Summertime Is Picnic Time
“There are few things so pleasant as a picnic eaten in perfect comfort.” – W. Somerset Maugham
This August was hot, hot, hot, definitely not what you would call picnic weather. But why let that spoil a good time? Our Residents were treated to two indoor picnics, where they enjoyed all of the best things about being at a picnic without melting under the summer sun. Oh, and no bugs!
The Annual Holy Smokes Picnic is held here at St. Joseph’s Home where Residents, staff and Little Sisters from our Homes in New York and Pennsylvania are invited to come and spend a very special day together. After Mass everyone followed their noses, the scent of hot dogs and hamburgers cooking on the patio grills, to the main dining room. As they came in to take their seats, the band began to play spirited “olde time” tunes, the ones that everybody knows the words too. All the favorite summertime foods were served, hot dogs, burgers, ribs, salads, baked beans and corn on the cob, finishing with watermelon and ice cream for dessert. Around that time the dancing began. The Ragtimers knew just what to play to get people up off their chairs and out onto the dance floor. The picnic goers were surprised to see a strange character joining in on the fun. Our own Yolanda Mercado once again had dressed up in a crazy costume to entertain everyone. As the party began to wind down, raffle numbers were called and lucky winners stepped up to claim their prizes. Unfortunately, the time came for the festivities to end. As each guest went out the front door, they were given a “goodie bag” with wine, snacks, and candy to enjoy on the long drive back to their Homes. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
The Kinnelon Picnic – For over 40 years, Our Lady of the Magnificat parish in Kinnelon, has been hosting an indoor picnic for our Residents and the elderly in their parish. The picnic is held in the school hall which is always colorfully decorated by the students to match the chosen theme for the day. This year it was all Chinese, from paper lanterns to the food. Monsignor John Carroll was there to greet everyone and Volunteers were on hand to bring each Resident to a table and to serve them their Chinese dinner. They began with appetizers – dumplings, mini egg rolls, and chicken bites, then on to the main course of chicken lo mein. It wouldn’t be a picnic without ice cream for dessert, which was served with Chinese almond cookies. To complete the meal, everyone was given a fortune cookie. Throughout the afternoon, there was music and Monsignor Carroll sang. Then onto the main event – BINGO! All of the Residents ended up going home with a bag full of prizes. Even the leftovers were given to us to take home. We are so grateful to Monsignor Carroll and to all of the wonderful parishioners of Our Lady of the Magnificat Church for all of their hard work, generosity and for their patience and kindness towards their elderly guests. May Saint Jeanne Jugan bless them for giving the Residents of St. Joseph’s Home a wonderful day!
Summertime Is Picnic Time