The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
'Tis the season to be jolly, and that's just what the Brownies and Sparks did last Wednesday as they sang Christmas carols for the residents at the Northern Lights Manor. The children sang everything from the traditional Silent Night to the fun and festive Frosty the Snowman. Ruth Tetlock, the recreation facilitator, says having the children come in and sing is just great for the residents. "Most of the faces lighten up when they see children walking through the doors," she says, adding the residents really enjoyed the singing. "I wasn't there, but I've heard from people that it was really good," says Tetlock. Along with the Christmas songs, the Brownies and Sparks also passed out handmade Christmas cards with a bag of tea for each resident present. While the Northern Lights Manor is home to 36 residents right now, about 15 showed up for the festive event. "They (the residents) were asking each other if they went out to see the kids sing or not the next morning," says Tetlock. And Tetlock says when the children are around there is a feeling a warmth for many residents. "The children usually come every year to sing," she says. "And they always bring something they've made, so it's very nice." While Christmas is the time for family and sharing, Tetlock says it varies each year as to how many residents leave for Christmas. "It depends on the population and the weather," she says. "Some go out for Christmas Day to be with their families." And while some residents don't get the chance to leave, a Christmas dinner is prepared for the residents and their families. "Some residents have 12 or 15 people coming for this dinner," says Tetlock. The Northern Lights Manor will be hosting their Christmas Dinner this year on December 12. As well residents will have a sing-a-long on Christmas Eve. Though Christmas time is a chance for children to come and sing, it's not the only time people participate in the activity. "We have children and volunteer groups come throughout the year to be with the residents," says Tetlock, adding that the Youth Group from the Cornerstone Community Church will be making an appearance, as will the Salvation Army and children from the Coppertones choir this holiday.
