‘Tis the season
Tuesday, December 7, 2004 - OMNIway staff
The weather has turned bitter but spirits are bright as OMNI employees, residents and family members ring in the Christmas season.

Springdale Country Manor held its Christmas party Sunday, complete with a visit from Old Saint Nick. The Springville long-term care home hosted an affair for residents, residents’ grandchildren and residents’ great grandchildren. Staff members brought along their children as well, filling Springdale Country Manor with the sound of 39 children’s voices, says Ann Dillon, the home’s life enrichment co-ordinator (LEC).

“Residents are still talking about it today,” says Ann about the Christmas party.

“They love the kids,” she says, adding the party was a “great time” for all. A caroller sang festive songs while the children waited for their turn to climb on Santa’s knee. Parents purchased a small gift for Santa to give their children.

Springdale has booked a number of church choirs and a multi-faith family night service for residents during the month of December. Residents will gather on Christmas morning to open gifts. Ann asks family members to bring into the home a gift for their loved ones. If that isn’t possible, the LEC purchases one on their behalf. “I make sure every resident has a gift,” says Ann.

Celebrations at West Lake Terrace in Picton are well underway, with the children’s Christmas party and residents’ party held recently at the long-term care home. Life enrichment co-ordinator Julie Clarkson says she has lined up a host of entertainers in spirit of the season. As well, residents head out for tours of Christmas lights and partake in community socials.

“Santa visits on Christmas day,” says Julie.

“We make sure everybody has a present under the tree on Christmas morning.”