Park Place Nursing & Rehabilitation Center took some time out Saturday to celebrate one of the most treasured people in life — our grandparents.

Minister Betty Barker began the annual celebration 10 years ago, which always occurs the second Saturday in September.

“The celebration was wonderful,” Diane Steele, assistant activity director at the Center, said. “It was a beautiful afternoon of residents just enjoying themselves and fellowshipping with one another and with family and friends.”

The celebration was held in conjunction with Grandparents Day, which was Sunday.

Residents Mary Courtlend and Haywood Leshore were given special attention at the celebration, as they are the oldest female and male residents. Courtlend turned 107 on Monday and Leshore will celebrate his 102nd birthday Friday.

“We had poems and we recognized them by giving them plaques,” Beverly Parker, who also works at the Center, said of the two residents.

All family members and community leaders were invited to enjoy the day, and, in addition to other refreshments, a special cake was baked. Parker said more than 80 guests attended.

“Every year it just gets bigger and bigger,” Parker said. “We do songs, residents are involved in the program, they sing songs and hymns and they also give speeches.”

Guest speaker Pastor Ricky Miller of Alpha and Omega True Vine Holiness Church of God provided guests with the message.

Both Steele and Parker encouraged community members to come to next year’s celebration.

“To have a family member live that long, over 100 years old, that’s a blessing,” Steele said. “You should let your grandparents know that you care and that you respect them to the highest because they paved the way for us in whatever endeavors in life that we have.”