43
Photo
Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Residents and their families gathered around the Inn at Walker Mill's first Christmas tree on Nov. 16 to kick off the holiday season.
Photo
Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Residents of the Inn at Walker Way in Boardman decorated a tree with donated mittens for the Rescue Mission.
Photo
Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Executive Director Amanda Rivera chose a name of a resident to light the Inn at Walker Way's first official Christmas tree Nov. 16.
Photo
Neighbors | Jessica Harker.The Inn at Walker Mill held its first holida celebration since opening Nov. 16 with a Thanksgiving dinner and tree lighting event.
Photo
Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Residents of the Inn at Walker Way and their families gathered outside at the buildings Christmas tree for the official tree lighting.
By JESSICA HARKER
The recently opened Inn at Walker Mill hosted its first holiday celebration on Nov. 16.
Residents at Walker Mill were joined by their families and staff for a Thanksgiving meal and a tree lighting.
“We never really had big family nights like this before so this is an opportunity for us to show our gratefulness to the families for allowing us to care for their loved ones and to share a meal together,” said Amanda Rivera, executive director.
Residents were treated to a classic Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and three different types of pie prepared by the resident kitchen staff.
After the dinner, the group gathered outside the building to light the buildings first Christmas tree.
Rivera drew a name to see who would be given the honor to light the tree.
Rivera also hosted a mitten drive for residents, with the goal of collecting 200 mittens by the end of November to donate to the Rescue Mission.
Courtney Angelo, a Walker Mill employee, said that the building has made a variety of changes since its official opening.
“Our goal is to improve the quality of life of our residents, include social aspects,” Angelo said.
The building has added a number of cosmetic changes according to Rivera, including painting and adding new sidewalks.
The building also now offers reception services seven days and week and during evenings for families, and upgraded kitchen equipment to better serve residents.
“This is our way of kicking off the holiday season,” Angelo said.