Feature Article November 6, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomePumkinfest a Fun Time at PMNHNorthbrook By all accounts, Pine Meadow Nursing Homes first-ever PumpkinFest, which was held throughout last week, was a resounding success. Alzheimer Initiative co-ordinator Colleen Levere reports that $900 was raised from the effort, and donations are still trickling in. PumpkinFest was put on to spearhead fundraising that will be dedicated towards a therapeutic bed for the homes Palliative Care room. Colleen says the weeks events served three purposes; in addition to bringing in some dollars, the activities provided a walk down memory lane for the residents, and encouraged interaction with younger members of our community.
Once again, local businesses and volunteers came to the fore in supplying prizes and supporting a good cause. There are so many people who supported PumpkinFest, Colleen emphasized, and I believe everyone was more generous than usual in buying at our bake sale. Thank you all. She went on to point out all the gardeners and purchasers who registered for the pumpkin contest, Heather Wells Grade 4 NAEC class and their supervisors, the ODonnell family and Wayne Dacuk who donated pumpkins for carving, the residents, staff and volunteers at Pine Meadow who crafted decorations, and all those who donated goods to the bake sale.
Colleen says PMNH chef Madeline Hincheys pumpkin cakes and cookies were a hit with all who partook.
There were many prizes to go around, and in the pumpkin contest the main winners were Wayne Dacuk for the biggest pumpkin (131 pounds), June Arney for the pumpkin with the most unique shape and colour, and Jim Fowler garnering dubious accolades for the smallest entry. The jellybean guess was won by one of Pine Meadows own, Howard Pitt.
Stocking the Palliative Care room is just one of the goals of the Phase II Alzheimer Initiative, which is supported by the Trillium Foundation. In reiterating her appreciation to all those who were involved with PumpkinFest, Colleen advises that the Palliative project is always receptive to any monetary donations.
