Valentine's king and queen named at Greensburg Care Center

It’s no question who rules the halls of the Greensburg Care Center.

Donning red crowns and capes given out Friday afternoon, residents Gary Sanner, 78, and Anna Carnes, 104, received their official titles of Valentine’s Day king and queen.

“They were thrilled,” said Jennifer Ezykowsky, activities director at the nursing home.

The titles were bestowed to Sanner, who also received a box of chocolates, and Carnes, who was given flowers, after residents voted on who should be crowned. The event was just the start of a weekend filled with Valentine’s Day celebrations, just one of several efforts by staff to boost morale during the covid-19 pandemic.

On Sunday, which is Valentine’s Day, residents will receive a card as well as a bag filled with candy, and cupcakes will be handed out Monday. Valentines were donated from Latrobe Kinder School and community members and will be distributed to residents.

“Just a simple little holiday like Valentine’s Day, everybody came together and they made it so special for these residents,” Ezykowsky said.

Over the past year, staffers have held events for residents as the Hempfield facility largely shuttered to visitors to help curb the spread of the virus. By March, activity staff members had created ways to keep residents socially distanced while still playing games such as bingo. Staff hosted a parade in April so families could see residents in-person.

Other initiatives have kept families connected through Facetime calls and family and friends can visit residents through windows. In the summer, an outdoor booth allowed family members to talk to loved ones through plexiglass dividers.

Despite adversities presented by the pandemic, Ezykowsky said she’s excited with how the community has responded to helping residents of the facility.

“It’s been over pouring love for our residents,” Ezykowsky said. “It just makes it exciting.”