The Elim Connection, August 2023

EVERY DAY
IS A NEW DAY
ISSUE 19 SUMMER 2023
SUMMER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 1

FROM
THE EDITOR
As I peruse the content of this 19th edition, I realize how much newness is
represented within; there is a sparkling new pond at Fleetwood (page 4), there
is a whole batch of new residents at Garrison Crossing (The Maple just opened!
See page 6), there are new peek-a-boo landscape additions at both villages
(pages 5 & 14), new brand colours for Fleetwood (page 17), new opportunities
approaching (mark your calendars! The Health & Wellness Fair is just around the
corner!), and an inspiring new story of one resident’s determination to improve
her circumstances (page 12).
There are also new resident contributors, putting pen to paper for the very first
time and lending their voices to this edition—a special thanks to Dewey, Wilma,
and Pete for your submissions. Numerous staff contributed articles as well, and
I thank you for your part in crafting this publication. Happy reading!
Katrina LaRoy,
Brand & Communications Manager
A collection of community events—from a classic car show at
Fleetwood (FW) to summer gatherings at Garrison Crossing (GC)!
SUMMER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 3

A NEW POND
AT FLEETWOOD!
Something exciting recently happened outside of the
Assisted Living (AL) building, The Emerald, at Elim
Village Fleetwood. At the end of June, we welcomed
Aquascape—the leading manufacturer of water
gardens, water features, and ecosystem ponds in
North America—and their team from Chicago,
along with 35 contractors from Alberta to Oregon,
to build an immaculate water feature in just two days!
This new water feature includes a pond, stream,
and wetland filter.
We are very excited to have a new, peaceful attraction
for residents, staff, and visitors to enjoy, and, incredibly,
it was completely free for ELIM. Why? A few reasons:
1.
2.
3.
WRITTEN BY
KRIS VERSLUIS,
STAFF CONTRIBUTOR
Aquascape came to B.C. to train local
pacific northwest contractors on how to
build water features for communities like
ELIM, but they needed a large enough space
to accomodate the work crew—we could
provide that!
This new pond is now ELIM’s 8th Aquascape
feature—they saw us as a reliable customer.
Most customers with Aquascape features
install them in their private backyards for
personal use. The team loved the sense
of community at ELIM, and how everyone
inside and outside the village can enjoy it.
The new pond project was complete on June
29th. This new location is a bit more accessible
to residents of Assisted Living and Full Care
(FC), and we’ve aready heard that it’s a muchappreciated
addition. The Aquascape team
also filmed the entire process, which captured
resident, staff, and family member reactions!
The full ELIM pond video, which is intertwined
with a separate pond project that Aquascape
worked on, is featured at this URL. Check it out!
youtube.com/watch?v=7aSpeWmZ7Wo
before
after
THE
DOLPHIN STORY
WRITTEN BY
DEWEY DEVRIES,
RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR
During the construction of the upper pond last year at
Elim Village Fleetwood, a big tree trunk was brought in
from Ross Lake (near Hope), to enhance the aquascape.
The trunk turned out to be too tall, so it was cut down
by three and a half feet, creating a waste piece intended
for firewood. But to me, the waste piece had potential
for something much better. But what?
Looking at the piece from all angles, it started to twitter
at me. By chainsaw, chipping, and carving, a stylized
dolphin appeared. Two coats of wood preservative and
four coats of spar varnish finished it. But where to mount
it? I spoke with the staff and we determined it would be
best to blend the dolphin into the village somewhere,
complementing the natural surroundings. So a place at
the lower pond was found and it was bolted to the rock
below, for the enjoyment of all.
4 THE ELIM CONNECTION SPRING 2023

WELCOME HOME TO THE MAPLE
WRITTEN BY KATRINA LAROY, STAFF CONTRIBUTOR
August is an exciting month, as The Maple building at Elim Village Garrison Crossing is now complete!
I spent some time with one new Maple resident, Audrey Hoekstra, whose unique history with ELIM dates
all the way back to when the Chilliwack campus was still but a dream.
