Parks

Marty and I said “goodbye” to all our friends at Grand Horizons, as we headed home to East Hartford, Connecticut.

But before heading home, we made a side trip to Cherokee, North Carolina, to see and experience Indian dances that were being presented in front of several souvenir shops. We had our pictures taken with the dancers and the performance was truly magnificent. Their colorful costumes were quite a sight. We went in the shops to see the wares, which were varied, including some that were quite unique. We also got to see an Indian reservation with all the activity that goes on in a village.

We then proceeded to Qualla Arts and Crafts Inc., to see all the various things that are sold there. There were many items, including baskets of all different shapes and sizes. Cherokee beadwork requires great patience and hand-eye skills. You can see this work, plus more, as you view the pieces in the shop. Qualla Arts represents more than 350 enrolled tribal members, whose works express Cherokee spirit with the highest skill. This was an amazing place, and we are so glad we got to see it.

We spent the night in North Carolina and the next day, while traveling through the Great Smoky Mountains, we saw lots of wildlife and many flowers plus beautiful and breathtaking scenery. There are many different type of trees that create a beautiful picture. Endlessly attractive waterfalls are seen several times around each bend in the road while driving, and the landscape includes many log buildings.

After viewing the Great Smoky Mountains, we went to a bear zoo that was located outside the park. In the bear zoo, we got to see and feed some baby bears and got to see the big bears that were in an enclosure, but we were able to throw pieces of food to them.

Now on to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. They are relatively close to one another so we stayed in the Pigeon Forge area and traveled to Gatlinburg when necessary.

Once here, we attended shows. They were all done in extremely good taste, and the first show that we saw was “The Comedy Barn Theater.” This had us in stitches from the moment we entered until we left. They have a talking dog, and this was so funny. The show was high energy, fast paced and loads of family fun. There was audience participation. Loads of kids were called up for different skits, and this just added to the enjoyment. There was singing, dancing joke telling and more.

The next day we went to a show that was at the Smoky Mountain Opry called The Blackwood’s. While they performed various types of music such as country, pop and more, they also sang gospel music, and they did a fabulous job of it. This show was outstanding and had the entire audience clapping to the music.

After this show, we went to the Island, which is located in Pigeon Forge and saw the wheel. This was a fun ride with beautiful views from the top. It is like a Ferris wheel where it goes round and round. From the wheel, we got to see the entire park. Once we disembarked from the wheel, we took a walk through the Island and saw the many stores and other attractions.

Later that afternoon, we went to the Hatfields and McCoy dinner show. While we had dinner the Hatfields and McCoys were performing. It seems there was a long-standing feud between the two. We (the audience) were to help the two family settle their dispute. There was dancing, singing, comedy and mighty feats of strength. While it was approximately two hours long, the show was so fast paced that it seemed to fly by.

The next day, we went to another show that was also at the Smoky Mountain Opry Theater. This was the ultimate variety show, as it included a talented cast of singers, dancers, comedians, musicians and jugglers in the Smoky Mountains. The costumes were quite dazzling, and the special effects added to the show. Performers were dropped from the ceiling on a suspended rope or chair. It was truly amazing.

We also went to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg. Here we saw stingrays, coral reefs and more. We walked through a tunnel that was underwater, and we saw the world’s most spectacular shark habitat.

After we saw the aquarium, we went to the Country Tonight show. This show was also fast paced and really high energy. There was singing and dancing. The costumes were absolutely beautiful and, here again, the afternoon just flew by.

That night, we again drove to Gatlinburg to attend the Sweet Fanny Adams Theater. This is a terrific show. Every time we go to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, we make it a point to attend Sweet Fanny Adams. The shows are quick-witted sensations and filled with the broadest of humor and the silliest of slapstick. It is a two-hour show and full of fun and audience participation. Toward the end of the show, they have a sing-along and everyone joins in. That night we went to the Dixie Stampede. Here the seats are in a horseshoe around an arena where the performance on horses is held. Before the actual show, there was a pre-show held in the saloon. Dinner is also served on a table that is in front of each seat. While I can say the meal was delicious (served without silverware), the show was outstanding. It was the North vs. the South, and people in the audience were cheering them on.

The following morning we went to Knoxville, and by lunchtime we went on a riverboat that also had a buffet lunch. The time just flew by, as the trip was delightful. It was an hour-and-a-half trip and was so relaxing.

