Item PH27005 - Large crowd at manor opening

"A crowd of more than 350 people were on hand last Wednessday in Beeton for the official opening of the Simcoe Manor. The guest of honor was the Provincial Minister of
Community and Social Services Rene Brunelle. His ministry paid half of the $1,750,000 cost of the addition to the manor. The rest of the cost was paid by the county. The Reeve of Tecumseth, Harry Cross officiated over the opening ceremony. The manor is located in Tecumseth near Beeton. He introduced the many people who have had a hand in bringing about the addition. He also introduced the present administrator, Ed Boynton. In his speech Mr. Brunelle mentioned that next week is senior citizen's week and suggested it should be a time to stress the positive aspects of old age. At the conclusion of his speech he received a number of presents, among them a handmade lamp. During the ceremony, a number of newspapers, including last week's Witness, were placed in the corner stone of the building. They were wrapped in plastic and sealed in a container to maintain them for posterity. Following the speeches and the ceremony the crowd was given a tour of the building and had an opportunity to see the new addition. The new wing includes a therapy room, an auditorium and a library as well as beds for 100 more patients. It brings the total number of beds to 158."