Fairvern residents and staff celebrate 35 years

Fairvern Nursing Home celebrates 35 years just as it is about to begin a new chapter.

Fairvern’s board chair Rob Laver cuts the anniversary cake

The nonprofit facility was established in Huntsville’s former hospital in 1982. “This facility was created for the community of Huntsville by the community of Huntsville and continues to serve our community admirably,” said Fairvern’s board chair, Rob Laver.

“Fairvern continues to thrive through the determined effort by all the staff, volunteers, and Friends of Fairvern without whose efforts Fairvern would not be the home it is today, the home of choice in this community and home to 76 residents.”

One of those residents is Donna Start. She is a new resident at Fairvern, having just moved there in April from Muskoka Landing. “I love it here,” she said. “It’s fantastic. I’m so involved in all of the activities, we do so much. I never thought I would be as happy as what I am.

Resident Dora Jinkerson agrees. “We love the place,” she said.

Part of what makes the home such a beloved place is the staff and volunteers, many who have been there for more than 20 years. The celebration also recognized the service of one staff member and two volunteers who have been at Fairvern since its beginnings.

Volunteers Helen Austin and Kathleen Mitchell have been helping at the facility since it opened its doors (read an earlier story about them on Doppler here), as has staff member Joyce Vicaire.

Shelley McLean has been a staff member in various roles at Fairvern for 22 years.

“In every department I’ve worked in, we’ve all worked hard,” said McLean. “Sometime it’s challenging, but it’s been very rewarding.” She’s looking forward Fairvern’s pending redevelopment and a more modern facility for the residents and staff.

Fairvern’s Administrator, Tracy Badger, is also looking forward to the future as the facility celebrates its past.

“Thirty-five years means support of a community, it means a well-established business, it means longevity in years of service of our staff. Doing the role call, it was just shy of 1000 years of service in our active staff, with many having 20-plus years. And it means a future. We have the commitment, we have the community, it means moving forward and what can be better than that?”

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