Mother’s Day & Norway’s Constitution Day Celebration
Normanna
A Caring Home
SPRING 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
President’s
Message ........................... 2
What Home Feels Like ....... 3
Executive Director’s
Report .............................. 4
Community Bus Outings .... 5
Mother’s Day (Highlights) ....
.................................. 6 & 7
Volunteer Appreciation ...... 8
Then-and-Now Norway ...... 9
Meet the Staff ................... 9
Events ............................ 10
From Ladies Auxiliary ...... 11
O
ur tradition of combining Mother’s Day and Norway’s
Constitution Day, 17th May, together the second Sunday in May
could not have been celebrated on a more perfect day. All who
attended enjoyed sitting in the therapeutic garden while listening to the
program and visiting with residents, friends and family. A welcome and
thank you was extended by Myrna Latval, President of the Board of
Directors, to everyone for their continued support to Normanna and for
attending our annual events.
Coming Events ................ 12
Note from Recreation ...... 12
In memory of Cuddles ..... 12
Insert—Thank you to
our Donors
A carnation was given to all ladies from the Ladies Auxiliary as they
entered the home. President Lise Leslie spoke on behalf of the Auxiliary.
Ron Stubbings, Board of Director Treasurer and President of the Normanna
Foundation Board gave an excellent talk on the Constitution of Norway.
A special treat was entertainment from three very young grandsons whose
grandparents are residents in Normanna. The three boys playing together
and their solos on the violins were a joy to hear, they are very talented. We
look forward to having them back. As is tradition we were also entertained by
the Runeberg Choir with a selection of Scandinavian and English pieces.
(highlights of the event on pages 6 & 7)
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
Normanna
7725 4th Street
Burnaby, BC V3N 5B6
Tel. 604-522-5812
Fax. 604-522-5803
www.normanna.ca
For enquiries, submissions
or advertising please call
the Editor at 604-515-3331
2
NORMANNA NEWS
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SPRING 2016
A Message from your Board
I
Myrna Latval
President
t has been a very busy time for all of the Board committees.
Our succession planning committee meets with representatives of
Westcoast Management looking for a new Executive Director to fill
Margaret Douglas Matthews’ position who will be retiring in June
2017. Margaret has been with Normanna since 1997 and has been
invaluable in overseeing the many major projects and changes that
have taken place. Our board continues to be amazed with her
leadership, knowledge and expertise in the operations of our home.
We are very fortunate to have such a capable person in this position
and she will be missed.
Various projects have been completed at the home and a number are being worked on.
Flooring is being replaced in Nordheim. This will be done with as little disruption as possible to
the residents. We will also need to do flooring upgrades in other areas.
New fencing has been added in the therapeutic garden patio between the park and our
property to replace the wooden fence no longer stable. The Viking ship was in need of repair
and this work was carried out in the basement of the volunteer house. Kris, Jakob, Viggo and
volunteers Wally Williams and Frank Korczyk all helped with this project. The gardening
committee and the landscapers have pruned, cleaned out overgrown areas, mulched etc. and
planters and hanging baskets have been added. Water bags will be placed around some of the
trees to help with the watering during the warm months. We are looking into doing some
upgrading to the heritage house.
Volunteers are the heart of our organization and we would like to encourage anyone who has
time on their hands to please consider joining us at Normanna. You will enjoy the
camaraderie.
Myrna Gulbransen Latval
President
NORMANNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2015—2016
President – Myrna Latval
Vice President – Kris Frostad
Treasurer – Ron Stubbings
Secretary – Lil Iversen
Director-at-Large – Jakob Tengs
Directors
Viggo Svendsen
Lise Leslie
Kathy Young
Per Christensen
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
NORWEGIAN OLD PEOPLE’S HOME
ASSOCIATION
Mission & Values
Normanna provides quality residential healthcare
services that reflect the values of trust, respect,
caring & diversity.
Vision
To be a leader in providing comprehensive care
through innovation and outreach for clients in
need of care. To enhance our services in response to the changing needs of our community.
NORMANNA NEWS
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3
SPRING 2016
What Home Feels Like
by Kristina Van Der Zwan
H
ome is where the heart is. So many times in our lives our definition of “HOME”
changes, as these transitions happen we are often excited, nervous and even a bit
fearful of what the future holds. No matter where we call home, our ideas about
how home should feel remain the same. Of all the words or phrases that could be used to
describe home, unconditional love and acceptance resonates the strongest in summarizing
a place where we can comfortably be ourselves no matter our circumstance.
Home for most people has always been the epicenter
of activity, a place where family and friends gather to
celebrate, grieve, laugh, cry and love. Home is a place
where memories are created and relationships are
strengthened. Some of the most valuable relationships
we form in the home are with the pets that become a
part of our family. The furry companions that enrich
our days truly embody unconditional love and
acceptance.
Yvan D with Bailey
At Normanna, interactions with birds and friendly
visitors such therapy dogs, help to comfort those who
are re-defining what home looks like. One such visitor
we would like to introduce everyone to is Bailey, a 6
year old Shih-Tzu and Springer Spaniel mix dog. Bailey
has been working with older adults in care since he
was 3 months old and is the companion to Kristina Van
Der Zwan, Manager of Recreation.
Bailey will be visiting
Normanna a couple times a
week to introduce him to
our residents and their
home. Since Bailey’s time
with the organization he
has
brought
new
memories, smoothed away
bad days, brought back
memories of beloved pets
and warmed the beds of
residents who just need a
friend to love them
unconditionally.
Ingrid H with Bailey
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
Helen U with Bailey
4
NORMANNA NEWS

