OADS Decorates!

One of the many wonderful features of Christmas in Petaluma is the Petaluma City of Lights driving tour, sponsored by the Petaluma Visitor’s Program.  This holiday event and competition, which runs from December 3-27, brings both business and residences together in the spirit of the holidays. 

With that in mind, we decided that we’d invite Petaluma OADS (Old Adobe Developmental Services) to decorate one of our available storefronts (#289 N. McDowell – right next door to CVS).  Executive Director Elizabeth Clary was delighted with this opportunity and yesterday we were happy to host a team of OADS staff and clients to whip our window into shape. 

Many of the preparations for the window decorating were done ahead of time by the staff, including preparing the big snowballs and creating origami trees, birds and snowflakes.  They also prepared the hanging photographs of some of the OADS clients, many of whom are employed here in the community.  You may recognize clients Ken and Dina in the windows also.  Ken works for Kmart and Dina works for CVS, both here at The Plaza North.

Elizabeth came ahead of time and prepared the storefront area, laying out snow and hanging the photos and snowballs.  But the real fun began when the staff and clients arrived to put the finishing touches on the window.  Everyone had armfuls of colorful origami ornaments and there was much discussion from both inside the storefront and on the sidewalk as to best placement.

At one point, all the clients suddenly and spontaneously started singing Silent Night.

It was one of the sweetest things I have ever heard.

Mission accomplished, we all gathered in front of the store to create a special holiday greeting for you!

Be sure to visit our beautiful window at 289 N. McDowell (right next door to CVS).