Marie Gagnon, Elgin Lodge Executive Director, gives a $700 donation to Kirsten Camartin, Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce October 5. The funds were raised at Elgin Lodge’s September 26 fundraising event.

Hub Staff

The Kingsway Arms at Elgin Lodge hosted an Open House October 5 and showcased their dining area improvements, changes to senior staff as well as a new found commitment to the Saugeen Shores- as well as their own- community.

Recently hired Executive Director Marie Gagnon beamed with pride as she led a tour of the Lodge. Gagnon has a lengthy background with long term care and retirement homes spanning 20 plus years and said she is happy to have moved west to be closer to family, adding that she appreciates a different way of life practiced here compared to Oshawa and Toronto.

As you first walk in, the dining room changes model this more ‘like home’ feeling by design with new flooring and furniture and complemented with Chef Richard Mills’ revamped menus. “We wanted to create a finer dining experience for our residents,” said Gagnon, characterizing the new menu as a “traditional farming community home style cooked meal”, with emphasis on nutrition and social aspects.

Gagnon’s cornerstone approach to taking the residents out into the community and inviting the community into the Lodge was ably demonstrated recently when forces were joined to complete an Alzheimer’s Society fundraiser on September 26. The $700 raised was graciously accepted October 5 by Kirsten Camartin representing the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce.

In a continuing effort to bring the community closer to the Lodge, Gagnon created the Monarch Program, through which one can purchase a lifetime membership that includes use of some of the Elgin Lodge facilities such as the pool, receive a monthly newsletter and attend organized trips, all the while integrating into becoming a future resident. With 101 current residents and an 86 percent occupancy rate, Elgin Lodge has room for more.

After a brief introduction Elgin Lodge Chef Richard Mills hurried away to prepare the evening’s pork tenderloin October 5.

The October 5 event showcased improvements made to the Lodge's dining room.

Activity Director Denise Smith (left), Miranda Chalifoux-White and Executive Director Marie Gagnon stand in front of some tasty treats in the not-yet-improved dining room at Elgin Lodge during their September 26 Alzheimer's fundraising event.

Musician Paul Williamson entertained the Elgin Lodge residents during the fundraising event, September 26.