and her husband, now deceased, did oil painting. (One of his oils, the historic J.C. Morrison boat, can be seen in the main library.) “You don’t need lessons,” the art teacher

said on seeing the work Verna brought to her first class. “Just paint.” But Verna took the lessons and loved it. “Just get the paper wet and move a brush around in it. You can play with it.”

The “porcelain ladies”, however, are Verna’s favourites. A wall in her apartment features porcelain decorator plates with intricately painted flowers and the faces of beautiful young women. Porcelain painting is a time-consuming process involving many firings in a kiln which opens up the pores in the porcelain. Some colours need eight or ten firings to get the desired depth. Verna’s art work, both water colours and porcelain plates, has been displayed and sold in several Barrie venues.

She loves living in Tollendale Village. The northern exposure of her windows suits this painter. Lately, Verna has indulged in another hobby, genealogy. She has many original documents and deeds which one day will make a valuable addition to the county’s historic records.

Her delicately painted porcelain plates decorate a wall in

Verna Trombley's apartment.

Tollendale archives and web site All past issues of the newsletter can be found in

Tollendale’s main library. Issues (from May-June 2001 on) can also be found on the Tollendale Village

website, in colour where applicable.

Tollendale Tales Publication of Tollendale Village

– A Christian Retirement Community – 274 Hurst Drive, Barrie ON. L4N 0Z3

Tel.705-722-0469 Website: www.tollendalevillage.ca Email: info@tollendalevillage.ca

Editing and layout: Julie Christiaanse (G15) Tel.705-728-4739

Email: j.christiaanse@sympatico.ca

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The White Cliffs of Dover in the background, here we are

on the ferry from Dover to Calais

New beginnings

Who would have thought that my duties with Tollendale Tales would end this abruptly? I certainly didn’t think so when I embarked on a trip to Ireland with a group of travelers calling itself the Brampton Christian Travel Group at the beginning of June. Although I had mentioned to Leo Smit last year that I was considering giving up the editorship of our newsletter in the summer of 2010, perhaps coinciding with the opening of the nursing home, I could not have foreseen the event that is leading to my decision at this time.

During the bus trip, as our group took in the beauty of the Irish countryside – which can be described as both gently pastoral and ruggedly scenic – and the island’s fascinating history, I became more than casually acquainted with Dan Van Beilen, one of the members of the group. While taking in the sights of the island we also had ample time to get to know one another. We talked and talked, and talked more. When walking on the Giant’s Causeway – the basalt rock formation and World Heritage site – we discussed discoveries about the age of the earth. When going on long walks in the evenings and sitting on the bus together we talked about our lives, our respective families, interests, involvement in church and society, our faith, and so much more. Yes, our evolving relationship was, no doubt, observed by the other travelers in the group of about thirty-five. No, we did not know each other before this trip took place. On returning home, we began making plans for a future together, believing that has God brought us together at this time in our lives. Dan is a widower who lives in Holland Christian Homes, a well-known seniors’

complex in Brampton. We will vacate our respective units and have purchased a condominium unit on Mill Street in Brampton. On October 17, the Lord willing, we will exchange marriage vows in a private ceremony in Brampton. Curiously, the August 24 issue of Maclean’s devotes an article to people marrying after only a short courtship (“Against all odds”). Dan and I just know we are right for each other at this stage in our lives. I am happy to share this personal news with you, the readers of Tollendale Tales. But, as mentioned, with this issue my involvement with the newsletter will end. At this time I am not aware of another person who might be willing and able to take on the editorship in order to ensure a smooth transition.

The original residents – named and pictured in the two previous issues – who occupied Eden Hall and the garden homes nine years ago may remember the fledgling beginnings of this paper. The first issue was published even before the official opening of the village took place on September 16, 2000. The aim of the newsletter was and is to inform, and to strengthen community life in keeping with the vision of its founders. During the past nine years we have seen, and Tollendale Tales has described, the growth of our village in all aspects.

Editing this newsletter has largely been a work of love. Over the years as my computer and editing skills grew, you, the readers, have expressed to me many times how you appreciated this means of communication and that you looked forward to each new issue. You have told me how you liked to read about your fellow residents’ lives, especially their immigration stories. I thank all who have given our readers a glimpse into their lives through Tollendale Tales. I also thank all who faithfully contributed their reports and other information for every issue.

Again, what will the future of this publication be? I don’t know. At present there is no plan in place to continue with the newsletter in this format, but I hope someone will take up the challenge to keep Tollendale

Tales going, perhaps under a different name. (Remember that I mused about a name change a few years ago?) Normally, I would have tried to be of help with the transition, but with the big transition in my own life this will not be possible. Also, I have not spent as much time in Barrie and at Tollendale these past months as a good editor should in order to keep up with all the happenings around here. I hope you understand.

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I thank Tollendale’s management for supporting this publication from the beginning in many ways. May God bless our village, and may it always be true to its vision of “reflecting and modeling the love and compassion of God for persons regardless of sex, race, color, ethnicity or age” and “treat each person with dignity and respect.” I will still be in, out and around the village until the end of November when we hope to have completed the merging of our households and begin a new and unexpected chapter in our lives. As you can see, new beginnings are still possible, even for Tollendalers. God bless you as you contribute in your own way, quietly or more publicly, to this unique community, Tollendale Village.

Julie Christiaanse, editor

Life in Tollendale Village

This year, Bill Brytak is ‘competing’ with Rennie de Boer

in beautifying the grounds around the pond south of the

village.

Although age has impacted Frank and Irene Benum's

walking routine, they can be seen daily in around the

village, now aided by their Nordic poles.

Marion Wright, Kathleen Hucalak, Iris Hutchinson,

Phyllis Hutchinson and Agnes Sarlo enjoy their

‘barbecue’ dinner and each others’ company in the

dining room.

Some residents have a privileged view of the daily changing scene

View of the nursing home construction site as seen from

the Madills’ apartment in Eden Hall.

View of the construction as seen from Jenny Houter’s

apartment in Sonrise Place.