Croton & Ossining Seniors Save Halloween

The following is a news release from Bethel’s Springvale Inn in Croton

Dangling tree limbs and downed power lines nixed trick or treating in many communities last night, but the seniors at Bethel’s Springvale Inn in Croton, The Pines Independent Senior Living Residence and Bethel’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ossining, held Halloween parties with activities, trick or treating, decorations and ghoulish refreshments for all community children.

Everyone shared in the Halloween spirit at The Springvale Inn as seniors and staff dressed as ghosts, witches, flappers and sports figures to hand out candy and offer delicious Halloween soups and dips, drinks and sweets.

Says Patricia Kiggins, Administrator of The Inn, “At one point we had a waiting line of families to get in the door. The residents had a blast and the children were thrilled to have a chance to wear their costumes and go trick or treating,” she said. Parents also shared with Ms. Kiggins that they were glad The Inn’s party was not cancelled as were so many other Halloween activities.

Mac Taylor of Croton, pictured here, is intent on the task at hand of painting his pumpkin. All the children truly enjoyed decorating their little orange pumpkins (extras were even brought in!), parading through the building and collecting their Halloween bounty.
 
Likewise, at Bethel’s Ossining campus, little figures dressed as princesses and batman, firemen and cowboys, could be seen following a “Trick or Treaters Enter Here” sign at The Pines that took them on a special route through two buildings. They were met by seniors handing out candies who directed them down hallways for more trick or treating.

Again staff and residents dressed as wenches and witches, in gowns and traditional Asian attire, greeted children and their parents offering refreshments and candies.

Joan DePaolis, Administrator of Bethel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ossining, said, “We are all having so much fun. The residents love to see the children in their costumes and the kids are happy that their Halloween is still happening.”

When all was said and done, it was hard to tell who had more fun, the grown-ups or the children!