A mother, a devout woman of faith and an incredible dancer — these are just a few of the titles held by Bernie Capies. This month she adds a new title to the mix as she is Clay County Care Center’s resident of the month.

At the age of 94, Bernie is known to be the life of the party. From a quick-witted joke to the spontaneous dance moves from her wheelchair, she is sure to make anyone around her smile.

Outside of her time spent as a housewife, Bernie worked at a manufacturing company. Once World War II broke out, the company switched gears to make parts for the war effort. While at work one day, a hose that funneled oil to the different moving parts of the machine burst, shooting oil onto her face. 

A man came forward, offering his handkerchief to wipe it off and that’s how Capies met her lifetime love, Harry Capies. 

Harry died about nine years ago, but there are many fond memories Bernie has to look back on from the 65 years she spent married to him.

As a married couple, Bernie and Harry would go out dancing together every Friday and Saturday and occasionally took in evenings at casinos in Atlantic City. Other past times of Bernie’s were knitting, crocheting, cooking and baking — but most important of all her qualities was her commitment to family and faith.

“She has always had a very deep faith. They both never missed going to mass together every day as long as they were able to and they passed on their faith to the family,” said Bernie’s daughter-in-law JoAnn Capies. 

Both Bernie and Harry would frequently do volunteer work together through their church as a means of giving back to the world around them.

“She was always good about keeping in touch with us and was always there for children’s birthdays,” said JoAnn. 

Bernie’s son, Jack Capies, fondly remembers the tradition of each year at the time of his and JoAnn’s anniversary that his parents would watch the kids for a weekend.

“It was so nice of them and it gave us a weekend away,” said Jack.

Through her selfless acts, her passion for living joyfully and the devotion to her family, the impact made by Bernie Capies spans far and wide. 

Her infectious spirit continues on to encourage residents and staff of the care center to find fun in the little things as well as the big.

 Due to weekend forecasts of heavy rain with a possible mix of snow and ice, the Hayesville Christmas Parade, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” has been moved up from Saturday, Dec. 8 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. 

The parade schedule will be an hour later than usual, but it is expected to be even more fun as the weather forecast is clear. Children’s characters will still be arriving on the square along with the jolly old man himself and of course the beautiful sights and sounds of the holiday from a variety of participants. 

In addition, come early at 6 p.m. and enjoy festivities leading up to the lighting of the square at 6:45 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce. 

Friday’s event schedule: 

• Parade starts at the school campus at 7 p.m. and will make its way in front of Mariolino’s, up Jailhouse Hill, taking a right to travel in front of Tiger’s, Town Hall and on around in front of the Board of Elections office, taking a right at Keep Me Posted, then a right at the library and back to the school campus via Myers Chapel Road. 

• Floats entering the float competition should be on site at the Hayesville schools campus by 5:30 p.m. for judging. There will be a Mayor’s Choice and first, second and third places for profit and nonprofit categories. 

All participants should enter from Myers Chapel Road. 

• Classic Car judging begins at 6 p.m. 

There is no fee to enter, but participants should fill out an entry form at the Clay County Progress office, 43 Main Street, Hayesville. Call 389-8431. 

The Progress is continuing its full page ad drawing fundraiser. Businesses or groups may submit a business card or name and a $20 donation to be entered in the drawing for a full page ad valued at $1,000. The parade has been sponsored by the Progress since 1987.