Tuesday night marked the 2nd Annual Mountain Laurel Gardens Seniors Cocoa and Cookie Social. The now annual event brings together all the senior residents for an evening of laughter, fun and, of course, holiday cookies, eggnog and cocoa.
Marty Iverson, head elf in charge of decorating, along with Joe Manon, assistant elf and Andy Straut, resident maintenance elf, spend several days after Thanksgiving bringing holiday cheer to the interior and exterior of the building.
In the Community Room tinsel dangles like icicles from the eaves as skaters spin around in a small holiday town display on a “snow covered” table in the corner. Christmas lights sparkle on the tree decorated with ornaments contributed by the tenants with a few special ornaments paying tribute to those friends who have since passed and are greatly missed.
The seniors are a very close group—a family, who hold weekly pot lucks, evening coffee clutch, and a card night. The cookie social, which is held thanks to community donations, was sponsored this year by an anonymous donor, lets the senior kick back, enjoy some eggnog and share jokes, stories and memories of the holidays from years gone by. “One cannot help but feel nostalgic and wistful while sitting down next to a senior, who is reminiscing about horse drawn sleigh rides and family get-togethers of their youth.” says MARK housing manager Christine DuBois
As the evening activities wound down and the elves scurried off to bed, the tree lights dimly lit the room as the refrain of “Silent Night” echoed down the hallway and welcomed in another peaceful and happy holiday season at Mountain Laurel Gardens. For more information about housing opportunities at Mountain Laurel Gardens Contact Christine DuBois at MARK 845.586.3500 or christine@markproject.org.