Hers is a journey filled with family ties,
friendships, and church connections; the
journey to ELIM. Multiple ties to one of ELIM’s
villages is not an uncommon tale among
residents, as the ol’ dependable grapevine is
still as productive as ever. Audrey Hoekstra’s
journey, however, was also informed by what
later came to be recognized as a historic
meeting for Elim Village; a meeting held at the
Chilliwack Alliance Church in September 2014.
“We expected maybe 30 to 40 people,”
comments Ron Haan, one of the organizers of
the event. “And over 100 showed up. So we
found there was a real demand for a project
like this.” Ron Haan together with his friend
Wally Tenbrinke were community catalysts
and integral to the development of Elim Village
Garrison Crossing. Audrey attended the same
church as Wally, which was how she learned
of the meeting. ELIM leaders presented that
night on ELIM’s model of a Christian seniors
living community, as evidenced at their Surrey
location. “I remember being at that meeting
in 2014,” recalls Audrey. “The feeling in the
room was that it would be a good thing for the
Chilliwack community too.”
Audrey’s awareness of ELIM also sprang from
family ties. Her sister-in-law, Jane Dykstra, had
moved to Elim Village Fleetwood earlier that
same year, in the spring of 2014. In addition,
she had a cousin that was on staff at the time.
“Terry-Lynn Dryfhout is my first cousin. She
was at our house after that initial meeting
and encouraged my husband and I to join the
waitlist. I remember Al saying, yeah, we need to
plan ahead. So we joined the list.”
The property in the south of Chilliwack
was acquired later that fall, and Elim Village
Garrison Crossing was born. Groundbreaking
for the first life lease building onsite, The
Sequoia, took place in September 2016. As
Audrey and Al lived within a 10-minute drive
of the new ELIM property, they would drive by
to keep an eye on the progress. The following
year, however, Al passed away. After 55 years
of marriage, Audrey suddenly found herself
on her own.
“I thought, ok, maybe
it’s time. Better to do it
when you’re still able.”
“Mom, are you ready now?” her kids asked,
encouraging her to make the move to ELIM.
Al’s voice was also in the back of her mind, as
he had wanted her to move to a community
like ELIM if he predeceased her. But Audrey
just wasn’t ready. “I just never thought I would
go into a seniors home,” she comments.
“Sometimes you have a stigma that it’s an
‘old-age’ place.” Stigmas can run strong and
deep, and it can take time—even years—
for perceptions to change. This tale too, is a
familiar one to many. “I had that in my mind
for a long time…that I was not going to go
there. But I don’t feel that way anymore.
The people here are just so nice. And after
being on my own for seven years, and then
finally when I turned 80, I thought, ok, maybe
it’s time. Better to do it when you’re still able.”
August has been a whirlwind month with
over half of the 43 Maple suites now home to
new residents. Throughout September, the
building will continue to fill with new residents,
including Audrey. “I’m very excited,” she says,
with a smile on her face. “There’s some friends
of mine moving in as well.” One of her dearest
friends bought the suite immediately adjacent
to hers, and Audrey knows several other new
Maple residents too, as they attend the same
church. “There’s a lot of people I haven’t met
though, and I’m looking forward to meeting
them. I’m looking forward to just being
together and fellowshipping together.” We’re
looking forward to that too!
Audrey stands below her suite at The Maple
We want to extend a very warm welcome to all the new
residents of The Maple. Welcome home!
SUMMER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 7

HAVE YOU
BEEN OUTSIDE?
Where has the time gone? We are now at
the end of our fourth month of ELIM’s outdoor
challenge, Let’s Get Outside! And Track Our
Progress. It’s been great seeing the community
engage with this challenge, to the betterment
of their holistic wellbeing. Some have
participated since Day 1, others have had
intermittent participation, and others still are
spending tons of time outside but are less
interested in tracking it. All good. What
matters is being outside and reaping the
benefits, and that's happening for so many
(hear from some on the next page)!
As in all things, we know that others still are
just simply not that interested in this outdoor
challenge that ELIM is doing. We get it—we’re
all adults and can choose what we do with our
time. We would be remiss, however, not to
encourage you to do something that is good
for you. With your wellbeing in mind, we invite
you to jump on board for our final month of
this outdoor challenge; please find enclosed the
Ratio of Participants by Grouping:
19%
15%
11%
5%
50%
Garrison Crossing
FW Independent Living
FW Full Care
1
September Tracker. Use it if it’s helpful, or just
set an intention to spend more time outside.