SPRING 2016
Executive Director’s Report
W
OUR BUS AND YOUR DONATIONS
e are so fortunate to have our bus because you made
this possible.
To date we have travelled over 12000 km and over 1900
residents have taken trips. Our trips include, Scandinavian Senior
Luncheon at the Centre, Swimming, Petting Zoo, Picnics in the park,
Seaside visits, Christmas Light Tours, Shadbolt Centre Concerts and
Luncheons, Haunted House Tours, many Restaurant Luncheons,
Shopping, Casino, and Scenic Drives.
See photos on page 5
YOU are the heartbeat for our residents.
Margaret Douglas-Matthews
Executive Director
OFFICE OF THE SENIORS ADVOCATE
We are very fortunate to have the first official Office of the Seniors Advocate in Canada.
Isobel Mackenzie was appointed as BC Seniors Advocate in 2014. The mandate of the Seniors
Advocate it to monitor, analyze and recommend to the BC Government system improvements
for seniors.
The OSA’s will conduct residential care surveys between May 2016 and October 2016. The goal
is to survey every resident (minimum target 40-50%) and their “Most Frequent VisitorMFV” (minimum target 69.8%). Surveys will identify system issues and local quality
improvement. The surveys have been approved by Accreditation Canada and meets the
requirements for surveying residents and families.
Our residents will be surveyed in-person and “MFV” will receive a paper based or online
survey. The guiding principle “every resident in long-term care in BC will have a voice and will
be invited to participate in a survey about their experience of care “. The survey dimensions
will include asking residents to evaluate their experience and satisfaction with Privacy, Food,
Safety and Security, Comfort, Daily Decisions, Respect, Responsive Staff, Staff-Resident
Bonding, Activities, Personal Relationships, Medications, and Self-report general health status
(Physical and Emotional.)
The interviews will be conducted in one of nine languages and by trained volunteers who are
independent from Normanna. We look forward to the surveys and results. Quality
improvement is a never ending journey and should be embraced with passion. Meanwhile for
additional information about Normanna, please visit www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca and select
reports & publications “Facilities Quick Facts Directory”.
Some interesting facts about our 100 residents at Normanna, 70 have dementia, 60 have
mobility aides, our residents speak 17 different languages, the youngest person is 52 and we
have 6 residents between 97-102.
Respectfully submitted by
Margaret Douglas–Matthews
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
5
NORMANNA NEWS
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SPRING 2016
Community Bus Outings
Edmonds Community Centre
Residents enjoying a swim with Al
Zone Bowling
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
6
NORMANNA NEWS

SPRING 2016
Mother’s Day/Norway’s Constitution Celebration 2016
Normanna
Entertainment
Alex, Matthew and Andy Sorbo
Runeberg Choir
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
NORMANNA NEWS

SPRING 2016
G
7
reetings were extended by Peter Julian, MP;
Councillor Paul McDonell; Raj Chouhan, MLA;
and Ron Stubbings.
They are very supportive of Normanna and we thank
them for taking time out of their busy schedules to
attend.
Refreshments were served by the Ladies Auxiliary,
Board Members and Volunteers.
MLA Richard Lee greeting the
residents
Susan Strang, Secretary of Ladies
Auxiliary and Ron Stubbings,
Normanna Board of Director
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
NORMANNA NEWS

