Norgarden | The Peninsula

Fashion Models Hit The Runway at Norgarden

2012-02-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

The lovely ladies from "Heritage Productions" came to Norgarden to put on a wonderful fashion show for the residents. The collection of fashions included vintage clothing and wearable garments from the years of 1850 through 1960. Throughout the show, they included some interesting history in regards to each ensemble, and how the world events at that present time impacted the fashion. Thoroughly enjoyed by the residents, shown by the full house!

February at a Glance.....

2012-01-31T16:09:00.000-08:00

Cheers Robbie Burns!

2012-01-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

Both The Peninsula and Norgarden had an early celebration in honor of Robbie Burns Day, which traditionally falls on January 25th. The residents sipped on complimentary drinks while filling our their Scottish trivia, munched on traditional Scottish appetizers (yes, we had "Orr's Haggis"!!!!), and then enjoyed a delicious traditional meal prepared by our Chef and his wonderful culinary team. Cheers Everyone! Also known as "Slaandjivaa" in Scottish Gaelic.

What's Happening in January?

2012-01-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

Cheers to a Healthy and Happy New Year Ahead!

2012-01-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

The residents at both The Peninsula and Norgarden enjoyed a New Years Eve party filled with dancing, champagne, live music, and great company. No better way to ring in the New Year than with great friends and laughter. Happy New Year Everyone!

Ice Cream Sundaes!

2012-01-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

The "Active Minds Group" enjoyed a holdiday gathering, where they activated their minds and taste buds by contructing their own ice cream and banana split concoctions. As you can see by the pictures and expressions below, everyone had a great time, smiles all around!

Christmas Carolers Visit!

2011-12-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

We were lucky to have visits from both the Sidney Elementary and Parklands High School Carolers. Residents sang along to the festive tunes, and there was even some dancing as you can see below! Thank you to all the students for spreading some Christmas joy with us.

Tree Trimming Parties

2011-12-15T10:10:00.000-08:00

It does not feel like Christmas until the tree is decorated! Residents enjoyed wonderful piano entertainment by Ron Berod, while they decorated the Christmas trees, drank hot apple cider, and munched on shortbread.

Great community spirit!

Ron Berod and Santa's little elf!

Holiday Activities at a Glance!

2011-12-08T10:00:00.001-08:00

We are only a week into December and the residents have already enjoyed Tree Trimming Parties, QiGong Exercies, Sidney Saranadors Choir, Jewllery Sales, and much more. Rogers Chocolates will be visiting to help out with the annual rush of Christmas gift shopping this month, and the residents are also making their way to Butchart Gardens to see the amazing Twelve Days of Christmas light display. There is no lack of Christmas caroling at Norgarden Estates this holiday season, including Christmas Carols by Ruth Horie Voice Students, Jason Stevens performing "A Christmas Carol", and Sidney School Caroling. The residents will be having breakfast with Santa on the 18th, and of course Christmas Day would not be the same without a classic turkey dinner. This is just a few of the activities happening this festive month, check out our calendars below for the whole picture!! Happy Holidays to everyone!

Sidney Saranadors Choir

2011-12-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

Residents enjoyed the musical notes of the Sidney Seranadors Choir this past week. We are proud to have three of our residents as memebers of the talented group. Well done Dororthy, Harold, and Lucia!!!

Starting off the festive holiday season!

2011-11-30T10:03:00.000-08:00

Each Christmas season we have our windows festively painted by artist, Mario Labonte. This is just the beginning of our holiday decorations, activities, and parties througout the month of December! Stay tuned.....

Never too old for a pajama party.....

2011-11-26T12:08:00.001-08:00

This week the staff and residents shared some laughs at our "Pajama Themed Dinner Party"! The residents came down for dinner in their stylish PJ's, robes, curlers, and night caps. They enjoyed an amazing breakfast buffet for dinner, along with a complimentary champagne and orange juice!

Spooktacular!!

2011-11-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

The residents and staff did not mess around when it came to Halloween costumes this year. We had everything from a Pirate, a Witch, and even the Cookie Monster join us on October 31st during our Halloween party! Prizes were handed out to the staff members and residents with the most creative costumes, and the night was filled with good company, great food and drink, and laughter.

November at a Glance!

2011-11-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Happy National Seniors Day!

2011-10-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Along with thousands of seniors in BC on October 1st, the residents of Norgarden Estates celebrated National Seniors Day. This is our way of showing our appreciation for all the amazing contributions our seniors have made to society today.

The theme this year across BC was "Let's Dance". At 2pm seniors across BC were encouraged to dance for 90 seconds, as you can see by the dancing shots from our party below! To celebrate this deserving day, the residents grooved to some live music, ate cake, and had some laughs.

