Community....that’s who we are. Merriam-Webster says that the definition of community is a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society’.
Our residents and their families are our ‘community’. Each day, we greet a new family coming through our front door; many experiencing some form of heartache as they’ve been tasked with finding a space for the person they love. They know that some will receive rehab and return home to them; others will remain and all of them will become a part of our ‘community’ at Pickering.
Our staff are our ‘community’. Those men and women who leave their homes each day to come and care for others’ moms, dads, husbands and wives. They comprise every area; nursing, housekeeping, dining, business office, maintenance and activities. Their hands touch; their voices soothe and their hearts oftentimes break...because they too, have loved the residents and families in our ‘community’.
And lastly, all the amazing people that comprise neighbors, Board members, friends and family as our ‘community’. Newtown has been our home since we accepted our first resident on January 3, 1963. I distinctly realized this on Saturday evening when we gathered to celebrate and support the efforts of Pickering Manor. The room was filled with people that had known us for many years mixed with new faces that were welcomed by everyone. It was a testament to the vision that Russell Pickering began with a bequest and subsequently, Sid Yates continued with the Community Welfare Council.
So, I am deeply grateful to be a part of this ‘community’ and love that you all share it with me....
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families!
Michelle
Michelle Knobloch
Executive Director