Residents of Kirtland Commons and area seniors were in for a treat when they arrived in the dining room for the annual holiday party on Dec. 8. The room was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with the look of snow falling from the ceiling.

It’s exciting times for Joann Hourigan, executive director of the Deep River Housing Authority and the architect and angel of the holiday party. Hourigan oversaw the new addition to Kirtland Commons that is nearing being finished and the new residents will begin moving in after the holidays.

There are currently 36 residents, and that number will increase by 22 in the next few weeks. Residents range from 45 years old to 101. The one-bedroom apartment units are available to seniors aged 62 and over, as well as disabled individuals.

The holiday dinner is one of the many treats that seniors from Chester and Deep River get to enjoy, due to the generosity of the Holmes Memorial Trust grants. The grant also provides other free recreational activities including meditation, yoga, painting, and ceramics classes for area seniors.

Hourigan does more than act as a town official for Kirtland Commons: she puts the creative touches on every event and coordinates the volunteers who assist. For the Halloween party this year, Hourigan made custom witches’ hats for every resident and attendee. The holiday party featured wreaths suspended from the ceiling with marshmallow snow falling above each table. The sparkling silver and white theme was accented with ice skates and flocked greenery. The guests wore cheerful hats.

Hourigan is quick to point out the efforts others make for the center participants. The weekly dinner that’s open to all area seniors and held every Monday night is cooked by the Kirtland Commons board chair Lisa Johnson. Hourigan also noted that Tom Doering, the center’s facility manager, and his wife Cathy spend hours going above and beyond for the seniors.

The resident community reflects the generosity it receives. Residents recently held a retirement party for Chris and Lori Hebert when they retired from the Deep River post office. Chris Hebert had delivered mail to the residents for many years, and they wanted to celebrate his service by throwing a Music and the Mailman party, complete with live music and a collection of money.

As construction is wrapping up, many residents are sad to see the employees from La Rosa Building Group who have spent the last two years working at the center move on to their next project. Hourigan said they have become like sons to many.

The new residents are excited to move into their new apartments soon, however, and Hourigan is excited for them.

“This is a senior center, but it really is home for those who live here. It’s a good, positive place,” she says. “It feeds my soul.”

The meals offered at Kirtland Commons every Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. are for area seniors (62 and over are welcome). The cost is $5 per person and includes dinner, dessert, and coffee, tea, and ice water. Reservations are required; call 860-526-1707 at least 48 hours in advance.