On Tuesday, September 30, the Washington Health Care Association (WHCA) recognized El Dorado West resident Marie Montes, 94, as this month’s Silver Spotlight winner. An award ceremony was held at El Dorado West, a Village Concepts retirement, assisted living and memory care community located in Burien, Wash.

The Silver Spotlight Award Program is designed to honor the achievements from individuals whom now reside in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities throughout the state of Washington. Montes will be featured in a 2015 pictorial calendar with other statewide award winners, and is invited to a reception at the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia, Wash. on December 4, 2014.

“Village Concepts is honored that one of our residents in our communities received this prestigious award,” said Tracy Willis, corporate director of development at Village Concepts. “Marie is a beloved seamstress and artist, and her dedication in learning the craft of tailoring on her own and giving back to the community is receiving the recognition it deserves.”

Montes is a well-known fixture in the Burien area, having run an alteration and sewing shop for nearly 20 years. She also spent many years teaching oil painting at the Highline Senior Center. Prior to teaching, Montes had a successful career in the clothing manufacturing industry, where her bilingual language skills advantaged her in directing production shops in the Los Angeles area. Today, Montes continues to hall residents with their tailoring needs at El Dorado West.