Crestview Lodge packs 'em in for 50th anniversary

Chris Davis

Crestview Lodge was the site of an exhuberant 50th Anniversary celebration yesterday, August 11, 2011. Built in 1960 on the Hyde Street hill and opened in 1961, Crestview consistently gets very high approval ratings from residents and their kin. In 2007 it was ranked the happiest senior facility in the province, with the most involved residents. That kind of spirit was very evident at this event.


The festivities kicked off with a brief speech by Neil Stewart, the chairman of the Pincher Creek Foundation, which administrates the seniors facilities in town.

CAO Millie Loeffler

Pincher Creek Foundation CAO and Facility Manager Millie Loeffler  read a history of Crestview. "It really takes a whole community to operate a seniors home successfully," she said, "and I really believe we've accomplished that."  Loeffler also acted as mistress of ceremonies throughout the afternoon. She singled out Crestview resident and "straw boss" John Sinnot for some specific praise.  A number of volunteers spent many hours building a beautiful float for this year's annual Pincher Creek Parade, and Sinnot went above and beyond to help see the project to completion.  The float was on display in the parking lot, whenever the weather was co-operating.

MLA Evan Berger

Livingstone-Macleod MLA Evan Berger took the microphone next. He extended his congratulations to the residents, management, staff, and volunteers for creating such a comfortable environment. "The lodge has been a place where conversations and important celebrations have been held, and lifetime memories have been created," he said. "It plays a huge and important role in this area.  The personal touches you strive to provide bring daily comfort and joy to the residents who now call Crestview home."  Berger also expounded upon the importance of the government's role in establishing and maintaining seniors centres around the province, citing Crestview as a perfect example of the success of such support.

Municipal District of Pincher Creek Reeve Rod Cyr kept his remarks brief, enthusiastic in his support and appreciation for the facility, home to some of his close relatives.

Brenda Pollard and David Staines from Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs and Ralph Hubele from Alberta Seniors and Supports were introduced to the crowd.

PC Councillor Roy Smyth

Town of Pincher Creek Councillor Roy Smyth took to the podium next, and praised the facility
staff for helping residents feel at home, mentioning that some of his own family were past
and present residents.  "We are thankful for the Province of Alberta for having the vision to put the money forward to build a lodge such as this, and I also want to acknowledge the people who worked so hard to put this building in place," said Smyth.  "We are reaping the benefit of that. Just like Rod said, it's wonderful to know that your loved ones are being cared for, and looked after and provided with meaningful entertainment and fellowship.  Socializing is so important. Also, the excellent food, we always hear about the excellent food at Crestview."

Loeffler thanked the staff and board members, both past and present, and invited them to stand and be recognized for their many contributions. She then introduced the current board of the Pincher Creek Foundation, which includes Rod Cyr, Roy Smyth, Helen Cyr, Linda Findlater, and Neil Stewart.

Village of Cowley Councillor Linda Findlater was next to speak,on behalf of the Village of Cowley. "We hope you will continue your fine service for another 50 years and beyond," she said.

Yvonne Dingerville

Loeffler called Yvonne Dingerville to the podium, a move that was greeted with spontaneous and boisterous applause.  Dingerville has worked at Crestview for 20 years, and won the "Housekeeper of the Year" award in 2010 from the Alberta Seniors Citizen Housing Association.
Loeffler also thanked Kathy Van Oyen  for her culinary efforts. Van Oyen is certified as a Red Seal Chef, contributing greatly to Crestview's reputation for excellent food.

The Creampuffs
Susan Taylor, Brenda Blackmer, Lynn Dalke, Connie Robinson, Kathy Van Oyen

Nothing breaks up a good spell of speechifying like a sock-hop, made quite apparent by the Crestview Creampuffs.  Susan Taylor, Brenda Blackmer, Lynn Dalke, Connie Robinson and Kathy Van Oyen brought smiles to everyone's faces as they showed  off their well-practised routines. They rocked around the clock in a loco motion, pulling half the front row onto the dance floor for a twist finale. Evan Berger was among the participants.  It was hard to believe he had enough shoe leather left for twisting after traipsing back and forth throughout his riding all summer, but he managed to hold his own.

Our own Minnie Pearl

A surprise visit by  "Minnie Pearl" furthered the good humour of the room.  The jokes came fast and furious, like the thunderstorm going on outside the windows behind her, and afterwards she helped call first round of raffles.

Crestview resident Irene Cyr recited a poem created by the residents of Crestview before introducing John Sinnot, who concluded his appreciative remarks with "God bless Crestview", a sentiment heartily endorsed by his neighbours.

A cake cutting ceremony, (and what a cake it was!) signaled a shift in direction.  Irene Cyr did the honours.  Live music was provided by "Round Up".  A huge buffet with generous portions of Barry's Beef ensured that
no one left hungry. The staff was kept busy throughout, serving tables and performing
the many tasks that keep Crestview humming smoothly.

It was a remarkable day, full of joy and celebration.