SPRING 2016
8
Volunteer Appreciation
O
n April 26th, we took some time to stop and celebrate the contributions of our volunteers,
the heartbeat of Normanna. Over a lovely lunch, prepared by the Coastline kitchen team,
with strawberry shortcake for desert, it was a wonderful way to reflect on the many memories
made by our volunteers who give the gift of time to our aging seniors.
A thought prepared by Paul McDonell a City of Burnaby Councilor: “Without volunteers our
society would not be able to function. Last year in Canada, volunteers contributed 2 Billion
hours of their time to make our society a better place. To put it in context 1 Billion is a 1,000
million.
Normanna and Dania would not be the great facilities they are without your contribution of
time. Thank you to each and every one of you for making this happen. Thanks 2 billion
times.”
President of Normanna, Myrna Latval &
President of Dania, Kjeld Christensen
Always a full house!
Our long time volunteers and occupants of the heritage
house, Vivian Bates and Helen Mosdell have now moved
to a condo. It is a good move for them at this time.
They will be missed as our tenants but will continue to
be active with volunteering and as members of the
Ladies Auxiliary.
The Haaheim family has been involved with Normanna
since the formation of the Norwegian Old People’s Home
Association. Their father Anfin was one of the founders
and their mother Viola was also part of the first Ladies
Auxiliary.
Helen Mosdell & Vivian Bates
Vivian served on the Board of Directors as Secretary. She has for many years been
conducting tours for people interested in becoming residents of Normanna. She also shops
for residents who are unable to make their own purchases. Vivian and Helen are also present
twice a month when entertainment is provided by the Ladies Auxiliary. Thank you both for
the many years you have been with us as our tenants.
Submitted by Myrna Latval
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
NORMANNA NEWS
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SPRING 2016
9
Then-and-Now Photos of Norway’s Landscape over the
Past 100+ years
“Tilbakeblikk” (“retrospective” in Norwegian) is a fascinating photo project that shows how
Norway’s gorgeous landscapes have changed over the past century. Decades-old photos are
faithfully re-captured by figuring out exactly where the original photographer stood.
Meet the staff
B
orn and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, I immigrated to Canada in 1994 to join
my sister and her husband. After an initial acclimatization to my
new country, I joined Capilano University to complete a Diploma course in
Business Administration.
Following my graduation, I was hired by Intercontinental Hotels Group as
Sales Coordinator for Holiday Inn Vancouver Downtown Hotel &
Suites. During my tenure, I was convinced that I had found my true passion in the hospitality
and service industry and this is where I excelled.
In 2004, while vacationing in England, I met the love of my life, Russell, to whom I have
been married to for 11 years. I can distinctly remember one of his first questions to me was
“Do you enjoy hockey”. I wonder what path would destiny have taken if I had answered
“No”!
We were married in Vancouver in January 2005 and together we enjoy travelling,
entertaining, and cooking. Most of our evenings are spent stretching out in a yoga studio,
when there is no hockey, of course!
In October 2005, my hospitality career was topped by being awarded Tourism Vancouver’s
“Outstanding Service Award” which influenced me to be where I am today. I feel that I have
now found my true vocation in life with Normanna and Dania. I have also found the missing
link between the hospitality and service industries and am now able to encompass the best of
both worlds in my role as Executive Assistant.
Last but not least, after being in Canada for 20+ years, I am still being called ‘Julie’, ‘Judy’,
‘Ruby’. In fact, often I get people trying to correct me by telling me I have misspelt my name
and have accepted the fact that I do have a unique name! Hi, I am Juby Sprake, Executive
Assistant at Normanna and Dania Homes.
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
10
NORMANNA NEWS
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FALL 2015
Events
T
ip toe through the tulips, in the garden by the willow
tree… oh tip toe through the tulips with me!
We welcome the warmth of the summer sun and bright
budding trees with pretty cherry blossoms and delicate
magnolia flowers and all the while we are reminded that at
this time of year we celebrate the coming of Easter. It was
a lovely surprise to see the Easter Bunny hop on through
Normanna despite her busy schedule! With a bright smile
and the sweet taste of chocolate on our lips we sang, along
to “Spring Time in the Rockies” and waved goodbye to the
bunny dressing in yellow. Happy Easter!
India Week
Dale R with Kristina Van Der Zwan
To truly take in the vibrant culture of India, you have to
truly immerge yourself into their fashions, food, dance and
music. The residents of Normanna started with an armchair
