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OUR YUCAIPA | FEBRUARY 2016 7 By Natalie Palmer "Seniors are the jewels of our community and should be treated like it," said Lynette Alvarado, Executive Director of Wildwood Canyon Villa. Wildwood Canyon Villa is a jewel in itself for Yucaipa. The facility is an assisted living and memory care community. But instead of seniors living in their own little world, Alvarado has found a way for its residents to be a part of the entire community by staying engaged with Yucaipa and giving back to it in lots of little ways. "I believe our seniors have longer, happier lives when they feel like they have a purpose," said Alvarado. Wildwood Canyon Villa keeps a full calendar of events happening all the time. From hosting car club events, dinners for the sheriff 's department, to honoring veterans and hosting membership meetings for local organizations, the villa stays busy almost every day. And the seniors like it that way. "The residents love having people over to 'their home'" said Alvarado. During the summer, Wildwood Canyon Villa hosted 30 plus events to raise money for the Alzheimer's walk in October. Their team raised over $6,000. In December, residents delivered cookies to all their favorite people, Alvarado said. They visited the staff at Beaver Medical, the folks at AMR, the fire stations, sheriff 's department, and even their favorite fast food places, where they thanked the employees for doing a great job. This month boasts their ever popular Sweet Valentine's Day Party, where a local pastor will be on hand to renew married couple's vows. The living room will be fully decorated as a wedding chapel, Alvarado said, and residents enjoy watching the ceremonies. A lunch and dance follows the renewals, and the Wildwood Canyon Villa king and queen will be crowned. The public is welcome to attend and can reserve a time to have their vows renewed, Alvarado said. Wildwood Canyon Villa was named the 2015 Business of the Year by the Yucaipa Chamber of Commerce. They were honored for their willingness to support community events. They donate raffle baskets for fundraisers, supplies for Yucaipa's Relay For Life, and much more. Resident Edna Jenkins said she wouldn't dream of living anywhere else. "Everyone is open and friendly. We all get along like family," she said. Wildwood Canyon Villa is located at 22951 Colorado St. in Yucaipa. Phone: 446-0405. Wildwood Canyon Villa Named Business of the Year: Cares for Residents, Hosts Events for Everyone