SRMC hosts Valentine's Day festivities

The Sidney Regional Medical Center hosted Valentine's Day events last Friday for residents at two of its facilities. Gary Harris and Mary Lou Bartling were crowned the Extended Care king and queen, and diners at Sloan Estates were treated to a lobster lunch.

Evie Ranslem-Parsons, director of marketing and public relations at the center, said the events help make the holiday special.

"Our residents are very special, and we love to show them how important they are to each member of our team," she wrote in an email. "We do this to help brighten their day, and in turn, it brightens ours. This is as important to them as it is to us."

Twenty-five lobster lunches were prepared and served at Sloan Estates, and the meal also included ravioli and asparagus. Second servings were offered, too.

On Friday afternoon, Alice McNally, who has lived at Sloan for eight years, was seated with two friends at the first table served.

"I love lobster," she said before praising the cooks. "They put out good food on holidays."

In the kitchen, SRMC CEO Jason Petik and Sloan Estates Administrator Michele Grund lent a hand preparing the lobsters.

Grund said the entire staff pitches in to make holidays special.

"Hopefully it reminds them of something special on a Valentine's Day in the past," she added.

According to Ranslem-Parsons, the lobster lunch tradition began five years ago.

"Celebrating this day helps to rekindle those feelings of love and joy," she said.

Later in the afternoon, at the Extended Care facility, the king and queen were announced in the annual coronation. In addition to the crowns and year-long bragging rights bestowed upon them, they also each received a box of chocolates. The royalty were selected through a voting process open to residents, staff, family and guests.

"This is a rewarding event as the residents feel like royalty and love the spotlight," Ranslem-Parsons said. "It's important because it makes them feel young and extra special."

Throughout the year, SRMC marks other holidays: lunch on St. Patrick's Day, Easter egg hunts with community children, Memorial Day van rides, Fourth of July fireworks, Halloween trick or treats, a Veterans Day party.

Ranslem-Parsons said employees enjoy hosting the special events.

"Also, it gives them a chance to step out of their typical daily roles and enjoy why they love taking care of the residents," she said. "The staff is also able to bring in their family and share these memories with them. We are like one big happy family."