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St. Andrews Village News
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Residents of St. Andrews Village celebrated at 9th anniversary
Jun 25, 2009
More than 60,000 cubic yards of ledge were removed to make way for the foundation of St. Andrews Village and 200 tons of steel was used during construction.
But what makes the community special is the people, said Debbie Siegel, during the June 17 celebration of the Village’s ninth anniversary.
"You are really a great group of people. I am so thrilled that I have the pleasure of getting to know you folks," said Siegel, RN, Senior Living Coordinator at St. Andrews Village.
Siegel, who recently accepted new responsibilities after working at the Village in a number of capacities for six years, thanked the residents for creating a warm and supportive atmosphere.
"You all look after one another. You go to events together. You bake cookies for each other and you share them with the staff," said Siegel. "I have heard several comments from people that it is like an extended family here."
Speakers recounted the Village’s beginnings and predicted a bright future.
Lincoln County Healthcare Trustee Jim Hunt became a member of the St. Andrews Village family when he joined as an associate member with his wife, Ann, in 1997, before construction even began.
Hunt told residents and others present that the services offered at St. Andrews Village are at the heart of Lincoln County Healthcare’s future.
As Lincoln County Healthcare, the parent company of Miles Memorial and St. Andrews Hospitals and their related entities, looks to the future with a new strategic plan, Hunt said ambulatory care – care provided on an outpatient basis – and senior services are top priorities.
Located in the oldest county in the oldest state in the country, Lincoln County Healthcare has developed a statewide reputation as a provider of quality senior services.
Senior Services include the full continuum of services provided at St. Andrews Village and related entities on the Miles campus in Damariscotta.
As the county continues to age, providing a full range of services to seniors in the home as well as in settings like St. Andrews Village will become even more important.
A focus on ambulatory care and senior services will not, however, detract from the vital role Miles and St. Andrews Hospitals play in their communities, said Hunt.
"If we do those two ends of our business and our services correctly, the hospitals will take care of themselves," said Hunt.
Ron Vachon, Director of Facilities Management at St. Andrews Hospital and Healthcare Center, helped design and build the Village. Vachon called it one of his favorite projects, although it was not without challenges.
Ledge on the site reached to what is now the top of the St. Andrews Village roof. Removing that ledge and crushing the rock made for an active construction site, said Vachon.
By the summer of 1999, however, the framework of the buildings was erected. The project was completed on schedule, said Vachon
Many of the people in the St. Andrews Village dining room were responsible for developing the concept of the Village, said Vachon.
"I thank you for that. I think we have something to be proud of," he said.