NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

As we transition into the holiday season, there is a sense of gratitude among all of us here at New Pond Village as we reflect upon the friendships and connections we have with each other.  In the month of November as residents continued with their busy schedules of attending programs and outings, we paused to give back to those less fortunate right here in our Walpole Community during our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. The food drive is just one of the many things we've been up to during November and we hope you enjoy the photos below of what's been going on at New Pond Village...

MUSICIAN BRIAN KANE

Brian Kane (the son of resident Margaret Kane!) played music from the swing era and included hit songs from Glen Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, George Gershwin and many others.  Not only did Brian sing and play a variety of instruments, but he also told the stories behind some of the greatest songs ever written.  he audience enjoyed Brian's program so much that I've already booked him for several shows in 2017.

LUNCH AT THE PATRIOT TAVERN

The Patriot Tavern is conveniently located about 500 feet from the New Pond Village driveway and they are celebrating their grand opening after undergoing major renovations and new management.  A wonderful lunch was enjoyed by all.

VETERANS DAY LUNCHEON

The annual Veterans Day Luncheon is a reminder of pausing to thank those who stopped their lives and sacrificed to serve our country. 

THE BOSTON SPORTS SCENE 

WITH DAN SHAUGHNESSY

A member of The Boston Globe staff since 1981, Dan Shaughnessy has been named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year 11 times and 9 times has been voted one of Americas top 10 sports columnists by AP Sports Editors.  Dan was very personable and recalled stories of how he entered the world of journalism alongside encounters with famous athletes he's come to know over the years.  

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING PROGRAM

A look at the photos below will give you an idea of the generosity among the New Pond Village residents.  The Walpole Food Pantry has recently become part of our program, offering thanks to those who donated during what can be a stressful time for many local families.

October Highlights

We hope you enjoy our photos of recent programs and outings below.  For those who do not have access to a computer or would simply like to see this blog in paper form, we have created a "Blog Book" that captures all posts from October 2015 through September 2016.  Feel free to stop into the Vibrant Living office to take a peek!

BILLY ELLIOTT AT 

THE OCEAN STATE THEATER

Residents enjoyed a wonderful show and gorgeous day in Rhode Island on Thursday, October 6th.  Bette even got a chance to meet the star of the show and get his autograph!

OKTOBERFEST THEME DINNER

On Wednesday, October 12 we enjoyed a festive combination of traditional German fare, decor and live music.  A beer tasting and pretzel bar kicked-off the festivities while live Bavarian music and food prepared by our Dining Services team completed the evening. 

 

ALDRIDGE RIDES

Though we enjoy our local mystery rides, it's always fun to pick a destination a bit further from the ordinary and bring some goodies along with us.  In October our journeys brought us to Castle Island, Wrights Dairy Farm, Nantasket Beach, and Trappistine Monastery in Wrentham.

AUTUMN TEA PARTY

A wonderful crowd turned out for our Autumn Tea Party on Monday, October 24.  Stay tuned for details on a Holiday Tea Party we are planning for December!

  

WINE TASTING AT 

DIAMOND HILL VINEYARD

On Thursday, October 27 we took a day trip to Diamond Hill Vineyards, a second generation family run vineyard and winery set in over 30 acres of vineyards, beautiful gardens and unspoiled woodlands in Cumberland, RI. Residents enjoyed a wine tasting and shopped in the quaint gift shop.

AN AFTERNOON IN SWEDEN 

WITH VERNA HOLST

Resident Aide Verna Holst has worked at New Pond Village for many years and has always been quick to lend a hand or suggest new ideas for programming and activities.  Being of Swedish descent, Verna offered to lead an activity based on her own Swedish heritage and in the process, discovered a great deal about the heritage of several residents.  Verna shared history, stories, included examples and even served some traditional Swedish dishes.  We are all so grateful to Verna (and her modesl!) for taking the time to share not only her own ancestral history, but that of some residents as well.

Verna Holst presents her afternoon on Swedish history and heritage with the help of some residents.

Krissy dressed as St. Lucia

Krissy (St. Lucia) hands out Swedish treats

Resident Ingrid Bamber (far right) shared her family history and experience during the activity.

 

Teresa models the hand-made dress that Ingrid's mother made for her and she wore when she was a teenager.

A photo of the Drottingholm.  Aldridge resident Ingrid Bamber traveled aboard this ship on her journey from Sweden to America in 1922.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

A special Halloween Social Hour was added to our events this week and the room was filled with witches, superheroes, hippies and more! 

The Aldridge Lobby

Dorothy...and her little dog, too!

The "Party Shark" and his wife, the Purple Witch!

Joan channeled her inner flapper

Always creative Alice went to the social as "Candy Corn"

Clara got a lot of laughs with her creative costume!

Helen in her Hello Kitty pajamas!

Marilyn "Hippy" Murray found a baby tiger behind the bar!

I thought I'd end the post with a picture of my three boys on Halloween: Mr. Krabs, Mr. Skunk & Mr. Vampire.