The holiday season is all about loving one’s neighbor. While the Lakes of Valparaiso encourages that aspect of life throughout the year, the notion is especially celebrated during the holidays, and this year was no exception. The Lakes of Valparaiso hosted their annual Holiday Dinner on Thursday night to invite residents to a warm meal, courtesy of the Lakes team.
The event was the perfect way for staff members to spread a little holiday cheer to their residents, but it was also a great opportunity for residents to meet one another.
“The hope with an event like this is that it will bring residents together so they get to know their neighbors,” said Kristina Davis, resident manager at the Lakes of Valparaiso. “Hopefully, they’ll meet fellow residents that will become more than neighbors - they’ll become friends.”
Chatting over chicken, mostaccioli, and decadent desserts, residents connected with friends they’d made throughout their tenure at the Lakes and new ones stopping by the event. Eric and Deb Mayro became residents on September 1 of this year. The Holiday Dinner was among their first events in the living community.
“We’ve been really enjoying it so far,” Eric said of the luxury apartment complex’s lifestyle. “The front office is incredibly friendly, and I look forward to my daily afternoon coffee!”
Eric and Deb joked that they order a lot of items online, especially with the holidays approaching. The office is always accommodating with their mail pick-ups, they said, and with Eric’s routine stop in the lobby for complimentary coffee. The pair, originally from Crown Point, said they needed a change of pace and that the Lakes have been the perfect outlet to provide it.
“It’s very quiet in the area, very peaceful,” Deb said.
Both had a great time getting to mingle with their still relatively new neighbors. Meanwhile, other attendees at the event have been residents for some time. Danielle Wigglesworth, along with her boyfriend and two children, relished the opportunity to enjoy a dinner provided by the community. She and her family have lived at the Lakes of Valparaiso for nearly three years now, and always look forward to the communal gatherings.
“The events they host are nice for the whole family to attend,” Wigglesworth said. “We like being with our fellow residents and neighbors, especially for the holiday season. We might not have taken the time to see each other otherwise.”
Wigglesworth’s son was among the many Lakes children who received a festive face painting during the event. He chose a candy cane, while his friend chose Rudolph. Guests young and wise had the opportunity to enjoy some fun other than treats; many entered a raffle to win prizes including a basket of holiday goodies, a yoga mat, and gift cards to local eateries and services.
The entire Lakes of Valparaiso crew turned out to entertain their residents. The maintenance team served each guest their meal. Davis said one of the best parts of working for the Lakes was the teamwork it provided.
“We all work very well together,” she said. “We’re a team. We’re all one big, happy family here.”
For more information on how you can LOV the Life at The Lakes of Valparaiso, visit https://www.lovthelife.com/.