travel to India – discussing and exploring the many
treasures and traditions that this thriving population lives
for. A special lunch was held as residents tasted the flavors
of India: cumin, curry, cardamom all served in a creamy
butter chicken with basmati rice and naan bread. Our
kitchen also prepared a tasty Indian meal for all residents to
sample and enjoy; you are never too old to try something
new! The highlight of our theme week was a fashion show
featuring a variety of Indian suits all in different styles.
Normanna enjoyed a performance of traditional Indian
dancing and some even tried some henna tattooing for fun!
Roy K getting a henna tattoo
Chinese Week
As Chinese New Year visited us in February we
celebrated this culturally significant time with a
week full of events intended to excite the
imagination and stimulate the senses. As we
learned about China and the many marvels of
this brilliant civilization we enjoyed a Chinese
theme meal in-house and also ordered in a
special lunch of chow mein, sweet and sour
pork and beef chop suey. We enjoyed a vibrant
performance of traditional Chinese dancing,
with the use of fans and time honored skill.
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
Chinese Fan Dancers
NORMANNA NEWS
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SPRING 2016
11
From The Ladies Auxiliary
T
he Normanna Ladies Auxiliary needs your help to recruit new members. Many of us are
facing old age and failing health.
For years, the ladies have put a lot of energy into making sure that our residents have the opportunity to enjoy new activities and ongoing entertainment. There is also the opportunity to
do some socializing among ourselves.
We meet the first Monday of each month at 11am. for a light lunch, provided by Normanna’s
kitchen, and followed by a brief meeting. Following the meeting, we proceed to Vestheim
where the residents are gathered for refreshments and a musical program.
The entertainer and snacks are provided by the Ladies Auxiliary.
At the Annual Garden party, the 3rd Sunday in August, the ladies prepare Scandinavian open
faced sandwiches for the guests, as well as assist with the serving.
The first Saturday in December is the Annual Christmas event, where we raise money by holding a lottery, silent auction, sale of donated treasures and trinkets and stacks of Norwegian
Fattigmann cookies, lefse and more. We also sell open faced sandwiches and waffles. The bulk
of our money is raised at this event.
Kristina, our Recreation Manager,
compiled a list of items to be used by the
residents for activities and entertainment,
which she was able to purchase with
money provided by the Ladies Auxiliary.
We have also purchased raised planters
where some of the residents can grow
and care for their own garden. We also
provide vouchers for trips on our shiny
new bus, as well as various other items of
benefit to the residents.
Kathy Svendsen, Vice President and Alice Dewan
The Ladies Auxiliary cook book, which was published in 2014, is getting close to selling out, so
please get your copy soon. Only $10.00 each.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization. So if you have a bit of time to spare and
would enjoy some socializing, please contact Lise at; [email protected] or call 604-669-1351.
Submitted by
Lise Leslie, President, Ladies Auxiliary
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001
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NORMANNA NEWS
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SPRING 2016
Coming Events: June—December 2016
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
June 18th & 19th, 2016
Scandinavian Centre
Norwegian Old People’s
Home Association AGM
June 20th, 2016—6:30 p.m.
Normanna Auditorium
Coffee, Tea and Kringle
In memory of Cuddles
Annual Garden Party
Sunday, August 21st @ 2:00 p.m.
Entertainment & Refreshments
Christmas Bake Sale & Bazaar
Saturday 3rd December, 2016 @ 12 Noon
Norwegian House Society
Look for Fall, Christmas and Spring events
Email: [email protected]
www.scandinaviancentre.org
THE NORWEGIAN OLD PEOPLES
HOME ASSOCIATION
Welcomes new members
1 year membership $5.00 • Life Membership
$25.00
Membership Forms can be downloaded from
our website at www.normanna.ca
Therapeutic Garden & Auditorium
Rentals
We rent and cater for special occasions such
as Weddings, Birthdays, Celebration of Life
& more
Please contact Juby Sprake @ 604-515-3331
Note from Recreation
We are always looking to enhance our resident programs, if you have any of the following
items in new or good condition we would thankfully accept your contribution to Normanna.

Bread maker Machine (with cook books are preferred)

China - Cups & Saucers, Cream & Sugar Pots, Tea Pot

Adaptive Puzzles – 25-300 piece puzzles (larger piece puzzles with adult appropriate
subject matter are preferred)

Ladies and Men’s sun hats

Old Calendars – will be used to make for photo books

Buttons for sorting

Picture / Photo books with bright, vivid images

Hand held garden tools and gloves
Normanna Foundation Charitable Business #89083 1191 RR0001