Easter is one of the most popular times in our communities, bringing family and friends together with special meals and celebrations.

“Easter at the Covington is a beautiful reminder of new beginnings,” says The Covington’s Reverend Linda. This year, the community celebrated with an Easter Brunch that started at 11:30 a.m., with seatings every half hour until 2:00 p.m. “It is one of our biggest events,” says Gerardo Guerrero, Dining Room Services Manager at The Covington. “We welcomed about 150 residents and their families.” The pre-set menu began with a buffet of salads, followed by a choice of five favorite items. “The most popular item was the Prime Rib,” Gerardo says, followed closely by the delicious smoked salmon benedict and the delectable lobster ravioli. The meal was completed by a selection from the dessert buffet. “We also served champagne with the meal,” he says, while wines and other drinks were available to order.

Gerardo always enjoys Easter at The Covington, one of the most sought-after retirement communities in Orange County. He has been a valued Team Member for almost 20 years, so he has watched the residents’ grandchildren grow up. “It’s the time of year when I can see all the family members,” he says, and residents get to know each other’s family. “It’s a nice day for everyone.”

The Canterbury, which offers exceptional independent living, memory care, and assisted living in Los Angeles, is home to residents who value family time so much that they voted to have the Easter celebration on Saturday, so Team Members could enjoy Easter Sunday dinner with their own families.

Renato Ramirez, Director of Dining Services at The Canterbury describes the elegant, plated meal and dining experience of their Easter event. “Lamb shanks were one of the most popular items,” he says. “Servers were more formally dressed in white shirts and ties.” And the residents get dressed up for the occasion too. The Team Members worked hard behind the scenes to make the day special, from the seasonal menu items to the Easter-inspired colors throughout the dining room. “It was a great day. And we appreciated the residents and their generosity to celebrate on Saturday, so in turn we could celebrate with our families on Sunday.”

At MonteCedro, an exceptional luxury Pasadena retirement community, the Easter celebration was hugely popular. Katherine Kahau-Lopez, Director of Dining Services, says they welcomed almost 200 people for the special Easter meal, including residents and their families. The menu offered four starters, five main dishes, including a kid-friendly option, and dessert. The Baby Beet Salad with goat cheese and lemon shallot dressing was a big hit. The two most popular entrees were the Prime Rib and the Seafood Basket, which included shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, and tobiko. Mimosas were included and enjoyed throughout the day.

The Off Lake Bistro was decorated with white tablecloths. Pink and lavender colors complemented the floral centerpieces, while napkins, each folded in the shape of a bunny awaited every guest. The servers continued the theme with pastel-colored shirts. The day is a celebration for residents, who dress up especially for the day. “It’s great to see the residents bring their families here for Easter,” Katherine says. “They can enjoy a delicious meal together and it shows how they view MonteCedro as their home.”

Chaplain Liz from MonteCedro reflects on this time of year. “When I think of a lily I am reminded of the joys of Spring, which can be a metaphor for celebrating Easter with family and friends. The lily is a dormant bulb, shrouded alone in darkness until it reaches for the light and bursts forth with its beauty. We are like that dormant bulb. Once we are transformed by the light, we can remain alone or gather with family and friends, sharing our joy with each other and becoming something even more radiant, much like a lone lily in a field of glorious lilies.”

Thank you to all our Team Members who made this Easter weekend such a joy for residents at all our continuing care, retirement community settings in Southern California.

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