PACE participant Barbara Ashworth and Magic Dance Club owner Bogdan Wienc dazzle at the ball.

PACE participants Walter Herbert and Margaret Drayton groove at the ball.

Beautiful Ball

Much like a school dance, the floor laid empty at the start of the Suncoast PACE Harvest Ball. Soon the program participants, elegantly dressed for this special occasion, warmed up to the familiar, old-time tunes and hit the floor swaying with each other and program staff.

The afternoon of dancing and cheer was topped off with a grand finale – a couple’s ballroom performance featuring a participant who danced ballroom for years. She beamed in her red dress sliding across the floor and delighting the audience.

“It was a wonderful ball and everyone enjoyed themselves,” said Suncoast PACE’s recreation therapist Bethany Letourneau, TRS. Another one is scheduled for Valentine’s Day.

Time for Remembrance

The balls are some of many events and activities coordinated by Letourneau that bring the center to life and benefit participants socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. One recent addition is remembrance for the participants who pass away, as many in the program grow so close and dear to each other. A weaving was made and hung as well as a service held led by

James “Jim” Andrews, MA, Empath Health’s director of spiritual care.

Memorial weaving

“Participants, family members and staff gathered together to honor and remember those who have died. Pictures were displayed and several people shared their memories, laughter and tears. One family member said, ‘It was so good to be able to come back to this place that my husband loved so much and see the staff members who treated him with such loving care before he died.’ It was also moving to see so many staff and participants stand with the families as the names of their loved ones were read and the bell was tolled,” Andrews said.

Comforting Creations

Among the several popular activities at the center is sewing. Participants Gwendolyn Steele and Helen Sands look forward to getting together with the group to work on the machines while listening to some of their favorite tunes in the arts area. They’ve made lap warmers; bags for walkers and wheelchairs; blankets and pillows for newborn babies; and other creations that bring comfort. They’ve also repaired pants for the men participants.

Participant Gwendolyn Steele shows off new pillow.

“We love doing it, don’t we girlfriend? We sit back here, play our music and have a good time,” shared Steele one day with Sands as they finished up a project. Steele has been with the program for more than a year and also makes some of her own clothing and hair accessories.

Sands, a more than five-year participant, enjoys the group and how it improves their well-being. “We want people to get involved and be creative. We’re trying to lift up their spirits,” she said.

Visit our Suncoast PACE website or call us at 727-289-0062 to learn more about services.