By Colleen Caudill—Activity Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator.
Ayers celebrates New Years every December, but nothing like this year! Residents expect a party, and we provided without holding anything back. With dimmed candle lights on every table keeping the room lit, it held the ambience of midnight. Every black table sparkled with silver and gold sequence toppers, displaying new year’s centerpieces, programs, napkins, and a tall shimmering glass for everyone. As residents entered the room, they were given their choice of a hat or tiara and a fun party blower, which they blew while waiting for their drinks.
Employees carried red and white bottles of sparkling grape juice and asked residents which one they preferred, then they brought plates of cotton candy grapes, yogurt covered pretzels, a mini brownie, and a mini cheesecake. After residents were finished eating, the classic new year’s hit music was paused so that the Activities Director could do a countdown with a ball drop, a disco ball, hanging from the ceiling, and then a volunteer pulled the string on the large net of balloons that were hanging from the ceiling to rain down on the residents! Auld Lang Syne played as residents blew their blowers and bounced the balloons around.
After that, residents chatted and sang along while sipping the rest of the sparkling away. It was easily one of the biggest parties of the year here at Ayers, and we can’t wait to celebrate throughout 2024!