Sometimes, though, setting an intention doesn’t
quite cut it; sometimes strategies are needed
for real success. To that end, we want to equip
you with a winning strategy that will help you
succeed—it’s called habit stacking.
Habit Stacking
A big reason for this outdoor challenge has
been to encourage the formation of a habit of
being outside (for all the many benefits it brings).
One strategy to help with habit formation is to
identify a current habit you already do and then
stack your desired new behavior on top. This is
called habit stacking 1 . Think of something you do
every day, or a few times a week. Examples may
include drinking a cup of coffee, going to a fitness
class, eating lunch, or attending hymn sing.
Now insert some outdoor time immediately
after that existing habit. Give it a try! Finish
strong with us and enjoy the beauty and
benefits of the great outdoors.
FW Assisted Living
ELIM Staff Members
So far, ELIM staff have the most participants for the outdoor
challenge. ELIM residents—can you beat them for the month of
September? All you need to do is complete the enclosed tracker!
James Clear, Atomic Habits (New York: Penguin Random House, 2018), 74.
Our outdoor challenge mascot, Timeothy, sure has been a hit too! Left to right: Jacquie Reid spots
Timeothy hidden at the Fleetwood campus; David Herman brought Timeothy to Iceland and together they
saw a geyser; A few littles also have enjoyed searching for Timeothy at Garrison Crossing!
“I love starting my day
outside, rain or shine. As I
walk, I often offer a prayer
for someone I know. I would
encourage people to try
every day to get outside at
least once.” - Jacquie Reid,
Fleetwood Resident
“It’s been really good for me,
and it fits well with a step
challenge that I’m doing too.
I find I don’t want to miss
a day. I walk rain or shine
now.” - David Herman,
Director of Marketing
BEHIND THE COVER
Three Hawthorn residents enjoy some fresh air under the
fir trees at Elim Village Garrison Crossing. Dennis Burzuk
(pictured right) joined the community in December 2022,
and Norm & Anne Ellemo (pictured left) moved into The
Hawthorn in March. “I like to go biking and I really enjoy a
good round of golf,” Dennis comments. “ELIM is close to a
golf course. That was one of the main things for me—
the area is fantastic.”
For the Ellemos, their home at Cultus Lake was becoming a
bit too much to manage. “We ended up hiring someone to
help with the upkeep and maintenance,” says Anne. “But at
the end of the day, I didn’t want us to have to worry about
any of it anymore.” Residents have enjoyed the restaurantstyle
seating of the dining spaces, which allows them to
drop in for meals as it suits their schedules, and also the
freedom to choose their seats!
“I love to go to the park
and watch the kids play.
And yes, the tracker
has had an effect; it’s
an incentive for me to
be outside more. - Joyce
Munro, Garrison Resident
8 THE ELIM CONNECTION SUMMER 2023 SUMMER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 9

STAFF SPOTLIGHT
This is an extra special Staff Spotlight featuring
our favourite Fleetwood pooch, Lucy! Pictured
on the left is Lucy and her owner, Michelle.
WRITTEN BY
WILMA GLEDDIE,
RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR
RACHEL
Hello! I'm Rachel,
the Marketing &
Communications Coordinator at ELIM. In
highschool, I developed a passion for caring for
older adults while visiting my Nana in Full Care.
So, when I worked at Elim Village Fleetwood as a
Marketing co-op student in the summer of 2016, I
had a feeling I'd return after graduating university.
Eventually I did in November of 2020! At first I
helped residents move into Fleetwood, but now
I'm responsible for writing and designing various
communication pieces, like this ELIM Connection.
This role is all about storytelling—my sweet spot.
The stories here are also endless; I’m blessed
my job is to capture them. You can mainly find
me writing stories or taking photos of residents
at Fleetwood, but occasionally I travel to our
Garrison Crossing campus. I love the drive out
there, especially since I have my own chauffeur
(hint: his photo is next to mine!) And does the name
Timeothy ring a bell? I'm the creator behind this
mascot for our outdoor challenge. It's been so
fun watching the community connect with him!
