CARLYLE - The Moose Mountain Lodge (MML) recently celebrated a significant milestone with the completion of a much-anticipated kitchen renovation.
This project was aimed at modernizing and enhancing the functionality of the lodge’s kitchen and has brought new life to the facility with much delight to the residents and staff.
For years, the MML has been a cornerstone of the local community, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for its senior residents. However, the kitchen, which is central to the daily operation of the lodge, had begun to show its age, as it dated back to the early 1970’s.
Carlie Wollbaum, temporary resident care co-ordinator and registered nurse, said the work began on May 15. It was contracted by PCL Construction, with the completed work done by July 9.
During the construction, the kitchen was unable to be used, therefore kitchen staff had to find another approved location to cook the residents' meals.
They went to the Carlyle Memorial Hall, prepared all the meals there and then transported them to the lodge in a timely manner. This proved to be a great deal of work, but the kitchen staff went above and beyond to get the job done.
The lodge has 43 beds. Forty are long term, two are respite and one is palliative. At present, they have 35 beds in use. For the residents alone, 105 meals needed to be made daily.
The appliances in the kitchen were still in great shape, but a new steamer was added. Countertops and cupboards were upgraded, giving the kitchen a fresh and spacious look.
A addition to the kitchen was putting in a serve-through window, opening up the space and allowing the residents to see the kitchen staff as their meals are prepared. The kitchen staff is especially happy with the new window, as they feel it creates better communication with the residents, and the residents think it is great.
One resident said the kitchen staff worked extremely hard during the renovations and the window brightens their work space.
Not only is the kitchen an upgrade in terms of aesthetics, but it is also an investment in the well-being and happiness of the residents.
On July 10, a ceremony was held for the grand opening of the kitchen, and an award was given as well.
Herman Arndt is a recent arrival at MML and a former resident of the Wilmar area. He returned to the southeast after living in Saskatoon for 42 years.
Arndt enjoys building and he created new raised planters for the lodge that were placed in the back courtyard, with the assistance from the recreational staff and his brother.
Wanting to show appreciation to the kitchen staff who worked remotely from the hall during the renovations, he produced an award.
These times reminded him of early food delivery in his day and so he created the 2024 Chuck Wagon Award to be presented to the kitchen staff on behalf of himself and the recreation staff.
The staff is now back in the kitchen, enjoying the new space and loving their award.
