Special to The Laker/Lutz News

On Jan. 13, in addition to Wednesday coffee and doughnuts where we received the news for the upcoming week and also any news that has transpired recently in our community, we also had a blood drive where people would go and contribute much needed blood. This is something that we have usually once a year to assure that there is blood available for all who would need it. Our thanks go out to Judi Leitzke who organizes this.

This same night, Margaret and Andy Castonguay hosted a taco bowl dinner. They had volunteers to help them out, and each person had a specific job, so things ran smoothly. The volunteers were Terry Gardner, Ron and Joyce Bell, Tita Mauk, and Carol and Clayton George. There were approximately 120 people who had this dinner, along with a cupcake for dessert. Margaret made the shells herself, and what a superb job she did! Joyce Bell showed the people, in attendance for the dinner, the tortilla shells as you buy it in a store, and then mentioned the directions on how to prepare them as relayed by Margaret. I was unable to attend that night, but from what I heard, the meal was very good. The taco dinner consisted of meat, diced tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, olives and onions. All of the above mentioned toppings were placed on a table, so that you could add them according to your taste.

On Jan. 16, approximately 100 residents and outside guests came to attend a terrific show put on by Virgil Norgrove and friends. There was laughter through the entire show. Terry Gardner introduced Virgil to the audience, and then the show began. Virgil brought along four friends, and each was funnier than the next. The first friend that was introduced was Dr. Duck.

Jokes, stories and quips were then related by Dr. Duck, along with Virgil. For example, Dr. Duck told us about a lady that was given three months to live, but she told the doctor that she wouldn’t be able to pay in that time, so he said to her, “You have six months.”

In another one, Dr. Duck cured a lady’s hiccups by telling her she was pregnant. It was a laugh a minute with these short stories and jokes. He also answered medical questions with humor.

After the exit of Dr. Duck, Virgil showed us something that was different. He drew a picture on a board, and by adding lines to it, created new pictures. At one point in this presentation, he had the board “talking.”

Norgrove’s second friend that he brought out was a music cowboy. His name was Zeke. He also treated us to some jokes, and one in particular stood out. This guy was married 13 years and wore his ring on the wrong finger, and the guy said that was because he married the wrong girl. This brought even more laughter and applause. Zeke ended up singing and playing the harmonica to the song that was recorded by Billy Ray Cyrus called “Where Am I Gonna Live When I Get Home.”

When the cowboy left the stage, Virgil read a poem of how he got into ventriloquism. The poem was very good and informative.

Virgil then sang a song, which he asked us to join in when we recognized the lyrics. It was the Nestle song, and during this performance, everyone went wild. You could hear the song throughout the community center with it ending with the word “chocolate.”

Virgil’s third friend that came with him was Winston, who was also very good. He also had jokes and quips to relate. He also sang a song called “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” after Virgil first performed it. There was one point that I wish to relate: after the entire song was performed, they switched voices. This must have been hard, but was done extremely well.

After Winston left the stage, John Mauk, from the audience, went up to help out. Virgil put fake lips and ears on him, and John wore a red cap with brown straggly hair. He sang the song, “Side by Side” with Virgil pulling on a string to move his lips. John provided the expressions. He did a fantastic job, and the entire skit was hilarious and full of laughter.

Nelson was now brought on stage as Virgil’s fourth and final friend. Nelson came with spectacles, bow tie and all. He told stories about getting old, as he was in his mid-90s. He talked about the hereafter, and then proceeded into the joke about what was I here after? Nelson concluded his skit by playing the harmonica and singing “This Land is Your Land,” “When the Saints Come Marching in,” and “Oh, Susannah.” Virgil did an outstanding job, and I do not know how he was able to do it.

Nelson left the stage, and Virgil did a salute to all the veterans by asking them to stand up and be recognized. He then had the entire audience stand and sing “God Bless America.”

By Helene Rubenstein

Published January 27, 2016

On Jan. 8, approximately 75 people met at Texas Roadhouse where we had an enjoyable lunch. There was a huge variety of dishes, and everyone was pleased. The food was tasty and the service was great. This lunch was organized by Sandy and Al Lindke. They did an excellent job, and both of them greeted us upon entering the restaurant. There was so much conversation, and many pictures were taken. Several people took home doggie bags, thereby being able to relive this experience.

The following day, Jan. 9, we had close to 100 people for egg n’ bag. This event is always fun, and conversation flows throughout the community center. This breakfast was hosted by Jim and Judi Leitzke, and what a superb job was done! They had help from Wally Carlson, Linda Rogers, George and Sue Richardson, Sue and Galen Parker, Carol and Clayton George, Doris Sutfin, and Fred and Sam Sage. Jane and Maurice Thayer usually help out, but they were delayed back North.

The volunteers in different activities keep Grand Horizons going. Jim Leitzke said the prayer before serving the meal, and the breakfast was a fun event.

On Jan. 11, we had a fun and active game of dominoes. There were several tables set up, and everyone had a good time. Again, this is a great time to socialize and mingle while playing a game. This game is organized by Eugene and Nancy Martin. Thanks go out to them and the many other volunteers. Dominoes are played every Monday night.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published January 20, 2016