Parks

On Jan. 8, a lunch bunch was held at Fresh Country Café and about 25 women attended. There was a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, grilled chicken, fried chicken, tenderloin tips and more.

The luncheon was hosted by Helene Rubenstein and there were two door prizes. There was conversation throughout the entire meal and it looks like all had a good time.

There were several shops where you could go shopping that were nearby or people could go straight back to their homes.

There were over 50 residents at the lunch connoisseurs  at Beef O’ Bradys on Jan. 11.

The menu was varied and had lots of choices. There was a chicken, steak or veggie bowl, along with chicken dinners, hamburg plates, shrimp platters, salads and so much more.

There were several door prizes, which was a very nice touch, and the waitresses were very nice and helped if someone had a question.

Once again, it was close to home, so we didn’t have to travel too far and we could go shopping after lunch or back to our homes.

Our host and hostess were Tom and Laurie Carter, and our thanks go out to them for doing a splendid job.

Later that night there was a show called “Re-Creation” in the community center. There were approximately 125 residents, family, friends and visitors.

It was a show that was spectacular and magical, hosted by Terry Gardner.

Before the show even started, a video presentation was on the screen in the front of the room.  There also were men and women dressed in red, white and blue costumes greeting everyone and distributing a brochure to all.

Then, at 7 p.m., the show started by the director of Re-Creation, Jay Muller, where he explained about the group and the shows that they perform. He then introduced the first group that consisted of four women and three men, who were dressed in sparkling costumes and sang some songs, and also did some dancing.

Each song had a different singer with the rest of the group singing backup.

This was followed by classic American music, such as “Bill Bailey, Won’t you Please Come Home,“ “Music, Music, Music” (Put another Nickel in, In the Nickelodeon ) and also “Pennies from Heaven” and “Let me Call you Sweetheart” (with men dancing steps and singing to the women performers that were on chairs on the stage.)

A beautiful rendition of “I’m Beginning to See the Light” was done with a tap dancer in front of the stage. The singers then went to dance with people in the audience.

Songs such as “Tennessee Waltz,” “Fever,” “New York, New York” and more were performed to an excited audience. They did a great job.

Several disco songs were performed to an ecstatic crowd.

The performers then continued with several more songs, such as “YMCA” that had the audience clapping and singing along.

Also performed were several country tunes like “Country Boy,” “Mountain Music,” “God Bless the USA” and several others.

The women and men came to perform some rock n’ roll, and the women were in poodle skirts.  They did a fine job of “Johnny B Goode,” “Chantilly Lace” and others. The seven performers walked through the audience singing songs like “Do Run Run, Do Run Run” and others.

They performed some classic rock and then came out on the stage dressed all in stars and stripes, and sang songs including “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and more.

They closed out the show singing the hymns of the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Merchant Marines, while the people who served in each individual branch stood to be recognized when the song was sung.

“America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” were performed to a standing crowd. This marked the end of a terrific show with unforgettable entertainment.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

On Dec. 23, a potluck was held in the community center, and Nancy Huey and several helpers arranged the whole thing. The helpers consisted of Rachel Gamache, Karen Donlon and Carol Jones.

There were approximately 88 Grand Horizons residents, friends and family who attended. Nancy Huey and her helpers did a marvelous job.

The afternoon started with Jim Leitzke giving ‘Grace,’ while the people in attendance bowed their heads in a moment of silence.

Each table had a number on it, and Nancy called each individual table to get their soups and sandwiches.

There were several varieties of soup such as minestrone, broccoli cheddar, chicken tetrazzini, chowder and others. The soups were delicious, and nice and hot on a relatively cool day.

The sandwiches included turkey, ham and roast beef.

The meal was really good, and the social club provided it.

The meal was topped off with desserts. There was peanut butter pie, chocolate chip cookies, cherry cheesecake, apple squares, candy and so much more. We could go back for seconds on the entire meal. Needless to say, everyone was quite contented.

Nancy Huey had a special surprise for us. The women got in a circle, holding the gift they brought in, and passed it around the circle to a specific song that was playing. When Nancy said to stop, the gift you were holding was the one you got. If, by chance, you got to hold your original gift that you brought in, then it was exchanged.

Then the guys did the same. It was loads of fun and our thanks go to all who helped.

