DECEMBER 2003
Happy anniversary to Longwood Plantation. Yup...December 2003 marks the 9th anniversary of the opening of Longwood Plantation, and we hear a loud chorus from the residents “ May there be many, many more.”
Another holiday month with lots of decorating and activities going on at Longwood Plantation and Magnolia Place. The first Saturday of the month we were entertained by the childrens choir of the Memorial Church of the Nazarene. Besides the Christmas carols sung by the children, they also produced some stirring music with their hand bells. The children got the Christmas season off to a wonderful start.
We were lucky enough to have another mornings entertainment with Del Rae. Christmas carols were sung and enjoyed by all.
One of the suggestions at the residents council meeting was to do a “Steaks on the Grill” night, so on the 8th that’s exactly what we did.Steaks grilled to order, baked potatoes, and fresh salad was on the menu and everyone ate hardy. Lots of moans and groans from that “too full” feeling let us know that steak night was a huge success.
Some of the residents of Longwood Plantation got together and made home style vegetable soup to be enjoyed by all of the residents that night. Lots of peeling, chopping, chatting and laughter went into the making of the soup, and plenty of enjoyment went into the sharing of the soup.
Gospel videos with Florence, Bingo with Angie, and Sittersize with Kathy kept everyone on the go in December. Added to our regular activities, we had trips to the library, and an evening trip through the Gardens to view the fabulous lights. We went on thru downtown to see the lights on the
square and then past Mr. Stroman’s house on Riley St. to see his wonderful display. All of the participating residents had a great time.
Another evening of entertainment drew a big crowd. The Dixie Dew Drops came by with their mix of bluegrass and gospel. Toes were tapping and hands were clapping as we all enjoyed this fine southern band. The members of the Dixie Dew Drops brought gifts of fruit for all of the residents of Longwood and Magnolia Place.
And finally, the big day. Santa arrived at Longwood Plantation and Magnolia Place for the family Christmas party on the 19th. Lots and lots and lots of fabulous food, punch and desserts were enjoyed by the residents. Santa passed out presents to one and all.
The end of the month brought a wine and cheese party, and then on the 31st a New Years Eve party. Everyone put on silly hats, ate lots of junk food and had a marvelous time.
A special Thank You to Glenn Dias, the Activities Co-ordinator for the splendid job she did this quarter. Longwood Plantation and Magnolia Place were wonderfully decorated for all of the holidays. Glenn also keeps all of the entertainment and parties planned and running smoothly. She also provides all kinds of activities that all residents can participate in as their interest moves them. Thanks Glenn.
We’ll close this quarters newsletter with another poem by Raymond A. Summers.
AGE IS BUT A NUMBER
Like a new born baby child,
with its warm and tender touch.
Wearing a soft and loving smile,
a gesture that means so much.
As long as a soul is humble,
age is but a number.
God gives man the vision,
so as to pursue his dreams.
Though he may get weary,
and need a shoulder to lean.
As long as a soul is humble,
age is but a number.
Like the cycle of circles,
that has no end in sight.
Or like miracles of nature,
revealing God’s eternal might.
As long as a soul is humble,
age is but a number.
God gives man the wisdom,
so as to wheel and deal.
But aging acts in the mind,
of the soul as it reveals.
As long as a soul is humble,
age is but a number.
By Raymond A. Summers (2003)
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2004.
