Parkview Manor in Midway is looking for some younger people, which might seem odd since Parkview is a supportive housing complex for seniors.
But they aren’t looking for younger residents—they are looking for younger board members. They have an AGM scheduled for Wednesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. in the basement rec room and invite all those interested to come out.
Parkview is not a government facility, it is owned and operated by the West Boundary Senior Housing Society. “We desperately need some new board members and hopefully they are below the age of 70 and come with some energy,” said WBSHS President Vicki Feist.
While she has been asked to stay on as president for another year; she’d really like to find some retirement time for herself sometime soon. She and her husband Gerald have both served on the board since the society was formed.
She said it is a working board, but many hands make light work; and there are currently 16 on the board and participation is sought from all corners of the West Boundary.
“We are looking for all kinds of talents,” Feist said. “From the crafty to the downright helpful to those with knowledge and skills about building maintenance—all are welcome. There is also the opportunity to serve on the board by coming in on Saturday or Sunday to answer the phone, help the cook as needed and visit with the residents.”
It’s not all work—after all, Parkview is the home for the seniors who live there and a home should be filled with fun and laughter too.
There was some of that laughter and fun recently when the board put on a barbecue for residents and their families. Help making the barbecue possible went beyond just the board too. The Kettle River Lions (long-time supporters of Parkview) had covered the cost of an awning for the patio, the residents themselves pooled funds to buy a barbecue and Andy Shelton of ASE Fire and Electrical put in the necessary wiring to put the rotisserie in motion.
Positions on the board are open to anyone in the West Boundary and Feist explained that all the decisions are made locally. “While BC Housing assists us with the operation of the building, the board has to budget accordingly,” she explained. “Just like any other organization – monthly meetings are where decisions are made.”
WBSHS employs seven people. Assisted living care aides employed by Interior Health are in the building from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and BC Ambulance Service personnel are on call for overnight emergencies. There are 20 individual units at the Manor: 15 independent living and five assisted living.
Parkview opened on April 1, 2001 and these are still some of the best laid-out senior’s housing units around. There are two, two-bedroom units and 18 one-bedroom units. Three are classified as handicapped accessible. Each unit has individually controlled air conditioning and heating, a fully equipped kitchen, ample closet space, a small balcony, wheelchair accessible doorways and a fully equipped bathroom with assist bars.
Monthly rent is based on the occupant’s income and assets (capped at a maximum of $506 for one-bedroom and $622 for a two-bedroom unit). Food is provided through an additional Hospitality Component (under $500 per month) that covers lunch and dinner each day, 24-hour emergency response, security intercom system, kitchen staff, maintenance and administration.
Parkview is a well managed facility that just needs some caring and responsible citizens willing to serve on the board and give it the TLC that will ensure it’s place in the future for many years to come, Feist said.
Those interested in more information about serving on the board are asked to contact Feist at vickifeist@nethop.net.