A bit about me: I love animals, the night sky, and
anything pickled. I also married my university
sweetheart, Conrad, last year. We met on our
very first day at SFU, right after I moved from
Saskatoon! I love him so much that I encouraged
him to take a position at ELIM. Spoiler: He did!
CONRAD
Hi! I’m Conrad.
And if it wasn’t
obvious, yes, I'm also Rachel’s husband! We paired
up on so many group projects in university, that
working at the same company was only a natural fit.
I joined Garrison Crossing as the Operations
Administrator a little over a year ago now, right at
the cusp of when The Hawthorn opened. It's been
rewarding opening a new building, especially with
the amazing team and residents surrounding me.
They all make the long commute to work well worth
it! I especially enjoy the interactions I have with
residents; from helping them move in and answering
IT questions, to playing a game of chess with them
on my breaks. I've really had to step up my game!
I love joining residents in this chapter of their lives.
Working with them has taught me that life can be
full at every stage, and to always enjoy the ride. That
might sound cheesy, but it’s empowering watching
residents live this out every single day at ELIM.
Outside of work, I enjoy running, biking, skiing
Whistler mountain, and having Sunday night dinners
with my family. I used to work in the film industry, so
I love movies too. I may know a bit too much about
the Star Wars franchise... just ask Rachel! Similar to
movies, I love hearing residents' unique life stories.
It makes me excited to grow older with Rachel and
see what our life story will be.
LUCY
I open one sleepy eye—it’s morning. I get up slowly and stretch. First my front legs,
then the back. Then I notice that Michelle is already up and dressed. She’s wearing her
blue ELIM shirt. That means it’s a workday! I’m excited now and amble over to her. I need my distinctive
blue scarf; I sit still as she fastens it around my neck. Michelle’s mother made it for me to show I belong
at ELIM and am not just some stray. You could even say I’m part of the wellness team (at least I would).
Michelle and I have been working with the grounds crew since January. But here’s the fun part; many
residents like to be out and about and I get to meet them. I don’t frisk about like I did as a pup, but then
neither do they. They move a little more slowly, and when they see me they call, Lucy! I always respond.
They pet me and even, occasionally, I get treats. I can tell some have had a four-legged friend before.
I see a lady on a bench near where Michelle is working. She looks
sad. I know she has a hard time with her hearing and her eyes are
getting dim. I go to sit by her. She notices me and reaches out her
hand—there’s nothing wrong with her sense of touch. Perhaps
stroking my soft black fur brings back memories. She cuddles me
and gently pets me. Bliss! If I were a cat, I would purr.
Oh! Michelle is on the move. I jump into the electric cart beside
her, and we head to the big water hole, the one with fish. But
Michelle has indicated a stern ‘no’ in this regard; I can drink the
water but not have lunch. However, would you believe it? They
recently built a new watering hole for me, by The Emerald.
So thoughtful.
Our workday is done and I’m exhausted.
It’s been a good day!

“
Time waits for no one...
The opportunities are here, so enjoy them!
”
but persistently, Cleci embarked on a journey to
relieve her pain. And step by step, with the aid
of a walking pole, she did just that.
time spent outdoors offers a tangible sense of
accomplishment. “For me, these tracking sheets
are a compliment to look at,” she muses.
STEADY STEPS TO SUCCESS
WRITTEN BY RACHEL HOFFOS, STAFF CONTRIBUTOR
Another day, another…ache? Unfortunately,
daily pain becomes more common as we age,
and many ELIM residents are carrying around
their own tales of struggle and discomfort. Cleci
Blauth, an Independent Living (IL) resident at
Elim Village Fleetwood, wanted to get rid of this
painful weight on her shoulders—quite literally.
So, she put in the work and is now reaping the
rewards! Here’s how she did it.
In the summer of 2021, less than two years
before Cleci and her husband Geraldo moved
into ELIM, she experienced a fall, which resulted
in a broken left arm. In agonizing pain, Cleci
reached out to friends for support. As they
prayed over her, she instantly felt relief in her
broken arm…only to wake up the next day
with excruciating pain in her opposite shoulder!
