Mangrove Bay decks its halls with gingerbread and joy

RACHEL BOLAND/SPECIAL TO THE COURIER NEWSWEEKLY Mangrove Bays Executive Chef Billy Rainha unveiled his gingerbread house in the main lobby of the senior living facility on a recent Monday night, as part of an evening of holiday celebrations with residents.

RACHEL BOLAND/SPECIAL TO THE COURIER NEWSWEEKLY Long-time Mangrove Bay resident Janet Lee lit the Christmas tree in the main lobby of the senior living facility on a recent Monday night as part of an evening of holiday celebrations with residents.

RACHEL BOLAND/SPECIAL TO THE COURIER NEWSWEEKLY A room full of Mangrove Bay residents marveled at the sight of Executive Chef Billy Rainhas life-sized gingerbread house as the curtains were dropped and the magical creation was unveiled.

On a recent Monday evening, the main lobby at the senior lifestyle community Mangrove Bay was transformed into a beautiful and fragrant place of holiday essence, all while residents and staff sang along to Christmas carols and enjoyed eggnog and cookies.

The fragrant 12-foot Christmas tree was decked out with more than 2,000 lights and dazzling ornaments of gold, green, red and silver.

Long-time Mangrove Bay resident Janet Lee was given the honor of lighting the Christmas tree, while her resident friends and staff marveled at the sight.

The elegant ceremonial Menorah display celebrated the eight days of Hanukkah as well.

The much anticipated attraction of the evening was the unveiling of the charming life-size gingerbread house, made by Executive Chef Billy Rainha.

According to Chef Rainha, the creation was started on Oct. 1 and took just more than 100 hours.

Its construction required 160 lbs. of flour, 50 lbs. of shortening, 50 lbs. of sugar, 20 lbs. of chocolate, 30 lbs. of butter cream icing, 30 dozen eggs, 100 candy canes, 200 Hersey kisses and 1 danish.

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Mangrove Bay decks its halls with gingerbread and joy