S. Sroykewich presenting cheque to Harry Kristala vichi on behalf of the
breweries. Tom Parasohuk. 1m DeWitt and Peter Bobbie looking on.

pastel shadcs with matching drapes - these color schemes Worked out by
the T. Eaton 03., Brandon, Man.

There was also a large operating room, nursery, medicine room and
staff living quarters, separate from the nursing unit proper.

Mr. DeWitt also reported that threc applications from interested
medicos had already been received .

The organization meeting to establish the Sandy Lake Nursing Unit

had been held at the residence of Ira De‘Witt on February 28, 1949. Also '

present at this gathering were Mike Kowalchuk, H.B. Kristalowich, Bill
Melcosky. Tony Keller. Steve Verblwski, Onufrey Didyk and Steve
Rystephanuk.

The members proceeded to canvass for donations and at a meeting on
April 26, 1949 the following members were appointed and registered
with the office of the Minister Ivan Schultz, Department of Health and
Public Welfare to serve on the Organization Committee of the Sandy
Lake Nursing Unit District. Ira S. DeWitt (Interim Chairman}, H3.
Kristalowich, D.0. Dldyk, Peter Bobble, Tom Pamschuk, Steve
Verbiwski and Mike KowalChuk.

In this interview Mr. DeWitt also paid tribute to the residents of the
district whose generous donations had eased the task of financing. The
late Dr. R.H. Kippen of Newdalc bought the complete debenture issue;
the Manitoba Pool Elevators donated $3000.00; and under the terms of
the will of the late Mrs. EJ. Farmer, the hospital was left $2400.00. The
Ladies Auxiliary to the Sandy Lake Branch of the Canadian Legion. the
Chamber of Commerce, the Ukrainian Catholic and the Ukrainian
Greek Orthodox church parishes donated enough to cover the cost of
furnishing a room at an approximate cost of $700.00 each.

it was decided to build the unit with local help ~ comon laborer 75
cents per hour, rough carpenter “.00 per hour, supervisor $1.25 per
hour. Mr. Tony Gregorash was the supervisor, then later taken over by
Mr. DeWitt.

And in June 1952 the hospital opened its doors in time to admit Mrs.
Mary (Tony) Kowalchuk who gave birth to the first baby (a baby
daughter). . ‘

Mrs. Rose Craig was the first matron of the Unit. She scrved for a
short period before Alied Vandcr Kooy (Nechweduik) took over and
worked with nurse Leona Kowalchuk (Davis) until the Unit closed. The
first doctor was Mark Schcrz of Brussels, Belgium, who worked in his
office within the new hospital. Dr. Scherz came to Sandy Lake with his
wife and 15 month old daughter.

In August 1956, Steve Verbiwski. representative of the Unit Board of
Directors travelled to Winnipeg to meet with the Minister of Health,
and to make application to the Department of Health to gain per-

Ola' Hospital which was later converted lo the Nursing Home.

Staffand residents enjoying an afternoon at the lake. 196%

mission to operate the Unit as a Home for senior citizcns. Permission
was granted and the doors opened to seniors in September 1956. _

Mrs. Harris was the first manager of the Senior Citizens Home. The
Home operated for fourteen years providing care and comfort for a
large number of seniors who became unable to care for themselves. The
residents enjoyed visits from local organizations who brought cheer
regularly, they especially enjoyed the Ladies of Court Royal Purple,
Canadian Forresters who came from Strathclair every December with
an entertaining Christmas visit.

In 1970. a letter was received from the Dept. of Health that the
existing facility was not up to standards and the Board was given five
years to update the old building or build a new one.

In June 1973 Municipal Affairs Minister Howard Pawley arrived in
Sandy Lake on a Friday afternoon and turned the sod to begin con-
struction of the new Sandy Lake Nursing Home. The $450,000 wood
frame structure is situated on the former playground of the old
elementary school. is an Lnshapcd building and a 36 bed unit ~ each
resident having their own room and bathroom.

Exactly one year later, on June l3. 1974, the move from the old
building to the new was finally completed. With the help of the Min-
nadosa Medical Unit, the 23 residents were moved in time to have
dinner in the new building. The administrator Mr. George Prout
credited the early date to the pcrsistance, cooperation and hard work of
the staff. All their time and effort greatly appreciated by the residents,
Mr. Front and nurse Mrs. Patricia Krupa. Also assisting with this move
was Activity director Mrs. Janet Nylon.

The following day the residents were entertained by the Selkirk
Junior High School Band, who happened to be touring in the area.
Many visitors were also in attendance and lunch was served to everyone.
And somehow on this beautiful sunny day in June, the young people,
their music and all the guests proved to be an excellent way to open the
doors to this new residence that would become “home" to many future
seniors. And it was on that opening day that the news column “Golden
Reflections” was born, this “news from the Home” which is being
enjoyed to the present day.

Present Medical Nursing Unit with low rental Senior Citizens homes vis-
ible on far right.