A Daughter’s Dream for Her Mom: Life at The Hawthorn

Friendship, family, and building a strong community are common themes at Elim Village Garrison Crossing, and for one lucky resident, family is only a short elevator ride away.

When Noreen Bryant first moved into The Hawthorn building at Elim Village, she sat alone at a table to eat her lunch—she was new to the area and didn’t know anybody. But it wasn’t long before another resident came over and invited her to join them. Noreen fondly remembers him saying, “Come join us, you won’t meet other people if you’re alone!”

“I’ll never forget that day and I’m so glad I took him up on that offer. I quickly joined a table of people who have since become my very good friends,” Noreen says. “Everyone was welcoming when I sat down, and we’re now known as the ‘laughter table’ because we have so much fun during lunch time!”

With her community already growing, it was the cherry on top to learn that her daughter, Kristi, had come on staff as a concierge, giving them a unique opportunity to see each other while Kristi is working.

“I really like having Kristi here—we lived near each other before and I’m glad to have her close again,” Noreen says. “We enjoy visiting and going for walks around the beautiful Vedder River. It’s also been nice spending more time with my grandson!

Kristi loves the arrangement as well. “Knowing my mother is in a place where she can maintain her independence while having access to any necessary support has brought me immense relief,” she says. “I love working here at The Hawthorn and I like that I’m now close enough that I can do little pop-ins and see my mom regularly, it’s awesome!”

Noreen doesn’t take her special community for granted, and together with the rest of the ‘laughter table’, they make a point of going around to other tables, getting to know new residents and ensuring no one is left alone during mealtimes. There’s also lots of opportunities for fellowship at various events held in the building.

“Every month, we get together at Summit Dining Room to celebrate birthdays and just enjoy each other’s company,” Noreen says. “It’s such a treat, and the food there is phenomenal! The friends I’ve made here are so supportive and have brought me so much joy.

The Summit features Chef Todd Nordstrom-Young’s (pictured) take on familiar classics, like Stuffed Mushroom Caps.

Get a ‘Taste’ for ELIM at Summit Dining Room

Summit Dining Room is located in The Hawthorn at Elim Village Garrison Crossing (45418 Chehalis Road) and offers an elegant seasonal dinner menu. It is open to the public from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Or try the Alpine Bistro, also located at The Hawthorn, open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m. Two meals a day from either restaurant are included in the monthly fees of The Hawthorn, with both restaurants receiving rave reviews from all the residents at Elim Village, including Noreen (and also Kristi!)

“The food is just amazing…it’s a gourmet meal every meal—I can’t say enough good things!” raves Noreen.

“To think you have fine dining on top of everything else is amazing! If I lived here, I would go to the Summit every single weekend.” Kristi adds.

Make your reservation today via email at garrisondining@elimvillage.com.

For more information on The Hawthorn and the array of unique amenities and services offered, visit their website, phone at 604-769-0022, or email garrisoncrossing@elimvillage.com. Stay up-to-date with their latest offerings by subscribing to their mailing list.

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Learn more about Elim Village Garrison Crossing and The Hawthorn in the stories below:

• The Hawthorn Is Filling Quickly—Discover Why!
• Live Your Ideal Retired Life at The Hawthorn
• Say Goodbye to Everyday Stressors & Hello to The Hawthorn!