CLEARLAKE ?National Assisted Living Week 2009 “Traditions of the Heart” was declared by the Clearlake City Council on Thursday. The week runs Sept. 13 through 19.
Orchard Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community representatives Kimberly Kent, administrator; and Katrina Howard, community sales manager; accepted a proclamation from Mayor Chuck Leonard recognizing the designation. Orchard Park will be hosting a variety of events throughout the week.
“This is an opportunity for the community at large to recognize the accomplishments and traditions of assisted living residents and to participate in a celebration of their lives and their continuous enrichment of our environment,” Howard said. “We invited the community to join more than 38,000 assisted living communities nationwide in celebrating this year”s theme, ?Traditions of the Heart.””
Howard said that the National Center for Assisted Living was established in 1995 to provide an opportunity to bring together residents, families, employees, volunteers and surrounding communities to celebrate residents and the services provided by the caring staff within assisted living communities. “Join us in celebrating life and the traditions that create the fabric of our communities,” she said.
Orchard Park”s week of celebration began on Sunday with a brunch recognizing National Grandparents Day. On Monday, smor?s and stories were shared among residents and family around a campfire. Today the celebration continues with a “Heart 2 Heart” social at 3 p.m. On Wednesday, heartwarming stories will be shared at 1 p.m.
The community is invited to share in a “Harvest Wine and Cheese Social” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. The event will feature wine tasting from local wineries, assortment of local and imported cheeses, local artisan breads, fresh fruit and musical entertainment. On Friday, Orchard Park will host a “Traditions Word Scramble” at 3 p.m. and the week will conclude with a viewing of the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
The proclamation presented by the mayor reads:
“WHEREAS, the number of elderly and disabled Americans is dramatically increasing; and
“WHEREAS, assisted living is a long term care service that fosters choice, dignity, independence and autonomy in our elderly nationwide; and
“WHEREAS, the National Center for Assisted Living proudly created National Assisted Living Week; and
“WHEREAS, the theme of National Assisted Living Week 2009 ? “Traditions of the Heart” ? highlights the opportunity to bestow on our residents a multitude of events and activities that show them how much we care for and love them.
“THEREFORE LET IT BE PROCLAIMED that the City Council of the City of Clearlake does hereby proclaim the week of September 13-19, 2009 as National Assisted Living Week in Clearlake.
All citizens are urged to visit friends and loved ones who reside at these facilities and also to learn more about assisted living services and how they benefit our communities.”
For more information regarding Orchard Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, RCFE No. 176800818, please call 995-1900 or visit the facility at 14789 Burns Valley Road in Clearlake.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