We went browsing in the stores for the rest of the day and saw the World Fairgrounds and the Sunsphere. We stayed one night, and the next morning took the trip home to Connecticut.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published May 6, 2015

On April 18, Luella Wheeling hosted an After Taxes Potluck and many residents joined in on the fun. There were enough people to fill four tables; approximately 35 people celebrated with this potluck. On this particular day, they could wear their oldest clothes showing us how Tax Day affected them. I spoke to Luella, and she told me that the tablecloths had “IRS” printed on them, and the centerpieces were Form 1040 instruction booklets.

Since this special day was on a Saturday, Marty and I were unable to join them, as we were on the road to the Great Smoky Mountains for a week and then home to the cold, and possibly snow. But we were with them in spirit.

The greeting card ladies, consisting of Colleen Crandall, Mim Gardner, Rosie Semian, Barb Janelle, Doris Sutfin, Sam Sage and Tina Stritch, were invited to Zephyr Haven for a volunteer dinner on April 15. They were being honored for making greeting cards for three different assisted living facilities.

This group of women makes approximately 1,500 cards a year and, from what I heard in the past, these cards make a lot of residents happy.

When going to the craft room at Grand Horizons to take a picture of the ones that were going to the volunteer dinner, I happened to see a group that was in the progress of making birthday cards. They all seemed to be having a great time, and they definitely knew what they were doing. The card makers were Cheryl Leone, Brenda Mundis and Diane Taggart. Colleen showed me what they were working on, and they were absolutely beautiful.

The work that they do puts a smile on many faces. Good going, and keep up the good work.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 29, 2015

It sure is getting real close to when the snowbirds leave, but there are still activities at Grand Horizons.

While we may have the old standbys such as bingo, mahjongg, card games and more, we also have outings for the women, and we had one on April 7 at Maggiano’s. From what I understand, the ones who attended had a pretty good time. From the different things that I heard, the menu was varied and the food was delicious.

I spoke to Marilyn, and she told me that not only did the people have a good time, but also with certain dishes on the menu, you got two of those dishes — one to eat at the restaurant and the other to take home.  What a sweet deal this was, as you got to relive the outing once you are at home. It sure sounds good to me. There were about 12 people who attended, hosted by Marilyn Webb and Rox-Anne Lamphere. They did a very good job, and our thanks go out to them.

On April 9, we had an HOA meeting in the community center. In this meeting, a lot of news was discussed. Considering that many people had already left to go to their winter homes, the attendance was pretty good.

The following day, April 10, we gathered for a lively game of shuffleboard and, as always, had much fun. Later on, during the day, the residents went to a lunch connoisseur at Bahama Breeze and had a lovely time.

I spoke to Dave Billig, who hosted this event along with Joyce Billig, and he mentioned how everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and the manager of the restaurant brought out appetizers for the group. This was a very nice touch. There were 29 people who got to enjoy this lunch.

Four people from the writing group got together on April 13 at Blackstones Reef & Grill restaurant. We had a lively discussion before, during and after the lunch. The menu had a variety of things to order.

After a lovely lunch, we grouped together in the lobby for a picture and Cheryl, the general manager, took our picture. This marked the end of a lovely lunch. We then proceeded to the home of Barbara Sullins for our readings of our individual stories.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 22, 2015

On March 31, there was an open house at Betty Hatch’s home to honor Loris Weber’s return to Michigan. Loris is moving, and this open house gave the opportunity to several of her friends to see her before the big move. There was a lot of conversation and several pictures were taken. Our sincere thanks go out to Betty and the ones who helped her prepare this event. We also wish Loris the best in the future.

On April 1, we had our weekly coffee and donuts, and Gary Wilcox filled in for Rich Fulton in giving the news of the week. He gave us the anniversaries that occurred in this time period, in addition to the birthdays. Gary also gave us the thought for the day that he does every week, but this one was so funny that it really made you laugh. We also heard from several others on new things that have been happening in our park.

When the coffee and donuts were over, several of us played shuffleboard. It was changed to earlier on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays because of the heat. I guess it was a good idea, as we almost beat the hot and humid weather.

On April 2, approximately 30 people were in the community center attending a social club meeting. Several things were discussed at this meeting, and if anyone had a question, this was the time to clarify it. We discussed old and new events. It was a relatively short meeting, but it told you most of the information that people were thinking and questioning.

On April 4, Jim and Judi Leitzke, and all the helpers of the egg n’ bag event, put on a breakfast that we thoroughly enjoyed. All of the helpers included Ken and Cheryl Leone, Galen and Sue Parker, Clayton and Carol George, Doris Sutfin, Jane and Maurice Thayer, Fred and Sam Sage, and Colleen Crandall. We also wish to recognize Jim and Dora Mae Sinner for helping out in the past.

