Ardenwoods commemorates nonagenarian class of 2024

“We turn not older with years, but newer every day.” — Emily Dickinson

Ardenwoods celebrated residents in their 90s this October with the annual Nonagenarian Luncheon. Residents enjoyed a three-course meal, piano and vocal performances and lots of fellowship.

“It was my first Nonagenarian Luncheon, and what a blast it was,” said Ardenwoods newcomer Sam Bryant.

Sam moved to Ardenwoods this year from Sylva, North Carolina. While she admits there was a bit of an adjustment period after leaving her home of 26 years, Sam said she is glad to have found such a welcoming community to call her own.

“The fact that they did something for people who are as aged as I am; it made me feel important,” said Sam. “I was able to catch up with friends I have made in the past few months and make new ones as well.”

Of the 23 residents in attendance, six were first-timers who turned 90 this year. Invitees received a handwritten invitation, which they used to RSVP to the highly anticipated event. One honorary invitee was over 100 years old.

The food and beverage team truly “knocked it out of the park,” said Kari Schrader, Community Life Services Director and luncheon coordinator. The three-course meal featured spring salad, roast beef tenderloin, shrimp, potatoes, carrots, broccoli and zucchini. For dessert, attendees were served a scrumptious chocolate mousse cake.

This year’s nonagenarian class socialized while enjoying their meal — sharing stories from their past 90-plus years. Then, to honor this year’s theme, “like great movies of the past, we’ve stood the test of time,” two performers played the piano and sang classic movie tunes.

“We had a lovely rendition of music,” Sam said. “The performers had done quite a lot of work to prepare for the splendid performance, and it showed.”

Attendees were gifted a tin filled with nostalgic candies — timeless treats they likely hadn’t seen or tasted in years!

Ardenwoods is grateful for the opportunity to honor these treasured residents each year and looks forward to honoring our future class of nonagenarians in 2025.

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