Immobilized by her broken arm and now unable
to raise the other, Cleci turned to Geraldo for
help with the simplest tasks. Even after her
broken arm healed, the pain and stiffness in her
right shoulder only became worse.
It wasn’t until the Blauths moved to ELIM in
March of 2023 that Cleci reached a turning
point. After a month of settling into her new
apartment, she learned about the Fleetwood
walking club, the ELIM Go-Getters. “I haven’t
always been an active person, and I don’t enjoy
going to the gym,” she shares, “but if I have
the opportunity to be outside, why not? Being
outside is very important.” Before each walk the
club embarks on, a warm-up session is led by
Suman, the Wellness Assistant for Community
Life. Motivated by Suman’s words to stretch gently
Within a month of stretching and walking more
frequently, Cleci was celebrating a milestone
she didn’t think was possible: lifting her right
arm up past her shoulder! It is a triumph that
was not solely achieved through stretching
and using a walking pole, but also Cleci's
commitment and determination. But, how
exactly did she stay committed when it’s so
much easier to lay on the sofa, take ibuprofen,
or just accept that pain comes with old age?
“Always have a destination,” Cleci shares.
Armed with maps from the walking club, Cleci
was able to create personal goals and explore
the incredible, hidden trails woven throughout
the Fleetwood community. Starting with the
modest goal of 3,000 steps a day, Cleci soon
accomplished 10,000 steps a day. “I slowly
made that progression,” she adds. Whether
it’s getting in her steps by walking to the local
Dollarama or enjoying a scenic walk through a
park, Cleci recognizes the value of consistency.
Another habit that helps Cleci stay committed
is completing the tracking sheets provided
by the ELIM Go-Getters, as well as ELIM’s
outdoor challenge. Recording her walks and
Cleci not only experiences physical benefits
from her efforts, but she has discovered a
newfound connection to nature too. During
her walks, Cleci marvels at flowers, captures
photos, and finds solace in moments of
reflection and prayer. “It’s not only physical,”
she explains, “the walking club has changed
my mental and spiritual way of life too.” Lastly,
her journey was fortified by the inspiration she
gleaned from others in the community, such as
Independent Living resident, Laurel McAllister.
Cleci admires her commitment to walking,
which inspires her own efforts.
To those wrestling with their own pain, “take
everything step by step,” says Cleci. “Don’t
be ashamed of your pain, just do it,” she adds,
regarding walking and stretching, “time waits
for no one...the opportunities are here, so
enjoy them!"
Cleci’s story illustrates the possibilities that lie
within every step. It’s a reminder that pain can
be a catalyst for growth, a chance to reflect,
and an opportunity to make positive lifestyle
choices that will help you physically, mentally,
and spiritually.
If you want to learn more about wellness opportunities at your campus, please connect with Community Life
at Fleetwood: 604.584.7587, or the Concierge at The Hawthorn at Garrison Crossing: 604.426.0438!
12 THE ELIM CONNECTION SUMMER 2023 SUMMER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 13

THE
UNWANTED CROSS
WRITTEN BY
PETE PENNER,
RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR
Have you ever felt like there was no place
for you? That you just didn’t seem to fit in?
I came a ‘cross’ something like that recently.
Our son-in-law is a stone carver. Every
year the carvers in Ottawa do a fundraiser
benefiting a local charity. They chip away at a
block of limestone and create many different
things, which are then photographed and put
up for auction.
We went online and viewed the items. Some
were appealing and others seemed weird, or
poorly carved. We like to support the charity,
and also our son-in-law, so we bid on one
of his. As the auction came to a close, we
noticed several items had no bids. One was a
rugged cross. We liked the concept, but found
the workmanship rough, and where would we
put it? Well, we put in a bid anyway and got it.
The cross was shipped to our home. Now
where to put it? It stood for several years as
the guardian at our front door. Then came
the need to downsize for our move to ELIM,
and we advertised many of our belongings
that would not have a place in our new home.
The cross did not get even one response.
Then the kids at church held a fundraiser for
a refugee fund. Why not donate the cross?
