South Slave seniors say 'I do'
Terry Halifax
Northern News Services
Hay River (Feb 19/01) - It had all the finery of the real thing, but when two South Slave elders "tied the knot" last week, it was all in fun.
George Hottie of the Woodland Manor and Ernestine Tambour from across the river at the Judith Fabien Centre decided to "get hitched" during the manor's Valentine's Day party.
The ceremony was dreamed up to bring some extra love into the home on a day when everyone shows their appreciation towards dear friends and dear hearts, said Mike Klass, recreation therapist.
"It's not because we thought there was any particular romance or anything there, it's just more of a fun event to make for a special day," Klass smiled.
The manor advertised on the community channel to find suitable dress and found a lovely fit for the lovely bride.
Minister Robin Trevors from the Hay River Reserve parish performed the ceremony and the two exchanged friendship bracelets when they swore to be "friends for life."
The minister's five-year-old daughter Kyla was nothing short of splendid in flower girl finery.
All the residents dressed in their Sunday best and gathered in the main room of the home to share in the ceremony that was complete with wedding march and party to follow.
"It's a chance for all the residents to get all dressed up and see everybody, so they really enjoyed it," Klass said later.
Caught-up in the event and the day, Klass and his wife Cheryl renewed their vows, because they wanted to relive the vow under a more traditional ceremony.
"We got married in Cuba and so we didn't have a flower girl and all the fancy things, so it's a chance for her to show off her dress again," Klass said.
This was the first time for the mock wedding at the manor, but judging from the reaction of the staff, guests and residents, it's an event to be celebrated again next year.
"You learn to be creative in terms of your programming and trying to find different things to do," he said.
