Santa has been visiting and bringing holiday fun to all ages, starting with a visit to Easton Elementary School at the invitation of the Easton PTO. The kids were excited to tell Santa their Christmas wishes and let him know what kind of cookies they were going to leave for him on Christmas Eve.
(Courtesy of Samantha Dudley)
The following day Santa delivered Meals on Wheels meals to older folks in Mapleton, Castle Hill and Presque Isle. Just as young kids enjoy talking with Santa, the Meals on Wheels recipients enjoy sharing with Santa their Christmases past as well their plans for their holidays. One of the many challenges for older people living alone is being socially active. Having visitors come and share time with them is always appreciated.
Then Santa appeared at the Mapleton Daze Kids Shopping Event, which was fun for all who came. Kids bought many presents for their families with the help of the Mapleton Daze Elves. After making their purchases, the elves helped the kids with the wrapping. There were other activities for the kids that included decorating sugar cookies and making Christmas tree ornaments. Finally, all the kids had the opportunity to have their pictures taken with Santa Claus.
The Mapleton Daze Committee and Santa thank all the parents and grandparents who brought the kids out to the shopping event.
Last week, Santa made a big swing through Aroostook County, starting with breakfast with the ladies of Northwood Manor, a small residential care home in Ashland. The ladies enjoyed telling Santa about their Christmases as young girls or as parents of young kids. They were all excited for their upcoming Christmas party as well as their trip to Presque Isle to see the Christmas lights.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Santa also traveled to Eagle Lake to visit the residents of the Mercy Home. He met two residents who are 100 and 101 years of age. He personally visited every resident and had photos taken with them and with staff.
Then he went on to the Forest Hill Manor Nursing Home in Fort Kent. One by one each resident spoke with Santa and had a photo taken.
While at Forest Hill Manor, Santa participated in a special recognition ceremony. After working at the home for close to 25 years, Mary Anne Desjardins retired as director of nursing. All of the residents and many staff celebrated with cake and punch. What fun to see the smiles and hear the laughter as each resident chatted with Santa.
(Contributed photo)
Santa is scheduled to visit this week at the Presque Isle Rehabilitation and Nursing home, Leisure Village, Leisure Garden and Rising Hill Home in Limestone. He is looking to sharing time and fun with the residents of each of these facilities.
Santa has learned over years of work with young children about the magic and excitement of the holiday season, and the fun and spirit are still present in older adults.
Wishes from the writer
I have been serving as a Maine Long-Term Program volunteer ombudsman representative who visits area nursing and care homes on a regular basis to see that residents are receiving the care and service they need or want.
I recognize the challenges of aging, how things go wrong, and yet how everyone helps forge better lives for residents by visiting and sharing time with them. I encourage everyone to find time to volunteer with young kids as well as our older residents who have limited social contact. Sharing personal time and stories is the best gift of the season.
The most important aspect of the holiday is the time of sharing with our friends and families. I continue writing this column for our friends and neighbors and want to wish everyone happy holidays and the very best for the coming new year.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
