It was a celebration of life and the release of nearly 200 butterflies this past weekend at Abernethy Laurels in Newton, NC. Residents, friends, family members and staff gathered on Sunday, June 6th to release butterflies in honor or memory of their loved ones and enjoy the music of harpist McLain Mallory. They also took part in a memorable tribute to their loved ones and enjoyed refreshments served by the staff.

Over 150 people watched as each small box was opened and a beautiful Monarch butterfly emerged. After first emerging from the box most of the butterflies alighted on the hands of the person holding the box, but soon began to fly to nearby beautiful spring flowers located in the courtyard at Abernethy Laurels. The lovely butterflies, a symbol of life and freedom soon began to fly away, although several of the magnificent creatures were spotted on Monday and Tuesday mornings as staff began arriving for work. One resident was overheard saying, "it is so calming to watch as the butterflies fly from flower to flower, I only wish they would stay longer."

Abernethy Laurels, a not-for-profit retirement community located on a gently rolling 120-acre site in Newton, NC, offers a casual, warm atmosphere, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains but is easily accessible to Charlotte, Hickory and Asheville. Abernethy Laurels combines elegant independent housing with full-service accommodations on a fee-for-service basis. For more information, visit www.abernethylaurels.org or call toll free 877-367-7941 or 828-465-8552.