While walking through the hallways of Wake Robin, you might hear the dulcet tones of an older song drifting around a corner. If you continue onward, you’ll eventually run into Patrick Krok-Horton, a Recreation Services Assistant who has been with Wake Robin for almost 7 years. In 2017, he won the VHCA’s (Vermont Health Care Association) Recreation Services Assistant of the year award, partially due to his dedication and creativity in thinking of new programs and activities to offer here at Wake Robin.
With Wake Robin going through the transition of renovations throughout the community, especially in the Linden Health Center, one would imagine it would make it more difficult to maneuver in the temporary and new spaces. When asked if his job has changed at all since the beginning of the project, Krok-Horton mentions that, “Since the start of construction my job hasn’t changed dramatically. It is sometimes hard to navigate through certain paths when going around the construction, or to support residents when the noise or construction impacts their living area.” However, he goes on to say that helping residents through this time has been a team effort with nursing.
Outside of Wake Robin, Krok-Horton is just as creative! He graduated from college with a degree in Art, focusing on Print Making. His art has been displayed in Burlington during the Art Hop. He says his favorite medium is woodcut, but he has worked in intaglio, silkscreen, and lithography. His artistic talents have been utilized through his work at Wake Robin. Two of his creations have been a “Horse Racing track where I make the track, jockeys, large dice and racing flags”. He has devised a 500-car racing game where he made the cars, track, deck of cards, and prizes.
His next inspired endeavor involves pumpkins! Every Fall, Krok-Horton and his wife set up a huge Halloween pumpkin display at their home. They have quite a following of repeat visitors year after year! This will be their 8th year and every year they have had a different theme. This year’s is Dinosaurs, but some previous themes have been: Pirates, Aliens, and Classic Movie Monsters. Last year they had a record 62 carved pumpkins – which they purchase from a farm down in Rutland. This masterpiece is crafted with Krok-Horton and his dad working on bigger structural pieces, while his wife and her father do most of the carving. He is promising to bring in photo albums to show his handiwork to pass along through the Linden Neighborhoods.
When asked about what makes Wake Robin culture so special, he says, “The sense of community here is a huge part of Wake Robin. Although many people from many backgrounds and lifestyles mix together, the willingness of each person to help others is amazing. The things that people do here when they come together are very inspiring.” Bringing his interests and artistic flair to his work life continues to bring joy to the residents of Linden Health Center and the community as a whole.
