Parks

On Feb. 25, approximately 55 people got together at the community center for a potluck.  The potluck was hosted by Nancy Huey, and what a fine job she did. She did have some help from the people that attended, but Nancy organized the entire lunch, which consisted of many breakfast items, plus so much more.

There were some eggs, sausage, quiche, deviled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and more.  There were so many desserts that you had trouble choosing. There was a cake, cheese twirls, Watergate salad, muffins and several other desserts. There also was some coffee.

Before tables were called to get food and fill plates, Jim Leitzke said grace, while everyone observed a moment of silence.

After the potluck, we had a trivia contest, and this was presented by Dick and Connie Kingsbury.

Not everyone stayed, but we still had a good turnout of approximately 40 people. Some more people came in later.

This was loads of fun, and it definitely was a good mixture of questions. We each (the teams) picked a name for our group, and the contest consisted of three parts with 10 questions, and a bonus of five more questions for each group.

There was a prize for the grand winners — a gift card to Dairy Queen.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

On Feb. 15, approximately 120 residents came to the community center to enjoy a taco bowl dinner, hosted by Margaret and Andy Castonguay, plus Rachel and Ron Gamache. Ron and Rachel worked side by side with Andy and Margaret, as they will be taking over hosting this great function. In the past few years, Margaret used to make the shells from scratch, but now she is teaching Ron how to make them, and the two made all that were needed.

The entire dinner consisted of meat, and toppings such as diced tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, olives and onions. All of the toppings were placed on a table, so you could add them, according to your taste.

Before tables were called for dinner, Vivian Sturdevant said grace, while a moment of silence was observed.

The helpers that were there to have the dinner run smoothly and efficiently were Ron and Joyce Bell, Rachel and Ron Gamache, Fred and Pat Mengel (who sold the tickets plus helped in the kitchen), Bill King, and Andy and Margaret Castonguay. All the people who attended had a marvelous time and a good meal.

Two days later, Feb. 17, our monthly pancake breakfast was held in the community center, and 81 residents attended the breakfast. The pancake breakfast was hosted by Mary and Dave Heim.

Before tables were called, Jim Leitzke said grace, while people in attendance bowed their head in prayer.

The breakfast consisted of pancakes, French toast, sausage, orange juice and coffee. This is all you can eat.

There were helpers in the kitchen: Norma and Paul Oi, Rosie Semian, Linda Rogers, Diane Taggart, Chuck Carlson and, of course, Mary and Dave Heim.

The next day, we had an ice cream social also at the community center. There was a crowd in the center and almost all the seats were taken. There were over 110 people in attendance. 

The ice cream social was hosted by Sandy and Al Lindke, and Greg Thomas. They had several helpers, and they all had a specific job to do. Everything ran smoothly. The helpers consisted of Shirley and Chuck Carlson, Andy and Margaret Castonguay, Chris and Rich Fulton, Ron and Rachel Gamache, Bill King, Al and Sandy Lindke, and Greg Thomas.

There was chocolate and also vanilla ice cream, and you either got one scoop of each or, if you asked, you got two of whatever flavor you wanted. They had all different kinds of toppings, including nuts, cherries, pineapple. bananas, M & Ms, chocolate shots, colored sprinkles, whipped cream, crushed butterfingers, hot fudge and chocolate sauce.

Pictures were taken, and everyone had a delightful time. 

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had our weekly coffee and doughnut hour on Feb. 7, and we got to socialize with our friends and neighbors. Here is where we catch the news of what is transpiring at Grand Horizons, and we also hear the birthdays and anniversaries of the coming week.

After the coffee and doughnut hour, we held our monthly social club meeting. There was a nice crowd of 40 plus people who attended this meeting where we discussed upcoming events, such as a yard sale that will be held on March 17, and we also talked about possible new events that may take place, such as horseshoe pits.

Forty-five to 50 residents went to Golden Corral for our lunch connoisseurs that meet once a month at a different restaurant, on Feb. 9. Each month is hosted by a different person. This month it was hosted by Chris and Jerry Buckley. They did a fine job, and if you have ever gone to the Golden Corral before, you know there are a variety of different foods. They have meat loaf, chicken (fried and grilled), macaroni and cheese, shrimp, pizza, a huge salad bar and so many desserts. There is also a soup bar that usually has two different kinds of soups. In other words, you definitely will not leave hungry.

The following day, on Feb. 10, about 15 to 20 people came to the community center to attend an “open mic” put on my Paul and Freda Williams. The entire performance was nicely done, and several gospel tunes were performed. Some of the songs were “A Mansion over the Hilltop,” “The Great Speckled Bird,”  “Who Am I” and several more. They performed for a little over an hour. and we have an “open mic” in the community center once a month. 

