“If I could change anything about myself, it would be nothing!”, boomed the winner of the 2012 Mrs. Signature Beauty Pageant! These were the words spoken from a truly wise woman on Wednesday of this week when I had the opportunity to be part of our first beauty pageant! 7 East TN homes gathered together with one female contestant and one male contestant from each of their homes to create their first pageant event. Wow! Although the decor was beautiful, it wasn’t the most beautiful attraction at this event! It had to be the ladies and gentlemen who anxiously lined up against the outside wall waiting for their turn in the spotlight. Contestants were dressed in formal wear and escorted by their favorite guest! The crowd was standing room only as loved ones, friends, and the community gathered to be part of this special time. As our Elders entered the room they looked beautiful, adorned in dresses and suits they had spent days shopping for. I was blown away as they approached the judges with those beautiful smiles! The judges had the opportunity to ask them 2 questions each. After all the contestants had answered their questions, the hard part began! Finally, the judges were able to crown a king and queen. As the queen’s name was called, she said, “Did they call me?”
I left the home that day reminded of how precious our Elders truly are. I think of their looks of pride as they strolled across the “red carpet” with their escorts. Something that touched me the most was that many of them said their Quality of Life Directors were their “role models”. It reminded me of why I chose this profession and how much impact the Activities Professional can have on the home and the Elders who live there.
Congratulations to Connie Sheldon, the QOL Director at Harriman Care and Rehab who thought of this beautiful event and worked hard to make it happen! Thank you to the East TN homes who participated!
All in all it was a beautiful day. Ms Bernice was right in one thing, we should all be happy with ourselves. I think there is no greater happiness than the power of accepting who you are.
Wonderful!! Great job to Connie for thinking of such a fantastic event!
What a wonderful day we all had at Harriman!! Congraulations to Connie for a job very well done. So thankful that we had this wonderful opportunity to get our residents together and enjoy all of the fun and excitement.
Connie I am housekeeping supervisor at the Bridge of South Pittsburg, in Tennessee. I think that was such a nice thing, and I cant wait to tell our QOL director. This would be a moment to remember. Thanks for the ideal……..Marie