NEWS AND EVENTS

Golden Age of Hollywood Theme Day

On Thursday, April 16, The Ravines hosted yet another successful theme day. Our theme for the month of April was “The Golden Age of Hollywood”. Walking into the building was like taking a step back in time to Hollywood of the 1930’s and 40’s. The dining room was decorated in silver, gold and black with Casablanca playing on a large screen in the background. The Sonic Blues Jazz Band entertained us with songs from the good old days while residents and guests sipped on wine and enjoyed a wide selection of hors d’oeuvres once again prepared by our talented chefs.

Mexican Fiesta Open House

The Ravines recently held a Mexican Fiesta themed open house. The main level of the building was decorated in bright colors with everything you would find on a beach vacation. Upon entering the building, all guests and residents were given a lei and their all access bracelet.  The chefs went above and beyond once again with a buffet filled with all sorts of delicious foods similar to those you would find at a 5 star all inclusive resort. We had entertainment by a Mexican style band, Rumbavant as well as some very talented Caribbean style dancers. If you squinted your eyes, you would have sworn you were on a relaxing beach holiday!

Alzheimer’s Walk of Memories

On Sunday, January  25, the Alzheimer’s Society of Ottawa and Renfrew held their  annual Alzheimer’s Walk of Memories at the Carlingwood Mall. Our AlaVida team was there to proudly support the Alzheimer’s society by walking for the full 2 hours to raise money for this important cause.

We donated t-shirts that were prizes for anyone who finished the 8km walk. Diane Tappin, Director of Care for The Ravines, was honored to present an award at the end of the day to the top individual fundraiser.

The Alzheimer’s Society raised a whopping $120,000 from this amazing event. We look forward to walking again next year.

Ravines Grand Opening. December 4, 2008

The Ravines Retirement Residence and Seniors’ Suites celebrated its Grand Opening in high style on December 4, 2008 with the theme “Christmas Around the World”.

Gord Hunter, Counsellor for the City of Ottawa was one of the dignitaries for the Opening Ceremony. Phemie Guttin, Director of Operations for AlaVida Lifestyles opened the ceremony which also featured Kathy Yach of the Council on Aging, and Marion Fleming and Tony Greco speaking on Wellness and Lifestyle. One of the Ravines residents, Melba Hurd, provided the closing remarks with an interesting reminiscence on the process of choosing the Ravines as her new home.

Mrs. Hurd had attended the Grand Opening of Park Place Seniors’ Suites, another AlaVida building, in May of 2006 and had been impressed by the speech given by its resident representative. “I remember the speaker representing the residents and how he spoke of the decision to move into a seniors’ residence and it coloured my decision all these years later. He said, among other things, how he made the decision to move while he had a choice and could see many of the valued possessions move on to those he chose to have them. When my husband and I sold our home, I thought of him often. It made it easier to give prized possessions away and look forward to a safer environment – no stairs.”

After the formal part of the opening, the party began! Five hundred guests were there to celebrate with us, to tour the building and to enjoy the amazing array of food prepared in our kitchen. Guests were greeted as they entered with Christmas Carols sung by the barbershop quartet, Polaris. Each person was offered a passport that would guide them around the sites of the building in a self tour. Stops were Canada (Dining Room), Italy (Model Suite), Mexico (Activity Room), Great Britain (Theatre Room) and the Netherlands (Wellness Centre). Completed passports were entered into a draw for some fabulous prizes.

In the Dining Room, the Sonic Blues Jazz Band provided lively entertainment as did the Rumbavant  on the Lower Level at the Christmas in Mexico passport stop. There was a fabulous selection of food including an amazing chocolate fountain. No one went hungry, that is certain.

The Ravines provides a wide selection of retirement service options, from independent and full service retirement to specialty care floors (Cognitive Care and Enhanced Care) as well as short term stays for convalescent and respite care. For information call Rosa Sicoli, Marketing Manager at 613-288-7900.

November 2008

The Ravines is now open and has welcomed its first residents. For information call 613-288-7900.

The Ravines is pleased to offer convalescent and respite care in our great new building. We offer varying levels of care depending on the need as well as short term stays on our Cognitive Care Floor.

June 2008 Update

Work is underway on the landscaping at the front of the Ravines building. The construction crane is gone and the residence is looking quiite handsome.

May 2008 Update on the Ravines.

As you can see, the brick is on the building and it is looking good. You will have to take our word for it that progress is really being made on the interior of the building as well.

Call now while the suite selection is still good and plan your move for the fall. Who knows what kind of winter awaits us in 2008/2009!

March 2008 Update on constructon at the Ravines.

The construction is really progressing at the Ravines. Brick is going up on the outside and the rooms are framed on the inside. It was exciting to don our hard hats and work boots and take a stroll through the developing building.

Particularily exciting is the lower level, where the majority of the social rooms are located. Many of the rooms look out to the natural area at the back and the rooms are very bright and airy. The floor of the theatre room has been poured on a slope so the visibility will be great. All in all, very impressive.

The Ravines will feature a full range of service plans: Retirement, Seniors' Suites, a Cognitive Care Floor and an Enhanced Care Floor for those with significant physical support needs.

With the perfect location, the view from the rear of the building overlooks the ravine and community walking paths. Our grounds will feature an outdoor  walking circuit next to the building with equipment at various stations where residents can partake in activities to stay in shape. Enjoy the great outdoors from the outdoor terrace or covered patio.

Inside, there will be an impressive array of amenities, including dining room with Bistro, Activity Room, Garden Room, Library, Games room. Chapel, Hair Salon, Theatre area and Wellness Centre complete with a fitness facility.

December 2007 update on the CitiPlace Campus:

The building got off the ground quickly, and the workers are currently closing in the final floor of the building. They will soon be moving inside to get to work on the interiors of the suites.

The Ravines signed its first tenants in August 2007! We know that they are looking forward to the completion of the building and to making the move into their suite.

We are continuing to lease suites ahead of the completion of the building. There are a variety of suites still available, but you will want to contact us soon if you are interested to ensure that you get the suite style and floor location that you desire.

While The Ravines is under construction, all information and tours will be located at the Central Park Campus at the Alavida Lifestyles Sales Centre (120 Central Park Drive).

We would also be glad to show you our designer boards, which provide a glimpse of the colours, flooring and finishes that you can expect to see in the suites and in the common areas when The Ravines is completed. Please phone and book an appointment and we will be happy to review suite selection and our service packages with you.