On Feb. 11, 80 residents and guests gathered at our community center for a night of entertainment by the Dukes. Before the show, there was a social hour where there was a table of h’ors douevres, including shrimp, meatballs, deviled eggs, etc. Each couple also brought along a few nibbles for their table, such as pretzels, corn chips, dip, cookies and more.

The show started promptly at 7 p.m., and the Dukes played for three hours — one song after another. The show included memories of the ’50s and ’60s, and it was enjoyed by all. It brought back memories as each song was played.

When “Queen of the Hop” was played, everyone went wild and the dance floor was filled.  When the Dukes played “Oh Boy,” you could actually visualize Buddy Holly with the movements and all.

During the three-hour performance, they took two breaks, and during those breaks there was still music playing in the background, such as “Rock and Roll is Here to Stay.” There was one real cute moment when they sang “Lonely Boy,” and it was partially done in a very high key.

Line dancing was also performed by the dancers in the audience and that is always a big hit for residents and guests of Grand Horizons.

The entire show was not only good, but it was professionally planned. They knew exactly what to play when one song was finished.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

On Feb. 3, more than 100 people attended egg-in-a-bag that was hosted by Paul and Freda Williams. This breakfast was at the community center, and people came early so that they could catch up on the news of what transpired in the past few days.

The egg-in-a-bag consists of eggs that are made into omelets with such ingredients as onions, green peppers, cheese, bacon, ham and more. You can choose whatever ingredients you want.  The omelets also are served with home fries, biscuit and gravy, plus orange juice and coffee.

Jim Leitzke said grace before the meal, while everyone bent their head in prayer.

The breakfast ran very smoothly and efficiently with the help from Sue and Galen Parker, Doris Sutfin, Tom Cooper, Jim and Judi Leitzke, Paul and Freda Williams (the hosts), and Carol George.  Her husband, Clayton, was out this day, but usually is a volunteer.

At the end of the delicious breakfast, cupcakes were given out to everyone at the tables. These were given out to celebrate the birthdays of Jim Leitzke and Rick Huey. Jim’s was on this specific day, while Rick’s was the very next day. The cupcakes were supplied by Joan Lawrence and hit the spot. Jim’s and Rick’s chair was decorated with balloons with “happy birthday” on them. It was a nice way to start off the morning. 

A couple of days later, on Feb. 6, 20 women went to the lunch bunch that is held once a month by a different person.

This month, it was held by Rosie Semian who did a fabulous job in arranging it. 

The place was nice and cozy, and the service was superb. Each place setting had a gorgeous napkin ring holder with a cloth napkin, and tea was served in dainty little cups and saucers.

On the menu was chicken salad with walnuts in wraps or croissants, egg salad sandwiches or croissants, and so much more.

There were all types of tea, hot or cold.

As it was, the Grand Horizons people took up most of the restaurant, but a few pictures were still taken. It was delightful, and I can’t speak highly enough. Thanks again, Rosie!    

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

 

On Jan. 9, 19 ladies came to Terra’s for a lovely lunch, some gossip and much fun. Rudi Lawson was the hostess, and she picked a nice place with a good menu. One of the day’s specials was lasagna with soup or salad. Joyce told me that many of the ladies went for that dish. It was not only delicious, but all the food is organic. Since it was Mary Lusher’s birthday, Rudi brought along a cupcake and a balloon with a card signed by all who attended. This was presented to Mary, and it sure was a sweet surprise. The service was great and everyone enjoyed their day.

Several days later, on Jan. 12, 47 Grand Horizons residents met for our monthly lunch connoisseurs at Doc’s Pub & Grill for a nice lunch. The menu was quite varied, and there were soups, salads and sandwiches. Some of the favorites were fish and burgers. While waiting for our orders to arrive, we had time to visit and socialize. An employee was nice enough to go on the balcony and take a picture of the entire group that was below. More pictures were taken, and everyone seemed to have a good time. The hosts for this luncheon were Al and Sandy Lindke.

The following day, approximately 40 to 45 people attended an “Open Mic” with gospel songs performed by Freda and Paul Williams. In addition to Paul singing, a trio from Canada also entertained. The name of the group was Shelly & Friends. They also presented Johnny Ellis, who sang some songs. In addition to this, they had about four other singers.  We have gone to the “Open Mic” previously and everyone enjoyed it and, I am sure, it was a very good show this time as well.

On Jan. 14, approximately 60 residents attended a potluck in the community center that was hosted by Nancy Huey. According to what Nancy said, everyone had a good time, and there was a wide variety of soups, sandwiches and desserts. The soups definitely hit the spot on a cool (or should I say COLD) day.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons