Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver was on hand at the Gardens of Clanton on Monday during a ceremony to kickoff national assisted living week in Clanton.

Driver presented Gardens of Clanton administrator Vickie Moseley with a proclamation and has been apart of the event for the past 12 years.

It has become quite the tradition and something that Driver makes a point to attend each time.

According to Driver, he goes to church with one of the residents and always enjoys catching up and reacquainting himself with the fellow members of the community.

“It is very important to have the city’s commitment and support,” Moseley said. “We grow as a family and as an entire community.”

The Signs of Mercy II from Jemison attended the ceremony and performed gospel and patriotic songs through the use of American Sign Language for those in attendance.

Monday’s ceremony began a week full of scheduled events and celebrations that will take place for the residents at the Gardens of Clanton, which include a Hawaiian day, the selection of Mr. and Mrs. Assisted Living, family night and spirit day.

The festivities will involve a luau with smoothies and pineapple glazed chicken on Tuesday, a pizza lunch on Wednesday, bingo with prizes and ice cream on Thursday, and hamburgers and hot dogs with a show by the Chilton County and Verbena varsity cheerleaders on Friday.

“The week is all about spoiling the residents and showing the appreciation that we have for them,” Moseley said. “It’s something that everyone can get excited about.”