Normanna, a Burnaby seniors' home, hosted its 65th annual garden party on Aug. 18, and more than 100 people came out to celebrate.
"The garden party is our way - the home's way - of thanking our members and supporters," said Myrna Latval, president of the board of directors.
Normanna is a complex care home for seniors, many of whom suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's. The Fraser Health Authority funds the home, but the Norwegian Old People's Home Association owns the property and the building.
The garden party drew an estimated 160 people, including supporters, local politicians, board members, families of residents and the ladies' auxiliary, a group of volunteers who provide entertainment for the residents and fundraise to help spruce up the home.
"It's actually an open thing," Latval said. "Everybody is welcome, but we make sure we include our members and supporters."
The garden party also marked the 65th anniversary for the ladies' auxiliary, whose members volunteer to support Normanna.
The party was held in the Normanna's therapeutic garden, which is mostly maintained by volunteers, and there were open-faced, Norwegian style sandwiches and refreshments served. Peter Williams, who regularly entertains for seniors, sang and played piano for the crowd.
"I've received so many compliments from staff and those in attendance saying, 'Gee, that was s nice garden party,'" Latval added.
Normanna has 100 residents and is located at 7725 Fourth St., close to the border of New Westminster. According to Latval, many of Normanna's founders were connected to New Westminster.
"We didn't used to have such a border in early times. ... The names of many families that still support (Normanna) come from New Westminster," she said.
