Dear Editor,

Another Christmas has passed and soon the decorations and trees will be put away for another year. Yet, the blessings received from a very generous community linger on in the memory of our residents, many expressing this was the best Christmas they have ever had.
On behalf of the residents of Oak Valley Care Center, I would personally like to express my thanks to the communities of Oakdale, Riverbank and the surrounding areas.
Starting the holiday season was the annual visit by members of the Modesto Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOGS). Their visit has become an annual tradition with the residents of OVCC who look forward to hearing the roar of a Harley go through the building bearing our favorite motorcycle-riding Santa.
Smiles, and a few tears, were on the faces of the residents as they enjoyed songs brought by many churches and the Oakdale High School choral group. More smiles came as they received holiday cards handmade and personalized and signed by Oakdale school children from Fair Oaks School, The Learning Tree and Foster-Moore Christian School.
Residents received their holiday meals on trays once again festively decorated with tray cards and napkins from the Knights Ferry Garden Club.
Beautiful poinsettias from the Knights Ferry Rebekahs and OVCC family members decorated the building. A new holiday quilt made by the Oakdale Quilters Guild adorned the lobby this year.
Once again the sixth graders of Fair Oaks School raised money for something special for the residents.
This year their teacher presented the residents with new DVDs, new Wii games and a set of TV trays.
It never ceases to amaze me at the generosity of the community to our residents. Residents were “adopted this year” by Soroptimist International of Oakdale, Royal Neighbors of Riverbank, Home Instead for Seniors, Pacific Orthotics and Prosthetics and a very special angel named “Trish.” To all of you who gave from the heart this year, “Thank You.” Your gift giving blessed many this year. We hope in return you received a blessing.
To the OVCC staff that volunteered their time Christmas morning to help us give out the gifts, we hope you too received a blessing from the sharing of your time. Your help was appreciated.
We send a special “thank you” to all who shared their Christmas with the residents at Oak Valley Care Center. We wish you all a very healthy and happy 2010.

Sincerely,
Patti Taylor, ADC
Oak Valley Care Center
Activities Director