Our Elderly Residents
Halloween fun at Saab Court
At Springfield Housing Authority’s Saab Court Apartments, some folks take Halloween very seriously.
Especially Ida Mercado and Migdalia Manfredi, who wore fun, colorful costumes for the annual Halloween luncheon at the development in the Metro Center section of the city.
“I never miss a costume on Halloween,” said Manfredi. “This is a holiday that comes just once a year, and I don’t let it go by without having some fun for myself. Plus that I take my grandkids out trick-or-treating, and they love the costumes.”
Springfield Housing Authority’s Saab Court residents Ida Mercado and Migdalia Manfredi fancied up for Halloween.
Manfredi was gussied up in a Queen of Hearts costume, complete with a wig of blonde banana curls and a shiny gold crown with a red heart on top.
Her friend Ida Mercado said Halloween is her favorite day of the entire year, being at the end of her birthday month, and being generally a blast. She dressed as the character Doris from ‘Finding Nemo’.
“I love Halloween. I have never missed a Halloween in a costume, and I never will,” said Mercado, whose birthday is Oct. 16. “Ever since I was a kid, always, this was it for me.”
She recalled Halloweens past where she was a witch, and clown, and many other get-ups.
Saab Court Tenants Association President Alfreda Venage said the annual luncheon is a chance for residents to get together, and to have fun dressing up in zany ways. She had Vice President Marilynn Hallas served up a pasta and salad luncheon for an event that was probably higher on friendship and community involvement than anything else.
Saab Court Tenants Association President Wilfreda Venage and Vice President Marilynn Hallas at the annual Halloween party.
“We want people to come down from their apartments and get together for some fun,” Venage said.
Hallas added, “We want them to see what we have going on. The more people, the better time we have.”
The Saab Court Community Room is home to many a meeting, bingo game, luncheon and holiday activities. Residents in the tri-tower complex, which has 288 units for elderly and handicapped residents, are always welcome.
The Halloween event drew out nearly 50 people, and featured food, soft beverages, music, and a holiday-themed raffle.
