A party 300 years in the making was held Thursday at Parkview Home in Wayland, as staff, residents, and their families celebrated the birthdays of three special women, and one canine.
Parkview had not one, but two residents turning 100 years old on June 22. Betty Messer and Mary Olson reached the milestone surrounded by family and friends. The third guest of honor, Etta Wakeland, turned 89. Each was celebrated with their own cake, while photographs of the three hung proudly throughout the room. Messer and Olson also received letters from Wayland Mayor Chet Fort and Governor Kim Reynolds, recognizing a century of life.
Not to be excluded, Ticker the dog, who visits residents weekly at Parkview Home celebrated her 11th birthday. Together with Messer, Olson, and Wakeland, the four birthdays combined for 300 years.
Executive Director for Parkview Home, Ron Semler, joined in on the celebration with an Elvis-themed performance. With most of their residents from Wayland, Semler spoke to KCII on the family involvement at Parkview Home, as well as the support from the City. “We would not be Parkview Home without the City and the citizens of Wayland, Iowa. You look at the family support, that’s the tip of the iceberg. Wayland itself produces these people. People that love their family, support each other, and promote each other.”
Parkview Home is a non-profit association with the mission of providing a ministry of care and service to its residents with consideration of their physical and spiritual needs.