By Walter S. Hill

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana or Mobile, Alabama, is far in between when it comes to distance of travel; however, for the residents to Orchard Healthcare Facility in Hayneville, Alabama, Mardi Gras took on a whole new form of celebration as residents held a Mardi Gras Ball at the facility.

Approximately 11 residents of Orchard Healthcare Center participated in the Mardi Gras Ball.

Decked out in their ball gowns and tuxedos, these residents faces were aglow as they made their grand entrance into the dinning hall where an awaiting audience of family members, Orchard staff and management, and visitors in attendance.

Orchard’s Health Care Director, Jackie Greene, says she is pleased with the participation and the attendance and looks forward to the event being an annual ball during the Mardi Gras season.

“We are always trying to implement new and innovative programs and activities which helps to enhance the quality of life for our residents,” she said.  “Our staff and administrators enjoy seeing the smiles on the faces of our residents, and we are committed to do more of these kind of activities which involves the active participation of our residents.”

As the evening neared an end, all the participants anxiously awaited word on the King and Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball 2010.

Resident Jessie Woods was crowned “Ball Queen” and resident Willie Haygood was crowned “Ball King”.

Other resident winners included first-runner up for “Queen” resident Doris Miles, and resident Ikie Rush first-runner up “King”.

The second-runner up for “Queen” was resident Ann Schley and second-runner up for “King” was resident Larry Dunklin.

Director Greene expresses her appreciation to everyone who helped sponsor the Mardi Gras Ball 2010, and acknowledges her thanks to all the residents families for helping assist with getting their love ones ready for the event.

Special thanks to Ms. Cynthia Payton for the make-up; WSH KeepSakes Photography for the Photography Services; Toomey Mardi Gras for the decorations and throws; Jim Massey Cleaners for the tuxedos; Cheryl Ford for the Gowns; Charlie King for the Stage and Ethel Alexander the beautician