Dec 21

Dec 21 Christmas comes to Spring Arbor by way of Community Spirit

The staff and residents of Spring Arbor are grateful to the community for bringing festivity with their Festival Lights and wreath decorating contest that brought joy to their residents and filled them with the Christmas spirit.

“The amount of work we put into our Festival of Lights simply fades away when I think about the joy our residents experienced,” said Spring Arbor Activity Director Andrew Mozingo. “It seemed so simple at the time, we worked for days to prepare everything for them, and I had absolutely no idea that they would enjoy it so much. The smiles, the laughter, the joyous expressions of pure Christmas cheer.”

The Christmas decorations rekindled memories of happier times.

Festival of Lights at Spring Arbor. Photo: Provided by Spring Arbor

“The Christmas lights were nice and Christmasy and the company sure was good. My wife loved Christmas you know. I miss her and looking at all of the lights reminded me of her. I appreciate everyone who made it possible,” said Spring Arbor resident Jim Marshall.

With restrictions to visitation due to the pandemic, the staff at Spring Arbor had to work a little harder to bring excitement for the holidays to the residents.

“The Christmas light show was so nice, and I loved all of it. I know that everyone worked so hard to make it special for us and I want to thank every person that helped make it happen. It was a special night,” said Spring Arbor resident Faye Gray.

Being separated from family is hard during the holidays but knowing the staff at Spring Arbor worked to bring joy helped.

“I loved seeing my Mother’s face light up as we toured the Festival of Lights. I would like to thank everyone who made this possible for their dedication and hard work,” said Steven Turner, a family member of a Spring Arbor resident.

More than just a senior living center, Spring Arbor cares deeply for their residents and enjoy the work they do for them.

“One resident told me it was the most beautiful Christmas she had experienced in some time. I am reminded, during moments like this, that this is what we do – we are in the business of loving and caring for our residents beyond their medications and doctor’s appointment. We create meaningful experiences catered directly to them,” said Mozingo.

The staff had to think outside the box to allow for festivities and stay within pandemic guidelines.

“2020 has been a challenging year for our residents and their families. It brought us so much joy to be able to bring them together to celebrate Christmas in a way that allowed them time together in a safe environment,” said Executive Director Stephanie Alphin.

The holiday season would have been different were it not for the support of the community.

Wreath Contest at Spring Arbor. Photo: Provided by Spring Arbor

“We could not have done this without the support and donation of goods from the greater community. You had a direct impact on the lives of seniors this Christmas season. We will close out 2020 with the memory of a bright, cheery Christmas,” said Mozingo.

Sponsors for the Festival of Lights included the Wheat Swamp Christian Church, Grace Fellowship Church, Bethel FWB Church members, Sterling Chavez Masonry, Kindred at Home, Community Hospice, Woodman Life, Lenoir County Parks and Recreation, Neuseway Nature Center, CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center, Landon Whitley, Brenda Alphin, Carolyn Antwine, Christine Stempel, Teresa Sutton, Trish Humbles, Chuck and Lorraine Porcheron, Tina and Lillie Grace Wade, and Cathy Carter (In memory of Peggy Andrews. Other sponsors include the families of Robert Carraway, Gene Alphin, Jean Holloman, Millie Creech, Tommy Ipock and the family and friends of Spring Arbor of Kinston.

“We are blessed with the best community partners and we are thankful for every person who helped make our Festival of Lights possible. Their generosity and kindness made a difference in the lives of our residents this Christmas season,” said Alphin.

Sponsors for the Wreath Decorating Contest include Westminster Preschool, RADD, Priority Mental Health, DEPS, City of Kinston, Community Hospice, UNC Lenoir, Kindred at Home, DMHC, Belk Kinston, Neuse Nature Center, and Patricia Jenkins.