Home for the Holidays The sweet and spicy smell of is a clear indicator that the holiday season is in full swing. By the time Day arrives on December 12, you may have already indulged in eating this seasonal treat. Gingerbread, made with root, is believed to have originated in East Asia, where ginger was originally culti- vated. It is believed that ginger and gingerbread were introduced to Europe after the Crusades of the 11th centu- ry. Gingerbread was adopted most heartily in Germany, where monks perfected their heart-shaped lebkuchen . These cookies were first made as unleavened , made in the same fashion as communion wa- fers. With the introduction of ginger, German bakers transformed lebkuchen into their beloved gingerbread. In 1487, Emperor Friedrich III presented the 4,000 children of the city of with gingerbread cookies shaped to his likeness. The shape of gingerbread was not limited to hearts, faces, and people; miniature houses made of the were also common. This is why a gingerbread house figured so prominently in the tale Hansel and Gretel, first published by German folklorists and brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm in the 19th century. What better way for a witch to lure Management Team two children into her home than to build a home out of Germany’s favorite cookie? Through this tale, the Brothers Grimm spread the popularity of making gingerbread houses beyond Germany. Jamie Maul - Executive Director It may be surprising that one of the most enduring holiday traditions was popularized by the tale of a witch attempt- ing to eat two children by luring them into her gingerbread house. But the religious significance of gingerbread has Misty Nicholas-Liceaga -Resident Services Director deeper roots than Hansel and Gretel. Perhaps it stems from the development of gingerbread by German monks. Or Pam Burbank R.N. - Wellness Director the use of gingerbread in religious ceremonies. Whatever the reason, warm, spicy gingerbread has become synony- mous with the Christmas season. Melissa Wahl - Business Office Manager Tony Liceaga- Dining Services Director Cascades of Bend Gingerbread Village Annie Gaca - Community Relations Director With the help of our Life Enrichment Director, Kelly Graves, our residents began Kelly Graves - Life Enrichment Director creating our community Gingerbread Village in November. Although it is a long Bryan Ostrander - Plant Operations Director process, we have enjoyed every minute of making our imaginations come to life. Brittney Schlichting-Housekeeping Supervisor Our Community Gingerbread Village Will be on display, beginning December 11th in the living room. *Articles and Photos Provided by Activity Connec- December Happenings 25 Days of Christmas Movies!

12/1 Christmas Parade 12/4 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Join us at 6:00 pm in the living room 12/11 Holly Jolly Christmas Dinner nightly for 25 days of 12/13 Associate Christmas Party Christmas movies. 12/19 Light up a Life 12/25 Merry Christmas! 12/31 New Year’s Eve A brief movie description will be displayed by the sign up book.

Holly Jolly Christmas Tuesday, December 11th Fireside Dining Room at: 4:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. The Pines Dining Room at: 4:00 p.m. Join us Cascades of Bend for our Holly Jolly Christmas Dinner! We’ve decked the halls and trimmed the tree for a spectacular evening at our community, complete with a live harpist. Come enjoy a wonderful menu and deli- cious eggnog for the jolliest Christmas dinner of the season. Bring your family and friends to share a delicious meal and take in the holiday cheer! Call to RSVP by Friday, December 7th 541-389-0046 Resident Word Search Fun! Turn in a completed word search for 12/5 Vyrne S. Birthdays bonus Auction Cash! 12/7 Pat W. 12/16 Tony W. 12/26 Toni J. 12/8 Bob B. 12/25 Bud S. 12/28 Pat W. *answers available at the concierges desk 12/11 Ina S. 12/25 Jeanne 12/31 Lillian N.