Residents at Rittenhouse Village at Portage got to show off their spookier side to friends and family at the Monster Mash-Bash Thursday. Those who gathered together had a chance to come out, eat, socialize, and have a good time, all while enjoying a blast from the past with some music by Frank Sinatra.
Staff and several residents got dressed up in their most haunting or fashionable attire to compete in a costume contest, but could not defeat the adorable puppy, or the outstanding powers of Wonder Women.
Rittenhouse Village at Portage takes pride in providing the best care for its residents, making sure that they feel at home and are always having fun.
”It is so rewarding to put on these events because you can see the residents get excited about them,” said Danielle Balek, Senior Lifestyle Counselor for Rittenhouse Village. “We want the people to know that retirement isn't boring, it can be a blast.”
The feeling of home, thanks to the staff and these events, has come easy for some of the residents, said Jackie Bartley, the longest-tenured resident at Rittenhouse Village At Portage.
”Events like this are nice. I have lived here for the last 8 years and have always enjoyed the activities. They always get the chance to do this whenever a holiday comes around and they are a lot of fun,” Bartley said.
Rittenhouse Village at Portage Dining service director, and newest team member, Mark Kolasa, wanted to help the residents get into the Halloween spirit. He did so by focusing on one main theme, spooky.
“First of all, you have to get a feeling for fall, so there are lots of fall colors, and of course you can’t forget a little spooky to go in there,” Kolasa said. “Any event with the residents is always fun and great to look forward to.”
Kolasa’s goal has been to elevate the food service for his residents, and events such as Monster Mash-Bash give him the perfect opportunity to do so.
Ben Van-Sickle, Community Liaison for VNA of Northwest Indiana was one of the volunteers present to make sure residents were having a good time. Events Like Monster Mash-Bash go a long way to help the people of Rittenhouse feel like a community.
”Our goal is to help, and we want to make sure all of our residents feel at home for as long as possible,” Van-Sickle said. “The obvious care that Rittenhouse has is something we are really happy to see and we always enjoy working with them.”
To learn more about Rittenhouse Village at Portage, visit https://www.rittenhousevillages.com/senior-living/in/portage/rittenhouse-village-at-portage/