After the gift exchange, horse racing, hosted by Rita Gattos, took over. Each horse was named after a reindeer, such as Cupid, Vixen, Blitzen and others. It was played with three die, and that distinguished the amount of spaces the horse moved. There was a jockey for each horse. We stayed for the first race and it was pretty exciting. The game was still going on after we left.

On Dec. 31, 2018 a New Year’s Eve dance was held in the community center, and 56 friends, neighbors and residents attended a fantastic show with Billy Cole performing.

Ron Gamache was the host for this dance and, from what I understand, everyone that attended had a great time.

Billy Cole took requests and did a variety of songs, including rock n’ roll, country, easy listening and more.

Everyone who attended brought something to share with the table and, therefore, had a huge variety of goodies.

From what Joyce Bell told me, the decorations were superb, as they had chair coverings in black with a red ribbon on the chairs and banners saying, ‘Happy New Year,’ hanging on the walls, and a Christmas tree gaily decorated in the corner of the community center. There also were noisemakers and hats on the tables at each individual setting.

It sounded like everyone was in a party mood and had a great time. Our sincere thanks go to Ron for the planning.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

On Dec. 14, 144 friends and family enjoyed a Christmas show produced by the group Tin Pan Alley and hosted by Terry Gardner.

Before the show started, there was a screen in the front giving the name of the show, the people that were in it and several other bits of information. There were all kinds of decorations, plus a fireplace that was on a miniature screen on the stage. During the performance, stockings were pinned up on the fireplace.

Terry Gardner started the show with a few jokes, which were cute and prepared the crowd for a good show.

It started off with a skit with grandma and several kids. They proceeded with the song, “We Need a Little Christmas” with everyone decorating an onstage Christmas tree. They continued with more hits such as “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree,” “Silver Bells,” “Let it Snow” and others. Included along with the songs were a few dance steps and jumping on the stage.

They did a fine rendition of  the Christmas song, “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”.

They then performed some songs, Florida style. In other words, they did it in Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses, no Santa hat and more. For instance, they performed to the tune of  “Winter Wonderland,” Florida-style, and some words were changed. It was adorable and got applause.

Next, there was a special treat for the men, as the women, in black sequin dresses, performed “Santa Baby.” They went through the entire audience and did a very good job.

Two men performed “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” while they were hopping and bopping around the stage. We were treated to several more songs, and each one was better than the next.

There was an adorable segment when they sang “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” and you could see grandma descending the stage and a guy with antlers on his head going after her. It was a cute part of the show and had everyone was in stitches.

The song “I’ll be Home for Christmas” plus “All I Want for Christmas is You” was performed as a dedication to the veterans. At this time, each individual branch was called, and as they called it, the people in the audience who were in that particular branch stood to be recognized. This included he Merchant Marines, Navy, Army, Coast Guard, Air Force and the Marines. It was a very nice moment and a beautiful touch.

There were several more songs performed like “Count Your Blessings,” and the program concluded with “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry little Christmas,” with audience participation.

After the show and during the intermission, people got the chance to talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus and have their picture taken with them.

This marked the end of a real good show, and our thanks go to Terry Gardner plus his helpers, which included Rosie Semian, Tom Carter, Karen and Bill Donlon, Ron and Joyce Bell, and the hosts Mim and Terry Gardner.

While exiting the community center, Santa gave out some candy. Everyone went home happy.

The following morning, approximately 75 people met at the community center for an egg-in-a-bag.  This was hosted by Rita and George Gattos with helpers Rachel and Ron Gamache, Sue Parker, Linda Kartes, Maureen Stephans, Jim and Judi Leitzke, Carol and Clayton George, Marty Stephens and Doris Sutfin.  im Leitzke said grace before tables were called to fix the ingredients for their omelet. The breakfast was delicious, and we all thank Rita and George, plus the helpers.

Then on Dec. 19, we had our usual get-together for coffee and doughnuts, and got caught up on the news for the next week.

In addition to this, Sandy Lindke presented a gift to Craig Selph.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

On Dec. 4, 27 women went to the Cheesecake Factory. There were residents and friends, and one new resident in attendance. The entire lunch lasted over 2 hours with much eating and loads of conversation.

I was unable to attend, but if it was anything like the one several years ago, everyone had a terrific time.