Fred Sage did the prayer before the breakfast started, and he did a fine job. About 90 residents took advantage of this breakfast and had a meal that was delicious. As usual, there was much conversing going on and visiting residents that were at other tables. We always have a great time at both breakfasts (egg n’ bag and pancake), and this was no exception. I did speak to Jim, and he mentioned that this was the last egg n’ bag of the season, and it will start up again in November with a dedication to all the veterans.

On April 5, you were able to find approximately 90 residents and visitors in the community center for an Easter dinner that was put on by Del O’Hara, with Andy Gisondi, Bill Donlon, Bill and Donna Quinn, and Ken and Cheryl Leone as helpers. It was a potluck and different plates were brought in. Everything was delicious. It was a lovely affair, and Andy started off with grace before dinner. We thank all the helpers who did a fine job on presenting this dinner.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 15, 2015

 

The snowbirds are starting to leave Grand Horizons after spending a great winter with many activities that we had previously and brand new ones to boot.

There is enough going on each day to keep anyone busy. Between shuffleboard, bingo, mahjongg, cribbage and so much more, you don’t have to stop and think what to do next.  We have enough luncheons, shows, meetings, card games and additional things for us to get together with our neighbors to socialize and mingle.

Approximately 25 people went to an AARP Safe Driving course. From what I understand from talking to some of the people, the course went over some driving and safety tips. They also saw a video, and because of taking this course can get a reduction on their auto insurance.

On March 28,we had more than 90 people at the pancake breakfast. This was the first pancake breakfast that we went to in a long time, and it turned out to be as good as other people had mentioned. Needless to say, it certainly will not be the last.

Now, in addition to egg n’ bag, we have another breakfast to add to our list — pancakes and more. The breakfast was hosted by Colleen Crandall and Rosemary Semian, and they had several helpers.

Then, at 7 p.m., we were treated to a great movie called “Last Vegas” starring Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline and Mary Steenburgen. The cast in the show was fantastic. It was about three 60-something friends who take a break from their day-to-day lives to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas for their last remaining single friend. The movie night was hosted by Cheryl Leone, and all who came had a terrific time and enjoyed some popcorn.

This is one of the new activities, and it is a big hit.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 8, 2015

Before the show even started, Terry Gardner (the host of this show plus other entertainment) gave a nice speech in which he thanked all the helpers. It was a nice touch, and then the show began.

They came back, and everyone who saw them last year knew what to expect, and they weren’t disappointed. They were here on March 7, 2014, and they were so well received, that many people asked for their return. It was granted on March 21, 2015, and many people, residents and visitors came for the show that they looked forward to.

Both, Frank (Damion Fontaine) and Dean (Scott Brotherton) put on one heck of a performance. They also were dressed well, with Frank and Dean both wearing red bow ties with a red handkerchief and a tuxedo, while Dean also wore a red cummerbund. Frank donned a lovely fedora that Frank is so well known for.

The show started with Dean singing “You’re Nobody Til Somebody Loves You,” and Frank joined in. It was the perfect start to a great show.

Of course, in between the different songs, several jokes were told that had everyone laughing.

Frank then sang a couple of solo tunes like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” During this last song, Frank went through the audience and shook hands with many there.

Dean followed with a big hit called “Memories are Made of This” with many antics and motions that originally went with the song. Following this performance, Frank performed a classic Sinatra song entitled “Young at Heart.”

One special performance was done by Dean from Casablanca called “As Time Goes By,” and he ended the song with the words, “Here’s looking at you kid.” He followed this song with “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

Frank did a fine job with “The Lady is a Tramp,” and then Dean and Frank did a great rendition of “King of the Road” while the audience was snapping their fingers and clapping along.

Dean did a lovely performance of “Tiny Bubbles,” while Frank was in the background and joining in on the song. During this song, there was much audience participation.

Frank then sang a lovely version of “The Summer Wind,” “Love for You and Me,” “My Way,” and so many others.

Dean performed a lovely rendition of “Mona Lisa” and did a marvelous job of it in addition to the 1965 Dean Martin hit entitled “Everybody Loves Somebody.” A funny and cute time was when Dean twirled the fedora that was on Frank’s head and when the hat was on backwards, this was when Frank sounded like Louis Armstrong. But, if the hat was forward, he had Frank’s voice. Frank did a marvelous job at this and had many a person in stitches.

