"Program helps seniors live dreams despite age" - Foster's Daily Democrat, December 18, 2006

Posted: December 26, 2006

By THOMAS R. KRESSLER

Democrat Staff Writer

DOVER — Inside the living room of Ageless Dreamer founder Laurie Widmark, 93-year old Chuck Turilli was truly ageless.

Born in Rome, he sang Italian songs, songs which have been fresh on his tongue throughout his life. His eyes were affixed to renowned accordionist Mario Pedone, who accompanied him on songs like "Chela Luna" and "All of Me" while others sang and danced around him.

Turilli was one of about 20 senior citizens who were treated to the Ageless Dreamer Foundation's first "Home for the Holidays" event Saturday afternoon, a holiday open house held at the homes of Widmark and Ruth Darcy on St. Andrews Circle.

Food, laughter and celebration reigned as dual accordionists trekked from one house to another, and guests ate food described by one guest as "more than delicious."

"I've worked on it all week to put this together," said Darcy, herself a senior citizen who lives alone at her home on St. Andrews Circle. She said it had been a long time since she decorated so extensively "It has been so enlightening."

Residents of the Wentworth Home, Riverside Rest Home, Waldron Towers, and Central Towers were brought by bus to the meticulously decorated homes for hours of celebration. Catering was provided by Savory Tastes, with turkeys donated by Muddy River Marketplace, and centerpieces donated by Flowers by Leslie.

"We're trying in this particular venue to entertain a little bit, offer them some special attention," said Widmark, who began the local foundation only in the past two years. The foundation helps people live their dreams despite their age.

Many who attended the open house will have more low-key holiday celebrations this year, with some relatives having passed on or others living too far away for a visit. The open house was a way for those individuals to enjoy an extravagant holiday celebration in spite of those limitations, Widmark said.

Marie Trott, a resident of Riverside Rest Home, will be spending the holidays at Riverside with her daughter Melinda, also a resident there. Another son lives in Florida, so she will be unable to see him this year around the holidays.

"I never expected to have such a wonderful time," said Trott. "To get out and eat and socialize like this ... I can't believe it's such a wonderful day."

Widmark said she hopes to grow "Home for the Holidays" next year, with more homes participating and more guests to enjoy them. Each guest was given a gift bag at the end of the party Saturday, with a hand-painted Ageless Dreamer ornament included among other items.

Madeline Howarth, of Waldron Towers, said she will be spending Christmas at her nephew's house this year. She was pleased to be able to get out and eat a good meal of turkey, stuffing, squash, peas, mashed potatoes, and more at Darcy's home.

"They had two musicians in here and they entertained us while we sang with them," Howarth said. "It has been a very good day today."