Parks

On Feb. 27, approximately 65 to 70 people descended upon the community center to celebrate Appreciation Day.

The people who attended were greeted with posters saying “Thank You.” It was a festive afternoon and started off with a prayer by Jim Leitzke.

I wasn’t there, but Joyce Bell was nice enough to tell me exactly what transpired.

Brian Heidman read a list of what all the volunteers do to help, and this was followed by Joyce Bell reading a poem on volunteering.

Then, there was a lovely meal that consisted of hamburgers with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and other toppings and condiments, potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans with franks that were cut up and mixed in.

For dessert they had four different kinds of strudel, in addition to ice cream cups for all. Everyone had such a good time that they sat around and talked after the meal.

Our thanks go out to the workers on this day. They were Chuck and Shirley Carlson. Ron and Joyce Bell, Judi and Jim Leitzke, and Mim and Terry Gardner.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 9, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More than 110 people gathered at the community center on Feb. 20 to be treated to a show put on by Crystal Gage and Ryan St. Denis. The show was booked by our entertainment director, Terry Gardner. Our thanks go out to him for a good and entertaining show.

The show led off with “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” which was dedicated to Andy Castonguay. It was quite a sight to see Crystal singing this song and Andy joining in with a few words.

In between each song that Crystal or Ryan sang, short stories were told and there were many jokes. At one point in the show, Crystal dedicated the song “What I Like About You” to several men in the audience who are bald, or approaching baldness. Crystal went around the audience rubbing the bald heads that she saw. It was a cute part of the show and had the entire audience laughing.

She then proceeded to sing the song “Crazy,” which was a huge hit for Patsy Cline. She did a beautiful job, and everyone enjoyed it. Crystal then called Jim Leitzke to perform a Dolly Parton song with her entitled “Why Did You Come Here Lookin’ Like That?” When I say that Jim was called to the stage to perform with Crystal, it was done with a lot of shaking going on. The crowd sure appreciated this, and they let them both know with the applause and the laughter.

Crystal and Ryan then performed the song “Islands in the Stream.” This was a big hit by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. They both did a superb job.

Ryan then showed us how well he plays the fiddle and guitar, as he played several songs. One was “Maple Sugar,” which he did a really good job on, and then proceeded with “Listen to the Mockingbird” and did a fabulous job on “Cotton-eyed Joe.” Crystal and Ryan did a two-step to that tune, and they did an excellent job of it.

Ryan also performed “Alabama Jubilee” on the guitar. The people that were in the audience got to see his special moves and hear the notes on the guitar.

A polka was then played, and there was audience participation with the crowd clapping and swinging in their seats.

We got to hear the “Tennessee Waltz.” When this was performed, there was dancing in the aisles.

Crystal and Ryan did a fine rendition of “Hey, Good Lookin’” and “May the Circle Be Unbroken” and, once again, with audience participation.

When Crystal sang “I want to be a Cowboy Sweetheart,” she not only did a very good job of it, but she had Margaret Castonguay do the yodeling. Between Crystal and Margaret, the song was a success.

Ryan then played “Orange Blossom Special” and showed us more of his playing the fiddle.

Crystal then had the entire audience stand up and shake, while she sang “Rock Around the Clock” and danced with Ron Molnar. That was a nice touch, and Ron really danced up a storm.

A tribute to the veterans was given, and the song “God Bless the U.S.A.” was performed.

Crystal and Ryan closed the performance with a gospel song entitled “How Great Thou Art” to a standing ovation for a terrific show.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 2, 2016

 

Forty-eight residents took part in the Feb. 12 lunch connoisseurs’ outing to Yamato Japanese Steakhouse hosted by Sam and Pat Allen. The people who attended not only received a great meal but were treated to a show by the chefs. Each individual section of the table of approximately 11 people had their meals prepared in front of them by a Japanese chef with great flair. The way the vegetables, chicken, meat and more were cut up created a picture that was beyond words. Our chef was absolutely fabulous and kept the conversation going on what he was doing and when to get ready for a “Kodak” moment.

Valentine’s Day was celebrated on Feb. 14 in the community center.  Chris and Jerry Buckley, and Pidge and Bill Elliott were hosts for this lovely occasion. There were approximately 65 people in attendance. The social club provided the meat and everyone else brought a dish. There were several salads, such as tossed salad, macaroni, potato and several others. Included in the dishes there was a vegetable lasagna, scalloped potatoes and more. There were several desserts that were available, and a person could have trouble deciding. In addition to the hosts of the evening, there were several helpers, and they consisted of Robbie Lockard, Rae Rice, Tita Mauk and Don Mattos. Happy Valentine’s Day balloons were at each table with a beautiful centerpiece. Before any table was called to get their food, a blessing was given by Fred Sage. The TV was playing music for dancing if anyone so desired. Everyone who attended had a great time.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published February 24, 2016