Easter: Watch the Story of Jesus
If you’re curious about the life of Jesus, the TV series, The Chosen, can be a great introduction to him.
Congratulations to Lana T, winner of the Menno Place Quilt Raffle!
The quilt is the prize. The real win is the impact made together. Thank you to everyone who bought a raffle ticket in support of recreation and chaplaincy at Menno Place. We are deeply grateful for your support.
What is Easter All About?
Every year, at Easter, Christians celebrate the good news of Jesus’ sacrificial love for the whole world.
Easter Services at Menno Place
Residents from all across our campus, families, and friends are all invited to join us for our Easter Services. All services take place in the Menno Hospital Chapel.
To find the chapel enter through the main entrance of Menno Hospital (by the round parking lot). Take the elevator to the second floor and turn left. Take the first right to walk across the skywalk and enter the chapel. The chapel and skywalk are both fully accessible.
If you plan to porter a resident using a mobility device please allow extra time as we anticipate busy elevators and a full house.
MEMO: TE Only Elevator Shut-Down and Phone Line Disruption
For Terrace East ONLY
North Elevator Shut-Down – March 11-12th
The main lobby elevator in Terrace East has a repair scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th to Thursday, March 12th. During these two days, the elevator will not be available to use.
Please use the South Elevator (at the end of the hall) during this time. Thank you for your patience as we share one elevator.
Phone Line Disruption – March 12th
We are making a behind the scenes upgrade to our technical equipment, and as a result expect that each suite will lose phone access for about 5 minutes at some point during the day. We do not know what time each individual suite will be impacted; we do not need access to the suite for this upgrade.
We understand that the pendant system will continue to function during the short disruption. Staff will monitor the situation and remain aware of any issue that may arise during this upgrade.
Thank you for your cooperation.
MEMO: Apts Power Washing of Decks and Windows
Our annual spring cleaning is about to begin in the apartments. We have arranged for the same contractor as last year to come and wash the decks and windows. This project will begin as early as Monday, March 9th and is expected to take about 2 weeks per building to complete.
This memo is official notice that we will be accessing all suites to complete this work.
The work will begin March 9th in Primrose Gardens on the 6th floor, and we will work our way down floor by floor. We have asked the contractor to provide us with daily progress updates so that we can do our best to keep you informed. Listen for these updates at lunch announcements. Contact the Life Enrichment Team with any questions.
Schedule
Primrose Gardens: March 9th – March 23rd
Terrace East: March 24 – April 7th
Terrace West: April 8th – April 26th
Pavilion: April 27th – May 11th
The contractor will be using a power wash cart that will be rolled into each suite. Residents do not have to move any furniture in their suite. They will access your deck via the patio door.
Please move smaller items off the deck, including items that shouldn’t get wet (if you are able to do so).
Thank you for your cooperation
Clocks Go Ahead on March 8th for the Last Time
On Sunday, March 8th at 2am the clocks will go forward one hour. This marks the final time the clocks will change in the province of BC.
On March 2, David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, announced that the province will switch to daylight savings time permanently. The clocks will not fall back this coming November. The new time zone will be called Pacific Time. You can read more about this change here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-adopting-year-round-daylight-time-9.7111657
LTC: Exploring an App for Improved Communication
Menno Home and Menno Hospital are exploring Gerry App – a phone-based app which allows caregivers to view current health-care information about their loved-one’s care.
Dementia Education Series Continues on March 11th
We are pleased to invite you to attend the second session of our Dementia Education Series, Perceptions in Dementia.
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Menno Hospital Chapel
Presenter: Dr. Atul Nanda, Geriatric Psychiatrist
Dr. Nanda will lead this informative session and share valuable insights into the care and management of individuals living with dementia. This session offers an excellent opportunity to deepen understanding and enhance the support we provide to our residents.
We strongly encourage all staff members and family partners to attend and benefit from Dr. Nanda’s expertise.
We look forward to your participation.
Kind regards,
Smitha Varghese
Director of Care,
Menno Home and Hospital
Staff Appreciation Awards – Honouring Achievements in 2025
On February 5, 2026, Menno Place gathered to celebrate the annual Team Appreciation Awards—a tradition we have held for the past 12 years. This annual event is a chance to say thank you, to honour faithfulness, and to recognize the quiet, daily acts of compassion that shape the lives of residents and families across their campus.
This year 94 staff members were recognized, including special honours for four staff reaching 30 years of service, one reaching 40 years, and one reaching an extraordinary 45 years with Menno Place. Altogether the 94 staff members represent a remarkable 1,076 combined years of service—a legacy of care, consistency, and commitment that has touched thousands of lives.
Serving at Menno Place Since 1981
Our 45-year honouree, Ester Darco, joined the Housekeeping and Laundry team back in 1981. Nik Van Egdom, Manager of Environmental Services, described Ester as “a wonderful housekeeper who goes out of her way to make sure the residents feel loved.”
Our 40-year honoree, Vannareth Chang is part of the Dining Experience team. Her manager highlighted her thoughtful eye for improvement and her heart for making things better for residents and colleagues alike.
Four members of the care team were recognized for 30 years of service in Menno Home and Menno Hospital and each one was recognized by their manager:
- Lana Bessett was praised for her willingness to teach and lead by example.
- Deirdre Rosie was celebrated for her care rooted in dignity and kindness.
- Ronald Simon was appreciated for keeping residents’ concerns close to heart and faithfully following through.
- Heather Taylor was admired for always putting residents first and treating each person with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Outstanding Achievement Awards
In addition to long-service awards, three Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented—Everyday Hero, Living Our Values, and Best Leader. These awards carry special meaning because the recipients are nominated by the members from all across the Menno Place community. This year, nearly 100 nominations were submitted by residents, families, and staff, recognizing 78 staff members from every team and every area of our campus. These nominations are powerful affirmation of trust, impact, and everyday excellence.
This year’s winners were:
- Best Leader – Lana Harder, Housekeeping and Laundry
- Everyday Hero – Julie Toopitsin, LPN
- Living Our Values – Rhonda Henderson, Housekeeping and Laundry
We believe that honouring our staff is not just a good organizational practice—it is part of our calling. We are guided by a commitment to serve with compassionate Christian care, and we recognize that this care is lived out daily through the hands, hearts, and faithfulness of their people.
As Sujata Connors shared in closing, “We know that God is here at Menno Place. I see it every single day. Thank you for continuing to work here and support our mission to provide wonderful, compassionate, Christian care for our residents and for each other.”
Event Photos
To view images from the event go to the google album here: Go to Gallery
To download any of the images, click on the image then click on the three dots in the top right corner to open the dropdown menu. Select download from the menu to save the photo.
