While the temperatures outside were below freezing, the atmosphere inside the Father Ernest Center was toasty on February 7. This year, for their annual “Make-the-Residents-Happy Event,” our Jeanne Jugan Associates (AJJ) sponsored a Summer Party. They invited the Residents to “Get out of the cold! Think SUMMER! Chase away the winter blues with music, gift bags, and refreshments! Come in your favorite summer outfit and colors!” Every Resident was greeted with a lei and their own pair of sunglasses. It was wonderful to see that some of them ditched heavy sweaters for their favorite bright, summer clothes!
The Associates went all out, personally arranging summery decor that made us forget the frost on the windows of Holy Family Home. They truly outdid themselves, going around the room serving homemade treats alongside some specially purchased favorites.
The highlight of the afternoon was the lively music provided by Len Poncio, friend of Holy Family Home for over 30 years, Vice President of our Advisory Board, and Jeanne Jugan Associate. He engaged “The Acoustics,” his cousin’s two-man band who performs live music for nursing homes and various community events. Len sang along with them and summoned everyone to join in the summer fun.
The Father Ernest Center was buzzing with energy as Residents from St. Joseph’s Unit and the Apartments resonated with the nostalgic tunes. The playlist featured airs like: “On the Way to Cape May,” a local favorite that set everyone to reminiscing and “Under the Boardwalk,” a classic that got more than a few toes tapping! The music was so irresistible that many Residents hit the dance floor! The joy in the room was palpable.
One of the games that brought cheers was tossing ping-pong balls into a divided box. A big applause went to a Resident in a wheelchair who proved that she didn’t have to remove her sunglasses to make three successful pitches.
When Little Sisters and Residents tried to thank the Jeanne Jugan Associates for their hard work, creativity, and the warmth they share with our community, Pat Lo, the AJJ Coordinator, simply smiled, saying: “We just want to do what Jeanne Jugan would do. Making the Residents happy, that’s what counts!”
