Since the days of the “Berkshire Blazers”, Noreen Harris has called Sifton home.
Each year, Sifton Properties gathers residents who have rented with the company for 25 years or more, in celebration of what is called the Quarter Century Club. This year, Sifton proudly honours Noreen, the first resident to celebrate a 50th anniversary in a Sifton rental home.
Married in 1962, Noreen and her husband Alan lived in St. Thomas, paying $75 per month for their apartment. Frustrated by a loud train, an old kitchen and limited space to grow, they eventually made the decision to move into their first Sifton townhome in 1968-69. Over the last 50 years, the family of five lived in three different homes in London’s Berkshire Village. In the 1970’s, Alan coached the Berkshire Blazers Baseball Team, and they often gathered with the team at their Sifton home. Noreen has fond memories of these days, and a collection of pictures and newspaper clippings that allow her to reminisce and share these special treasures with the Sifton team.
Noreen now enjoys her bright open space and what she describes as a reliable team in Sifton Properties. She encourages others to take advantage of the great facilities at The Berkshire Club including the swimming pools, fitness centre and resident events and programs. Her advice to others is quite simple, “Enjoy life. Enjoy what it gives you. It’s all what you make it.”
In October, Noreen was recognized at the Quarter Century dinner alongside neighbours and friends. The Sifton team presented her with flowers, new appliances, a family dining experience at a local restaurant, and a monetary gift.
Across three cities, Sifton currently has nearly 100 Quarter Century Club members and gives back to them annually with a celebration in all three cities and monetary gifts to mark the special occasion.