By Alan Suderman
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

With the holidays approaching, our stomachs are in for a treat. Or treat after treat after treat. And this time of year, the staff at Highland Springs kicks its efforts to please into high gear.

Catered holiday parties
“We will do anything our residents want to have a successful party,” says Roben Brannon, catering events coordinator at the Dallas community. “We want them to know that they can have whatever they need right here, that they can throw a really nice party without having to do any of the work themselves.”

Brannon adds that near the end of the year, residents can arrange for special “chef’s dinners”—fivecourse meals with wine pairings. And the dining room is decorated to bring out a festive atmosphere, with poinsettias and holiday table settings.

“This is home for our residents, and we want to make it warm and inviting and to really promote a party atmosphere,” Brannon says.

Hosting made hassle-free
Sue Worth, who lives at Highland Springs, is using the resources at the community to plan a big holiday party for her women’s group, PEO. With more than 40 ladies coming, Worth says it’s nice to be able to rely on Brannon’s help.

“She takes over and I don’t have to do anything else, which is an easy way to entertain,” Worth says.

Margaret Maxwell knows what Worth is talking about; she just had her Sunday school come to Highland Springs for a private dinner because her friends “wanted to know what the place was all about.”

She says the party was easy to plan: “I just called Roben and talked to her and asked her for the menus and made the selection.”

“It’s hassle-free,” she adds.

Suite retreat
Another convenience that community members take advantage of during the holidays is the guest suite. Many residents have relatives who visit for Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa; families can stay under the same roof, but in a different apartment.