King and queen crowned at residence

Valentine honour determined by residents, staff
2/25/2015  - Lisa Bailey
Aline Solomon and Ken Skipper are Residence on the Thames king and queen for Valentine’s Day.  

No wonder Aline Solomon considered wearing her new crown every day.

The Residence on the Thames resident had been chosen to be the retirement community’s queen for Valentine’s Day then, a few days later, she celebrated her birthday.

“She appreciates everything,” says Tina Drew, activity director at the Residence. Solomon thought “it was the best thing ever” to receive a birthday card from the Residence – something that is done to honour every resident. Solomon also asked to keep the public announcement of her birthday, which was Feb. 16.

“She asked for the page; she wanted to keep it as a keepsake. She thought it was awesome,” Drew says.

Solomon also has mementoes of being the 2015 Valentine’s Day queen. She and the day’s king, Ken Skipper, each received a crown, a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a certificate.

Skipper was “really surprised” by the honour, which was bestowed by fellow residents and staff members of the Chatham home.

“He was shocked that it was him, but he was happy,” Drew says.

When Solomon learned she was the Valentine’s Day queen, Solomon asked Drew if she had to return the crown.

“I said, ‘No, no. It’s yours’,” Drew says. “And she said, ‘I might wear it every day.’”

Residence on the Thames selects a king and queen for Valentine’s Day every year. Residents and staff members cast ballots, with the titles going to those who receive the most votes. Drew says residents have been known to vote for staff members to be king and queen. Resident couples have sometimes been named on ballots too – in this case, Solomon and Skipper are not a couple.

They enjoyed the Valentine’s Day commemoration. Residents were invited to a party featuring cupcakes, refreshments and entertainment. People also wore red and pink, the colours symbolizing Valentine’s Day.

The festivities, and especially the king and queen voting, are a fun way for residents to continue celebrating what is a lifelong tradition. Coming together and participating in the voting can boost spirits, especially for people who may be feeling lonely or alone.

“I think it brightens their day,” Drew says.

“It’s happy and I think residents like the theme of it, like seeing how many people will dress for it.”

If you have a story to share or feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 25, or e-mail lisa(at)axiomnews.com.


   
 

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