February at Crane’s Mill: The Fun Didn’t Stop as the Temperatures Dropped
Snow, ice, and, record low temperatures didn’t get in the way of an especially fun February at Crane’s Mill. A few highlights from the month included live entertainment, exercise classes, and two very special holiday socials.
Valentine’s Day
Crane's Mill residents enjoying the chocolate fountain at our Valentine's social.
On February 13, our residents kicked off their Valentine’s celebration one day early with a social in Hinman Hall. The afternoon included an assortment of sweet treats complete with a chocolate fountain for dipping. Fruit skewers, pretzel rods, and marshmallows—the sticky, gooey crowd favorite—proved perfect for a warm chocolate coating before indulging.
Music from crooner Mark Fabian delighted the crowd. Mr. Fabian’s set included his smooth take on jazz standards and sweet serenades, which were soulfully delivered and certainly suitable for dancing.
Chinese New Year
Residents in the Cherry Blossom Lounge for Chinese New Year.
On the following Friday, February 20, Crane’s Mill residents enjoyed a Chinese New Year party in the Cherry Blossom Lounge. The lounge was outfitted with all sorts of festive decorations including traditional red paper lanterns.
The “Year of the Sheep” was ushered in with style. The get-together was complete with dumplings, egg rolls, fortune cookies, green tea, and more. Plus, each attendee received a small, decorative red envelope called a “lai see packet.”
Upon opening the packets, residents discovered an artificial Chinese coin with a hole in the center—a replica of those given out in traditional lai see packets—which represents good luck and fortune in the new year. Residents also found an American penny. Meredith Wu, Director of Community program explains: “I thought residents should have both a Chinese coin as well as a real piece of American currency to wish them good fortune within our own fiscal system.”
One final treat: the lai see packet contained a Chinese candy that is shared with friends and family during the New Year celebration. It is typically placed in a tray, along with other sweet treats, and kept by the door for all visitors who come throughout the nine-day holiday.
These special gatherings are just two of nearly 200 on- and off-campus activities planned every month at Crane’s Mill. Be sure to keep up with all the latest at facebook.com/cranesmill.