By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
The staff and volunteers invited residents, along with family and friends, to attend the 2018 Tree Lighting Program of Cortland Acres. Marie Grafton, activity coordinator, welcomed the crowd to the event entitled, “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”. Several residents participated in the reenactment along with young relatives of residents and workers.
Becky Brown, along with the crowd, sang a beautiful rendition of “Tell Me the Story of Jesus” while Betty Brown accompanied her on piano. Cindy Helmick read a poem entitled “Once in a Manger”, followed by a solo by Brown “Be Born in Me”.
Several weeks ago, invitations were sent out offering the opportunity to purchase tree lights in memory or honor of loved ones for $5 per light, or a star light for $50 each. Anne Felty and Nancy Zizunas read each name of tree light honorees, while Mary Frances Evans read the star light honorees during which time Volunteer President Nancy Moore turned on the star lights one by one. The total raised from this project came to $4,940.
For the presentation of lights, the oldest resident within the facility that had yet to turn on the lights had the honor of doing so. The entire crowd joined together in singing “Come on Ring Those Bells” while the lights of the decorated tree were illuminated outside near the nativity scene.
If you have visited Cortland Acres recently, you would’ve noticed on the grand entry wall was displayed a beautiful burgundy and green windmill quilt up for raffle. The lucky winner of this handmade marvel was Dee Summerfield. Prior to the beginning of the nights program, where more tickets were sold, the total earned from the raffle was $776.
As guests arrived, their names were written on a tablet to be entered into a door prize drawing. Several $40 gift cards were drawn for by the President of the Resident Council. Prior to the serving of light refreshments, activity assistant Mary Swisher offered the benediction and a prayer.
