The time has come where the snowbirds are leaving their Florida homes to go back to where they reside in the summer. I guess all good things must come to an end, eventually.
Before the end of the season, we had a potluck on March 31, and over 122 residents and guests attended. This potluck was hosted by Ilene Nutting and several helpers, and what a superb job they did. The helpers consisted of Cheryl and Ken Leone, Donna and Bill Quinn, Paul Nutting, Cindy O’ Brien (who created the lovely baskets that were a giveaway), Jim Leitzke (said grace), and Marcie Baker plus her mother, Barbara Stetson (who did all the decorations and they were lovely).
The evening started off with Jim Leitzke saying grace while everyone bowed their heads in a moment of silence. We thank Jim for this, as he did a fine job.
After grace, individual tables were called to get their food. What a variety of dishes presented to us! In addition to the ham (that was provided by the social club), there were deviled eggs, a pineapple dish, coleslaw, boiled and mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, vegetables and so much more. The meal wouldn’t be complete without desserts, and there was a full table of them that included peanut butter cups, cake, pie, cookies and more.
We also had a winner at each table, which was a real nice touch. The winners got to take home the little baskets that were filled with Easter candy to recall the good time that they just experienced. These lovely baskets were made by Cindy O’ Brien.
I spoke with Ilene and she mentioned the fact that with all the help she got, how could she go wrong? She went on to say that after dinner, there were more people to help out. She thanks one and all, and the social club.
On April 2, there were 16 women at our monthly lunch bunch. It was at the Green Door restaurant and was hosted by Fran Boulay.
The restaurant was a cute little place located in Dade City and had a very nice menu. Everything was delicious, and some of the choices included a chicken wrap or grilled turkey, with a side of potato chips and coleslaw. They had several other dishes and I didn’t hear a complaint.
We were seated toward the back of the restaurant, which made it easier for us to converse. Upon entering the restaurant, I noticed that there was a slight tint of green on the door and the inside of the restaurant was cleverly done with headboards plastered on the walls.
Before going to the restaurant, we met at the community center where we made sure everyone had a ride and found out that Robbie Lockard will host the next luncheon for the month of May.
On April 6, 91 residents and guests attended the pancake breakfast in the community center, hosted by Dave and Mary Heim.
The breakfast include blueberry pancakes, sausage and French toast, plus coffee, tea and juice.
At the end of the breakfast, they presented the helpers that helped out the entire year, and they included Paul and Norma Oi, Linda Rogers, Rosie Semian, Pat Bond, Tom Carter, and Dave and Mary Heim. Our sincere thanks go out to all.
On April 14, a special event took place in our community center. It was a tax day/bon voyage party and approximately 120 people attended. Pizza was served and a show was put on by Billy Williams. There was dancing and the dance floors were full. We all had a great time. The pizza and music were a nice addition.
That will do it for this year for us, as we are going back to our winter homes, but Grand Horizons still goes on with activities, such as another potluck being presented by Ilene at the community center on May 4, plus, on the same day, horse racing (the Kentucky Derby), presented by Rita and George Gattos. They will have a hat contest (I wonder what this is about), more karaoke (on April 19) and many more exciting things.
So Grand Horizons will continue with lots of fun and games.
By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons
