Wesview’s 35th anniversary celebrated

Board members at the Wesview cut the cake celebrating their 35th anniversary last Thursday afternoon.

A vision that was realized over three decades ago was celebrated last week at the Wesview Apartments.

The Amherstburg Non-Profit Seniors’ Housing Corporation held a 35^th anniversary celebration at the Wesview Apartments last Thursday afternoon. The Wesview Apartments was created out of an idea to create affordable housing for senior citizens in Amherstburg.

“Way back in 1988, a group of members of Wesley United Church had a vision to bring an affordable housing project for seniors to Amherstburg,” said Amherstburg Non-Profit Seniors’ Housing Corporation board president Ian Phillips. “A founding member, Clayton Bailey, actually had a dream about it and along with other founding members, formed the Amherstburg Non-Profit Seniors’ Housing Corporation. They successfully completed the process to obtain government funding to develop and build the Wesview Apartment on land donated by Wesley United Church. The building was named Wesview in recognition of the church and its members, whose care and commitment helped create this home for many.”

Wesley United Church had been located next to the Wesview, at the 365 Sandwich St. S., on land that is now occupied by the Mercato Fresh grocery store.

The 35^th anniversary celebration was held in the Clayton Bailey party room, though Phillips pointed out Bailey unfortunately passed away prior to the Wesview’s completion.

“Once the board was completed and ready to be rented and occupied, the board of directors contracted the services of Marwick Property Management, and we were lucky enough to have Maureen Crawford assigned to us,” said Phillips. “Maureen tells me that it was a very enjoyable experience during the initial phases, but I rather think there were also many sleepless nights as well!”

Phillips pointed out that apart from a brief pause when Crawford set up her own business, she has managed the Wesview for all 35 years.

“I can’t begin to say how much her hard work and dedication have meant to the board,” said Phillips.

The Wesview is a non-profit social housing project that receives funding and oversight from a service manager assigned by the City of Windsor. 

“Throughout the past, a service agreement outlining the requirements of both the funder (the service manager) and the recipient (the non-profit), has provided the framework for the operation of social housing,” he said. 

Manager of Social and Affordable Housing Diane Wilson was at Thursday’s celebration.

“Under the direction and support of the board of directors, the property manager and the building staff work together to provide the day-to-day administration, tenant relations, maintenance, cleaning and general duties required to operate and maintain the building,” he said. “Much of what makes our building thrive happens behind the scenes with dedicated teamwork. We have had the pleasure of working with many diligent and devoted staff members over the years. It takes a very special kind of person to live on site where you work and be able to give so generously any time it is needed 24/7.”

Phillips paid tribute to current managers Ralph and Rita Michener, who have been on the job since August 2010, and assistant manager Tom Boismier, who has had his duties since March 2022.

Phillips also recognized past staff, including Gail Beckett, Robert and Oneida Soucie and Pamela Bondy.

“Of course, the heart and soul of the building, making it much more than bricks and mortar, are the tenants,” he said. “Each one, past and present, has, with their individuality, formed a special part of a warm and welcoming community within the building.Joan Nelson, a resident for all 35 years the building has existed, was recognized. Nelson was a board director, an active participant in social activities and is considered a valued tenant.

“Joan’s long-term commitment truly reflects the very sense of community and belonging we all strive to create,” said Phillips.

Besides Phillips, other current board members include vice president Elsie Nissen, secretary/treasurer Patricia Gervais and directors Jeffery Baker, Courtlyn Meloche, Shelley Shelley, Joy Hamilton, Robert Honor and Frieda Birch. Past board members Cathy Robertson and June McManemy were also on hand, with McManemy being a founding member of the Amherstburg Non-Profit Seniors’ Housing Corporation. Meloche was recognized for being the leader of social events in the building, along with his wife Marcie and current social committee president Linda Lowe.

Special guest Bev Bridgen was recognized as she calls bingos weekly.

“Thanks to everyone for keeping fun an important part of life at the Wesview,” he said. 

Phillips added: “All in all, I think the founding members of the Amherstburg Non-Profit Seniors’ Housing Corporation, the volunteer board members past and present, the property manager, the building staff past and present and all of the tenants past and present have commendably and most successfully done their part to turn a simple vision and lasting community within the Town of Amherstburg and we should all be very, very proud of that.”

Wesview’s 35th anniversary celebrated

By Ron Giofu