Harvest Festival Held at Good Samaritan Nursing Home

recently held its first Harvest Festival. The event featured activities for children such as pumpkin painting, a bounce house from Parties "R" Us, and professional face painting courtesy of Fine Art by Keri.

Residents, their families, guests, and staff enjoyed tunes brought by D.J. John Catone of Oakdale. Catone played party favorites such as "Hands Up" and "YMCA," and also featured ballads by legendary artists including Patsy Cline. Catone even demonstrated his rich baritone, crooning romantic songs such as Elvis Presley's "It's Now or Never," for residents to sing along.

A hearty meal of bratwurst and sauerkraut or pulled pork served with German potato salad was offered up by the the facility's health and nutrition staff.

Vendors like Rosalie Finelli from The Pampered Chef and local jewelry merchant, Rainbow Sky were also on hand.

"We did a summer festival every August for the residents and family. It was always so hot and humid, and we were trying to pick a theme, so we picked a fall theme, with apple pies for dessert, peach cobbler and pumpkins. The foods we served are all fall-related," said Good Samaritan's administrator, Teri Cronin.  "This is the first year we opened it up to the community, and we expanded. We invited some vendors, and had even more events for kids."

Holbrook resident Keri Connors brought her four young daughters to visit her grandmother, Elsie Gallagher, 93. The girls all had their smiling faces painted and bejeweled, and were having a blast.

"I think it's nice that they do this; not many nursing homes offer this type of family atmosphere. Kids love it. They get outside. Sometimes inside [the nursing home] kids get scared," Connors said.

Mary Patti, who has worked in recreation at the nursing home for 30 years, was dancing along to the upbeat tunes, and keeping the residents in a positive frame of mind.

"Music is for the soul; everyone loves music," Patti said.

"I enjoy myself. I love to be with these people; they're like my buddies ... They all love to be out here. They don't get out that often, and they like to be with their family," she said.

All proceeds from the Harvest Festival will go to benefit the residents.

"Any fundraising or family event goes into the resident fund.  hen a committee decides what we want to do," explained Cronin.  "From the last fundraiser, a , we bought all new patio furniture.  So, we'll see what they choose. It's all up to them."