Residents and staff at Beatty Pointe Village in Monroeville, one of UPMC’s seven independent living senior communities, came together Jan. 6 for a special birthday celebration.
Resident Ruth Hanna turned 100 and, joined by family and friends, was honored after lunch in Beatty Pointe’s main dining room with balloons and a marble cake decorated with pink flowers. A fellow resident played the piano to lead the room in singing “Happy Birthday,” which was followed by a round of applause as Ruth beamed with happiness.
Celebrations like this are common at Beatty Pointe. The staff makes a point of honoring every resident’s birthday, regardless of whether or not it is a milestone year. “We want to make our residents feel special,” said Melanie Cherry, Beatty Pointe’s activities coordinator. “All birthdays are worth celebrating!”
Elena Dornin, Beatty Pointe’s assistant manager, echoed that statement, saying that birthday celebrations bring members of the Beatty Pointe community together and create a homey atmosphere for residents. Of Hanna’s milestone, she said, “How many people make it to 100? She is so independent and her mind is still so sharp. I want to be like her when I’m older!”
Several important people joined Hanna for her birthday meal. Her son John flew from Florida for the celebration, and her granddaughter Ruth drove from Ohio with her husband Chuck and their son, Matthew. With four generations represented, it was a celebration that will be remembered for years to come.
Originally from Oil City, Hanna previously volunteered at the Oil City Hospital. She would serve patients their meals and talk with them as they recovered from treatment. She also has a love of travel, and her favorite travel memories include trips to Alaska and England. “When I went to Stonehenge, that was interesting! You were able to walk up and touch the rocks back then, but you can’t do that anymore,” Hanna said.
When she was looking for a place to retire, Hanna turned to her best friend Dorothy Jones, another Beatty Pointe resident, for advice. Rather than moving to Florida with her son, she chose to join Jones at Beatty Pointe. The duo can usually be found playing a game of bridge, a tradition they have carried on for years.
While Hanna and Jones play cards, other residents at Beatty Pointe pursue different activities depending on their interests. Between Wii bowling and dance classes, crocheting and woodworking lessons, and trips to the movies and the Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning, Beatty Pointe’s activity calendar is consistently full.
All residents are encouraged to stay active, start their own clubs and join group outings. If one resident has a talent, other residents are excited to learn it. According to Cherry, “It is our goal to find a purpose for each resident. We see them pursue their passions while continuing to learn new things from others.”
For more information about Beatty Pointe Village or any of UPMC’s Senior Communities located throughout Western Pennsylvania, please visit the UPMC website.
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