They have a very good selection on the menu, and the desserts are delicious and very “eye catching“ — all the colors of the rainbow. It was held at one long table, and many people took cheesecake home with them.

The host of the luncheon was Joyce Bell, and she did an excellent job.

On Dec. 7, 44 residents went to Papa Joes Italian Restaurant for the monthly lunch connoisseurs and had a truly magnificent time.

The entire restaurant was decorated so nicely (even the bathrooms), and there were several Christmas trees spread throughout the restaurant.

The food was excellent, and the meal started off with candy canes at each individual spot and then a salad was served.

The main dishes consisted of a chicken, pasta, beef or fish dinner. Bread baskets filled with garlic bread were served to each table. The bread was toasty and warm, and filled with garlic.

Then, to top it off, a raffle was held, and two people went home with a door prize.

It was a wonderful afternoon, and the time just went by so quickly. We had a lovely time and much conversation transpired.

Joyce and Ron Bell were the hosts, and they did a fine job for which we thank them.

On Dec. 8, we had a golf cart parade. There were approximately 30 golf carts decorated with Santa’s, reindeers, and music playing from their carts.

As the carts passed each house in our development, you could hear several Christmas songs being played.

Of course, this was a very festive time, and as we passed each individual house, the people on the carts would yell “Merry Christmas,” while the people at the curb waved.

We also got to see all the lights and decorations on each house. Some houses really outdid themselves.

After the golf carts came back to the community center, we all gathered for coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. There were many cookies and brownies, and some candy.

Joyce Bell presented a monetary gift to Meals on Wheels. Beth Aker was there to represent this organization that does so very much. Beth thanked everyone for the gift and went on to say a few words about Meals on Wheels.

We also had a sing-along with songs like “Jingle Bells,” “The First Noel” and more.

There were well over 100 people, and everyone had a good time.

This evening was hosted by Rosie, Rachel and Joyce. I spoke to Joyce, and she said that there were several helpers, including the bakers (who brought in the cookies), plus Mim and Ron.

Thanks to everyone!

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

On Nov. 22, about 90 people were in the community center celebrating Thanksgiving Day.

The center was filled with residents and friends talking among themselves and having a wonderful time.

A fruit cup was placed in front of each person attending. Before the meal was served, Dave Heim said grace, while we bowed our heads in silence. He did a fine job.

After grace, tables were called to get their meal, which consisted of turkey (white or dark meat), mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, butternut squash, cranberry sauce, gravy, roll and butter.  There also was coffee and/or tea, plus dessert, which included apple pie, pumpkin pie or vanilla cake.

There was enough food if anyone wanted seconds, but most people found one portion more than enough.

The turkey was so moist, and I heard that the gravy was delicious. Everything was superb and simply delightful. One thing was better than the next.

The dinner was hosted by Mary and Dave Heim, while Andy Castonguay was teaching. Andy and his wife, Margaret, had headed this for years and they had much experience that they handed down to Dave and Mary.

The elves that were helping out were Paul and Norma Oi, Carol and Clayton George, Rosie Semian, Linda Rogers, Andy and Margaret Castonguay, and Dave and Mary Heim. They made a great team.

Everything ran so smoothly, as each person had a specific job, and it was done to perfection. Our sincere thanks go out to all who helped.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

 

On Nov. 9, we had our monthly lunch connoisseurs at Texas Roadhouse. If you haven’t been here before, let me tell you that it is a fun place to get a great meal.

You come inside the restaurant and a huge juke box is there to greet you, and you can play a song or two on it. The music flows through the restaurant.

You are then seated, and every table gets a bucket full of peanuts, along with some rolls and butter. The menu is quite varied, as they have many dishes, including chicken, ribs, steaks and so much more. They have appetizers that include onion rings, fried pickles, potato skins and rattlesnake bites. They also have a side order of ribs, in case you just want to try them but not get a full portion. When you leave here, guaranteed that you do not go home hungry.

There were approximately 45 to 50 residents and friends who had a lovely experience. It was hosted by Sandy Lindke, and she did a wonderful job.

On Nov. 10, there were 90-plus residents at the community center for an egg n’bag. If you have never been to an egg n’ bag, let me explain it to you.

