It is National Assisted Living Week and the Gardens of Clanton has something special planned to celebrate each day.

It was made official on Sept. 11 with Sen. Cam Ward and Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver both on hand to present Vickie Jones, administrator at the Gardens of Clanton, with a proclamation.

The proclamation announcement took place during the Gardens of Clanton’s celebration of Patriot Day and remembrance of the events that took place and the lives that were lost on 9/11.

The festivities were kicked off with National Grandparents Day on Sept. 10, as many of the residents at the facility enjoyed having their grandchildren and great grandchildren around for the day.

The rest of the week’s schedule includes a fashion show on Sept. 12, Hawaiian day on Sept. 13, Mexican day on Sept. 14 and wraps up with spirit day on Sept. 15.

“They look forward to it every year,” Jones said. “The atmosphere changes with each day. We try to make it lots of fun, so that the residents can participate.”

Bob Sanders will hold a magic show and Dr. Lucy Collins will perform belly dancing during Hawaiian day, while the food and decorations will resemble island life.

A horse show will take place with weather permitting on Sept. 14 as part of Mexican day and cheerleaders and band members from Chilton County and Verbena high schools will perform during spirit day on Sept. 15.

Former Alabama football player Thomas Rayam will be a special guest on spirit day and will talk to the residents about his experience.

Although each day has its own unique theme, the theme for the entire week is “family is forever.”

Each of the residents was given a personalized cup with their name and this year’s theme on it.

“I have been very pleased and they’ve been very good to me,” said William Doyle, the longest tenured resident at the Gardens of Clanton. “I look forward to all the decorations and occasions.”