Dogwood Village November 2025 Newsletter

Dogwood Village
2 days ago
3 min read

A new month brings fresh excitement and the cozy charm of November—a time when the air grows cooler, the days shorter, and the beauty of fall surrounds us in full color. As we embrace this season of gratitude and togetherness, it’s also important to stay mindful of our health, especially with flu and cold season in full swing. To all our valued residents: please remember to bundle up, get plenty of rest, and take the steps needed to stay well. Your health and happiness mean the world to us, and we look forward to sharing this wonderful season with you!

Let’s also take a moment to reflect on the warm memories and joyful moments we created together in October.

Pumpkin Roll Social

Autumn festivities are in full bloom! We had a wonderful time with our fantastic residents, participating in traditional fall activities such as the pumpkin roll and apple bobbing. There's nothing quite like sharing laughter, joy, and delightful seasonal memories together!

Celebrating Dietary & Dining Services Week!

A sincere THANK YOU to all the wonderful dietary and dining team members who serve with compassion, kindness, and a smile. Your dedication nourishes both our bodies and our hearts!

Pumpkin Throwing Game

Residents have fun playing a game where they toss pumpkins into a basket. This engaging activity not only enhances the festive spirit of the season but also strengthens bonds, making it a cherished tradition that many look forward to year after year.

Pumpkin Cookie and Ice Cream Gathering

Charming smiles and the spirit of autumn! Residents delight in a warm fall ice cream social filled with laughter and goodies!

CNA Skills Fair 2025

We appreciate everyone who attended the CNA Skills Fair! A big thank you to the incredible staff who made it possible and to everyone who contributed to its success! It was a fantastic educational session with amazing people all around! We hope you found it enjoyable and gained new insights!

Autumn Celebration 2025

October marked Physical Therapy Month! A huge thanks to our incredible Rehab Department for organizing a wonderful Fall Fling! We were thrilled to see the smiles, participation, and enjoyment from our residents and staff. A big thank you to Sarah’s Pumpkin Path in Madison for the lovely pumpkins and to Darnell’s Garden Path for the stunning mums—you made the event truly special! It was an amazing occasion filled with laughter, teamwork, and the spirit of fall.

Halloween Community Trunk or Treat Event

The Trunk or Treat event was fantastic! Our residents thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone in costumes and distributing candy. A big thank you to our incredible Activities Department for their hard work in organizing this event, and to our wonderful staff for volunteering and contributing to its success. We are also very grateful to our amazing Orange County community for joining us in the celebration—your support is invaluable. Congratulations to Ashley from HR for winning the trunk decoration contest! The residents absolutely adored it. So many smiles and sweet moments were captured—we hope everyone had an amazing Halloween!

November Highlights at Dogwood Village

As we enter the season of gratitude and cooler days, the events at Dogwood Village continue to grow and bring our community together. November is filled with wonderful activities, celebrations, and opportunities to connect. Be sure to review the monthly calendars and newsletter for all the details!

November Staff Spotlight:

Martha Herring

Meet Martha, who has dedicated 42 years to working at Dogwood Village. We are incredibly grateful for her! "Being part of Dogwood Village has been a genuine blessing. Taking care of our residents, their families, and the community makes this place truly special."

Nautica Rodriguez's Journey: From Dietary to Certified Nursing Assistant

Dogwood Village is proud to celebrate Nautica Rodriguez, one of our newest Certified Nursing Assistants. Her dedication, compassion, and strong work ethic have brought her full circle within our community. Originally from Maryland, Nautica began her healthcare journey in 2023 at Homewood Retirement Center, where she completed a six-week CNA program and discovered her passion for caregiving. She joined Dogwood Village in December 2024 in the Dietary Department, forming meaningful connections with residents while preparing to step into a CNA role. At the end of September, Nautica officially transitioned into her full-time CNA position. She shares that her favorite part of the job is caring for residents and building personal connections— “The people make it worthwhile.” We’re proud to recognize Nautica for her hard work, dedication, and commitment to our residents’ well-being!

November Resident Testimonial

"I really love the Rehab Department at Dogwood Village — they’re truly great. The staff treat everyone with kindness and respect, just like family."

Health and Rehab Resident Irma