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Seniors at Loyalton of Lakewood recently celebrated the Halloween holiday with Southwestern third-graders. The classes walked down to the site bearing gifts while dressed in their costumes.The children crafted Halloween bookmarks which were presented to the residents after a costume parade.

The third-grade classes have been participating in this tradition for the last few years, and students and residents enjoy it alike.

''I especially enjoyed it as I was a teacher,'' Doris Clapper, a resident, said. ''I just love seeing the children.''

''It was great, I enjoyed every minute of it,'' Bernice Danielson, another resident, said.

''What a beautiful program - the kids were great and had some great costumes,'' Dick and Dorothy Ebel, new residents, said.

''The costumes were great - such a variety of them,'' Jenna Gullotti, Loyalton community relations director, said. ''You had your cowgirl, Batman, a boxer and then my vote for the most original, an Irish Spring bar of soap. It's such a great thing to do for both the residents and the children. Each year, the residents talk about the children's costumes and how great everyone looked. This year all the residents especially loved the bookmarks they were given. We can't thank the kids and teachers of Southwestern third grade enough for taking the time to walk down to let us enjoy the holiday with them.''

Loyalton of Lakewood residents ended their Halloween holiday with cider and doughnuts and music by Joe Ketchum, who is a resident favorite.

Loyalton of Lakewood is part of Emeritus Senior Living which began providing superior care with choices to seniors 10 years ago. Emeritus assisted living communities are found in 34 states including New York. Assisted living is an important senior living alternative that gives older adults more flexibility in how they choose to live their later years. It is ideal for those who need help with activities of daily living while retaining their independence, privacy and dignity in a residential setting.