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Never too old for a visit from Santa
By Times Staff Writer
Published December 23, 2007
Volunteer Santa Mike Manning, 78, gave out gifts, shook hands and kissed more than a few seniors during the annual Christmas party at the Largo Adult Day Care Center on Friday. Many of the clients at the center, operated by the Neighborly Care Network, suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's disease, said the agency's public relations manager Sandra Narron. The holiday party is "wonderful for their spirit," Narron said. "They can't remember yesterday, but they can remember 40 years ago, sitting around their Christmas trees at home." Virginia Koskela, 85, came with her husband, Arne, 88, who has Alzheimer's, and her son, Frederick "Chippy," 63, who has cerebral palsy. Koskela, caregiver to her son since he was born, brings them to the center three days a week so she can rest or run errands. Father and son both received Oxford-style shirts and a wooden ornament. Stuffed animals were donated by the Christmas Toy Shop in St. Petersburg. Activity coordinator Pat Hazell called each senior to the front of the room for a picture with St. Nick. "That's for being so good," Manning told them as he handed out gifts and smooched the ladies.
[Last modified December 22, 2007, 21:42:40]
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