We took it to the sale, expecting it would
be purchased.
A month later, there was an announcement
at church for people to pick up their lost
and found items. There in the collection of
shirts and shoes was the cross. I took pity
and brought it home, but didn’t have a place
for it. Then I had an idea and approached
the gardener. I showed the cross to him and
asked about donating it to the village. He said,
“That looks okay. Maybe you can find a place
for it among the rocks.”
Then came the morning! It felt like a
resurrection for the cross. I loaded it onto my
walker and headed out. As I approached the
Maple building, I noticed some new benches,
with rocks behind them. “That is the spot,”
I heard an inner voice say. The cross will
be with those who are tired and need to
sit down. It will hear the conversations of
concerns and joys. The cross, unobtrusive
in the background, will be part of the life of
our village. That is where the cross belongs!
I gently placed it among the rocks and felt at
peace that it had found its home.
Pictured on the next page is the cross, situated in
the landscaping at Elim Village Garrison Crossing.
IN LOVING MEMORY
FROM APRIL 5 TH to AUGUST 15 TH , 2023
* Resident has a spouse living at Elim Village ^ Prior IL or AL resident
Residents from Garrison Crossing represented by (GC)
FULL CARE
Harry Bacon * ^
Irene Basaraba
Pritam Birk
John Boehr
Joan Booth
Roy Brown
Nina Coutts
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Frank Davis (GC)
Ken Elgersma *
Beth Friesen
Tsuneo Miki *
Pamela St John (GC)
Frits Vanderwart *
Barbara Dalton
Georgie Davis
Tsai Ho
Annie Kleywegt
Rose Kozushko
Yan Li
Kala Prasad
ASSISTED LIVING
Hildegard Claassen
Irene Collingwood
Elly Lucas ^
De Ming Li
Marie Stone
Daphne Ramsay ^
June Reeve ^
Dorothy Russell ^
Swaran Saini
Brigitte Scholl
Kay Scott * ^
Katherine Stannard
Maggie Chapman
Erika Strelau ^
Bill Tolkamp ^
Hardial Toor
Ann Van Harten ^
Alvina Wassen
INDEPENDENT PLUS (GC)
14 THE ELIM CONNECTION SUMMER 2023 SUMMER 2023 THE ELIM CONNECTION 15

OPPORTUNITY TO
SERVE IN SURREY
WRITTEN BY
PASTOR LORIN BERGEN,
STAFF CONTRIBUTOR
NEW! BRAND COLOURS
You may notice some new colours throughout this ELIM Connection. The reason for this
is that Elim Village Fleetwood recently got new brand colours!
One of the four pillars of the pastoral ministry here
at Elim Village Fleetwood is service. In considering
how to incorporate service opportunities in our
village, we became aware of a need through City
Dream Centre.
City Dream Centre is a Christian not-forprofit
based in Surrey. It exists to support the
underprivileged and vulnerable right here in our
city. One of its programs is the Adopt a School
program, which partners with local schools to
provide school children and their families with food
hampers. It’s hard to fathom that in our developed
nation—and right in our own neighbourhood—
there are children arriving at school hungry.
34 tons 6.8K litres
OF CO2 /
GREENHOUSE
GASES REDUCED
THE HUNGRY ORCA
OF
DIESEL
FUEL SAVED
I’m encouraged, however, that where there’s
a need, there’s also an opportunity to make a
difference. That’s where we come in.
Starting in mid-September, a team of resident
volunteers will assemble food hampers for City
Dream Centre. The organization will drop off
supplies here at our village, and each week we will
assemble these supplies into 150 food hampers.
This service opportunity is once a week for 13
weeks (one school semester). If you can join us
for a few weeks (or all 13!), we would love to have
you on board. Please contact me at 604.584.7587
ext 2018 if you would like to sign up!
10K dollars
SAVED
IN WASTE
HAULING SO FAR
Stream Blue is the new primary colour for Fleetwood, and Bright Blue the new
secondary colour. Grey remains the common tertiary colour for all three brand entities.
