Springdale’s Memory Lane pays tribute to residents
Families can plant trees and add names to a plaque
Thursday May 1, 2008 --Camille Jensen
Family members who want to honour residents at Springdale Country Manor can now plant a tree along the home’s newly created Memory Lane.

Four trees were planted along the driveway leading to the home to mark the inaugural event and pay tribute to past residents.

Ann Dillon, life enrichment co-ordinator, says staff at the home thought creating a memory lane would benefit residents and their families who often want to give back to the home. Having recently completed renovations, the trees will also provide shade for residents living in the east wing.

For Ann Weldon, the Peterborough long-term care home’s nutritional care manager, planting a tree is a meaningful way to a remember loved one. Her family contributed to the purchase of three trees to pay tribute to their relatives, including Weldon's grandmother, who had recently passed away.  

“I can look at that tree at think back to my grandma,” says Weldon.

The home planted a fourth tree for a resident whose family had left a monetary donation. Weldon says they were able to contact family members of the resident who came to the event.

The tree planting ceremony brought more than 35 family members to the home, who stayed after the tree-planting to enjoy cake and ice cream and celebrate what would have been Weldon’s grandmother’s upcoming birthday.

Springdale also purchased a plaque to honour past residents. The plaque is another way families can leave a memory of their relatives with the home.

Anyone interested in donating a tree to Springdale is welcome and can contact Dillon at (705) 742-8811

How does your home pay tribute to residents? Stories are often generated by the feedback we receive. Please share your thoughts by calling the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 ext. 24 or e-mail camille(at)axiomnews.ca.