Havenwood-Heritage Heights was decked out for its “Winter Wonderland Fashion Show” last week. A winter-themed floral arrangement donated by Cobblestone Design, a white Christmas tree decked with colorful ornaments and a stage with lights that resembled hanging icicles adorned the auditorium.
The purpose of the fashion show was to show off items for sale in the Havenwood-Heritage Heights Boutique. The shop stocks gently used clothing donated by residents, staff and community members, and profits are used for the Havenwood-Heritage Heights Auxiliary scholarship program.
The scholarship was created in 2002 and is awarded to an employee or child of an employee wishing to pursue a career in the healthcare field. Usually, one $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year, but this year’s scholarship applications more than doubled. It was decided that one $1,000 scholarship would be awarded, along with nine other awards of lesser amounts. A total of $6,150 was awarded.
Scholarship recipients attend schools such as the University of New Hampshire, Keene State College, Rivier College, NHTI-Concord’s Community College, Manchester and Lakes Region Community Colleges and the New Hampshire School of Practical Nursing. Since it began, a total of $34,650 has been awarded by the program.
The boutique is located on “Main Street” at Havenwood, which consists of all sorts of different stores. The general store sells a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Residents can relax and chat with friends in the café. There is also a shop that sells knick knacks and antiques. And no matter what the season, the ice cream shop, Scoops, is a popular spot.
Modeling in the fashion show were Havenwood-Heritage Heights residents, staff and auxiliary volunteers. The auxiliary was established in 1969 for the purpose of enhancing the life of Havenwood-Heritage Heights residents. Auxiliary volunteers work in the shops on Main Street, organize Bingo once a month and trivia once a week. The auxiliary volunteers include people from outside the community and some residents.
Martha Jordan and Robert Sala served as MCs for the fashion show. Sala introduced each model while Jordan expertly described the model’s outfit. Havenwood Programs Coordinator Cathy Herman hammed it up for the crowd in a gold velvet jacket. President and CEO Mike Palmiere, sporting a tie as a belt, got a resounding “ooooh” from the ladies in the audience. But the show stealer was the beautiful, blushing bride at the end of the show. With help from her bridesmaid, Sue Belanger, she stepped onto the stage and lifted her veil to reveal an unexpected sight. Introduced as “Ima Gordon,” this bride was actually resident Gordon Sherman, complete with a wig and makeup. He lifted his wedding dress to reveal a matching garter and the crowd went wild.
The fashion show, the fourth one since 1993, was surely a success and will hopefully draw residents and staff into the boutique on “Main Street” in Havenwood.
Relive the memories with our slide show below!
