A stroll through Pine Run feels like a cozy getaway in any season, and the holidays evoke an extra appreciation for its quaint ambience and lively vibe that brings out the best in all of us. After all, there aren’t many retirement communities that can boast a historic barn that serves as a backdrop for all kinds of events ranging from serious art to quirky fun.
Activity Coordinator Deb Amundson, the creative spark for inspired ideas on the campus, says the Polar Express Event, held on Saturday, December 7, was a popular happening for families at Pine Run as well as for neighbors in the know. Children of all ages were invited to wear pajamas to embrace the theme based on the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas and all of the trimmings under the tree, nothing can beat the nostalgic combination of youngsters’ sparkling eyes when met with the sights and sounds of model train sets. Pine Run’s Villager engineers enjoyed introducing the magic of the rails in the Craft Barn on this fanciful afternoon. Santa was along the rails as well taking selfies with gleeful kiddies and adoring parents. Each guest took home a keepsake sleigh bell in keeping with the Polar Express storyline.
All heads turned upon hearing beautiful handbell music provided by Philadelphia Bronze (philadelphiabronze.com), an advanced, auditioned handbell ensemble who traveled to Pine Run for the performance. Their seven octaves easily delivered holiday favorites to the delight of the crowd.
Hospitality was completed with sugary treats and delicious hot chocolate frothy enough to form a mustache. Other attractions included snowflake cutting, cotton-ball snowball fight, and raffle prizes. The sentiment of a nostalgic Christmas brought compliments from attendees of all ages, having set the tone for winter wonderland dreams that evening.
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About Pine Run
Pine Run Retirement Community in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is part of the nationally recognized Doylestown Health system. Pine Run is one of Bucks County’s leading senior living and senior care providers, with 272 independent living cottages and 24 apartments situated on a beautiful 43-acre private campus. The campus is home to Pine Run Health Center, which offers rehabilitation services and 90 skilled nursing beds; The Garden, a 40-bed, secure dementia neighborhood on the top floor of the Health Center; and The Willows, an intimate setting for end-of-life care, including palliative, comfort and hospice services. Pine Run Lakeview is a 107-bed personal care residence located on Lower State Road in Doylestown. Generations of families have turned to Pine Run for the certainty of comforts and services in the bonus years. Call 800.992.8992 to learn more about independent living, personal care, or skilled nursing and rehabilitation programs or search pinerun.org.