The Gardens of Clanton received a resolution from Sen. Cam Ward on Wednesday that recognized the assisted living facility as one of the top in the state.

The initial honor was bestowed upon the Gardens of Clanton in April after being voted among the top five in Alabama by Assisted Living Magazine.

“This is special recognition, because it comes from something that we did not apply for and is something she didn’t ask for,” said Brad Eisemann, CEO of Great Oaks Management and parent company of the Gardens of Clanton. “They just recognized the quality work.”

Ward presented the resolution to Gardens of Clanton Director Vickie Jones and congratulated the continued hard work that she and the staff put forth.

“It seems like it is becoming a yearly event, and it is a testament to the good job and the care that they bring here,” Ward said. “The fact that they are getting recognized tells you that it’s not just good, but it’s great.”

A fifth place ranking was earned, which was two spots higher than a year ago.

“When we are down there [Montgomery] passing bills or defeating bills that’s great, but when you get to come back and see folks that are truly happy in their daily lives, that matters more than anything else,” Ward said. “It brings it all home.”

Ward began representing Clanton after being elected to the senate in 2010. Since then, he has been a regular guest at several of the facility’s holiday events and gatherings.

The Gardens of Clanton is a parent company of Great Oaks Management, which has eight assisted living locations spread across the state.

Eisemann was joined by representation of other members of the corporate office. Chilton County Probate Judge Bobby Martin and Circuit Court Clerk Glenn McGriff were also on hand.

“It’s important for the leadership of our company to come out and support our administrators,” Eisemann said. “It is a full-time job for her [Jones] and she goes above and beyond for all of our residents.”

According to Eisemann, he believes that the top five honor is most likely the highest that the Gardens of Clanton has ever received.

“We want our facilities to be an active part of the cities that they are in,” Eisemann said. “The Gardens of Clanton is a showpiece for us.”