Black and White Theme Dinner

2011-10-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

The residents got right into the theme of our "Black and White Dinner" at the end of September, as you can see by the great outfits in the pictures below! Residents enjoyed their complimentary "White or Black Russian" drinks, appetizers, Classical Music Trivia, and prizes for the best outfit. Once again, another successful party here at Norgarden Estates. This is thanks to our Activity Coordinator Kathleen, and the fun loving spirts of the residents!

September Birthday Bash

2011-10-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Every month we have a birthday bash in honor of all our residents who are celebrating their birthday that month. You will usually find the residents singing and dancing to live music, munching on delicious birthday cake, and enjoying some laughs! This past month, we were lucky to have the Norgarden Hand Chimers perform "Happy Birthday" to the group.

Below are a few pictures from the September celebration.

Happy Hour at Norgarden!

2011-10-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Every Monday at Norgarden, and every second Monday at The Peninsula, the residents enjoy a complimentary glass of sherry or wine, while they enjoy some relaxing time socializing with the community before dinner.

Below, the residents enjoyed their beverage on the patio during a sunny September evening!

Why leave to do your shopping?

2011-09-29T09:57:00.001-07:00

The residents shopped till they dropped in their own home when "Co Co's Clothes to You", visited The Peninsula with their new Fall fashions. Co Co's is a mobile clothing store that is designed specially for seniors.

Orchid Display and Educational Session

2011-09-29T09:42:00.001-07:00

Norgarden Estates is fortunate to have the expertise on Orchids from one of our staff members, Rick Rancourt. Back by popular demand, Rick brought in a sample of the many different varietals of Orchids that he grows on his own time at home. He shared the secrets and tips on growing these amazing plants which need lots of detailed TLC!

Meet The Critters

2011-09-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

What better way to put a smile on your face then to cuddle a cute little furry animal? The residents enjoyed an afternoon visit with a handful of little critters, including tiny puppies, miniture rabbits, gerbels, and a big friendly guinea pig named "Cody".

Thank you to our Housekeeping Manager, Patty, for bringing such enjoyment to the residents!

Aloha!

2011-09-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Our residents had a blast during our Hawaiian Theme Dinner evening. Then night started off with some delicious tropical punch, and ended with The Pacific Polynesian Danacers performaing authentic dances of the South Pacific on our back patio.

Another successful party here at Norgarden Estates!

August is Classical Music Month at Norgarden Estates!

2011-09-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

Throughout the month of September the residents will be enjoying various events and activities as usual, many of which are following the theme of Classical Music. Some of these events will include a big screen viewing of "The Three Tenors", and a musical interlude with Ron Berod, who will be playing some lovely classical tunes on the piano. To finish the month off, the residents are cordally invited to a Black and White Themed Dinner, where they are encouraged to dress in their best "black and whites", while enjoying some complimentary drinks, appetizers, dinner, and classical music trivia. Gentleman, it is time to dust off your old top hats and bow ties!

This month the residents are also travelling up island to the Chemanus Theatre to enjoy the famous prodcution of "Fiddler on the Roof", where I am sure there will be some singing on the bus ride home. In addition, there is an educational seminar on Orchids, and we are also going to test out our carpet bowling skills....start your stretches!

Church & State Winery Raptors Show

2011-09-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

A group of our residents had an adventurous outing to Church & State Winery to view the popular Raptors Show. These truly impressive birds, including owls, hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures, demonstarted their natural flying and hunting abilities. The residents were thrilled and amazed as these birds of prey swooped close over their heads!

Who Needs The Calgary Stampede....

2011-08-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, listen up partners. Why travel all the way to Alberta for the world famous Calgary Stampede when you can get your good ol’ boot stomping times here at Norgarden Estates!!! Residents both at The Peninsula and Norgarden had a blast at our Country and Western Themed dinners. The night included frosty beers, a classic Western style B.B.Q , and of course some great live country music to dance the evening away.

Now it would not be a proper Country and Western night without suitable attire; but this was not an issue here at Norgarden Estates, no sir. As you can see below, many of the residents disguised themselves as cowboys and cowgirls for the evening!

Vera and her horse

Betty shows us her country style

Isabel, Gwen and Dorothy enjoy the music!
Helen with a blue bird on her shoulder....

August at a Glance!

2011-08-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

Check out all the great activities that are happening around Norgarden and The Peninsula in the month of August! We are only a few days into the month and we have already had our popular exercise class, chimes class, skits for seniors, and a visit from a handful of cute little furry creatures.

