When Lindsay Charlefour, who works as director of life enrichment at Waltonwood Main Senior Living Community in Rochester Hills, Michigan, read Dolly Parton’s new book behind the seams, she knew what the center’s next theme week would be.
“I started thinking about Waltonwood, Dollywood — a whole week of nothing but celebrating, honoring, learning about her,” says Charlefour, 41. “I ran out of space on the calendar because there was so much we could have done.”
This is true: Activities surrounding Parton’s 78th birthday on Jan. 19 included a learning session about her beloved butterflies, a dinner of foods from her native Tennessee (think chicken and dumplings and butter pie) and a book drive for her Imagination Library.
Lindsay Charlefour and Toni Alexander at the Dolly Parton Celebration at Waltonwood Main.
Courtesy of Waltonwood Senior Living
On the second day, to mimic the famous Dollywood stampede, Charlefour brought in a pony from a nearby farm named Macho, who donned a blonde Dolly-style wig. (“Animals are so therapeutic,” Charlefour adds of the move.)
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Charlefour “went all over the state of Michigan finding CDs or Dolly Parton trinkets,” she says. “I’ve put up different exhibits in community areas so residents can learn more about her. It’s really important to me for residents to hear, see, touch — to be able to interact. And the more they know, how can you not fall in love with Dolly?”
That refers to resident Toni Alexander, 98, who wasn’t too familiar with the country star before the celebration that month. She was the one who received Behind the seams as her daughter’s holiday gift, and forwarded it to Charlefour for consideration.
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Residents celebrate Dolly Parton in Waltonwood Main.
Courtesy of Waltonwood Senior Living
“After looking at her book and learning about her, I can’t help but admire her as a philanthropist and entertainer,” Alexander says. “And I want Dolly to know that I’m a fan for the rest of my life.”
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When she hears such comments from residents, Charlefour’s heart “breaks,” she says. “That’s why we do what we do.”
“Happy birthday to Waltonwood Dolly and all the residents,” she adds. “We do our best to celebrate all parts of her!”
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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education