It was no surprise that Marie Peak was at the one-year anniversary party for Sunrise Assisted Living at Mount Vernon last weekend. After all, she was the one who cut the ribbon at the opening dedication, and was the first one to put money down on a unit.
She enjoys the people and the activities, especially bingo, which she plays several times a week.
"It's a home away from home," said Peak, who lived in a nearby River Farms townhome before she moved to Sunrise.
"I used to drive by and watch it being built, and I decided I wanted to live here," said Peak. "The location and the grounds are beautiful."
Being in on the ground floor, she also secured one of the premiere ground floor suites. A visit to the suite showed a very roomy kitchen, bedroom and living area. Decorations on the entrance door and elsewhere make it a home away from home.
Peak, and her son, John Peak, were at the anniversary party which was held on Saturday afternoon for residents and their guests. A large group enjoyed pina coladas while they waited for the Hawaiian dancers to entertain the crowd.
Guests then enjoyed a Polynesian buffet, prepared by chef Marcelino Zabal. With help from the cook, Raul Santos, and Care Manager Diane Anderson, Zabal kept loading up the table with all kinds of island treats.
As guests enjoyed the buffet, Peak and the other founding members were recognized in a special ceremony.
Susan McGraw was there with her in-laws, Paul and Kay McGraw. They each wore colorful shirts, which went well with the bright Hawaiian leis which were handed out by staff members Joan Miller, Melissa Wilks and Samantha Wilks.
"I thought it was very festive, fun dancing and great food," said Susan McGraw.
Even the executive director's parents and friends came for the special event. General Manager David McHarg's parents, Naamah and Harry McHarg came from Bermuda, while his good friends, Chris and George Dott, visited from Pittsburgh.
Peak was happy that she came to Sunrise. While she misses her townhome, she said, "It's nice to know that at night, if you need help, that somebody's there."