Mardi Gras 2003-Saint Simeon's Style

The Reverend Clinton Dewitt Boyce and Mrs. Vallee Kidd were crowned King and Queen of Saint Simeon's 2003 Mardi Gras. Their royal titles were received by discovering a hidden object in their Mardi Gras cake, which was another baking masterpiece by Glenna Robinson. Father Boyce discovered a small, plastic gold ring hidden in his piece of cake and Vallee found a small, plastic baby in her cake.

The Mardi Gras partygoers - residents, families and staff - filled the Common Room and danced the day away to the great jazz tunes of Suzan Gray and her Trio. Carolyn Wilcox, the daughter-in-law of Edith Wilcox, seemed to be a favorite dance partner for many residents as well as with her husband, Richard. Many other family members, Life Enrichment staff, Stuart Graham, Ramona Stanfield and others displayed their dancing talents along with many residents who enjoyed time on the dance floor.

Earlier in the day, the Saint Simeon's staff kicked off the festivities with a Mardi Gras parade that began in the Memory Center and wound through all the halls of the Home before ending up in the Common Room. Each staff department chose their own unique theme for both their float and costumes. Life Enrichment chose to do a tribute to the cultures all over the globe, the Maintenance group with the talents of Denise Fack chose a jungle theme including their own Jane (played by Physical Therapist Mary Kay Carter) and a gorilla. Housekeeping used their talents to build a “Wizard of Oz” float and staff members dressed as the Wicked Witch, the Good Witch of the North, Dorothy, Oz, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion. The Memory Center paid tribute to our many animal friends with a float filled with stuffed toy dogs, cats, monkeys, tigers, and bears. Last, but not least, the Administration group elected to kidnap “Pat” the Penguin from her/his normal roosting spot in the Courtyard to lead her/his flock of penguin friends. Rick Rhine made each staff member a bright orange penguin beak to wear. Ron Anders, a member of the Dietary staff even wore a penguin costume for the occasion.

The Life Enrichment staff creates wonderful opportunities for excitement and fun in the Home. We are always thrilled when residents and family members are able to take full advantage of each and every one of them. (As a staff we look forward to each of the events as well.)