The sunny month ahead is filled with nothing but adventure and good times. Just to name a few upcoming events, the residents are getting ready for a trip to Church & State Winery to view some amazing birds of prey, a lovely stroll and shop through the Deep Cove Market, and some authentic Pacific Polynesian entertainment at our Hawaiian themed dinner.

What's Happening in July

2011-07-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here and we have lots to do out here on the beautiful Peninsula! Look out for special ice cream treats and a trip to Butchart Gardens.

Chef's Corner

2011-06-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Dessert is often our favourite part of the meal around here and it is desserts like this at the heart of it. Our new Individual Boston Cream Pies are decadent little numbers made with homemade vanilla cake, Bavarian cream and fresh whipped cream topped with ganache.

Glenn Maude hard at work on these little beauties:

Walker Wash!

2011-06-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

Children from North Saanich Middle School raised $225 toward playground equipment recently through a fund-raising initiative at Norgarden Estates. Students washed and sanitized resident's walkers for a small donation. What a great job they did! Thanks kids!

Dorothy Olkovich with the kids from North Saanich Middle School:

2011-06-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

It finally feels like spring and summer is waiting for us at the end of this month! We have a sweet month ahead with visits from Lolly Gobble Sweet Shop in Sidney, Coco's Clothes For You, musical performances, a special Mexican Theme dinner and a couple of great movies for movie night including Best Picture winner The King's Speech!

Perhaps most importantly though, June 5 - 11 is BC Senior's Week, a chance to reflect on and celebrate all of our residents and their contributions to the lives we are privileged to live today. We will be having a special tea with cake and entertainment on Friday, June 10 in honour of BC Senior's Week. For more information on BC Senior's Week, please click here.

What's Happening in May

2011-05-16T22:02:00.000-07:00

While it is still a struggle to believe it is really spring out there, we are keeping busy as usual. Our bus took residents over to the school to vote on May 2nd and we had a wonderful Mother's Day tea on the 8th. We have some great live music coming up as well as an informative session about making our feet happy with good shoes.

Francis King Park Trip

2011-05-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

It has been a soggy spring but a brave bunch set out to explore Francis King Park recently. Resident Grace Mariager's father Freeman King was instrumental in preserving this piece of land as a park and the group explored the wheelchair accessible Elsie King trail, named for Grace's mother.

The gang:

CRD Parks interpreter Deb Thiessen explains the life cycles of bees:

Judy Wilson and Jack Ellett check out the salamanders:

Rancourt's Orchids

2011-03-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

We recently had the pleasure of hearing staff member Rick Rancourt give a presentation on the beautiful orchids he grows in his basement. These magnificent specimens were admired by all and we look forward to future presentations from Rick.

March Calendars

2011-03-02T20:41:00.001-08:00

We're looking forward to a busy month as we prepare for the arrival of spring. With a special spring theme dinner on the first day of the season, a swap extravaganza to clear out the closets and pick up some new treasures, the always popular visit from Japanese exchange students and a special trip out to see the Mikado, March should be a great month!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

A very Happy New Year to all our residents, staff and friends! We are so grateful for all the wonderful people involved in our life and work and would like to thank you all for your continued support.

As usual, we have lots of fun lined up for the month including a Chinese buffet to celebrate Chinese New Year and, of course, haggis for Robbie Burn's Day.

Christmas at Norgarden Estates

2010-12-29T11:50:00.001-08:00

It has been a busy few weeks. Here are a few highlights from the Christmas season:

The Sidney Serenaders perform:

Dorothy White and June Melling chat with Lieutenant Governor of BC Steven Point at a special Christmas tea held at Government House:

Christmas wouldn't have been complete without a visit from Santa and his lovely elf:

December Calendars

2010-12-16T21:35:00.001-08:00

December is already in full steam. Here is a look at what has passed as well as what is yet to come:

What's Your Tale, Nightingale?

2010-11-30T11:16:00.000-08:00

Cast your eyeballs at this hep bunch of Big Daddy's and Mama's enjoying a Fifties TV Theme Dinner at The Peninsula.

Staff and residents alike dressed up in their best fifties gear and enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers, TV trivia and hamming it up in the big TV.

Kathleen and June Melling in the big TV:

Kathleen's daughter, Breanna, and Asta Bilan:

Ted and Isabel Moore get in on the action:

Kim and Roy Tidman peek through:

Dining room staff get in on the fun:

Spookiest of the Spooky

2010-11-10T15:05:00.000-08:00

We have a winner! In fact, we have a couple of them. There were so many great costumes at the Norgarden Estates Halloween parties it was hard to choose a winner but residents cast their votes and chose the best dressed resident and the best dressed staff members. A great time was had by all with each resident receiving their own 'treat-bag'. The Peninsula even saw a handful of trick or treaters!

