Holiday Season Highlights from New Pond Village

It's hard to believe that yet another year has come to an end. December has always been a very busy month for us here at New Pond and this year was no different.  Residents enjoyed a number of activities surrounding the holidays including the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, a luncheon with the Vibrant Living Department, tea parties, holiday rides, a tour of the Elms Mansion in Newport, a Hanukkah celebration and, of course, our annual New Year's Eve Eve party - just to name a few!  Many thanks to all of the residents and staff that helped to make our programs a success in 2016 as we prepare for many more exciting endeavors in the year ahead.  
Happy New Year!

ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

This has become an annual favorite for many residents at New Pond Village.  On Thursday, December 1, residents and associates gathered ‘round the gazebo with hot chocolate and cookies in anticipation of turning on our holiday lights.  We added a new dimension this year and brought in professional carolers dressed in Victorian garb.  The singers were wonderful and supplied an extra dash of Christmas spirit that made our event even more special this time around.

ALDRIDGE HOLIDAY RIDE TO 

SLATER PARK

Slater Park is Pawtucket's largest public park and has a variety of amenities and activities suitable people of all ages.  The park is situated along the Ten Mile River and offers an oasis of greenery, trees and meandering trails. During the holiday season, the trees that line the road are beautifully decorated, each one with it's own style and personality. 

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON WITH THE 

VIBRANT LIVING DEPARTMENT AT 

STONEFORGE PUBLICK HOUSE

Another annual tradition offered here at New Pond is the Holiday Luncheon with the Vibrant Living Department. I know I can speak for my department when I say that this outing is our collective favorite because it feels nothing at all like "work", and everything like an afternoon with our friends.  This year's choice for lunch was the best that anyone can remember; Stoneforge Publick House in Raynham was adorned with gorgeous seasonal decorations and set aside a perfect, cozy spot for our group. We began with a steaming cup of clam chowder followed by salads and entree choices that included Filet Mignon, N.E. Baked Cod, Butternut Squash Ravioli or Surf & Turf.  Everyone was thrilled with their meals and the service was top notch, definitely worth the 40 minute drive.

HOLIDAY TEA PARTY

The tea parties in Aldridge have become so popular that we had to add an extra table for our most recent one! In the world of activities, having too many residents at your event is ALWAYS a good thing! We managed to serve everyone and a good time was had by all.  Many thanks to Annie for her decorating skills - the room looked absolutely stunning! 

CHRISTMAS IN NEWPORT

A self-guided ‘audio-tour’ of The Elms Mansion was offered on Thursday, December 22. Decked out in Yuletide finery, spectacular decorations highlighted the celebration of Christmas in Newport. The ballroom was transformed into a Gilded Age streetscape, complete with all of the holiday trimmings. 

            HANUKKAH CELEBRATION 

In honor of the Jewish holiday, we sampled traditional foods while learning more about this special time in Jewish religion and history.  Special thanks to Clara Katz and her daughter Sandy who provided most of the decor and supplies, as well as a brief explanation of the holiday itself.  Clara also brought with her the children's book, The Mensch on a Bench by Neal Hoffman, which was read aloud by Shirley Hutchins.  Thank you for reading to us Shirley, "what a mensch!" 

              NEW YEAR'S EVE EVE PARTY

David Burbank and his orchestra did not disappoint as the residents danced their way right into 2017. Delicious hot hors d'oeuvres were served alongside complimentary drinks as dancers from the Metronome Ballroom kept everyone's dance cards full the whole night through.  Enjoy the many photos below, there were so many great shots of the evening it was hard to limit the selection. 

 

 

 

 

 

May you all enjoy a happy and healthy 2017!