Dr. Hemstock Residence general manager Amber Fisher assists Mayor Gerald Aalbers in cutting the ribbon after the completion of some major renovations to the interior of the building, which began in the summer of 2023. Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source
Dr. Hemstock residents, their families, staff members and community leaders were on hand Saturday afternoon to celebrate the completion of renovations on the interior of the building.
Changes were made in three of the most-used common areas: the dining room, multipurpose (MP) room, and the lobby.
“In the dining room, we added a privacy wall just to give it a more intimate feeling in there. Some new lighting, new dining room tables and chairs,” said Dr. Hemstock Residence general manager, Amber Fisher.
“In our MP room, we renovated our kitchen area for the residents. Our lobby probably had the biggest facelift with new fireplace features. We upgraded the desk, and everything got repainted.”
The upgrades were the first major ones since the residence opened in 2001.
“It was original everything. It was definitely starting to show its age a little bit. We wanted to brighten it up, make it a little more modern,” said Fisher, adding residents were very patient throughout the six-month renovation process.
“As the residents will tell you, it wasn’t always easy getting to this point and we asked time and time again for their patience as we worked from room to room.”
Mayor Gerald Aalbers and his wife, Christine, were there for the grand re-opening and Aalbers said a few words to residents before cutting the ribbon.
“It’s community members like yourselves that have contributed so much to our community. I just want to say thank you for all you do to make Lloydminster a better place to live,” said Aalbers.
“Give yourselves a round of applause for all the work you’ve done.”
Aalbers thanked them for the invitation to celebrate with them and recalled a previous visit to the Hemstock.
“I had the pleasure to be here for a short visit a couple of months ago, and there was a little dust. I got out with no fresh paint on my clothes, which I appreciated,” he joked.
“Going through a renovation can be a little bit challenging … it is a challenge but it’s just an absolutely beautiful facility you have here, and it’s just great to have it in our community.”
Tours of the building were held following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, but Fisher says anyone who is interested can call and book a time and they’d be happy to give them a tour.
“It’s our pleasure to help, not only residents but family members make the transition moving from their home to Dr. Hemstock Residence or Hearthstone Place.”