Vampire Christina Goodwin won best staff member costume at Norgarden (shown with Nurse Chelsey Vandergoot):

The Mad Hatter, Nolan McLaren, made quite an impression winning best staff member costume at The Peninsula:

Peninsula resident Dorothy Olkovick's wild costume won her first place for resident costume at The Peninsula:

Our Director of Leisure Services, Kathleen Harapnuk made a great cat:

And Celia Maher made an extra frightening witch:

November's Activities

2010-11-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

November is a quieter month as we rest a bit before the hectic Christmas season. We have a few guest speakers in addition to our regular outings and activities plus a great Fifties TV Theme Dinner on the 25th.

Flying High

2010-10-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

Last week we took a look back at our proud aviation history with a guided tour of the B. C. Aviation Museum in Sidney. Many residents had fond and profound memories of their time serving in World War II in the RCAF and the RAF.

Frank Smith, with the Avro Anson Mark II, was a mechanic in the Air Force working the night shift, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.:

Asta Bilan and June Melling had a little fun in the hangar with a handsome but 'dumb' young pilot:

National Seniors Day

2010-10-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

October 1, 2010 marked the 1st annual National Seniors Day. Residents at The Peninsula and Norgarden celebrated with cake, piano entertainment and commemorative buttons for all.

Dot Middleton, Judy Wilson and Mina Magee display their pins and enjoy an afternoon of celebration at The Peninsula:

Medication Consultation

2010-10-24T21:58:00.001-07:00

Residents at Norgarden Estates regularly have the opportunity to discuss their medication with a pharmacist from Pacific Compounding Pharmacy in Sidney. These meetings are a great chance to talk to an expert about how medications can effect us and how different medications might interact.

Pharmacist Yudi Wibisono talks to residents at Norgarden:

1st Annual Fall Dance

2010-10-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

A great time was had by all who attended Norgarden Estates' 1st Annual Fall Dance featuring live music by Eric Roberts.

The dancers on the floor.

Fred Newbury was a great sport about receiving the Bucket-Head Award for the one least able to carry a tune!

Norgarden resident Tom Treherne with a big ol' stogie.

Eric Roberts and Norgarden resident Dorothy White ham it up.

Eric Roberts sang lots of old favourites.

Arghhh Matey

2010-10-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

The Peninsula Pirates were out for a special theme dinner recently.

Asta 'The Dagger' Bilan and Judy 'One Eye' Wilson were in fine spirits after a hard day of pillaging.

The Butterflies Flutter By

2010-10-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Recently, we took a trek out to Brentwood Bay to visit Butterfly Gardens, home to thousands of butterflies, exotic plants, fish and pink flamingos!

Billie Rennie and Marjorie Bailey watch as a giant caterpillar is cut out of a tree so it can be held in a separate enclosure until its metamorphoses is complete:

Christina Morrice helps release the new butterflies:

Billie Rennie makes a beautiful new friend:

October Activities

2010-10-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

Here's an overview of our busy October. Look for some great live entertainment, the always fun Oktoberfest and of course, watch out for all the witches and scarecrows come Halloween!

P.A.T.S.

2010-10-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

For the past few months, Norgarden Estates has arranged for P.A.T.S. volunteers and their pets to come visit our residents. The visits bring joy and laughter as well as reminiscence and have been a great benefit to many.

For more information on the program see the P.A.T.S. website.

Below: June Melling visits with Chris and Auggie

Warm Hearts and Busy Hands

2010-10-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

There is a very special group of talented ladies here at Norgarden Estates. They work together as the Norgarden Knitting Group making textiles for needy children in third world countries through Canada Comforts. This group doesn't just knit, they quilt, sew and crochet beautiful and functional blankets, hats and clothing for underprivileged children.

The Not-So-Lazy Days of Summer

2010-09-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

What a fun-filled summer we have had! From Butchart Gardens to CFB Esquimalt, the resident of Norgarden and The Peninsula have been up-town, down-town, all around the town.

The gang touring CFB Esquimalt:

The ladies enjoying the Chris Mellington band at Butchart Gardens:

Louise Worrall spent some time reading to the children at Discovery House:

Joyce Harcombe's son, terrestrial ecologist Andrew Harcombe, spoke to residents about about his trip to the Galapagos Islands:

Dorothy Johnson (nee Oxborough) held an art show of her famous pastels then residents had the treat of learning from the best at Dorothy's art class:

Residents enjoyed a Hawaiian Theme Night featuring the Pacific Polynesian Dancers:

What's Happening in September

2010-08-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

As the warm weather cools, our routines change to fit the new season. In addition to our usual exercise classes and regular entertainment, look for some new art and music classes, a treasure hunt and a Fall Dance on the 24th.

