For Carol Miranda, Christmas is her favorite part of the year! She also enjoys Valentine’s Day, St. Patty’s Day, summer and Thanksgiving! If you visit People Inc. Willow Senior Living in Wheatfield, you will see a beautiful tree and lovely decorations on the third floor. Carol, who has been a tenant of People Inc. Willow Senior Living for six years, takes pleasure decorating the vestibule area year-round to match the seasons and holidays. 

Prior to moving to Willow, Carol lived in Williamsville and had a tree that she decorated year-round. Now, she happily decorates two – one small-table-top tree for her apartment and a larger tree for fellow tenants and visitors to enjoy. When asked why she does it, Carol simply said it makes her happy to decorate and even happier when others find joy in the various scenes. 

Carol also adds accessories to two plush bears and an old-fashioned doll to go with the tree theme. Throughput the year, she collects various decorations at yard sales and thrift shops for the tree and bears, such as hearts for Valentine’s Day; red, white and blue trinkets for May through July; beach themed items for August; team colors for the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres for September; plus, Halloween and Thanksgiving décor for the fall months. 

While not decorating, Carol enjoys the many group outings that she and fellow tenants take, like outings to Vidler’s in East Aurora and the Silo Restaurant in Lewiston. “I truly like living here,” Carol said. “People are friendly and the staff are so good and helpful when needed.” 

The tree has also become a point of interest when people tour the site. “Many people comment positively and it makes them feel like this is a nice place to live because tenants are involved in the site and take the time to do special things,” said Charlene Johnson, manager of People Inc. Willow Senior Living. “It is also a fan-favorite of many grandchildren who visit their grandparents.”  

If you or a loved one would like more information or a tour of People Inc. Willow Senior Living (and its tree display), located on the border of North Tonawanda, call 716.694.1486. With 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York, People Inc. Senior Living provides safe and maintenance-free housing for independent seniors age 62 and up who are income eligible. For information about other locations, call 716.817.9090.

People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews.