Together with our community, Woods celebrated the holidays during our third-annual Winter Wonderland on Dec. 6 and 7. Hundreds joined our Woods family as we shared holiday fun from free visits and photos with Santa to checking off wish lists, thanks to our 15 merchants.
Our Tree Lighting Made Winter Wonderland, Langhorne, and the Season Bright
As the clock struck 6 p.m. on Friday, we sang the songs of the season with choirs from Woods and our community. Speaking of community, Julie Bartl of our Presenting Gold Sponsor, Johnson, Kendall, & Johnson, helped begin our tree lighting ceremony. She stood beside our CEO Tine Hansen-Turton, State Representative Eugene DiGirolamo, and Woods resident Nathali J. They all spoke to the value of Winter Wonderland and inclusively supporting those with challenges and disabilities.
The tree was ready to be lit. Hansen-Turton gathered every person who was on the stage to flip the switch.
Then, silence fell as the tree lights flickered. Help was needed.
Sirens sounded from a distance as Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company firetrucks carried a special guest. Santa was arriving.
He pulled up to much fanfare as he exchanged greetings with the crowd. Now with Saint Nick’s assistance, the tree sparkled, and the crowd clapped and cheered.
Baby, It Was Cold Outside, But Common Grounds Café Was Delightful
Following the lighting, families, and residents explored the site that spanned outdoors and indoors.
In the warmth of Common Grounds Café, there were treats and food. Artwork by Woods residents was available as gifts. We’d be remiss not to mention Jeremiah J.’s calendar, crafted with the help of his occupational therapists. His work was among our social enterprises, including Yellow Daffodil, Woods Wear, and BeechTree, which were well-received by our community in Langhorne.
The halls were decked with handmade snowflakes and creative decor, leading to free events, including writing letters to Santa, decorating Santa hats, and painting ornaments. These festive family activities and giveaways were made possible by our generous sponsors.
Our Sponsors, Donors, and Volunteers Lit Winter Wonderland
- Presenting – Gold: Johnson, Kendall & Johnson, Inc.
- Silver: Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller
- Bronze: Delcrest Medical Services, PFM, Barry & Michelle Sharer
- Friendship: Allied World, A & K Industrial Corp., Dilworth Paxson, LLP, Elliot’s Vending Company, Epstein, Becker & Green, P.C., Fenningham, Dempster & Coval LLP, Mindy, and Richard Goldstein, Roscommon International
- Activity Sponsors: RFP Solutions, JR Michalski Heating and Air Conditioning, Patient First, Harry Lawall & Sons, Rotary Club of Langhorne, Rob’s Automotive.
- We received other donations from American Kitchen, Blockhouse, Huggins Actuarial, and Lilly Silberstein
- We also give special thanks to the Rotary Club of Langhorne & Neshaminy High School Interact Club for volunteering to run Santa’s Workshop for Woods residents.
Winter Wonderland was Stuffed, Thanks to the Food Trucks at Woods
Chickie’s and Pete’s and Have A Ball, crowd favorites, were dishing out food. When lines got long, Winter Wonderland goers could help themselves to free soft pretzels and hot chocolate. Common Grounds Café baked scrumptious cookies.
These served as fitting appetizers while waiting for free photos with Santa.
Meeting the Clauses
Heading into Winter Wonderland, our community expressed a desire to have free photos with Santa. Not only was every family able to grab selfies with Santa, but they also received a gift from Kris Kringle. Local shoppers at PetSmart of Newtown donated stuffed animals to this effort.
Winter Wonderland goers snapped hundreds of photos with Santa and the Mrs.
The Season of Appreciation
Woods is deeply grateful. This thankfulness reaches to all parts of our community: volunteers, visitors, merchants, sponsors, staff, families. Without your support, Winter Wonderland would not be possible. We sincerely hope you enjoyed our time together as much as we did.
Volunteers were also busy at our Secret Santa drop-off. You overwhelmingly ensured every person enjoying the holidays at Woods would receive presents this season, nearly 1,000 in all.
Now, you can be a part of Winter Wonderland 2020. Please take our survey, regardless of whether you attended or not. We would love to hear from you.
We wish you and your family well in the new year!
