Mardi Gras parades don't just happen in New Orleans!  We had our own Mardi Gras celebration with a parade that began in our Front Lobby.  The world famous Our Lady of Fatima Villa Mardi Gras Marching band was made up of Larry on the saxophone, Francisco from housekeeping, who played a noisy pair of cymbals, residents Marilyn Friesen, Gloria M., Sr. Aileen C, and others who took care of the percussion department, and Red played the snare drum. Our own Medical Director, Dr. Silva led the cheering squad!

Mardi Gras is one of the most colorful events of the year as thousands of extravagantly-dressed dancers hit the streets for carnivals across the world, with one of the most famous parades taking place in New Orleans.

Most people only celebrate Mardi Gras on the day before Lent - which stars on Ash Wednesday and is always 46 days before Easter. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” because it marks the last night of eating rich foods before fasting for Lent.

Our Lady of Fatima Villa welcomes residents of all nationalities and religions.  We have fun celebrating various holidays and celebrations.  This time, we celebrated those of Chinese heritage with a Chinese Dumpling Cooking Demonstration.

Maylin, one of our own CNAS’s did the cooking of these delicious dumplings with the help of another CNA Gina.

We believe strongly in being prepared for any emergency that may arise.  That is why our residents and staff participate in state-wide emergency preparedness training.  It is a full day exercise, and we were congratulated by officials for the job our staff and our residents did!

We have a fabulous Activity Director, Red Concepcion, who produces wonderful events that are much enjoyed by our residents.  This Christmas Red organized a Christmas Bingo game, complete with prizes for winners.  A fun afternoon for all!

Each year, our President and CEO, Bella Mahoney, hosts a Christmas luncheon for our Assisted Living residents. It is a happy occasion with good food prepared by Chef Jose, great music provided by Red Concepcion and fellowship provided by all in attendance.  As a little bonus, gifts are delivered to each resident.  It is a much-looked-forward-to holiday tradition!

Judges had a tough job in selecting the "Best Decorated Christmas Tree/Holiday Decoration" at Our Lady of Fatima Villa this year.  Departments went all out to win the coveted title.  There were trees, Hanukah decorations, nativity scenes, even Santa!  The decorations added colorful joy to our campus!  The judges decided they were all winners, but officially here are the results: Tie for first place;  Assisted Living and St. Rose, Tie for second place: St. Catherine and St. Dominic, Third place: St. Joseph.

It was a very happy occasion when Girl Scout Troop 62333 came to entertain our residents with joyous Christmas music!  There were many smiles on faces young and slightly older!  After the music, cookies and punch were served.  It was a wonderful holiday celebration!

It is an annual tradition to say Thank You to our Board of Directors with a pre-Christmas dinner after the December Board meeting.  This year was especially nice, with a delicious diner prepared by Chef Jose and his staff and great fellowship enjoyed by all!

Wonderful community volunteers led by Jamie Price put on a fabulous jewelry and gift exchange for our residents.  It was a fabulous event, much loved by our residents!  Thanks to all those who staged this terrific event!