Posted on: Sunday, December 12, 2004
Retirement home lobby gets holiday makeover
| • | O'ahu families deck out homes with holiday cheer |
By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
Residents on the 10th floor of Arcadia Retirement Residence proved that the magic and creativity of holiday home displays aren't limited to rooftop scenes and yard embellishments.
In keeping with the season's spirit of giving, the 24 residents each chipped in $25 and worked together to transform their 10th floor lobby area into an elaborate wonderland for neighbors and guests to enjoy.
The Santa's 10th Floor Workshop display, open only to the residents' visitors, includes a dancing Santa Claus, singing snowman, miniature Christmas trees, six reindeer figures and a working toy train.
"I sit and enjoy the lights every night as visitors come and go," said Ruth Kerr, 91, who lives on the 10th floor and is a former buyer for Liberty House. "Compared to the few poinsettia plants we had last year, this is a welcome change."
Jack and Maydelle Cione, both in their late 70s, moved into the Arcadia six months ago and designed the project together.
"We're new here, and the whole purpose was to get all the people on our floor together (for) a bonding with our neighbors," said Jack Cione, a longtime impresario, co-owner of Panama Hatties and director of the Mardi Gras Follies.
Fran Linman, 80, a counselor and resident on the 10th floor, said everyone had a blast decorating.
"It took us about five days to get it all done, but we all had a really good time," Linman said.
