As residents and staff at Autumn Glen Lodge prepare for the start of construction of a new multi-million dollar replacement facility, there is now a dramatic changing of the guard.
On Dec. 17, representatives from Parkland Foundation and The Bethany Group, the foundation's management body, held a news conference to announce that Karen Marshall, who has been a fixture at the seniors long-term care facility for 42 years and manager since 1981, has stepped down.
Although Marshall was strongly thinking about retirement last September, she is now housing manager for the foundation's self-contained facilities in Penhold, Innisfail and Bowden. The foundation oversees seniors housing needs in six Central Alberta communities.
Marshall's replacement as manager of the lodge is Barb Lewis, who has worked at the facility for the past 29 years, including nine years as assistant manager since 2006. The changes for both Marshall and Lewis were effective as of Dec. 1. Marshall will work full-time in her new post until May and then part-time, two days a week.
Last March, the Parkland Foundation announced that the federal and provincial governments agreed to partner in a $17.6-million investment for the funding of the long-awaited replacement of the 56-year-old lodge. Construction of the new facility, which will be located next to the existing lodge, will begin this summer.
"We've looked at some of the roles and positions and the team was wanting some changes and I think it is going to work well. We are very thrilled that we have lots of expert people,î said Connie Huelsman, chair of the foundation.
Sharon Mickla, director of client services for The Bethany Group, said keeping Marshall, who has vast experience and knowledge of local seniors and their needs, is vital during the important transition period leading up to the construction of the replacement facility, and beyond.
"I think that does play a big part in it. She wasn't firm when she exactly wanted to retire so we are fortunate to be able to utilize her skills during this transition time and take advantage of all her history of being there,î said Mickla, adding the management team for Autumn Glen's future is now in place. "She will be a great asset to the organization during this time of transition and building.î
Marshall said she welcomes the changes, adding she's ready to move onto the next chapter of her life.
"It's time. It's just a gentle way of easing out of it all after being here for so long,î said Marshall, who will still work out of Autumn Glen. "I've enjoyed looking after the residents and families throughout these years. I just think it is just time to cut back a little bit and let someone else take back the reins, especially with a new lodge. I think it's time for someone else with new ideas to take over.î
Marshall added she has plenty of confidence that Lewis will do an excellent job in charge of the lodge, especially when the new replacement facility is built and ready for the residents.
Lewis said she's excited with the new opportunity to move on to the next step in her career but is pleased Marshall will still be in the building if she needs advice or a helping hand. "I am really looking forward to it. I have worked hard to move up the ladder. I am ready for this next step,î said Lewis. "I hope I can be half the manager Karen was.î
Connie Huelsman
"We've looked at some of the roles and positions and the team was wanting some changes and I think it is going to work well. We are very thrilled that we have lots of expert people."
