By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— The Gardens of Pelham, an assisted living community, is commemorating National Assisted Living Week again this year from Sept. 13-19. Each day will have a different theme to give the residents the opportunity to celebrate.

“We celebrate each year for a whole week for National Assisted Living Week to just celebrate our residents and to make sure everyone feels very important all throughout the whole year,” said marketing director Vickie Moseley. “But this week, we just set aside to actually celebrate each and every one of our residents, to make them all feel very special and to know that this month and week is set aside especially for them.”

The week kicks off Sept. 13 with Grandparents Day and an ice cream social complete with a photo booth. Moseley said they are going to print out photos of the residents and their grandchildren. There will also be a fruit tray and a sheet cake for the party.

The Gardens of Pelham will have a luau party Aug. 14, featuring a proclamation read by Pelham Mayor Gary Waters and Hawaiian themed food such as pineapple, chicken and rice.

“The ability to care for our elders in Pelham is an awesome responsibility Gardens of Pelham does not take for granted,” said Kim Scott, administrator of Gardens of Pelham. “This celebration recognizes the bonds built between residents and the assisted living professionals who are committed to providing person-centered care and services.”

The week will continue with a Spanish fiesta Aug. 15 and a mini spa day Aug. 16. Men will be given an old-time barber shop shave and the ladies will get manicures and pedicures, a hair styling and facials by a Mary Kay consultant.

The Chosen Two will perform Aug. 17 as a part of Patriotic Day, and residents will take part in a flag folding ceremony by local JROTC. The residents’ favorite teams will also be celebrated on Aug. 18 with visits from the University of Alabama’s mascot Big Al and the UA spirit squad.

“Living here is a pleasure,” said resident Robert Newman. “All the entertainment programs they have are very enjoyable. Gardens of Pelham takes an interest in all our needs and beyond our needs.”

He and other residents Wyllene Fausett and Kim Seltzer said they all enjoy the week of programs Gardens of Pelham puts together each year for National Assisted Living Week.