On Thursday, StoryPoint Chesterton transformed into a Cuban paradise for the senior living community’s Havana Nights party. Featuring Latin American cuisine, salsa dancing lessons, and a casino, the festivities offered a taste of a Cuban summer in the cold Region winter.
StoryPoint makes it a goal to pack their schedule full of events, both big and small. They help build a true sense of community among the residents, and often offer them a chance to see things they might not see otherwise.
“We’ve spent the past four days decorating and getting things ready so that our residents and future neighbors can have a unique experience,” said Tonya Carter, Life Enrichment Director at StoryPoint Chesterton. “It’s about having fun and coming together, and we aim to do something special and create an experience. We’re not just claiming it's Havana Night and mixing a few drinks.”
True to her word, the walls and pillars were covered with scenic backdrops and hand-crafted decorations. Many attendees donned themed clothes and accessories like straw fedoras and flowers of all kinds. The residents themselves also chipped in and helped put the event together.
“They were so excited, they loved the idea,” said Courtney Fokianos, Executive Director at StoryPoint of Chesterton. “We did drink tastings and food tastings, and residents took art classes to help with the decorations. Some of them had our staff help them put together outfits with clothes out of their closets.”
StoryPoint will be celebrating its first anniversary this coming summer and in that short time, the residents have come to love the community as a true home.
“Tonight was a really nice way for our residents to invite people to come and see their home,” Fokianos said. “Independent living like this is a newer concept, but people are starting to learn about us. Things like this let people come in and get to know us and our community. It’s really beautiful.”
While some partygoers gathered around the roulette and blackjack tables, others took the chance to tour the entire community, including the huge media center, massage room, and beauty parlor.
“We want to be a place where people live to have fun,” said Tricia Catlin, Community Specialist at StoryPoint Chesterton. “For our residents, this is basically like having a house party where they get to showcase what makes it so special. They’re showing off!”
The StoryPoint team is already preparing for their next big event -The Metamorphis Traveling Theatre is set to perform their cabaret interpretation of Chicago – The Broadway Musical, starring actress and dancer Judith Joseph. To learn more, schedule a tour, or to RSVP for future events, visit StoryPoint.com or call 219-983-1300.