You may be wondering, “why did Fleetwood need new colours?” To date, Fleetwood’s
colour scheme has been the same as the Head Office colour scheme. However, it makes
sense to treat our two villages the same, so now both Fleetwood and Garrison Crossing
have their own brand colours! This will help residents, staff, and family members
distinguish communications related to the Head Office, as well as communications
specific to one of our village communities.
Check out the brand colours of our three entities below:
HEAD OFFICE
FLEETWOOD
NAVY BLUE
STREAM BLUE
TEAL
BRIGHT BLUE
80%
60%
40%
20%
80%
60%
40%
20%
GREY
80%
60%
40%
Did you know Elim Village Fleetwood is home to an ORCA? It's got quite
the diet too. It steers clear of oils, but loves fruits, veggies, and cheese!
The ORCA, which stands for Organic Refuse Conversion Alternative, munches
away on food in The Emerald’s garbage room. Since June 2022, it’s been ‘digesting’
organic food waste resulting from the preparation and service of 900+ meals per
day. Each month, it consumes approximately four tons of food waste! It then uses
microorganisms to break down food into a liquid, which exits into our wastewater.
As a result, Facilities staff no longer haul out 2,400-3,200lbs of food waste each
week (phew!) Plus, there are many more benefits listed above!
GARRISON
CROSSING
FOREST GREEN
BRIGHT GREEN
80%
60%
40%
20%
20%

LIFE AT
ELIM VILLAGE
A snapshot of the last few months, with community highlights from Elim Village Fleetwood,
including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Full Care, and Elim Village Garrison Crossing.
CROKINOLE FLICKS & FUN!
Independent Living residents at Garrison Crossing gathered at
The Hawthorn to showcase their Crokinole skills in a friendly, yet
competitive, competition—even Site Manager, Lynnelle Friesen,
joined in. At the end of the tournament, a congratulations was in
order for Crokinole champion, George Wiebe (pictured)! This
competition fostered a sense of community, leaving everyone
looking forward to the next tournament in September, which will
be geared towards beginners.
SUMMER MINGLES
TO REMEMBER
CONNECTING
GENERATIONS
ONE VANILLA LATTÉ &
CINNAMON BUN, PLEASE!
This summer, Independent Living
residents at Elim Village Fleetwood
have been excited about the new
summer mingles. In fact, around
200 residents have attended
each time! The first two mingles
featured irresistible Krispy Kreme
donuts, and another was themed
'Dessert en Blanc', where residents
dressed up in radiant white.
Additionally, residents and their
family members had a blast at the
2 nd wine mingle, 'A Taste of BC',
which was held at the end of June.
BREEZY TUNES &
COASTAL FLAVOURS
The Emerald was dressed up in
nautical decor for a delightful
summer BBQ held for Assisted
Living residents at Fleetwood in
July. The soothing melodies of
Nova Sol's live bossa nova music
set the scene for a wonderful day.
Residents savoured the refreshing
flavours of Waldorf salad, zesty
lemon paprika shrimp, and ice
cream sundaes. Their laughter
made it a day to remember and a
cherished lunch for all.
The Harrison Multi-Purpose Room
becomes a hub of joy and learning
each Wednesday morning. The
Mother Goose program invites
young children from SmileStones,
a Junior Kindergarten, to connect
with Full Care residents at our
Fleetwood campus. The laughter
and connections that are formed
as they share stories, songs, and
activities prove that age knows
no boundaries. It's a win-win
experience, bringing smiles to all!
The wait is over—the Chehalis Café & Lounge at The Hawthorn is
open! Anticipation has been rewarded with delectable, homemade
pastries stealing the show—especially their irresistible cinnamon buns
that have everyone talking and munching! Complemented by fresh
coffee and lattés, the café is open to residents and the public seven
days a week from 10 am to 4 pm. It's the perfect spot to catch up
with a friend in a welcoming ambiance!
TICKETS ON SALE!
HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR
Friday, October 13, 2023 | 9am – 3pm
The Oasis, Elim Village Fleetwood
18 THE ELIM CONNECTION SUMMER 2023

A UNIQUE CHRISTIAN RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
9025 160 Street
Surrey, BC V4N 2X7
Phone 604.583.3546 Email info@elimvillage.com
www.elimvillage.com