(Photos courtesy of Marty Rubenstein and Adrianne Ayres)
Fifty-four residents from Grand Horizons gathered together on Nov. 11 for a lunch connoisseur outing at Texas Roadhouse, hosted by Sandy Lindke. The people that attended all met outside the restaurant, and mingled and talked. They were well supplied with peanuts, so time just literally flew, and before we knew it, the time came for us to be seated. There was such a crowd from Grand Horizons that we occupied many tables. More conversation went on, and lots of pictures were taken.
If you ever were in a Texas Roadhouse before, you probably know about the jukebox that is located in the front of the restaurant where you can play any song you desire. Therefore, while eating our fabulous lunch, songs were being played on the jukebox. Whether you heard them or not was the question, as there was much discussion going on.
There is such a large selection from the menu, that I honestly do not think anyone had any trouble ordering. Sandy somehow got each couple to receive an appetizer for their next visit. She did a marvelous job in hosting this event, and our thanks go out to her.
The next day, on Nov. 12, we had an egg n’ bag hosted by Jim and Judi Leitzke. The volunteers were Andy Castonguay, Galen and Sue Parker, Jim and Judi Leitzke, Carol and Clayton George, Ron and Joyce Bell, George and Sue Richardson, Phyllis Jones (who played the music) and Dan McDuffie (who took the pictures of the vets for the wall). As usual, there was a big turnout. There were 132 residents that joined in on this event.
A breakfast was given to all veterans, which was a very nice touch. Before the tables were called, Galen Parker said the blessing. Breakfast consisted of omelets (stuffed with your choice of toppings), orange juice, potatoes, and biscuits with gravy, jelly or butter. After each table was called, Jim presented a video about America, freedom and the American flag. It ended with fireworks surrounding the Statue of Liberty.
Then flags were brought forward for each individual service. These flag bearers were Ernie Rice, Tom Carter, Bill Donlon, Dave Molinek, Frank Fogle, Bill Taggart, Irwin Smith and Rich Fulton. Bill Sarver played “Taps.”
There are 132 vets in the Grand Horizon development, and they were recognized on this day. Each branch was called, and when called the veterans who were in that particular branch stood, and were recognized. There was the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force and Merchant Marine.
Gary Wilcox then presented and explained the POW/MIA table. When you looked at this table, you remembered your friends and loved ones. The volunteers that brought items to this table were Skip Jefferis, Bill Elliott, Lamar Lawson, Al Simpkins, Galen Parker, Ed Goldstein, Jack Eastwood, Alan Slade, Terry Gardner, Bill Sarver and Ed Sexton.
Thanks to the vets who served and gave us our freedoms.
The afternoon ended with everyone singing “God Bless America.”
By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons
Published November 23, 2016
