Ridgewood Manor Health and Rehabilitation in Dalton, GA recently hosted a pageant for its residents. During the event, residents had the opportunity to share their unique personal stories and lifetime achievements with the rest of the center’s residents, family members and a panel of judges.
“We really enjoyed hosting our center’s pageant and bringing together our residents with their families and members of the local community,” said Audrey Skidmore, activity director of Ridgewood. “It was a wonderful event that all our residents enjoyed, and we appreciate the opportunity to add some excitement to their day.”
The winner of the pageant was Ruby Hughes. She loves black coffee and singing Gospel music. She has been at Ridgewood since 2019.
“Ruby is a real people person,” said Skidmore. “Whether she knows you or not, she’ll give you a hug and make you feel like you’ve known each other your whole life.”
Hughes has two sons and a granddaughter. One of the memories she recalled was living in Germany with her husband while stationed there when he was in the military.
“It wasn’t important to me to win the pageant,” said Hughes. “I was just happy to be in it.” Eight other residents participated in the pageant. They are: Mary Phelps, Birdell Pritchett, Daisy Dezell, Pamela Garrison, Betty Planzer, Mary Smith, Barbara Welch and Maria Alfaro.
Hughes is eligible to serve as the local representative to the annual Ms. Georgia Health Care Association (GHCA) pageant which will be conducted on Aug. 17 at the Macon Marriott City Center in Macon, Ga. This statewide pageant provides an opportunity to shine a light on the residents of Georgia’s nursing homes and the dedicated individuals who care for them.
The GHCA is a non-profit association of skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities and home and community-based case managers called SOURCE/CCSP. Advocates for Georgia’s elderly since 1953, the Association represents the best interests of patients, residents and consumers as well as owners, administrators and other personnel.