The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch resident Dale Higinbotham, 92, doesn't let his age stop him from having fun and dancing at any chance he gets.
"I've got to keep these old bones moving," he said.
Higinbotham had at least three different dance partners throughout the performance by the Jesse Daniels Band during The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch's 20th anniversary celebration. He said it's a way to remember and honor his late wife Patricia, who died Sept. 22, 2024.
Lakewood Ranch resident Barbara Melfi was invited to the celebration by Chelsea Knapp, who has worked at the front desk at The Windsor for nine years. Melfi's mother, Esther Thomas, used to be a resident before she died in January at the age of 97.
"The nursing staff, the assistants, just everyone here made her feel like she was family," Melfi said. "She loved nothing more than a good party or a cocktail and she was quite the gambler. Anything with bingo, casino nights, Esther was the first one there."
Residence director Ramsey Jennings said the event was about the residents and their families, but also the staff who tend to them every day.
"All of the associates, the managers, these are the people who are in the residence rooms every day," Jennings said. "They are making friendships serving them and they do it with a smile every day."
He said he is proud to work there and be employed by Legend Senior Living, their parent company. Legend Senior Living has communities in six different states across the country.
Residence director Ramsey Jennings and sales director Sandra Barkey welcome City of Bradenton mayor Gene Brown to the The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch 20th anniversary celebration.
Photo by Madison Bierl
The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch residents Dale Higinbotham and Deb Arronis share a dance to the music of Jesse Daniels Band. "I've got to keep those old bones moving," said Higinbotham, who is 92 years old.
Photo by Madison Bierl
The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch resident Jean McMurren shares a dance with Javiera Ranstron, who works there as a medication technician.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Carol Wilson, a resident at The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch, enjoys the entertainment of Jesse Daniels Band and fellow residents dancing at the 20th anniversary celebration.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Susan Master, a resident of The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch for one week, dances to Jesse Daniels Band. She says she has already eaten fabulous food and made wonderful friends during her time there.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Jesse Daniels, the lead singer and face of Jesse Daniels Band, is a Nashville recording artist who is local to the Sarasota and Bradenton area.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Dale Higinbotham dances with Stephanie Roth to the music of Jesse Daniels Band. Higinbotham, 92, dances any chance he gets in memory of his late wife Patricia, who loved to dance.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Medication technician Mirlande Gay shares a dance with Sharlette Rackers, who is known to get up and dance at events.
Photo by Madison Bierl
The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch residents, guests and staff members were able to enjoy buffet style appetizers during the 20th anniversary celebration on Sept. 2.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Sales director Sandra Barkey, residence director Ramsey Jennings and health care director Elaine Coia all work at The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Photo by Madison Bierl
The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch staff members enjoy the 20th anniversary celebration on Sept. 2 through dance, food and more.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Chelsea Knapp, the front desk clerk at The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch, invited Barbara Melfi to the 20th anniversary celebration. Melfi's mother Esther Thomas lived at the Windsor for three years until she died in January at 97 years old. Melfi said her mother loved nothing more than a good party and that it felt so nice to be included even after her mother was gone.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Barbara Birkenberger took a fruit dessert to go, but not before dancing to Jesse Daniels Band. She said she has danced with The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch resident Dale Higinbotham on a few different occasions.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Janet Dicarlo, a future resident of The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch attends the celebration with her daughter Anne Dicarlo. Anne said the place is run like a good machine.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Ed Ronzia, a The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch resident for 2 years, is joined by his daughter Suzanne Kovach for the celebration. Kovach said they enjoy being social.
Photo by Madison Bierl
The Jesse Daniels Band consists of Russell Pollard on guitar, Aaron Downard on drums, lead singer Jesse Daniels, Phil Roth on bass and Austin Gill on guitar.
Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.
