In 1974, a well-known and appreciated fixture in Langley opened. Langley Lodge will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a special event on Friday.
A wide range of invited guests will be on hand for the celebration according to Debra Hauptman, chief executive officer at Langley Lodge.
Back in 1971, Stewart Chapman was the administrator of Langley Memorial Hospital and was under pressure to free up beds occupied by long term care patients.
He approached Roy Brown, then president of the Langley Rotary, for assistance and Brown responded by spearheading a residential care facility study.
In this study Brown (who is still a volunteer with Langley Lodge) found that seniors wanted a central location for a care home and were opposed to being shifted “out in the boonies.â€
The sod turning was in 1973 and just over a year later, Langley Lodge opened.
Much has changed since that opening and the Lodge is now home to 139 residents.
Invitations will be given to founding members of the Langley Care Society, Society and Langley Care Foundation directors, staff, volunteer, families of residents, donors, health authority representatives, and civic officials.
“The Langley Care Society strives for an environment at Langley Lodge where ‘people care for people’, to provide exemplary care for our aging population,†said current president Terry Metcalfe.
Those with a link to the organization who wish to attend the anniversary are invited to contact Sharon Thirsk or Hauptman at 604-530-2305 for more information.