Masterpiece River Ridge Residents Enjoy Their Adventure to Manyberries, Alberta

Carl Goddard and Joyce Kalmanovitch recently moved into Masterpiece River Ridge from the small hamlet of Manyberries, Alberta, approximately 85 kilometres south of Medicine Hat at the eastern end of the Read Coat Trail. Manyberries is the home of a Canadian Pacific Railway Station and station house. CP Rail abandoned the branch line from east of Stirling to Consul, Saskatchewan in the late 90’s and converted the station into private residences.  This is where Carl and Joyce lived.

Carl and Joyce made the move to Medicine Hat in June 2011 and are now settled, enjoying their two bedroom suite at Masterpiece River Ridge and their new community of friends.

When everyone heard their unique stories of living in Manyberries the staff and residents agreed to plan a trip, so they could experience it for themselves. Both Isaac Wells, Activities Manager and Susie Mandsiak, Lifestyles Manager planned the logistics of the trip.  In no time the staff and residents were off on their adventure.

The station house, although it has been restored, retained a lot of its original structure. There were tons of antiques strewn about to admire and everyone shared their own “remember when” stories.

Carl had also maintained an old caboose rail car and jigger that are still in working condition. It was on the tracks so the group hopped up and took a ride.

Later on that day the group ate lunch at the Old Saloon and enjoyed tea and dainties for dessert at the railway station.

Everyone enjoyed this adventure. A sincere thank you goes out to Carl and Joyce for volunteering themselves as personal tour guides and allowing us to enjoy a small piece of their family heritage.

Suzie Mandziak is the Lifestyles Manager at Masterpiece River Ridge, a Retirement Residence in Medicine Hat, Alberta that offers supportive living, assisted living and continuing care.  For more information about Masterpiece River Ridge visit http://www.masterpieceretirement.com/.