Minister of Long Term Care Dr. Merrilee Fullerton and MPP John Yakabuski joined local healthcare partners as Valley Manor Board Chair Kathy Marion welcomed them all to the Manor for a major announcement on September 3. In the front row for the announcement was Maxie Mintha, one of the original Board members of St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH) who helped to launch the original Valley Manor project back in the 1970s. (photo above)
Mintha, now a resident at Valley Manor, told The Current he remembered coming to this site with his father as a child. He pointed to the big rock beside the courtyard pond and said, “I came here with my dad and sat on that rock…. There was no fountain or pond here, nothing, it was all bush.” The fact that Valley Manor is on Mintha Street is no surprise, given the dedication and involvement of the Mintha family to local healthcare since at least the 1970s. This reporter remembers stories told by her father, Leo Bonnah, also an SFMH Board member, who worked with Mintha and many other community members on the fund-raising drives for the original construction of Valley Manor. Mintha, now 95 years old, is justifiably proud that Valley Manor has served the community for decades.
MV Mayor Kim Love (left), MPP John Yakabuski, Minister of Long Term Care Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Valley Manor Board Chair Kathy Marion, Valley Manor CEO Trisha Sammon
It’s official – Ministry approval for Valley Manor redevelopment
In addition to confirming the Ministry’s approval for the project, Fullerton announced a new $4.3 million top-up that she said would “jump start” the redevelopment project, and gave Ministry approval to the project. Kathy Marion, Valley Manor Board Chair, responded to the Minister’s announcement, “I’m speechless. I don’t know what to say.”
Other speakers included MV Mayor Kim Love, Valley Manor CEO Trisha Sammon and MPP John Yakabuski. Local healthcare partners present included Valley Manor Board members, representatives from St. Francis Memorial Hospital, St. Francis Health Centre, Madawaska Valley Hospice, Madawaska Valley Family Health Team, Barry’s Bay Home Support, St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, Madawaska Valley Circle of Health, and mayors of neighbouring municipalities. All agreed that because of the redevelopment project, the Manor will continue to serve our vulnerable community members for many years to come.
Yakabuski took the audience on a mini-history trip about Valley Manor, acknowledging the efforts of many community members throughout the years. After the formalities, he reminisced with two Manor residents, Donnie Palubetskie and Maxie Mintha.
Manor resident Donnie Palubetskie chats with MPP John Yakabuski
Such absolutely wonderful news for our area. The ability to continue to provide Long Term Care Services to those who are in need is indeed a blessing. Well done. Linda