It is a very different way to serve an omelet. People pick their own ingredients from an assortment, including bacon, ham, cheese, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and Jalapeno peppers. Besides the omelet, there are hash brown potatoes, sausage gravy and biscuits, plus coffee and orange juice.

The event was hosted by Rita Gattos, plus many helpers, including Joyce Billig, Marc and Susan Gagnon, Ron and Rachel Gamache, Rita Gattos, Jim and Judi Leitzke, Sue Parker, Maureen Stephans, Martha Stephens and Doris Sutfin.

After the egg n’bag, where veterans were invited for free (a nice touch), Jim Leitzke presented a veteran tribute. Several more people joined this tribute, and there were between 90 to 100 people in attendance.

The tribute started when Sandy Douglas read a poem entitled “The Old Army Hat.” Flags were brought forward to recognize and honor each individual branch of the military. There are 126 vets in the Grand Horizons development and all were recognized from the branch where they served.

We then continued with the POW/MIA table, where Jim Leitzke gave a narration, and Joy Bond and Barbara Slade read the names of the army vets. Ginny Sarver continued with the names of the Navy. Jim Leitzke read the list of the Coast Guard, and Cindy O’Brien read the names of the Marines, while Judi Leitzke ended the reading with the names of the Air Force. When you looked at this table, you remembered your friends and loved ones.

Jim went on to read a letter from the Honor Flight that have places to stay for family of vets that have to go in the hospital. Such places like the Fisher House and several others in every state.  Thanks to the vets who served and gave us our freedoms. The tribute ended with everyone singing “God Bless America.”

We had a gathering at the community center on Nov. 11. This was in memory of friends and relatives who passed away recently and cute stories were told. It was hosted by Ron Gamache, and he did a fine job. Pictures of the loved ones who passed were on a screen .

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

On Oct. 31, Grand Horizons had a Halloween Dance at the community center, and approximately 40 residents and friends were there to enjoy this evening of entertainment.

A variety of music was played, such as rock, country, traditional and so much more. There were contests, too.

One game included a variety of questions, such as who lived in Grand Horizons the longest, and several others. Of course, there were a number of answers, but one lucky couple from each individual question got the prize.

Each couple brought in a snack to eat and they nibbled on snacks through the night. I understand that there was much fun, laughter, eating and dancing.

The dance was hosted by Gary Wilcox, and he did a fine job.

In addition, they also had several residents dressed up in costumes, such as  farmers (this won an award for the scariest costume), and there was also one person dressed up as a hillbilly pimp while his wife was a hooker, and another person as a skeleton, and even a harem. When looking at the dance floor, you see all these costumes, and it was a sight to see.

Then on Nov. 3, they had a pancake breakfast and 60 people were treated to a lovely breakfast. They had pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee. This was hosted by Dave and Mary Heim and what a fine job they did, and each helper had a specific job so everything ran smoothly.

On Nov. 6, there was a monthly outing for the lunch bunch. This was hosted by Kathel Bedford, and 11 women enjoyed an afternoon of food, fun and laughter at Chili’s Restaurant.

There was a large variety of main dishes, including fajitas, ribs, burgers, steaks, salads and yummy desserts. We finished our lunch and sat around and talked for a while. It was a lovely afternoon and it wasn’t a big trip home. The waitresses were very nice and accommodating.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

 

After a long winter being spent in our Connecticut home, we came back to Grand Horizons with the many activities.

On Oct. 28, we attended a potluck that at our community center, which was hosted by Nancy Huey. It was well-attended, and 87 residents enjoyed a variety of dishes and many desserts.  There were such dishes as lasagna, salads, vegetables and much more; and, a great deal of desserts, such as cupcakes, cookies, cake, s’mores and several others.

Before the tables were called to get in line to get food, Jim Leitzke said grace, while everyone bowed their heads in silence.

The meal was excellent, and everyone got together to socialize. Nancy Huey and a crew did the cleanup.

This marked the end of the potluck and some people left to go to their homes, while others stayed at the community center to play a new game.

The new game was a horse race, and it was simply adorable and loads of fun.

There were several horses (made out of wood) and a jockey was picked for each horse. It was up to the individual jockey to advance the number of spots that were indicated by the person calling from the cards that were picked.

It was quite funny, as you could hear remarks as, “I got a real slow horse,” “Come on speedy” or “I am so close to the finish line, and I think I will win.”

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons