“Community caring for community,”
The words uttered by Roan Highlands Nursing Center’s executive director and COO Chuck Arnold rounded up what proved to be a successful night for the facility’s annual Independence Day Celebration held Thursday in Roan Mountain.
“This gives the people of Roan Mountain somewhere to go that doesn’t cost them anything,” Arnold said. “This is a way for people to bring their families and enjoy a good time in a nice, wholesome environment. This is a very important event for our residents who can never really get out, this gives them the chance to get out and socialize with their families and enjoy the evening.”
Attendees flocked in the thousands with parking near max capacity before entering the facility. Roan Highland’s marketing admissions coordinator Jessica Holsclaw estimated over 2,000 in attendance, after noticing the facility running out of 1,500 bags given out to citizens.
“We gave out 1,500 bags,” she said. “And there were a bunch more that came through we didn’t get a chance to count. There’s probably about 2,000 people here.”
And the vast amount of citizens were welcomed with different activities, including vendors, inflatables, health screenings, a MARSH Regional Blood Bank blood drive and different types of food before the fireworks nightcap.
“The vendors are here free of charge,” Holsclaw said. “They’re able to pass out information on what they do and it lets them know what Roan Highlands is all about. It helps both their businesses and us.”
Arnold added, “We’ve been lucky to have such great support from the community. This is our way of giving back.”
Residents of the facility received the VIP treatment for the entertainment with a tent right in front of the stage. Entertainment for the night included Jodi Howland singing the national anthem, the Trail Blazers Clogging group, Roan Mountain Church of God providing sign language and the Edgar Loudermilk Band, featuring Jeff Autry.
Holsclaw also thanked Mr. Eads with WBEJ for MC’ing the event and helping present door prizes to individuals.
Celebrating with friends and loved ones is the mission of the facility, according to Arnold. While assisting with the event, employees and volunteers were also helping direct traffic, along with the Carter County Sheriff’s Department.
Being able to be a staple in the Roan Mountain community is important for the facility, Arnold said.
“We’re a five-star facility,” he added. “We’re rated through the Centers for Medicaid Services (CMS). We recently had our annual survey and had one deficiency, which is very minor – I believe the average is six for Tennessee. Our staff is what makes the difference here.
Holsclaw seconded the sentiments shared by Arnold.
“Roan Highlands is just a great place to be,” she added with a smile. “We have a very loving and compassionate staff. We enjoy what we do and we make sure the needs of our residents come first.”