July Activities

2010-07-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Take a look through our busy month. Summer's here and we have lots to do!

What's Happening in June

2010-06-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at what we are up to this month!

A Visit From the Easter Bunny

2010-04-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

Above: Kitchen staff Stephanie, Chef Shawn and Glen get into the spirit while serving turkey dinner.

Easter is always a fun time of year but what is Easter without kids and an Easter Egg Hunt?

A group of preschoolers from Toad School came by to sing songs and find special treats left behind by the Easter Bunny.

Above: Preschoolers from Toad School visit with the Easter Bunny.

A photo-op with the Easter Bunny had the kids, staff and residents all lining up for their turn with 'Precious'.

Above: Staff member Shantida & the Easter Bunny

Residents also got together to make Easter Bonnets and proudly wore them at dinner. Laughter ensued as the men took turns in the pretty bonnets as well.

Above: Rose Klinke, Carole Crossley, Glyn Jones & Frank Smith don lovely bonnets.

Above: Lois Robertson and her whimsical bonnet.

Above: Betty Martz makes a great stand-in for the Easter Bunny.

Above: Vivian Moffat wearing her beautiful bonnet.

All in all, a great start to spring!

The Sea's Finest

2010-04-17T19:28:00.001-07:00

Our kitchen is always extra busy during halibut and salmon season. Chef Shawn and his crew bring in whole fresh fish whenever it is available and prepare it onsite. A big job but they sure look like they’re having fun!

Above, check out a 40 lb halibut while below Chef Shawn holds a 25 lb spring salmon.

This Month at Norgarden & The Peninsula

2010-04-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

Take a browse through our Activity Calendars for an overview of what we are up to in April.

The Olympic Spirit lives at The Peninsula

2010-03-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

February and March have been exciting months at The Peninsula as we celebrated the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

On February 12, to mark the opening of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, residents at the Peninsula took a break from their usual gourmet meals and were treated to a special Olympic theme Kraft Mac 'n' Cheese dinner. The prize for Best Dressed Couple went to Carole Crossley and Jack Barton and everyone enjoyed watching the opening ceremonies broadcast in the dining room.

Below from left to right: Jack Barton, Carole Crossley, Rose Klinke, Herman Klinke

More recently on March 16, during the Paralympic Games, residents were treated to a visit from torch bearer and Olympic volunteer Ron Hinkelman who shared his experiences and provided a photo op with the Olympic Torch.

Torch Bearer Ron Hinkelman with Jack Barton and Carole Crossley:

As we say goodbye to the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games held on our beautiful West Coast, we will remember the camaraderie, the joy, the cheering and the pride as we celebrated together.

Dining at the Peninsula

2009-09-22T11:34:00.003-07:00

Executive chef Shawn Heywood and his team create a diverse and ever-changing selection of gourmet meals for residents of The Peninsula. The delicious and nutritious meals feature seasonal and local products as much as possible.

Dining service is available for one to three meals per day and can be customized to satisfy a wide range of dietary concerns. For every meal a wide variety of dishes are offered to ensure every palate is satisfied.

All meals are served in the two comfortable and well-appointed dining rooms. If you are feeling unwell, meals can be delivered directly to your door. The main dining room also features a very special private dining area that can be reserved for parties and private celebrations of up to 12 people.

Welcome to Norgarden

2009-05-14T16:00:00.001-07:00

Norgarden is a first rate retirement community with caring staff, friendly residents, and the very best in service and amenities. This enchanting three-story English Manor style residence is as spectacular as it's setting. The paver stoned courtyard and quaint gazebo provide the focal point as you and your guests arrive. With lush landscaping and many outdoor sitting areas, Norgarden offers a one of a kind lifestyle for seniors who deserve nothing but the best.

Carefree living is a way of life at Norgarden, where you don't just feel at home, you are at home. This is achieved through all of our wonderful amenities such as nightly dining, weekly housekeeping and linen service, secured underground parking plus engaging activities, excursions and so much more. The floral interior decor provides garden-like passageways to an exclusive dining room, reception lounge, guest suite, crafts/hobby room, workshop, and laundry facilities.

Prepare to be impressed by our friendly 24hr staff that wait just inside Norgarden's inviting entrance. Our resident's benefit from a resident-centered approach, which begins by identifying and meeting each resident's individual needs. Our caring staff takes pride in all they do, and are committed to the highest of standards.