The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Retirement village hosts pageant
The Anchor Lodge Retirement Village named two winners during the 18th annual Ms. Anchor Lodge pageant.
The Anchor Lodge Retirement Village, 3756 W. Erie Ave. in Lorain, named two winners during 18th annual Ms. Anchor Lodge pageant.
When the pageant was over, the panel of judges named Ms. Housekeeping Eva Short as Ms. Anchor Lodge for the assisted living division; and Ms. Dining Services Theresa Sedano was named Ms. Anchor Lodge for the skilled care division.
Twelve contestants competed for the crown in a packed event where contestants were joined by family and friends and were flanked by live music provided by the polka stylings of Lorain native Ed Kimczak.
The pageant opened with rousing introductions of all the contestants who were
escorted down the aisle by members of the Lorain High
School ROTC Color Guard, who opened the ceremonies
with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The contestants were nominated by staff departments at Anchor Lodge that corresponded to their titles and included six contestants from assisted living and six from skilled care. Contestants included a former teacher, nurse, among many other careers.
The winners were decided by a panel of four judges that included Nick Rapitis of Mercy Hospital; Andrew Menke of T-Moblie; Tim Stursa of First Federal Savings and Loans; and Phyllis Jones, who serves as Anchor Lodge’s fitness coordinator.
Monica Rapitis, Life Enrichment director at Anchor Lodge, said the event highlights the incredible depth and variety of their residents and the life experiences they have to share.
“When they come to us, this is their home,” Rapitis said. “And it is our job to make them as comfortable as possible. They are incredible people and they should be celebrated.”