'Swing Dance' at Bridge at Cherry Hill kicks off National Assisted Living Week

SMOOTH STUFF: Ray Kelly and Debra Demar enjoy a lighter moment during Monday night’s “Swing Dance” event held at the award-wining Bridge at Cherry Hill.

Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine

NATIONAL NICHE: Sandra Lee, another outstanding entertaining who loves swing dancing, livens up Monday’s special event with a resident at The Bridge at Cherry Hill.

EXCELLENT ENTERTAINER: The ever popular Vini Ames, who has been of Rhode Island’s music scene for many years, sings one of his popular songs during Monday evening’s “Swing Dance” event in Johnston.

Posted Thursday, September 11, 2014 2:35 pm

Pete Fontaine

Debra Demar, the popular sales director at The Bridge at Cherry Hill, came up with a rather unique way to kick off National Assisted Living Week.

For starters, Demar brought one of Rhode Island’s best known music men – the iconic Vini Ames – to the award-winning assisted and independent living facility in Johnston for Monday night’s special event.

Moreover, Demar didn’t have to search for an appreciative audience; people who live at The Bridge at Cherry Hill love music and being entertained.

Thus, Demar summoned Roy Gemma and Sandra Lee – as well as Ray Kelly – to Johnston for a night entitled “Swing Dance.” And those folks, as well as Demar, pride themselves in swing dancing no matter what the occasion or where the venue is located.

“This was so much fun,” Demar related while catching her breath after she and Kelly strutted their stuff in front of some four-dozen smiling residents Monday night. “What a way to start our National Assisted Living Week. But we’re also celebrating ’50s week.”

National Assisted Living Week was established by the National Council on Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995.

“It’s designed to provide a unique opportunity for residents, families, staff, volunteers and the surrounding community to come together to share with our residents a variety of events and activities that show them how much we cane about them,” Demar said. “It’s important to have similar programs throughout the year.”

Demar also noted that the theme for National Assisted Living Week was “The Magic of Music,” which showcases the integral role that music plays in assisted living residences every day.

“The transformational effect of music continues as individuals age and can provide joy, comfort and in some cases memories long ago experienced,” she went on. “The powerful connection that music provides to residents, team members, volunteers and families will be celebrated throughout the week.”

Last night, The Bridge at Cherry Hill had another interesting event – a Car Cruise Night replete with another music man and Vietnam veteran, Frank Castle, a.k.a. Frank Castellone.