The lights are beaming, tinsel is glimmering, and the baubles are dazzling – Holly Jolly – The Verge is celebrating its first Christmas.
It’s The Verge’s first Christmas and there’s magic in the air.
In keeping with the retirement community’s vibrant and social vibe, Village Manager Carolyn Verner has been working around the clock with her team to ensure residents have an unforgettable festive experience.
“This is our first Christmas, so we are pulling out all stops and celebrating big,” Carolyn said.
Tis the season of coming together
Carolyn said it was important to have plenty of fun-filled and interactive events to bring residents together and form new friendships.
“The Verge is such an incredibly friendly and supportive community and so we wanted to honour that by creating these events that not only build on that vibrancy but also allow residents to form new bonds in exciting ways,” she said.
“We pride ourselves on being a really tight-knit community; so, it’s really important to me to make them (residents) smile, make them feel welcome and make them feel comfortable in a safe and social community.”
When Christmas comes to The Verge
Since the start of the festive season, Carolyn and her team have been busy with Christmas and residents have been involved too.
“At The Verge we are one big family. The residents are very independent and love taking on tasks,” Carolyn said.
“We got residents Santa hats and they went on their merry way – decorating the Wellness Centre and Jasmine House. There was so much laughter in the air. We had an absolute ball.
“Then the rain came, and we had to stop. But that’s okay because we still managed to get our Christmas tree up and all the lights done the next day with even more laughter.”
Here we come a–carolling
The Verge held its inaugural Carols by Candlelight earlier this month welcoming its first star entertainer of the year to the village, Ian Johnson.
Carolyn said the day was a huge hit with residents bopping to old-time classics and playing fun games including drawing Christmas-themed images on the back of paper plates, propped delicately on top of their heads.
Resident Pauline Dean said it was one of the most memorable events she had experienced.
“One of the best parts about living at The Verge is that you don’t feel like you are living in a retirement village,” Ms Dean said.
“It really feels like we are a group of really good friends enjoying each other’s company – living the good life now.
“To be able to have this much fun in a safe and social community is a great feeling.”
“All of our events and activities have been purposely designed to give residents the very best of social interaction and togetherness,” Carolyn said.
“With family and friends joining in on the celebrations, residents had the opportunity to go Christmas shopping at Robina Town Centre and they will get to go again to Stockland in Burleigh.
“Residents also had the opportunity for relaxing Coffee and Chat and Happy Hour – Drinks with egg nog and Christmas goodies on the balcony closing out an eventful week.”
Pauline said the events had given her the opportunity to form wonderful friendships.
“I have met some incredible people at The Verge and formed some really close friendships,” Ms Dean said.
“Some of the residents are new to retirement living so just meeting them for coffee and chat is the perfect welcome and setting for great, vibrant conversations.”
The all-important The Verge Christmas Lunch featured Lyric Mezza Soprano extraordinaire Amanda Hutton to the stage; while Christmas Eve will be an intimate affair with Christmas drinks.
“There are a lot of people here on their own who haven’t had anything to do with a retirement village before, so these events are all about bringing our residents together in a relaxed, safe setting to share stories and make memories,” Carolyn said.
“The Verge will round off the year with a New Year barbecue lunch.”
Interested in finding out more about The Verge? Book a Covid safe appointment with our friendly sales team by clicking here or calling 1800 955 070.
