Residents of Gardens of Clanton got a double-dose of fun on Tuesday, as the assisted living facility hosted a celebration of not only St. Patrick’s Day, but Administrator Vickie P. Moseley’s 10th anniversary at the facility.

“I’m just very overwhelmed that everyone came to celebrate,” Moseley said. “It’s just been a blessing to be here.”

Great Oaks Management—the company that owns Gardens of Clanton—CEO Jaques Jarry and President Scott Lawrenson were in attendance.

“There are a lot of jobs,” Lawrenson said. “This is a hard one. It’s 24/7, every day. To work in it 10 years, that’s a calling.”

Lawrenson said Moseley has served Great Oaks well since taking over the Gardens of Clanton in 2005.

“We’re blessed to have Vickie,” he said. “We know that when folks come to Gardens of Clanton, they’re going to be loved. It’s hard to say enough about someone who will take a call at three in the morning and hop in her car and come check on a resident.”

Jarry said Moseley’s work ethic set her apart.

“You surround yourself with the Vickie Moseleys of the world, your job is done,” he said. “She has a lot of passion. This is the type of person you need (in assisted living). You can’t teach it.”

The celebration took place as both residents and guests were treated to lunch at the Gardens, with green bead necklaces and top hats serving as decorations honoring St. Patrick’s Day.

Harry Doyle, a long-time resident of the Gardens, said he enjoyed Moseley’s leadership.

“She’s done a fine job, and we’re fortunate to have her,” he said. “I’ve been here five years, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. She’s made living here very enjoyable for us.”

Doyle said Moseley’s ability to make residents feel at home helped with the transition of moving into the Gardens.

“It takes an awful lot of pressure off you,” he said. “You feel more relaxed. You enjoy life more.”
Moseley said she felt her job was a calling.

“I’ve always loved the elderly,” she said. “I know this is what God had for my life. I’ve learned so much from the residents. They bring me joy.”

Moseley said her interaction with the residents was what she enjoyed the most.

“We try to make them stay active in the spiritual aspect,” she said. “We give them love. They make me want to come to work. They lift me up.”

Moseley thanked her parents for passing on a sense of compassion to her, as her mother, Elvie Patterson, worked for Hatley Health Care.

“They raised me up to be compassionate and follow God,” she said.

Moseley, who also manages Gardens of Pelham, said she may leave working full-time one day, but couldn’t see herself not helping the elderly.

“I enjoy what I do,” she said. “I don’t look at it as a job. I see myself continuing to work with assisted living. I’d love to one day retire and be a volunteer in assisted living, (but) I never want to get out completely.”