The Westview News

Press Release
Employee Ties Knot at Work
Date
August 21, 2009

Heather Green, a certified nursing assistant at Westview Health Care Center takes her relationship with her patients to heart. "In this line of work, it's natural to bond with the people you are caring for," she explained. "In many ways they have become an extension of family."

When Green became engaged to Robert Mineau of East Killingly in the fall of 2008, she showed off her engagement ring to Westview resident Concetta Minio, who promptly commented, "Make sure I'm invited to the wedding!"

Green made good on that request. "I started thinking how nice it would be to have the residents be able to share in my special day," she said. "So I asked if it was a possibility to be married on the grounds so residents could attend."

With Administrator David Panteleakos giving the go ahead, plans quickly developed to utilize the facility grounds for the special occasion.

On Saturday, September 19, 2009, a stretch limousine pulled up to Westview's courtyard. The bride stepped out, the music played, and with approximately 90 guests in attendance, which included nearly 30 residents. Green exchanged vows with Mineau under the courtyard gazebo. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and punch and congratulated the couple on their nuptials.

"The bridesmaids looked beautiful in their lavender dresses, the men were so handsome in their tuxedos and ring bearer was adorable," remarked resident Alma Brey. "It was an honor to attend such a beautiful occasion."

"What an amazing day," commented Westview Administrator David T. Panteleakos. "To do something like this is not part of any job description, it is something that truly comes from the heart. Heather and Robert's choice to share their wedding day here at Westview was a wonderful gift to the residents."