April 19, 2024
Snapshot
Snapshot

Retirement center’s Boo Bash community fun

By DANA HERRA
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The department heads at the Grand Victorian dressed as characters from "The Wizard of Oz" for the retirement center's first Halloween party on Oct. 17. From left, assistant executive director Rayna Bennett, executive director Kim Tokes, dining service director Lisa Gayden, activities director Mallory Callahan, and maintenance director Rob Paulson.

Dana Herra – dherra@shawmedia.com The department heads at the Grand Victorian dressed as characters from "The Wizard of Oz" for the retirement center's first Halloween party on Oct. 17. From left, assistant executive director Rayna Bennett, executive director Kim Tokes, dining service director Lisa Gayden, activities director Mallory Callahan, and maintenance director Rob Paulson. (Dana Herra – dherra@shawmedia.com)

SYCAMORE – The usually tidy interior of the Grand Victorian in Sycamore was a mass of cobwebs and plastic spiders on Friday, Oct. 17, as the retirement center celebrated its first Halloween Boo Bash for the community.

“We’re trying to get involved with the community and bring people in more,” said activities director Mallory Callahan, who as dressed as Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz.” “We’re trying to host more community events. So we invited the community and our residents’ family and friends as well.”

The party included a magician, themed snacks, and children’s activities like pumpkin decorating. A few residents and almost all of the staff were in costume.

“We’re really happy with how it turned out,” Callahan said. “I can’t believe how many staff members dressed up, and the community members who brought their kids.”