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Rosebridge
Manor enters Festival of Trees
Jasper home inspires other long-term care homes
to follow suit
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
- Natalie Miller
Rosebridge Manor is getting into the spirit of
the season by taking part in the community’s
Festival of Trees.
The annual fundraiser held by the Smiths Falls
Civitan Club directs money to health care, the
community food bank and individuals in need. Carol
Rubino, club president and chair of the Festival
of Trees, says she was pleasantly surprised when
Rosebridge signed on four years ago.
“We never ever would have thought of going
to the nursing home,” says Carol.
But after Rosebridge approached Carol she saw
the potential of having other long-term care homes
in the area involved. Rosebridge “gave us
the idea to approach them all,” Carol says,
noting all of the community homes now take part.
Participants pay $40 to have their tree entered
in the festival. They then decorate the real or
artificial tree for display in the Civitan Hall
Dec. 8, 9 and 10. “We encourage them to
think outside the box” when it comes to
decorating, Carol says.
Some of the more memorable trees over the years
include the fire department’s entry of a
fire hydrant covered with mini lights, a wooden
cactus with peppers as lights and an adult novelty
store’s tree. An auctioneer appraises the
trees and determines whether they’ll be
raffled or auctioned off to the public.
Rosebridge Manor won a Peoples’ Choice
Award for one tree it entered and last year covered
its tree with Beanie babies. Staff member Laurie
Edwards takes the lead on the tree decorating
with the help of staff and volunteers, says Nelly
Hobbs, Rosebridge Manor administrator. Home office
in Peterborough pitches in for some of the decorations,
while Laurie and her colleagues purchase the rest.
"I thought (it was) a good thing for Rosebridge
to do," Laurie said earlier about her involvement
in the festival.
Rosebridge is among many local businesses that
take part in the Festival of Trees. Last year
the event raised $4,200 and Carol hopes to bring
in more this year. “We have a big commitment
this year to our local hospital.”
The festival begins with a gala dinner in the
trees on Wednesday, Dec. 8. Space is limited.
Call Civitan Gib Hodge at 613-283-2318 for information.
On Dec. 9 and 10 the doors open at 6:30 p.m.
There is a wine and cheese, raffle and auction
at 8 p.m. on Dec. 10.
Admission is free.
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