by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Residents and staff at Arlington Place Assisted Living celebrated a holiday open house in December.
Housing manager Karen Hennessy said more than 90 people joined in the festivities. Guests enjoyed a variety of appetizers, salads, relishes, coffee and punch. Many visitors contributed a large selection of desserts to be shared by all.
“I so enjoy these events where our staff and families meet resident families,” Hennessy said. “Families are so appreciative of the care given to their loved ones, and I think the direct care staff need to hear this. Also, residents get to meet the children of staff they often have heard stories about. It’s just such a fun event. We are blessed to be able to share this joyous time.”
Residents, staff and guests were entertained by Dan Preston, also known as “Dan, the Guitar Man.” Preston performs with his guitar at Arlington Place, the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
“Santa” also handed out candy canes and visited with adults and children.
Gift items from “Books are Fun” could be purchased, with proceeds from those sales going toward the resident activity fund.
Guests registered for a number of door prizes, which included various table centerpieces.
Hennessy said a Giving Tree party was planned for the residents at a later date, where they would receive gifts and be entertained by the Slew Foot Family Band in a less-crowded environment.
Twenty-one people currently reside at Arlington Place Assisted Living, which is located at 21 16th Ave. SE, St. Joseph. For more information contact 320-363-1313.
Katie Klemenhagen and her two daughters (left to right) Mykah, 1, and Ke’myia, 3, attended the party and visited with their grandmother and great-grandmother, resident Dorothy Boals. The Klemenhagens live in Alexandria.
Donna Memken from St. Cloud brought her Yorkshire Terriers, Izzie and Zoe, to the holiday party to visit resident Dorothy Boals and others.
Amelia Curtis, 2, sat on her mother, Alana Curtis,’ lap while keeping an eye on “Santa.”
Cadence Hartwig, 3, daughter of Angie and Jimmie Hartwig, was dressed in her holiday party dress. Angie works as a home health aide at Arlington Place.
Some of resident Lenora Hilsgen’s grandchildren posed with her and Santa at the party. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Santa and Hilsgen and (back row, left to right) twins Amber and Allie Hilsgen, 10, and Melanie Hilsgen.
Arlington resident Luvern Kirscht, also known as “Notchie,” sat on Santa’s lap.
