A class reunion at Anne Hathaway Residence

Tori Sutton
Staff Reporter
Anne Hathaway Residence is heading back into the classroom to celebrate its 10th anniversary next month.

The home will mark a decade of operation on Nov. 6 from 2-4 p.m. with a special open house featuring live entertainment, door prizes and food. Executives from the home’s operator, Chartwell Seniors Housing Reit, will be on hand and local dignitaries have been invited. Entertainers who regularly visit the home are also expected to attend, along with staff from other community agencies.

The fact the celebration has a “Class Reunion” theme is especially fitting considering the retirement home is located on the site of the former Anne Hathaway Public School.

Because of that, the event’s organizers would love anyone with ties to the school to stop in for a visit.

“We are inviting people who have taught here, went to school here, principals, anyone who has a connection to the old school,” said Carri Rolleman, Anne Hathaway Residence’s community relations manager. “The school was a big part of the community.”

The reunion theme also has organizers hoping former staff and residents and their families will also come out. All are welcome to bring photographs or other memorabilia to display during the open house.

When the residence was constructed 10 years ago, it was originally named The Griffin Residence after the architect who designed it. Not long after, it was renamed Anne Hathaway Residence.

The home prides itself on the programming it offers its residents, including art and fitness classes, discussion groups and lecture series. There are also unique activities, such as the one coming up on Oct. 22, when a group of residents will get a bird’s-eye view of Stratford on a special fall flight from the local airport.

The home has all of its 67 private suite units occupied and there is a waiting list. There are about 30 staff members employed at the home.

Office supervisor Barb Savelle has been busy planning the anniversary celebration since earlier this year. She’s been in touch with the local archives and the Stratford-Perth Museum, who offered up a few decorating ideas.

“We’re expecting quite a few people,” said Rolleman. “It’s going to be an exciting day with lots of people around. The residents will be excited about that – the residents that live here are really proud of the home.”

No RSVP or invitation is needed to attend and tours of the home will be running throughout the open house. For more information, contact Barb Savelle at 519-275-2125.

PHOTO: The staff at Anne Hathaway Residence are gearing up for a special 10th anniversary open house on Nov. 6. From left is Dianne Roth, resident service manager, Carri Rolleman, community relations manager, Barb Savelle, office supervisor, Lily Rank, food service manager, and Adrienne Routly-Houle, general manager. (Tori Sutton)