Frank and Dean sang “Luck be a Lady Tonight,” “The Best is Yet to Come,” “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” and others.

Dean performed a Tony Bennett signature song entitled “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” and he did it with much emotion.

The show ended with Frank and Dean mentioning the men who served in the armed forces and then sang “America” while they both stood. Dean then sang “Coming to America,” while the audience applauded. Then, of course, Frank performed “New York, New York,” while Dean was in the background taking some pictures and singing the chorus with Frank.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 1, 2015

On March 12, we had our HOA meeting at the community center.  We discussed old and new business. There was a large turnout of approximately 70 to 80 people.

After the meeting, many people stayed to play euchre. I used to play this game, and it is fun and from what I understand, there are now many residents who play this competitive game. So if you are looking for a fun-packed game, any resident and/or visitor of Grand Horizons can come and join them.

On March 13, we had our monthly lunch connoisseur at Francesco’s in Dade City. Galen and Susan Parker hosted this luncheon with help from Sam and Fred Sage, and I must say they did a marvelous job. About 38 people had a lovely afternoon with a menu that had a little of everything. It is hard making a decision.

After the luncheon, we could go shopping in Dade City, as there were plenty of shops, and there definitely was something for everyone, or we could go directly back home.

On March 15, there were about 72 people at the community center. It was on this day that we had an ice cream social hosted by Andy Gisondi, Del O’Hara, and Tom and Laurie Carter. Everyone enjoys their ice cream, and they had ice cream sundaes in addition to root beer floats.

Every topping imaginable was there and some of them were strawberries, cherries, bananas cut in slices, pineapple, coconut, chocolate and caramel syrup (regular and lo-cal), whipped topping (also regular and lo-fat), sprinkles in color and chocolate, nuts, miniature marshmallows and more. It was pure heaven, and we got to see several creations that were made by individuals that were overflowing with this special dessert.

Before tables were called to get their ice cream or floats, they also had a table filled with delicious cookies made by Andy and Del, lemonade and coffee.

It was done to perfection, and all who came to this ice cream social had one terrific time.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published March 25, 2015

With all the snowbirds leaving for the summer months, we still had a big turnout on March 4 for coffee and doughnuts. There were quite a few of the residents there to get the news of the week. Of course the birthdays of the week were announced and recognized along with any anniversaries. There was much conversation going on, and it is a good way to relax and just enjoy the company.

On March 5, we had a social club at the community center. Here again, a nice turnout showed up to hear the old and new news. Also, they talked about what is planned for the future. For example, they are thinking about a karaoke night. Discussions would follow if anyone cared to talk about it and possibly make some suggestions.

Later that night, several people got together for a game of cribbage. This is a fast-moving game and so much fun. You have to make decisions on what to discard and what to keep.

In the meantime, across the room, several women were playing mahjong. This game, like cribbage, makes you stop and think. Anyone who joined in for either game had a pleasant time.

There also was card making going on in a different room in the center. Here, the people make greeting cards for rest homes and shut-ins.

On March 6, some people attended the quilters and there was a game of shuffleboard afterward. I never went to the quilters before, but they do some amazing work. The work they do is just spectacular, and they have entered various contests and have done quite well.

On the other hand, I have gone to shuffleboard before, and we always have a good time. Usually you can get up to 20 people to attend. Sometimes, depending on the weather, we get more.

But my husband and I attended the Strawberry Fest on this particular day to see some shows and just have a delightful time. The food is absolutely yummy.

In the afternoon, we saw Loretta Lynn. If you are not familiar with her, she is a country star and has been for many a year. Her big hit is “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and she sang this plus many other hits.

At Grand Horizons on March 7, many residents were in the community center for our monthly egg n’ bag. This is always entertaining and delicious.

If you walk in the center, you will hear all types of discussions going on, and with well over 100 people, there is buzzing throughout the room. It seems like everyone has a topic of conversation, and they all contribute to a good time. We had a great breakfast and real good company.

On March 10, we had several women attend our reading class that we have monthly. This month, we went to Marilyn’s home to discuss the book that we read for the month.

It was an interesting discussion and brought a new meaning to the book.  The book was titled “The Alchemist,” and there was a fascinating discussion about it.

We broke for some goodies after the discussion, and there were a variety of them. Decisions, decisions on what to have! One was more delicious than the rest.

During this time, there was also a lively game of pinochle being played in the center. As I mentioned before, this is an amazing game and definitely keeps you on your toes.

At night, we had bingo played in the center. There is always a nice size crowd attending, hoping it will be their lucky night.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published March 18, 2015