High tea honours a neighbour who helped build community at Sprucelawn
At Sprucelawn Apartments for Seniors, a recent afternoon tea became something much more meaningful: a celebration of friendship, connection, and one remarkable neighbour.
On Sunday, May 24, Sprucelawn’s tenant-led social committee hosted a High Tea in the building’s multi-purpose room. While tenants arrived expecting an elegant afternoon, the event was also a surprise farewell party for Connie, one of the founders of the social committee, who is moving to New Brunswick.
For a few hours, the multi-purpose room was transformed into something resembling Downton Abbey. Tables were set for the occasion with fine bone china, handwritten place cards addressing guests as “Lady” or “Lord,” and trays of dainty sandwiches and fresh scones with jam and clotted cream. Many guests embraced their inner royalty, sporting fascinators and picture hats that added a festive touch to the celebration.
Tributes to a good neighbour
Mistresses of Ceremonies Hedy and Diane welcomed guests, including members of Connie’s family, before sharing stories about the impact Connie has had at Sprucelawn.
Hedy spoke about how she and Connie first started the social committee in 2024. At the time, Connie delivered surveys door-to-door to learn about tenants’ interests and ideas. After collecting the information, Connie and Hedy analysed it and presented it to the social committee for review. From there, the committee grew into an important part of life at Sprucelawn, organizing exercise classes, card games, bingo, movie nights, potlucks and special dinners.
Connie also helped build connections beyond the building itself. Through her relationships with the Woolwich Community Health Centre, the committee arranged monthly workshops and presentations for tenants. Her involvement with Creekside Church brought volunteers from the church’s Big Serve program to Sprucelawn, where they helped tidy tenants’ gardens and provided donations to support activities. Connie’s connections at the Woolwich Memorial Centre seniors’ programs even helped secure tables and chairs for the multi-purpose room, and a bingo machine for tenant events.
Tenants spoke warmly about Connie’s kindness and willingness to help neighbours, whether by checking in on someone who was ill or driving them long distances so they could be with family.
A secret and a celebration
The event itself reflected the same spirit of care. Committee members secretly planned the celebration, going door to door to invite tenants so that Connie wouldn’t guess the surprise. Other tenants and even grandchildren helped prepare dessert trays and manage the kitchen.
As guests enjoyed tea and conversation, Diane shared the history of high tea and the traditions behind the three-course meal. But the afternoon’s true focus was clear.
“Lady Connie,” Hedy said, “what an amazing person you are. We all want to thank you for everything you do for all of us.”
At Beyond Housing, we are also grateful to Connie and the other members of the social committee for helping create connection and belonging at Sprucelawn. And thank you to our supporters for helping build homes where people can not only live but thrive.
