Villa Polonia News
Jasinski Legacy Non-Profit Residences December 2015
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The month of December is a special time of preparation for CHRISTMAS. As we begin Advent, let us remind ourselves that we are called to be peacemakers; through our beliefs, words, and actions. Although the weeks leading up to Christmas are often very busy, let us not forget to take time from our hectic schedules to reflect upon the true meaning of this holiday: God`s love, peace, harmony, and charity to others. We want to wish you and your loved ones a Blessed and Merry Christmas! It is a unique Polish custom to begin the holiday festivites with the decorating of the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. This is followed by the traditional supper that features 12 dishes. It starts with family and friends gathering around the table for an opening prayer and the reading of the story of Jesus’ birth from the Gospel. Next, we have the singing of carols as the meal is served. On Christmas Eve, the Polish table will usually have red borstch, various selections of pierogies, fish, cabbage and wild mushrooms. All the dishes are meat free. Deserts are made with nuts, honey, and poppy seeds. It is customary to leave an empty seat at the table for any potential unexpected guests. This also ties into the idea of welcoming the lonely and without family, so that no one has to spend Christmas Eve alone. The final event of the evening is a Midnight Mass called ‘Pasterka’. The next two days are celebrated amongst family and friends. The feast day of St. Nicholas is another distinctive aspect of Christmas in Poland. St. Nicholas visits children on the night of December 6th as opposed to Christmas morning. The presents however, are left under the Christmas tree until they are opened after Christmas Eve supper.
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During cold winter days, it seems fitting to treat yourself with something warm and sweet. We suggest the ‘Roasted Fruit Dessert’ by Chef Mike Ward. It is perfect for lunch or dinner and makes a fun brunch item too. You will find it bursting with sweetness without any processed taste.
Ingredients
Pears or apples
Honey
Fresh thyme and basil
Greek yogurt
Walnut pieces
Instructions
· Pre-heat oven to 400 ̊ F (200 ̊ C).
· Cut up fruits.
· Drizzle fruit with honey and fresh thyme.
· Roast for 30-40 minutes.
· Garnish with thinly sliced basil, Greek yogurt and walnut pieces
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On behalf of our senior’s group, we would once again like to thank Monika, CANES Community Care and New Horizons for a wonderful trip to Ripley`s Aquarium. We hope that everyone enjoyed this final outing of the season. We continue to work very hard to bring more exciting events to our community at Villa Polonia Residence