100th Celebration a double whammy for New Year?s Eve
Tawa resident Mavis Hiles is turning 100 on New Year?s Eve, a day that coincides with the founding of Presbyterian Support in New Zealand. ?Coincidently she was born on the same year as they started their service to the community ? it?s a great way to mark the 100 years. ?We will be putting on a big party for her, with balloons, and all types of celebrations,? says Longview?s recreation manager Marlene Bowles. Christmas will be particularly special for Longview this year as Presbyterian Support is organising celebratory events around the country. 2009 has been the international year of older persons, and retirement villages throughout North Wellington have been promoting the event by building closer ties with the community. Whitby Lakes Retirement Home is under new management this year and the owners hope to duplicate the Christmas cheer of their Auckland premises. ?In our last village they were quite mobile and danced the night away,? says manager Tracie Dobbie. The Christmas dinner will be ?up-market? event, but with an out-door barbeque to capture the kiwi flavour. Inside, tables will be laid with white table cloths and flowers especially ordered for the occasion. ?The residents have secret Santa presents for each other and Santa will be making an appearance,? she says. Meanwhile in Petone, Britannia House manger Daph Turner says all the Christmas trappings are on offer for residents. ?We have the usual dinner with a Turkey, ham and lamb. ?The local school, brownies and a number of guides come in to sing carols, they also bring in a present for each resident,? says Mrs Turner. St David?s Church also visits the community house to sing carols, and in years past the fire service has rounded the area with a Santa who visits community destinations. ?The fire brigade take Santa around Petone and he appeared here when we didn?t know anything about it,? says Mrs Turner.
