The Aphasia Center of California hosted a holiday celebration for participants and family members on December 19, 2000. More than 70 people attended the afternoon event held at the downtown Senior Center in Oakland. The celebration honored the ACC community by allowing all those attending to share in the holiday season.

Attendees were greeted by ACC staff and friends and escorted into the festively decorated room complete with silver star balloons and pine garlands. A delicious array of appetizers, sweets, and beverages was provided by ACC members and their families. In keeping with the holiday spirit, many ACC members won door prizes (all made by Prudence Ashley) that included exercise bean bags and cookies.

Musical entertainment was provided by ACC participants and the family and friends of ACC staff members. Jennifer Ellis (age 13) and Danielle Chiavetta (age 12) started off the holiday entertainment by playing several lovely harp and violin duets. Grace Harvey (age 13) and Tina Cheung (age 12) next entertained with their beautiful cello and piano pieces. Then the activity level increased as the ACC fitness/relaxation class, led by instructor Elyse Dukatz, demonstrated their enthusiastic exercise routines.

 

ACC participants provided the finale to the afternoon's musical program. Luanna Blagrove played a lovely piano solo and Martin Aston had everyone's feet tapping as he played the blues on his harmonica.The afternoon party was complete when all joined in for a rousing rendition of "Jingle Bells."

Special guests for this event included Sid Elman (Dr. Roberta Elman's father) from Los Angeles and two special couples from Sunnyvale--Bill and Dori Ellis (Ellen Bernstein-Ellis' in-laws) and Marvin and Ethel Bernstein (Ellen's parents).

A big thank-you goes to Prudence Ashley and Ellen Bernstein-Ellis for organizing the event. Their event committee included Carol Chiavetta, her mother Miriam, and Vicki Welcome. Thanks also to Peet's Coffee and Tea for their generous donation and to all for making our first holiday celebration a definite success!