Several Birmingham area businesses and a City of Bessemer leader donated their time and talents to make local nursing home residents feel special.
Terrace Oaks Care and Rehabilitation Center staff were surprised how many people wanted to lend a hand when they began planning the Valentine’s King and Queen Pageant.
“We called several of our vendors to ask if they would like to play a role in our pageant,” said Kelly Pendleton, Administrator of the Bessemer skilled nursing care center. “Their support made this a memorable event for our residents, and I think it touched the hearts of our vendors as well.”
Contestants were escorted down a walkway lined with hearts, and red rose arrangements were provided by Bessemer’s Unity Flowers. Craig Lane, owner of Expert Vending in Birmingham, served as the escort.
Each contestant was asked questions about his or her goals, accomplishments, hobbies and how they would change the world. Their answers were scored by the judges.
The pageant judges were:
- Bessemer City Councilman for District 2 Chester Porter;
- TridentUSA Mobile Clinical Services Area Manager Matt Mangina;
- Oak Trace Care and Rehabilitation Center Administrator Trina Vines; and
- Comfort Care Hospice Clinical Consultant Susan Smith.
When asked why serving as a judge was important to him, Bessemer City Councilman Chester Porter stated, “Community involvement is important to boost morale at the nursing home, and to let them know they are important. I also want them to know that the community of Bessemer cares about each of them.”
Susan Smith of Comfort Care Hospice said she participated because, “This pageant brings the residents and us such joy. It is important to honor our seniors, and we learn so much from them.”
After the judges’ scores were tabulated, Michael Wallace was crowned King and Helen Hill was crowned Queen.
“Winning felt wonderful,” Wallace said. “I was surprised!”
“This is something wonderful,” Hill said. “I’ve never been a Valentine. This is a pleasure. I didn’t know I was going to win.”
During the pageant, Terrace Oaks resident Paul Molpus played songs by the Beatles, Allman Brothers and James Brown on his guitar. The center’s Admissions Coordinator and Marketing Director Tamala Jones sang a classic Whitney Houston song.
After the pageant, refreshments were provided by Expert Vending, Comfort Care Hospice and TridentUSA Mobile Clinical Services.
To make sure everyone felt special, First Missionary Baptist Church of East Thomas provided gift bags for every Terrace Oaks resident. Terrace Oaks staff members and the residents’ family members volunteered their time to help each contestant dressed perfectly.
About Terrace Oaks Care & Rehab Center:
Terrace Oaks Care and Rehabilitation Center is a 69-bed skilled nursing care center located in Bessemer. The center offers 24-hour nursing care, long term care and rehab services.
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- First runner-up Willie Mae McQueen with Bessemer City Councilman Chester Porter.
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- Terrace Oaks resident Andrew White waves to the crowd as Activity Director Katina Mitchell looks on.
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- Terrace Oaks resident Paul Molpus plays guitar for the pageant.
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- Terrace Oaks Resident Steven Vines is ready for the Valentine’s pageant.
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- Terrace Oaks Activity Director Katina Mitchell asks resident Jeanette Beard questions during the pageant.
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- Terrace Oaks resident Derry Molton addresses the pageant judges and the crowd.
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- Terrace Oaks Director of Nursing Curtis Lewis styles resident Carol Campbell’s hair for the pageant.
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- Terrace Oaks resident Auburn Flie answers interview questions from Activity Director Katina Mitchell.
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- From left to right: Comfort Care Hospice’s Susan Smith, TridentUSA Mobile Clinical Services’ Matt Mangina, Mr. Valentine Michael Wallace, Oak Trace Administrator Trina Vines, Terrace Oaks Administrator Kelly Pendleton, Ms. Valentine Helen Hill and Bessemer City Councilman Chester Porter.
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- Terrace Oaks MDS Coordinator Michelle Ingle styles Patricia Martin’s hair for the pageant.
